Backyard Biodiversity

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is running the ‘Backyard Biodiversity’ project to record distinctive species commonly found in gardens. The project seeks to obtain sightings of 20 recognisable species that can be found in urban and rural gardens, and is focused on those people who are new to biodiversity recording.

This Heritage Week we want you to look for and submit sightings of any of the below 20 species. The species chosen are a mix of vertebrates and invertebrates, from different taxonomic groups. Each of the species can be relatively easily identified, provided that key identification features are carefully noted. All records can be submitted through our dedicated online recording form: Backyard Biodiversity Recording Form 

Common Frog – Oisín Duffy

7-Spot Ladybird - Oisín Duffy

7-Spot Ladybird – Oisín Duffy

What to do if you spot one of our list of 20 species?

  1. Get in for a closer look – make sure you can accurately identify the species
  2. Take a picture – this is useful for verification
  3. Ask for help on-line, if you need it or check out our Backyard Biodiversity Spotter Sheets below
  4. Visit species.biodiversityireland.ie for full species profiles on each of our chosen species
  5. Visit records.biodiversityireland.ie to submit your records

Swallow – Oisín Duffy

Check out the 20 chosen species below:

We are inviting everyone to submit sightings of any of 20 species that we know commonly occur in gardens. The species chosen are a mix of vertebrates and invertebrates, from different taxonomic groups.

Each of the species can be relatively easily identified, provided that key identification features are carefully noted.

Records by Species

Records by County

Records by Species

Recording Impact