Today, families, communities, schools and organisations across the globe observe World Wildlife Day – an annual event dedicated to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.

This year’s theme is “Sustaining all life on Earth”, which acknowledges that all wild animal and plant species are key components of the world’s biodiversity.The Wicklow and Dublin Uplands are home to a huge array of flora and fauna and its sensitive ecology provides diverse habitats, important fresh water sources and the storing of carbon. At the heart of the uplands is the Wicklow Mountains National Park, which comprises of 22,000 hectares dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and landscape and provides invaluable recreational space for locals and visitors.

Whether it be one of Ireland’s native species of mammals or birdlife, or the insects and plants that provide the sensitive habitats for them to thrive in, the uplands are very much alive.

The origins of World Wildlife Day date back to the 20th of December 2013, at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which proclaimed the 3rd of March – the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973 – as UN World Wildlife Day.

In its resolution, the General Assembly reaffirmed the intrinsic value of wildlife and its various contributions, including ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic, to sustainable development and human well-being. More information can be found by visiting https://www.wildlifeday.org/

• Photo of ‘Marty the Pine Marten’ who was found in Trooperstown Woods, Wicklow, was kindly provided by: Ashley Dowling