Wildlife

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

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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

National Biodiversity Week 2018

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  National Biodiversity Week 2018 Events Ireland's National Biodiversity Week will be happening this year from the 19th - 27th May. This year the country will have the opportunity to get involved with nature and our environment, with over 50 different events throughout the week. As each of these events are completely free, and very … Continue reading National Biodiversity Week 2018

Volunteer for the Countryside Bird Survey with Birdwatch Ireland

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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)

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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)

Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

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Holly Blue is a little blue-coloured butterfly that is native to Ireland. They are continuously in-flight throughout their natural range from early April to late June and once again then in early August to early September. They have a wingspan of only 1.5 inches which illustrates their tiny size. Holly Blue's mostly obtain their food sources … Continue reading Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

Irish Public asked to report sightings of Curlew!

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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!

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)

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What is Japanese Knotweed?  Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a herbaceous perennial plant. This species is extremely common and widespread across Ireland. It is most prominent in areas of wasteland, roadsides, landfills, wetlands and riparian (river) areas across the entire country. Where did it come from?   Japanese Knotweed is native to East Asia in … Continue reading Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)

Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus reevesi)

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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)

Conservation Events: Leinster June 2017

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Birdwatch Ireland: Laois Branch When: 4th June 2017 Where: County Hall, Portlaoise Time: 9.30 sharp Event Info: Visit to Co. Wicklow to see Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Red Kites. Group will meet at the County Hall, Portlaoise at 9am sharp to car-pool. Contact:  Billy Burke (Chair), (087) 645 7535 Des Finnamore (Hon. Secretary), (086) 229 … Continue reading Conservation Events: Leinster June 2017

American Mink (Neovison vison)

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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)