Backyard Biodiversity

The National Biodiversity Data Centre runs initiative ‘Backyard Biodiversity’ to record species found in gardens. The scheme 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.

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.

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
  4. Visit species.biodiversityireland.ie for full species profiles on each of our chosen species
  5. Visit records.biodiversityireland.ie to submit your records

Check out the 20 chosen species below:

Backyard Biodiversity Species

Records by Species

Records by County

Records by Species

Recording Impact