Regular IW contributor Albert Nolan reflects on how a bit of winter digging benefits the bird life in his garden. It was a day when you would have fought to have a shovel in your hand as the icy wind slipped easily through layers of clothes. I was finishing off a new bed that I had started a few weeks ago and for once the frosty weather had been a great help in … [Read more...] about Digging, for the birds!
Exploring the urban jungle
Join Ireland's Wildlife contributor Albert Nolan as he discovers the hidden wildlife gems of Limerick city.Cities like Limerick are havens for a surprising array of wildlife (image via Wikimedia Commons)The pleading calls of my kids tug at my heart strings as I slip into my walking gear. I see the window of the house start to fog up as little lips press against … [Read more...] about Exploring the urban jungle
Jinny go up: the story of the thistle
You have to walk through a lot of farmer’s fields today before you find a good patch of thistles.This strange thought occurred to me the other day after several strolls in the countryside around my house. For a plant that the books claim is extremely common I found it very hard to locate. At least the ones in my garden are doing well and despite having a formidable defence … [Read more...] about Jinny go up: the story of the thistle
Moths: from the classroom to the garden
Regular contributor Albert Nolan introduces some school children to the wonderful world of Irish moths, and explores some of the other wildlife that makes the most of his mothing endeavours. I clasped my hands awkwardly while the students recited their morning prayers. As the words echoed around the classroom I wondered if the mysteries of religion were on a par … [Read more...] about Moths: from the classroom to the garden
Secrets of the Sycamore
"So that’s what my breath looks like!" exclaimed my young daughter as we walked up to school on a cold and frosty morning. They had been busy breathing in deep lungfuls of the autumn air and watching excitedly as it escaped through their cupped hands. The novelty had long worn off for me and I encouraged them up the road with the promise of one more treat before their school … [Read more...] about Secrets of the Sycamore
