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Dublin Bay Biosphere is a globally recognised area where nature, people and culture come together. Originally designated by UNESCO in 1981 as the North Bull Island Biosphere, the designation was expanded in 2015 to encompass the wider Dublin Bay, covering more than 300 km². It includes a remarkable variety of habitats, from sand dunes, beaches and saltmarshes to mudflats and marine environments, supporting an exceptional range of plants, animals and birdlife.

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For Raheny, the Biosphere is quite literally on our doorstep. North Bull Island is one of the jewels of Dublin Bay and is internationally important for its wildlife. Its dunes and saltmarshes provide habitats for rare and protected species, while the surrounding mudflats are an important feeding and wintering ground for birds such as the light-bellied Brent goose, black-tailed godwit and bar-tailed godwit. The Island is also an important haul-out site for grey and harbour seals.

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The Biosphere is not simply about protecting wildlife; it is about finding ways for people and nature to thrive together. Communities, local authorities, businesses, schools and conservation organisations all have a role to play in caring for this special environment. Here in Raheny, initiatives such as our Biodiversity Corridor, the planting of wildlife-friendly spaces and our connection to St Anne’s Park and Bull Island are small but important contributions to the wider Dublin Bay ecosystem. By understanding and valuing the natural environment around us, we can help ensure that Dublin Bay remains a place where both people and wildlife can flourish for generations to come.