Latest news with #BiodiversityWeek
Irish Post
20-05-2025
- General
- Irish Post
Dublin Airport operator donates eight-hectare wildlife sanctuary to the public
THE operator of Dublin Airport has donated eight hectares of land it owns to the local authority to provide public access to the wildlife sanctuary. Daa, which operates both Dublin and Cork Airports, gifted the land in Kilsallaghan in North County Dublin to Fingal County Council for the nominal cost of €10. The firm had previously purchased the land at market value, they confirmed in a statement, as they announced the donation at the start of Biodiversity Week, which runs from May 16 to 25. 'We are delighted to gift the compensatory habitat at Kilsallaghan to the people of Fingal,' Andrea Carroll, Group Director of Sustainability at daa, said. daa has gifted the eight-hectare wildlife sanctuary to the public 'This initiative underscores our dedication to supporting biodiversity, nature regeneration, and fostering the connection between community and the natural environment.' This site is located at Thornton, near Coolquay, approximately six kilometres northwest of Dublin Airport. Daa was required to remove 15.8km of hedgerow at the site and develop the area to support a variety of native flora and fauna, under conditions imposed when it was granted permission for its North Runway project. Up until now the compensatory landscape, which has since been effectively rewilded, was not open to the general public. Now, following daa's donation, Fingal County Council will provide managed and supervised access to the site by arrangement - mainly for educational purposes, to 'ensure the ecological value of the habitat is not compromised'. The habitat is made up two-thirds woodland and one-third native grassland, while a specially constructed bat roost has been installed to encourage the bat population. 'Fingal has a rich and varied biodiversity and one of the challenges for the Council is to manage the development and growth of Fingal in a way that maintains and enhances our biodiversity for future generations,' Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks and Landscape Officer with Fingal County Council, said. 'This compensatory habitat, which replaces 15.8km of hedgerow, is a good example of how we can align the protection of our biodiversity with development.' Áine Kirrane, daa's Group Environmental Manager, explained the collaborative efforts involved in developing the habitat. "This project has been a collaborative effort involving various departments and local stakeholders, especially Fingal County Council,' she said. 'We are proud to see it come to fruition and to offer this valuable resource to the community.' See More: DAA, Dublin Airport, Fingal, Kilsallaghan, Wildlife Sanctuary
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Whale watching off Mullaghmore a highlight of Biodiversity week in Sligo
On foot of the great spell of weather we're enjoying, lots of us have been out and about enjoying the countryside, which has burst forth with bloom and colour. A happy coincidence then that Biodiversity Week starts later this week and runs until almost the end of May, helping us understand the fundamentals of our trails environment and a greater appreciation for the delicate balance we need to strike to live in harmony with nature. The good weather has led amazing growth, and this should lead to bumper sightings during the Biodiversity Week walks. 'It's the ideal time of year for this, because as we've seen the hawthorn has burst into life, the swallows are back, and it's really when the beautiful countryside is coming to life,' says Ruth Hanniffy, Biodiversity Officer with Sligo County Council. Beginning on Saturday 17th May and ending on Sunday 25th May, Biodiversity Week will provide a range of events, both indoor and outdoor, including walks and talks that will help lift the veil on the amazing plant and animal life that surround us. Starting on Saturday next (10am), we head to Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird - The Devil's Chimney - a very popular local walk overlooking Glencar Lake, where Fiona Magennis will talk to us about how over the past 20 years she redeveloped the broadleaf forest from being overgrown into becoming a haven for wildlife. After that, at 5pm, we head to Mullaghmore for a whale watching event that will hopefully lead to some sightings. Make your way around the head to the Wild Atlantic Way roadside car park where you'll be directed onto a nearby hillside for the best view. Allow a bit of time to get there and we suggest you park in the village and walk out to the car park - this will take no more than 20 minutes and as we know, there's nowhere more spectacular than the Mullaghmore Coastal Walk at any time of year, particularly during warm Summer evenings. Other highlights include a walk at Ballygawley Lough and Union Wood with ecologist Michael Bell (Wednesday 21st 2pm) to learn about the important ecology of this site. Union Wood is a nature reserve and contains one of the largest remaining native oak woodlands in the area and provides important habitats for birds and mammals like red squirrels and pine martens. There's a biodiversity walk at the Tatty Hoaker farm in north Sligo (May 18th 2pm) and at Longford Demesne in Beltra (May 19th 2pm) where Diarmuid McAree, a Director of Crann - Trees for Ireland, will lead a walk. Bat Conservation Ireland are in year two of a project surveying two Sligo woodlands and this walk will take place along the woodlands at Doorly Park at sunset (Wednesday 21st 9:30pm) where we will expect to see species of bat like Pipistrelle, Daubenton and Leisler in the company of bat expert David Clarke. If you really want to discover nature with your kids, bring them along to Michael Bell's beachcombing walk at Dunmoran Strand (Friday 23rd 11am). Gathering at Dunmoran Strand car park, Michael will lead a leisurely walk of the beach, helping to identify the natural treasures we can see on our local beaches. A number of indoor talks will also take place. On that topic, where better to begin than on Thursday next (May 22nd 7-10pm Radisson Hotel) where a talk will be given titled Wolves in Ireland. A fascinating insight on an often misunderstood species that freely roamed the woods and countryside in times past. There have been discussions about the possible repercussions of reintroducing wolves to Ireland, a topic which, no doubt, is likely to be discussed at this event. Elsewhere, (Saturday 25th 9:30am) the Sligo Bioblitz will take place at Mullaghmore. This family-friendly initiative invites anyone and everyone to help discover and record as many local wildlife species as possible, contributing to national citizen science and local environmental awareness. The event is supported by Sligo County Council, Breeding Waders EIP, Field Studies Ireland, Woodrow APEM Group, and Nature Learn. It will be a fantastic and inclusive opportunity to connect with nature, learn from local experts, and celebrate the rich biodiversity of the Mullaghmore area. So there you have a taste of the week ahead, there is plenty to interest us all, so do try to get along and attend some of the walks, lectures and other educational events, no doubt we'll all pick up lots of information and knowledge along the way. 'Every event is free and the purpose is to connect people with nature to inspire people so that they can take action and restore it. So we're getting people out and about all over the county, from dawn to dusk, all different kinds of habitats to celebrate nature and to get up close and personal with how they can experience and protect it,' says Ruth. The events are open to all - though note that children need to be accompanied by an adult and some events are unsuitable for younger children. For most events, it's a matter of just turning up at the appointed place on time and to wear footwear and clothing that are suitable. If attending the whale watching event, bring a pair of binoculars with you - although there may be a few to spare - and bring the sun tan lotion if the good weather continues into next week. One or two events - the Beach Yoga event with Bláithín Sweeney at Mullaghmore following the BioBlitz (Sunday 25th) for example have a limit on numbers. So to find out the latest details on all Biodiversity Week events, (and there are others besides the ones we mention) follow the Sligo Heritage Facebook page or email biodiversity@
Irish Independent
28-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
What to look for during your walk in Sligo as nature comes to life
As Spring extends into Summer, and with Biodiversity Week just around the corner, there is so much to look at as we walk on trails and country paths the length and breadth of the county. Spotting bursts of colour appearing in hedgerows is one thing, recognising and naming them is another and a further step is to see what uses these plants have traditionally been put to over the years. We've named eight plant species that are commonly seen on most walks for you to keep an eye out for over the coming weeks. We would remind you that where we mention that certain plants may be eaten or used in drinks like tea and for other purposes, we advise you to thoroughly research the safety of ingesting any of the plants listed below. Bluebell (Cloigín Gorm in Irish) Commonly seen around this time in hedgerows and near woodland trails, this deep blue flower gives a pop of colour to the green and brown undergrowth at this time of year. A beautifully intricate flower it grows in abundance especially in the woods. However, please ensure you don't trample on them as it can take years for the plant to fully recover. Hazelwood is a great spot for bluebells although the loss of trees after the storms seems to have lessened its numbers this year. The native common bluebell has distinctly drooping stems and a sweet smell, both features that distinguish it from the introduced Spanish bluebell. Did You Know: In the language of flowers, the bluebell is a symbol of humility, constancy, gratitude and everlasting love. It is said that if you turn a bluebell flower inside-out without tearing it, you will win the one you love, and if you wear a wreath of bluebells you will only be able to speak the truth. - (Woodland Trust UK) ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Dandelion (Caisearbhán) Sprouting up just about everywhere from roadside paths to fields and gardens, the dandelion will grow throughout the Summer, its long stem and circular yellow head among the most recognisable of our common plants. A good pollinator, hence its profusion, it is great to increase biodiversity in the garden as it's loved by bees and butterflies, its seeds are also eaten by small birds. Did You Know: The dandelion has been used to make tea and was thought to be a cure for consumption. Dandelion was also known as a cure for warts. 'The juiced of dandelion if rubbed to warts for nine days will destroy them'. (National Folklore Collection). Primrose (Sabhaircín) Beautiful flowers that you'll find embedded in many a stone wall or hedgerow, clusters of these grow in several colours from white to pink to yellow and are a common sight especially on roadsides and woodlands. They can flower very early in the year - the Latin name translates as 'first flower' so you should have a good chance to spot these in the coming weeks. Popular with gardeners and its leaves are also used in tea and salads. Did You Know: 'Guard the house with a string of primroses on the first three days of May. The fairies are said not to be able to pass over or under this string.' (National Folklore Collection). Hawthorn (Sceach Gheal) A small tree or bush that grows almost in any location including exposed upland areas, this native Irish tree produces large clusters of small white flowers typically at the start of May, great pollinators that are loved by bees. Note that hawthorn comes from the Irish Sceach Gheal - or Bright Bush. Towards Autumn, red berries (known as haws) will start to appear, providing sustenance for birds and other creatures. Did You Know: You'll find the hawthorn growing in profusion on the roadside, farmers being superstitious of cutting down or removing old trees, hence it's nickname 'the fairy tree.' (Wild Flowers of Ireland). Gorse (Aiteann) Grows profusely and instantly recognisable for its yellow flower, thorny leaves and pungent coconut-like smell, it's flowering season extends from Spring throughout the Summer and right up to Winter, providing a rare splash of colour at that time of year. It also provides both nutrition and shelter for wildlife and apparently burned gorse ashes form a very good fertiliser. Did You Know: Traditionally, common gorse was foraged for a multitude of reasons including fodder for livestock, as a traditional dye for clothing, and bound together to make floor and chimney sweeping brushes. (Wildflowers of Ireland). Cow Parsley (Peirsil Bhó) A tall plant that grows up to a metre in height on the roadside as well as in woods and hedgerows. It doesn't flower for very long but has a tendency to self-seed so can grow profusely. A biennial plant, which means it takes two years for it to complete its life cycle. Also known as Queen Anne's Lace. Did You Know: Another alternative name is Devil's Parsley, possibly because of its resemblance to the highly poisonous Hemlock, this plant occurs in accounts of witchcraft practices (Wildflowers of Ireland). Wild Garlic (Creamh) Wild garlic, sometimes called ramsons, bear's garlic, or wood garlic, is a wild plant belonging to the Allium genus, along with onions, regular garlic and leeks. A bulbous perennial, it grows naturally in woodlands, where it carpets the ground in spring with broad, fresh green leaves and white, pompom-like flowers. Did You Know: All parts of wild garlic are edible, and prized by foraging chefs. Unlike regular garlic, it's mainly the leaves of wild garlic that are used, which lend a garlicky flavour to soups and stews (Gardener's World). Cuckooflower (Léine Mhuire) Flowers from now until June and grows in damp meadows and riverbanks. It has a rosette of leaves at its base and an upright stem that bears the delicate, small, pale pink or mauve flowers. Each flower has four petals, although double-flowered varieties do appear. Did You Know: The name 'Cuckooflower' was explained by 16thc. herbalist, John Gerard as 'These flower for the most part in April and May when the Cuckoo begins to sing her pleasant notes without stammering' (Wildflowers of Ireland).
