HOW HAVE THEY BEEN SELECTED?
Úna Fitzpatrick & Paul Green
IPAs in County Waterford have been selected by the BSBI Vice county recorder (Paul Green) using methodology that has been developed to ensure that their selection is an objective process based on available data rather than a personal or politically influenced decision. The methodology was strictly designed to ensure only the selection of areas of extreme importance for plants within the county. The National Biodiversity Data Centre has assisted with development of the methodology and with data manipulation and display (need a mechanism for external review). It is recommended that, where possible, the IPA’s be reviewed on a 5 yearly basis.
Methodology used in County Waterford
- Tetrads that support threatened species.
- Tetrads that are rich in ‘worthy’ or interesting plants (axiophytes)
- Salt marsh
- Coastal dry heath
- Sand dune (includes sand and shingle bar)
- Species rich fen
- Upland blanket bog
- Alluvial wet woodland
- Oak woodland
- Coastal grassland
- Steep rocky broad-leaved valleys with a river
- Lakes, loughs, ponds and reservoirs