boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council
boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council
boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council
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PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR <strong>2012</strong> – <strong>2018</strong> & BEYOND Chapter 6: Built & Natural Heritage<br />
Objective 81<br />
Secure the preservation (in situ, or as a minimum,<br />
preservation by record) of all sites and features of<br />
historical and archaeological interest<br />
Objective 82<br />
Provide guidance to developers and property owners<br />
regarding the protection of the archaeological heritage,<br />
as well as the archaeological implications, of proposed<br />
development.<br />
Objective 83<br />
Ensure that proposed developments that may (due to<br />
their location, size, or nature) have implications for the<br />
archaeological heritage are subject to archaeological<br />
assessment.<br />
6.2 NATURAL HERITAGE (See Maps 7 & 8)<br />
Boyle is located in an <strong>area</strong> which is not only rich in its<br />
historical, but also its natural environment and ecological<br />
heritage. There are no sites within the Boyle LAP<br />
boundary designated under national or European<br />
legislation. However, substantial <strong>area</strong>s of high<br />
biodiversity value are found outside the existing network<br />
of designated sites and within the LAP boundary; and<br />
whilst not protected under legislation, they contribute to<br />
the biodiversity of the <strong>area</strong>. Habitats and landscape<br />
features play a valuable role as ecological corridors as<br />
they allow for the movement of species, and sustain the<br />
habitats, ecological processes and functions necessary to<br />
enhance and maintain biodiversity. It is imperative that<br />
these <strong>area</strong>s are conserved and appropriately managed.<br />
In order to maintain quality of life for people, <strong>plan</strong>ts<br />
and animas we need to ensure there are enough <strong>area</strong>s in<br />
Boyle where all can flourish. Native flora and fauna,<br />
field boundaries, hedgerows, roadside verges, trees,<br />
rivers, drains, farmland and gardens within the <strong>plan</strong><br />
<strong>area</strong> all contribute to the natural heritage of Boyle:<br />
‣ Gardens provide invaluable food and shelter for<br />
wildlife, especially if there is a ‘wild’ untidy corner<br />
with a log pile, or pond and some native species in<br />
the garden, which will support a wide range of<br />
wildlife. Wildlife friendly gardening is low<br />
maintenance because there is less need for weeding,<br />
clipping, mowing and spraying.<br />
‣ Stone walls are a surprisingly important wildlife<br />
habitat. They provide nesting sites for birds,<br />
important habitats for invertebrates and homes for<br />
mosses and ferns that might normally be associated<br />
with rocky outcrops. They are also important for<br />
the many lichens found in Ireland.<br />
‣ Well- managed roadside verges are home to a huge<br />
variety of <strong>plan</strong>ts, butterflies and moths, as well as<br />
small mammals and birds. In an agricultural or<br />
urban landscape the verges often provide the only<br />
substantial semi-natural habitats. Verges often<br />
provide important wildlife corridors, linking<br />
fragments of what were once more widespread<br />
habitats. Their wildlife importance inevitably<br />
increases when associated with well- managed<br />
hedges.<br />
‣ As well as performing an important drainage<br />
function, ditches can be extremely important for<br />
wildlife. Their management can both assist their<br />
drainage function and ensure that they provide the<br />
best wildlife habitat possible.<br />
Photo 37 & 38: The Pleasure Grounds<br />
Photo 39: Boyle Canal<br />
Photo 40: Boyle River<br />
Boyle Local Area Plan <strong>2012</strong>-<strong>2018</strong> Page 83