Irish Vegetation Database

Abstract

The Irish Vegetation Database (GIVD ID EU-IE-001) was established in 2007 by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It aims to collate all of the vegetation data that has been collected over the years in Ireland onto a single TURBOVEG database, and to make the maximum use possible of this valuable resource. In Ireland, the national vegetation database is already being used as an important national baseline. The historical data capture phase will be completed in 2012, when the database is expected to have in the region of 28,000 independent vegetation releves. Ongoing surveys over the coming five years should increase this to between 28,000 and 32,000 releves. Initially, the database will be used to create map layers showing the distribution of habitats and vegetation communities in Ireland. It will assist with reporting on implementation of the Habitats Directive (Article 17), and will support the research community in Ireland. The long term aims are to use the database to create a national vegetation classification system for Ireland; and to inform the development of a national vegetation and ecosystem map.