Latest news with #NationalParksandWildlifeServices
Agriland
5 days ago
- General
- Agriland
Co. Carlow event to celebrate farmers working with nature
Carlow County Council as part of National Heritage Week will hold an event aimed at highlighting farmers that are actively working with nature within the county. The event will take place on Saturday, August 16 in Myshall Community Hall from 10:30a.m, and is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Farmers Eric and Catherine Osborne, Leonie Baldwin and Andrew Lloyd, Richard Brennan, and Michael Purcell have been short-listed to represent Carlow at the 2026 National Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards. These farmers were chose as a result of their due diligence in protecting nature on their farms. The event was organised by Carlow County Council biodiversity officer, Shane Casey as part of the Carlow Biodiversity Action Plan. Casey said: 'Some of the best examples of biodiversity in Co. Carlow occur on farmland, and it's important that we give full credit to the farming families who have been actively managing its conservation - for generations in many cases - and to support this critical role going forward. 'I've always been struck, when visiting farmers around Carlow, of the pride they place in their little corner of the world, and the efforts they take to retain, conserve, and restore nature on their farms. 'I grew up on a farm in the Burren, where farmers are recognised as custodians of that landscape. "We have high nature value landscapes here in Carlow also, and farmers have always been, and will continue to be, on the frontline of their conservation and restoration, and it's important to acknowledge and support this role.' The event will be attended by Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan, who will give on opening address, reflecting on the important work these farmers are carrying out. Farming for Nature creative director, Dr. Brendan Dunford will also speak at the event on the role of an ambassador and the contribution farmers make to conserve and restore nature. Carlow County Council organised the event in collaboration with Carlow Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), Carlow Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), and Teagasc. Organisers say they hope to target both farming and non-farming members of Carlow communities, and celebrate this positive side of farming.
Time Out
6 days ago
- Time Out
The best stargazing in Australia
lives, has been officially recognised as Australia's – and the whole Southern Hemisphere's – first 'Urban Night Sky Place' (UNSP). The 62-hectare designated area is at the northern end of Palm Beach, incorporating Barrenjoey Headland, which is part of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – as well as Governor Phillip Park (which, hot tip, is probably a safer place to be after dark than the headland and its rocky walking tracks). Be careful where you step, or keep an eye out for guided tours with the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS).
The Advertiser
09-06-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Whiteout blizzard leaves two hikers stranded on a popular walking trail
Rescuers have fought through heavy snowfall and rising rivers to save a pair of bushwalkers who set out on a hike amid a blizzard. Emergency services were alerted that two bushwalkers, a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were stuck on the Kosciuszko Walking Trail in heavy snow at 7.30am on June 7. The pair was below Mount Carruthers, about three kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko, when the multi-agency operation was launched. Police officers, ambulance paramedics and the alpine search and rescue team formed a command post nearby and a search party set out to find the hikers. The search party got within 1.2 kilometres of the pair before strong winds and whiteout blizzard conditions forced their retreat just after midday. READ MORE: 'Out of reach' proposed price hikes at popular camping sites slammed Trained alpine officers hiked on foot to find the stranded bushwalkers at 10.40pm while the search party established a forward staging area and campsite. The hikers were found and escorted to the staging post campsite just after midnight on June 8, NSW Police said. The group camped there due to rising Snowy River levels, strong winds and heavy snowfall, police said. By 4am on June 8, the bushwalkers had been "successfully extracted" from the national park. No injuries were reported, police said. Acting Inspector Andrew Woods praised the multi-agency teamwork that showed "resilience in extreme conditions". "As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions," acting inspector Woods said. "It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly," he said. "The use of the online National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged," he said. "The Think Before Trek checklist recommends some very helpful advice on clothing, alpine safety and readiness including telling a loved one your plans." Rescuers have fought through heavy snowfall and rising rivers to save a pair of bushwalkers who set out on a hike amid a blizzard. Emergency services were alerted that two bushwalkers, a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were stuck on the Kosciuszko Walking Trail in heavy snow at 7.30am on June 7. The pair was below Mount Carruthers, about three kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko, when the multi-agency operation was launched. Police officers, ambulance paramedics and the alpine search and rescue team formed a command post nearby and a search party set out to find the hikers. The search party got within 1.2 kilometres of the pair before strong winds and whiteout blizzard conditions forced their retreat just after midday. READ MORE: 'Out of reach' proposed price hikes at popular camping sites slammed Trained alpine officers hiked on foot to find the stranded bushwalkers at 10.40pm while the search party established a forward staging area and campsite. The hikers were found and escorted to the staging post campsite just after midnight on June 8, NSW Police said. The group camped there due to rising Snowy River levels, strong winds and heavy snowfall, police said. By 4am on June 8, the bushwalkers had been "successfully extracted" from the national park. No injuries were reported, police said. Acting Inspector Andrew Woods praised the multi-agency teamwork that showed "resilience in extreme conditions". "As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions," acting inspector Woods said. "It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly," he said. "The use of the online National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged," he said. "The Think Before Trek checklist recommends some very helpful advice on clothing, alpine safety and readiness including telling a loved one your plans." Rescuers have fought through heavy snowfall and rising rivers to save a pair of bushwalkers who set out on a hike amid a blizzard. Emergency services were alerted that two bushwalkers, a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were stuck on the Kosciuszko Walking Trail in heavy snow at 7.30am on June 7. The pair was below Mount Carruthers, about three kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko, when the multi-agency operation was launched. Police officers, ambulance paramedics and the alpine search and rescue team formed a command post nearby and a search party set out to find the hikers. The search party got within 1.2 kilometres of the pair before strong winds and whiteout blizzard conditions forced their retreat just after midday. READ MORE: 'Out of reach' proposed price hikes at popular camping sites slammed Trained alpine officers hiked on foot to find the stranded bushwalkers at 10.40pm while the search party established a forward staging area and campsite. The hikers were found and escorted to the staging post campsite just after midnight on June 8, NSW Police said. The group camped there due to rising Snowy River levels, strong winds and heavy snowfall, police said. By 4am on June 8, the bushwalkers had been "successfully extracted" from the national park. No injuries were reported, police said. Acting Inspector Andrew Woods praised the multi-agency teamwork that showed "resilience in extreme conditions". "As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions," acting inspector Woods said. "It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly," he said. "The use of the online National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged," he said. "The Think Before Trek checklist recommends some very helpful advice on clothing, alpine safety and readiness including telling a loved one your plans." Rescuers have fought through heavy snowfall and rising rivers to save a pair of bushwalkers who set out on a hike amid a blizzard. Emergency services were alerted that two bushwalkers, a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were stuck on the Kosciuszko Walking Trail in heavy snow at 7.30am on June 7. The pair was below Mount Carruthers, about three kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko, when the multi-agency operation was launched. Police officers, ambulance paramedics and the alpine search and rescue team formed a command post nearby and a search party set out to find the hikers. The search party got within 1.2 kilometres of the pair before strong winds and whiteout blizzard conditions forced their retreat just after midday. READ MORE: 'Out of reach' proposed price hikes at popular camping sites slammed Trained alpine officers hiked on foot to find the stranded bushwalkers at 10.40pm while the search party established a forward staging area and campsite. The hikers were found and escorted to the staging post campsite just after midnight on June 8, NSW Police said. The group camped there due to rising Snowy River levels, strong winds and heavy snowfall, police said. By 4am on June 8, the bushwalkers had been "successfully extracted" from the national park. No injuries were reported, police said. Acting Inspector Andrew Woods praised the multi-agency teamwork that showed "resilience in extreme conditions". "As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions," acting inspector Woods said. "It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly," he said. "The use of the online National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged," he said. "The Think Before Trek checklist recommends some very helpful advice on clothing, alpine safety and readiness including telling a loved one your plans."
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Irish Independent
Specially designed Kerry boat will make Killarney Lakes accessible to all
Brothers Michael and Tony Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours, based at Ross Castle, on the shores of Lough Lein, Killarney National Park, launched their new traditional open boat 'An Cathal' this weekend with family and friends, to make boating experience accessible for all people with challenges and different abilities. The traditional open boat 'An Cathal' is named in honour of their late Dad, Charlie Fleming, who operated Ross Castle Boat Tours until his untimely passing in 2024. Michael and Tony Fleming worked collaboratively with the National Parks and Wildlife Services, in the design and output of this inclusive tour boat, where people will now have the opportunity and support and enjoy Killarney National Parks Unesco Biosphere Reserve and experience the beauty of the lakes, mountains and soaring White-tailed Eagles overhead. The specially designed boat is specifically for people with limited mobility and neurodiverse needs. 'An Cathal' is fitted with a fixed stairway to enable people access / egress the boat with ease and has fasteners built into the floor to allow wheelchairs to be securely attached. A key aspect is to support neurodiverse people. The boat is also fitted with a dedicated diversity section with a sensory box which will be carried in the boat. All the staff have completed 'AsIAm' Online Training. Assistance Dogs are also welcome on-board. Michael Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours said they were wanted to create a an 'inclusive outdoor experience' 'Our aim when we were looking at this project was to create an outdoor experience, particularly one that was inclusive and supported biodiversity across the Killarney National Park. So with the assistance and support from NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife Services) I think we delivered a much needed experience that really puts Killarney National Park on the map in terms of inclusivity.' 'We are committed to expanding our support services and are currently working on a Visual Guide for inclusion on our website. This will highlight what guests can expect on arrival and during a tour. We support quieter tours on request and early morning / late evening tours if required. ADVERTISEMENT NPWS Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park, Padruig O'Sullivan praised the new project. 'It is a great initiative for the National Park. It caters for people from all walks of life, especially people with challenges. It is part of the National Park Mission Statement, which is obligated to open the Park to all. The process and presentation with the Flemings from safety inspection to boat design was carefully drawn and collaborated with us. We are delighted to see it in operation today.' Also at the launch was NPWS Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park, Tricia Beecher, who said: 'It's such a great opportunity and wonderful initiative for Killarney National Park, for the public and for families, people of all abilities can now get out and enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery we have in the Park. Lough Lein Anglers and Advocate for Wheelchair accessibility Timo O'Sullivan welcomed the new boat. ''I'm in my chair using the lake for a long time, it's a game changer making the lakes so accessible for young and old, it's a great facility both secure and safe.' Cllr Martin Grady said the Flemings were due great credit for making the lake accessible for people with disabilities. 'I'm sure their Father Charlie Fleming would be very proud of them for making this project come to fruition. '
