Over the past hundred years or so, as farming practices have changed and urban sprawl has extended, the number of areas of wild grasses and wildflowers in Ireland and the UK has significantly dropped. Some organisations state that the loss of ‘unimproved grasslands’ is as high as 99% in Ireland over the past hundred years. Wildflowers It becomes obvious then, if we have … [Read more...] about How Planting a Wildflower Bed Can Boost Local Wildlife
wildflowers
Irish wildflower favourites
Early summer sees our wildflowers resplendent and is a great time of year to search for a wide range of species blooming in our meadows, verges and woodland. Here, guest contributor Rosie Jones (no relation) shares a few of her favourites (CJ). I’ve always loved learning about wildflowers, vibrant and vital, they were how I first got interested in the natural world. … [Read more...] about Irish wildflower favourites
Book Review: The Wildflowers of Ireland — A Field Guide
Plants are the cornerstone of our biodiversity -- the foundation on which all of our wildlife depends. They form the vital link between the sun's energy and almost all life on earth. Yet so often we don't give them the attention they deserve. Birds, mammals and our larger, more dynamic invertebrates tend to hog the wildlife limelight, while the plants on which they all … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Wildflowers of Ireland — A Field Guide
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
Irish Wildflowers: a fantastic native flower ID resource
This week’s Site of the Week is Irish Wildlflowers. I don’t know about you, but while I marvel at the beautiful intricacy of our native Irish wildflower species, I often struggle to identify them. There’s no substitute for a really good wildflower field guide, of course, but if you find yourself wondering what on earth that fabulous flower was taking a few photographs on your … [Read more...] about Irish Wildflowers: a fantastic native flower ID resource
