Latest news with #PhoebeO'Brien
Agriland
17-05-2025
- General
- Agriland
Shannon Airport launches cattle-grazing initiative
Shannon Airport Group has began grazing cattle on airport-owned land as part of its Farmand Biodiversity Enhancement Project. The airport has announced the move to mark National Biodiversity Week, which runs from Friday, May 16 to Saturday, May 25. The cattle are located at Thady's Hill, a 10ac site near Shannon Airport that hosts a habitat of 'national and international importance'. The site features a number of rare and endangered species of native grasses and flowers such as bee and pyramidal orchids. After scrub clearance on the site in early 2024 by a team from Shannon Airport, traditional Droimeann cattle – recently recognised as a native rare breed in Ireland – were introduced for conservation grazing during the non-growing season These cattle are considered ideal for the sensitive habitat due to their ability to thrive on rough pasture and their minimal impact on soil compaction. The project is led by the Shannon Airport Group Biodiversity team, and supported by local farmer John Quinlivan and botanist Phoebe O'Brien. According to Shannon Airport Group, the project is already making strides in restoring and protecting the rare habitat of Thady's Hill and its unique plant species. Shannon Airport This initiative is part of the group's wider 2023-2027 Biodiversity Action Plan and was developed with the support of Flynn Furney Environmental Consultants. The head of sustainability at Shannon Airport Group, Sinead Murphy said: 'This project not only demonstrates our commitment to protect and enhance biodiversity through the restoration and management of an ecologically important site, but also highlights the power of collaboration. 'We are grateful to all stakeholders, including John Quinlivan and Phoebe O'Brien, for their expertise and dedication, as well as to our sustainability specialist, Arek Gdulinski and all the wider Shannon Airport Group teams involved. We look forward to the next phase of this important project,' Murphy added.
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
War on invasive species in Waterford to be in focus at Friday event
Ardmore Tidy Towns will host Dr Fran Giaquinto and Phoebe O'Brien for the launch of their new book, Identification Guide to the Non-Native Invasive Plants of Britain and Ireland, on Friday, May 16, during Invasive Species Week. The launch takes place from 12pm to 3pm in the Round Tower Hotel, which includes a fieldtrip to local habitats. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. The afternoon will be filled with informative chats about the pressures of invasive plant species on Ireland's native flora, an insight into identification and an exploration of the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. Following the launch, attendees will take a trip through the habitats of the village with both experts, as they point out several species which are of concern in Ireland, whilst also highlighting the important habitats that occur within this area that sits alongside the Ardmore Head Special Area of Conservation. Cllr Declan Barry recently raised the issue of invasive species at Waterford Council. He said a person reported the growth of Japanese knotweed. Cllr Barry asked management how prevalent the weed is in Waterford, as it has started to encroach from public on to private land. Marina Mulligan, Waterford City and County Council's biodiversity officer, said: 'It is a privilege to have both experts working in Ardmore over the summer for what will undoubtedly be two impactful projects for the area – it is great to see the local community of Ardmore taking this initiative which will provide valuable information towards monitoring habitats at a county level. 'The impacts of invasive plants on natural habitats can be devastating as they outcompete native species. Due to their ability to spread quickly across an area, they can also reduce the diversity of plant life found within a habitat by reducing light and changing soil nutrients. 'This has knock-on consequences for insects, mammals, fish and birds who depend on certain plants for food, laying eggs or nesting. People may be aware of Japanese knotweed and rhododendron but may not be aware of many other species like three-cornered leek, American skunk cabbage and Nuttall's waterweed.' Over the coming months, both botanists will be working closely with the local community on two significant biodiversity projects for the area. The event is supported by Waterford City and County Council, the Heritage Council and the National Biodiversity Data Centre. The first will survey the flora of the Ardmore Cliff Walk funded under the NPWS Peatlands and Natura 2000 Community Engagement Fund, and the second will involve carrying out habitat surveys to produce a Community Biodiversity Action Plan for the village under Community Foundation Ireland's Biodiversity Fund. The schedule for Friday's event is as follows. 12pm – 12.10pm Welcome and introduction to the event with Marina Mulligan, WCCC biodiversity officer 12.10pm – 1pm Book launch and conversation with Dr Fran Giaquinto and Phoebe O'Brien 1pm – 1.20pm Invasive Species Recording with Kate Moore, National Biodiversity Data Centre 1.30 – 3pm Fieldtrip: Discover the species and habitats of Ardmore with Dr. Fran Giaquinto, Phoebe O'Brien and Ardmore Tidy Town Committee.
