The recording and monitoring of biodiversity is an important activity providing both health benefits and enjoyment to many people. It also generates valuable scientific information which can be used to better understand and manage our environment. However, taking the necessary precautions to avoid contracting or helping the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is of paramount importance, and nothing should be done to increase that risk.
Keep up to date with official COVID-19 advice
We would ask all our network of recorders to please check the HSE website for official advice on the COVID-19 virus: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html
The Government of Ireland also has a special web page on which the latest updates and guidance are posted. It is extremely important to be aware of this emerging advice and to adhere to this advice: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/
The National Biodiversity Data Centre is closely following any official advice and will review and update its own advice on an ongoing basis.
Advice
Our volunteers can continue to record biodiversity provided it can be done without increasing the health or safety risk to yourself or others. Recording biodiversity in your garden or in the immediate vicinity of where you live is to be encouraged, but please do not make unnecessary journeys to record away from your home.
Any recording activity should adhere to strict social distancing – in a practical sense this means only recording by yourself and not travelling specifically to record; public transport in particular should not be used.
The country is not in lockdown but everyone is expected to take the maximum precautions necessary to stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). However, as biological recording is a solitary exercise, it still presents an opportunity to get out into your garden or locality and enjoy nature.
Should you have any queries in relation to this or require further information please contact the National Biodiversity Data Centre by email at info@biodiversityireland.ie
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