Community Invasive Species Workshop

As part of Invasive Species Week 2026, Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere joined forces with the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC), Clean Coasts, and Dublin City Council to deliver a community training workshop on North Bull Island.

The workshop brought together local residents, volunteers, and community groups to learn about the growing challenge of invasive species and their impacts on one of Dublin Bay's most important biodiversity hotspots. Participants explored how invasive plants such as Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and Japanese Rose (Rosa rugosa) can affect native habitats and wildlife, and learned how to identify, record, and help prevent the spread of invasive species.

The day featured a guided invasive species walk led by Proinsias Mac an Bheatha, author of The Wildlife of the Bull Island, alongside presentations on citizen science and invasive species recording by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Participants also learned about the ecological history of Dublin Bay Biosphere and the importance of community action in protecting local biodiversity.

Representatives from local groups including Bull Island Action Group, Raheny Tidy Towns, Clontarf Residents Association, and Treasure the Tolka attended, highlighting the strong community commitment to conserving North Bull Island and Dublin Bay. As bird nesting season was underway, no removal work was carried out during the event. However, plans are in place for a future hands-on workshop focused on invasive species management and removal.

Thank You!

A huge thank you to all participants and partner organisations for making the workshop a success. By building awareness, skills, and local knowledge, initiatives like this help strengthen community stewardship and support the long-term protection of Dublin Bay’s unique natural heritage.