Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics! MEP’s have voted to ban this use from 2021

European Parliament have voted to ban single-use Plastic by 2021!  An apparent landslide vote by the Members of the European Parliament was actioned on Wednesday, 24th October to ban the production and distribution of single-use plastics. The voting took place in Strasbourg with 571 votes for the ban and 53 against, with 34 abstentions. These products … Continue reading Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics! MEP’s have voted to ban this use from 2021

Volunteer for the Countryside Bird Survey with Birdwatch Ireland

What is the Countryside Bird Survey? The Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) is conducted each year by Birdwatch Ireland between the end of Spring and the beginning of Summer . The Survey will celebrate its twentieth anniversary this year, having began back in 1998 for the first time. The CBS is an on-going national project funded … Continue reading Volunteer for the Countryside Bird Survey with Birdwatch Ireland

Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)

Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a terrestrial botanical species. The native home range for this plant is the Himalayas of which it is named after. It is known to be a high-impact invasive species in countries that it is alien to, hence the plant holding the status of 'alien invasive species' within Ireland. Himalayan Balsam … Continue reading Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)

Green Party’s ‘Waste Reduction Bill 2017’ may have great incentives for Irish consumers!

The Green Party have launched their 'Waste Reduction Bill 2017' this week. The Bill includes proposals for new measures with the objective of improving the current state of Ireland's recycling status. It is known that this year's Waste Reduction Bill contains two aspects; firstly the introduction of a recycling deposit scheme for plastic bottles, cans … Continue reading Green Party’s ‘Waste Reduction Bill 2017’ may have great incentives for Irish consumers!

Irish Public asked to report sightings of Curlew!

Minister Heather Humphreys and the rest of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs are asking the Irish public to report any sightings of our iconic Curlew. The Curlew is one of the most threatened birds on our island and is rapidly sliding towards local extinction in Ireland. The Department have been … Continue reading Irish Public asked to report sightings of Curlew!

Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus reevesi)

What is a Muntjac Deer?  A Muntjac Deer is from the Cervidae family and the Muntiacus genus. This species is also known as the barking deer and Mastreani deer. This species are believed to be the oldest known Deer genus to exist. It is thought that Muntjac Deer appeared between 15 to 35 million years ago as remains … Continue reading Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus reevesi)

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Barn Owls are known for their large wingspan. Their body length is approximately 13 to 16 inches but their wingspan is on average about 31.5 to 38 inches long. They are one of the most distinctive owls in Ireland due to the colouration and their apple-shaped face. Breeding season for these incredible birds takes place … Continue reading Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

American Mink (Neovison vison)

What is an American Mink? The American Mink is a member of the Mustela genus meaning that it is a mustelid. The American Mink differs from other members of the Mustela genus such as Weasels and Stoats due to its larger size. This mammal is more similar to a type of Marten that the other types … Continue reading American Mink (Neovison vison)

Dodder Action Group – Volunteer Opportunities in South Dublin!

If you are like myself and live in the South Dublin area of Ireland and would like to get involved in some community-based volunteering that involves the environment, then this may be perfect for you! For those of you who do not know, the River Dodder is a 24 km river in Ireland that runs … Continue reading Dodder Action Group – Volunteer Opportunities in South Dublin!

Coal Tit (Periparus ater)

Coal Tits are one of the top-20 most widespread garden birds in Ireland. For this reason, this bird is very common to see in Irish gardens, especially those that have bird feeders! They are a green-listed species in Ireland, meaning that they are not considered to be threatened in our country. Currently, there are an … Continue reading Coal Tit (Periparus ater)