I'm usually delighted to see Ireland's Wildlife featured in the media — but a recent article published in the Gardening section of the RSVP Magazine website has me less than thrilled.The article in question sensationalises the connection between frog-hoppers/spittle bugs (their American name) and a bacterial plant disease called Xylella fastidiosa. Yes, in areas where … [Read more...] about Cuckoo spit/spittlebug foam on plants is harmless. Please leave it alone.
Biodiversity
Island Bioblitz — head offshore for a wild weekend!
I'm off to the stunning Cape Clear Island off the coast of West Cork tomorrow to take part in Ireland's first ever Island Bioblitz.I was a member of the Bioblitz team at Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve in 2012. It was a fantastic event and a great excuse to take time out and spend a whole weekend immersed in searching for wildlife in an acknowledged biodiversity … [Read more...] about Island Bioblitz — head offshore for a wild weekend!
The Wild Postcard Project: boosting awareness of Ireland’s Biodiversity
A new biodiversity art project aimed at Ireland's youth is looking to spread the word about Ireland's amazing wildlife far and wide with postcards. Founders Eileen Diskin and Angela Stevenson explain...A survey several years ago in the UK found that the general public is largely unfamiliar with the term ‘biodiversity’, with many respondents thinking it to be a type … [Read more...] about The Wild Postcard Project: boosting awareness of Ireland’s Biodiversity
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
“State of Nature” raises a red flag for Irish wildlife
The recent "State of Nature" report published in the UK highlights the staggering and shocking decline of some of our nearest neighbour's most iconic wildlife species.The figures from the report -- compiled by 25 of the UK's top wildlife organisations -- make for a sobering read. 60% of the species surveyed have declined over recent decades and more than one in ten of all … [Read more...] about “State of Nature” raises a red flag for Irish wildlife
Join us for a spring wildlife extravaganza this April
One of the most appealing things about nature is that you never really know what to expect. Every time you venture outdoors there's a sense of heightened anticipation as you wonder what you might encounter.In Ireland at least that sense of the unknown tends to include the weather. This morning, for example, it was snowing. Snow... and it's nearly April. Nuts! But the cold … [Read more...] about Join us for a spring wildlife extravaganza this April
Irish Pollinator Initiative: driving bee conservation through better data
Dr. Una Fitzpatrick, Ecologist with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, explains why we need to conserve our pollinators, and how you can help.The staggering value of pollination Pollination services provided by insects, mainly bees, have been valued at €153 billion a year. With 71 out of the 100 crops that provide 90% of food worldwide being pollinated by bees, we … [Read more...] about Irish Pollinator Initiative: driving bee conservation through better data
Irish Earwigs: the caring nature of a much maligned insect
Dr Eugenie Regan from the National Biodiversity Data Centre introduces us to Ireland's three species of earwig.Earwigs are an unloved group of insects. They generate reactions of disgust from the general public, are considered by most a pest, and are surely one of the reasons that insects have a bad name. But they are also a fascinating animal. For example, did you know … [Read more...] about Irish Earwigs: the caring nature of a much maligned insect
