Irish Wildlife Spring 2019

ISSN - 1649 - 5705 • SPRING ‘19

IRISH 24 hours on Skellig Michael

MAGAZINE OF THE IRISH WILDLIFE TRUST

IRELAND’S

BEST WILDLI

FE

MAGAZINE

Protecting our Planet EVEN THE SMALLEST STEPS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

SPOTTED

IN IRELAND: • Red Squirrel • Emperor Moth • Robin BENEFITS OF SEAWEED

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WELCOME

Chairman’s Comment

S Cover credits: Field Mouse (credit, Jim O’Neill).

Red squirrel (credit, Christine Cassidy) Emperor Moth (credit, Margaret Edgill) Robin (credit, Lee Morrow) Contents page credits: Bee orchid, hares, frog, snowbunting, common seal, ringed plover, scarlet elf cup, whooper swan, dunlin, crossbill, feral goat; all photos by Christine Cassidy and Lindsay Hodges, Wild Inishowen Club.

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Pass it on to someone who you think may enjoy it – or ask your local library or doctor’s office to leave it in the reception. You’ll help the environment and the IWT while you’re at it.

Editor: Sinéad Ní Bheoláin, IWT Published by Ashville Media Group www.ashville.com

All articles © 2019. No part of this publication including the images used may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

Opinions and comments expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure that all information contained in this publication is factual and correct at time of going to press, Ashville Media Group and the Irish Wildlife Trust

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hortly before going to print reland s first National Biodiversity Conference took place in Dublin Castle. This conference brought together Ireland’s conservation and scientific research communities providing a platform for common thinking targets and aspirations regarding halting biodiversity loss in Ireland – a growing concern, having now entered a dangerously rapid decline. Report after report highlights this decline and one would be forgiven for almost resigning themselves to the belief that we have passed the point of no return. However, what this conference and the growing awareness and momentum behind halting biodiversity decline demonstrates is that there is still time to avert an all out catastrophe. pecies have become e tinct and ecosystems have been disrupted but if we can tackle biodiversity decline and loss with immediate and meaningful efforts we can still halt the decline and reverse some of the damage and losses.

However, despite all the efforts of individuals, researchers and environmental s who collectively do immense work governments must accept that there is a problem and allocate proper resources to address this crisis as there is only so much that can be done at ground level. ound environmental policies need to be brought to the fore of not just whatever government administration is in power but to the fore of the entire body politic. With growing awareness of biodiversity loss and climate change amongst the electorate political parties need to accept that this issue is one that people want to see addressed and tackled. The era of token gestures is over, it is time for our elected representatives to implement action. therwise the conse uences for our environment and society are stark. n a more positive note T had the privilege of organising the biodiversity awards section of the conference which attracted entrants from across the island in various categories such as schools farming and businesses. The number of entrants and the diversity of biodiversity related projects provided us with a welcome and badly needed dose of optimism whilst we continue the battle against biodiversity loss.

Contributors Marie Power grew up on the Copper Coast (UN geopark) in Co Waterford and locallypicked seaweed was part of her family’s diet. Her background is in management and training & development. She holds a Masters in Education and has completed the BEES/UCC Field Ecology course. Marie was the instigator of IWT’s World Ocean’s Festival in Tramore in 2004, 2005 and 2006. She was inspired by Tim Clabon and Catherine McCarney and their love and knowledge of rocky shore ecology. As an active member of IWT Waterford, she organised many events, and when she introduced seaweed-based soup, scones and cookies at a rocky shore outing in 2007, the seeds of a new direction were sown. She now combines her

The uality and real benefits of conservation being done at the grass root level is an inspiration to us all.

People toiling away with little or no recognition or support all driven by the common goal of halting the alarming decline in biodiversity. ongratulations to all winners and entrants. Details of the winners and finalists can be found on the T website www. iwt.ie. an you ust imagine what could be achieved if governments proactively supported and worked in tandem with conservationists and scientists This edition of Irish Wildlife contains a diversity of articles including the importance of seaweed for nature the impacts of roads on barn owls and the recent ancet report that has highlighted the impact the over consumption of meat is having on our planet.

The ancet report received considerable media coverage and provoked strong and emotive responses from both sides of the meat and dairy consumption debate. t is important to note that while the report has recommended a significant reduction in meat and dairy consumption it does not call for total elimination. f we all e amined our diets and made more informed consumer choices based on produce origin sustainability and health benefits then we can continue to en oy meat and dairy in a responsible and less fre uent manner. The onus is on the agricultural industry to drastically change their current unsustainable production methods to reduce their environmental impact and to start re ecting consumers concerns and habits. ustainable environmentally friendly locally produced meat and dairy production can e ist and thrive whilst playing a key role in maintaining the social and environmental fabric of rural Ireland. It certainly is a debate that will continue to gather momentum. hope you find the articles informative and as always T welcomes your feedback and thoughts.

Enjoy the read,

e n eehan hairman rish

ildlife Trust

twin passions of food and ecology and continues to educate people about the rocky shore, seaweed and the natural world.

Is é Ailbhe Ó Monacháin Tuairisceoir an Iarthuaiscirt do Nuacht RTÉ/TG4. Tá cónaí air cois farraige agus faoi scáth na sléibhte - An Earagail agus An Grogán Mór ar An Ard Donn i nGaoth Dobhair i gCo. Dhún na nGall. Chaith sé roinnt blianta ina phríomhláithreoir nuachta agus ina thuairisceoir ag Nuacht RTÉ/TG4 i gceannáras TG4 i mBaile na hAbhann i gCo. na Gaillimhe sular fhill sé ar an cheantar inár thógadh é in 2015. Seachas a phost lánaimseartha mar iriseoir, is ceoltóir é a sheinneann ar an fhidil go minic agus cé go n-admhaíonn sé féin gur fada a chualathas amhrán uaidh, tá a chroí féin agus croí a mhuintire i bhfilíocht na nGael!

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FIELD REPORT

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CONTENTS

Contents 4.

ABOUT US

5.

CONSERVATION NEWS

9.

13.

14.

16 17.

18.

21.

22.

26.

28.

30.

32.

34.

36.

Discover more about the work of the IWT and how you can get involved.

Tim Clabon compiles the latest news from the conservation world and Ricky Whelan gives tips on building a pond.

IWT NEWS

Recent updates and plans for the future.

EDUCATION

Marie Power on the benefits of seaweed.

FIADHÚLRA

Caitheann Ailbhe Ó Monacháin súil ar an fhilíocht faoin fhiadhúlra.

BRANCH FOCUS

Local news from IWT’s Galway branches.

NOTES FROM THE NORTHWEST

Lindsay Hodges on the return of the red squirrel.

WILD IDEAS

Edel Walsh, reports on the campaign to protect vital kelp supplies in her adopted home, Ullapool.

COMPETITION

We’re offering our readers the opportunity to win some fantastic books.

FEATURE

Nora Ward examines how roads provide both opportunities and great dangers to barn owls.

WONDER OF GEESE

Gordon D’Arcy marvels at how wild geese can transform an otherwise dreary landscape.

SPRING FOCUS

Billy Flynn discusses the shocking findings of the Lancet report on the effects of the over consumption of meat.

WILD SPACES

Martina Caplice gives a vivd account of spending 24 hours on Skellig Michael.

FIELD REPORT

Dr Hugh Feeley explains why we need to monitor and assess the effects of human activity on our rivers and lakes.

OVER TO YOU

A selection of photos and messages sent in by Irish Wildlife Trust members.

ON LOCATION

Margaret Edgill provides a glimpse of the wildlife on Mount Briscoe organic farm.

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IRISH WILDLIFE TRUST

About Us The Irish Wildlife Trust was founded in 1979 and aims to conserve wildlife and the habitats it depends on throughout Ireland, while encouraging a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

IMAGES THIS PAGE: TOP: The Lower Lighthouse and Seal’s Cove, credit Martina Caplice ABOVE: The picturesque Owenass River, Co Laois, a tributary of the River Barrow, credit Hugh Feeley

Correction

In the winter edition we credited Lindsay Hodges instead of Christine Cassidy for photos in the Field Report

HAVE COMMENTS? Magazine queries, general wildlife questions or observations email: iwteditor@gmail.com Information on campaigning and policies email: irishwildlife@iwt.ie Phone: (01) 860 2839 Snail mail: The Irish Wildlife Trust, Sigmund Business Centre, 93A Lagan Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Web: www.iwt.ie Social media: facebook.com/IrishWildlifeTrust twitter.com/Irishwildlife

The IWT is dedicated to creating a better future for Ireland’s wildlife through: Motivating and supporting people to take action for wildlife.

Education and raising awareness of all aspects of Irish wildlife and conservation issues.

Research of the natural environment.

Acquiring and managing nature reserves to safeguard species and habitats.

Lobbying decision-makers at all levels to promote policy in Ireland that provides a sustainable future for wildlife and people.

Working in partnership with other organisations to achieve results that matter for conservation.

The IWT encourages action at a local level and has a number of branches around the country: Dublin: Barbara, dublinbranch@iwt.ie facebook.com/DublinBranchIrishWildlife Trust, dubliniwt.blogspot.ie Waterford: Denis Cullen, iwtwaterfordbranch@gmail.com, deniscullen@eircom.net, irishwildlifetrust. blogspot.ie Kerry: Ger, iwtkerry@gmail.com www.facebook.com/KerryIWT Galway: Dan, iwtgalway@gmail.com www.facebook.com/IWTgalwaybranch Laois/Offaly: Ricky, iwtlaoisoffaly@gmail.com www.facebook.com/IWTlaoisoffalybranch West Cork: Eoghan Daltun, eoghandaltun@yahoo.com

Irish Wildlife is published quarterly by the IWT.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? You, our members, make the IWT what it is. Through your subscriptions and support we can undertake the projects that are benefiting reland s wildlife. f you would like to help more, here’s what you can do: • Make a one-off donation to the IWT. • Give IWT membership as a gift.

• Volunteer – we are always looking for people to help out in different ways.

There are lots of ways to get involved, from work experience in specialist areas to getting your hands dirty at our sites or helping us increase membership at events. See our website www.iwt.ie for details or contact the office directly.

• Do you have land that you would like used for conservation? We are always on the lookout to establish new sites to enhance wildlife or provide education opportunities.

• Remember us in your will. Why not leave a lasting legacy towards conserving Ireland’s natural heritage? The IWT uses all funds towards our campaigns, managing reserves and our education programmes. Please visit www.mylegacy.ie.

• Set up a branch. Are you passionate about wildlife and are in a county that does not have an IWT branch? Contact the office and we can give you the support you need to get up and running.

Keep up-to-date on all the latest news from the Irish Wildlife Trust on www.iwt.ie 4

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CONSERVATION NEWS

CONSERVATION

NEWS

The latest national and international news from the conservation world, compiled by Tim Clabon.

IRISH NEWS

THE PLASTIC TIDE Marine litter has a significant negative impact on marine biodiversity as well as the economy due to clean-up costs and the impact on the tourism industry. To tackle the plastic tide we see in our seas, a new scheme called The Clean Oceans Initiative has been launched.

It is estimated that eight million tonnes of plastic enters our seas and oceans with a large percentage coming from the fishing and aquaculture industries due to the increased use of plastics such as lobster pots and nylon filament fishing nets, as well as increased fishing activity over the decades.

Lost fishing gear is not just an aesthetic issue, but poses a huge risk to wildlife. Ghost nets (lost nets that float in the seas) can entrap

BT Young Scientist, credit Fennell Photography.

Young Scientists This year marked the 55th year of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. In total, 4,251 students from 383 schools entered 2,031 projects, tackling issues such as health, technology and climate change, hoping to win one of the coveted 140 prizes across different categories.

One category concentrated on Biology and Ecology, with 19 projects showcased, including a comparative study of upland and lowland soils in the Burren by students from Mary Immaculate Secondary School Lisdoonvarna, which won the Intermediate Individual first place prize in the Biological and Ecological Sciences category. An ecological investigation into Dún an Rí Forest Park, Kingscourt, Co Cavan by Colaiste Dun an Ri, secured the Junior Group third place prize in the same category.

A number of projects looked at tackling the issue of plastic, both in the environment and that which ends up in our food. Tackling climate change was also on the agenda with Cross and Passion College in Kildare getting first place in the Junior Group in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences category, for their project investigating the efficiency of algae as a fuel compared to other fuels.

many species of seabirds, turtles, and cetaceans. As well as deliberate dumping, fishing gear is lost due to storms, accidents and entanglements. The voluntary scheme, launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, aims to encourage Irish trawlers to reduce marine litter and collect marine litter as they go out to fish. It is hoped that by the end of 2019 all trawlers will participate in the scheme, and the Minister has challenged BIM to work with the fishing industry to ensure participation. Funding will be made available for onshore collection facilities and for trawlers with onboard storage facilities.

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CONSERVATION NEWS

Corn Snake

Exotic Invasions Invasive species are a concern for many reasons in Ireland. In the last year snakes (fortunately dead) have been found, with the most recent being a Californian king snake, on a beach in Youghal, Co Cork. Corn snakes, a common pet snake, were also spotted in Ireland, with a live species caught last year in a Tipperary garden and another caught by a farmer in Donegal the previous year. A raccoon was recently captured in Cork, though sightings have also been reported in Dublin and Tipperary. It is thought these may have come in via the pet or zoo animal trade. Last year a false widow spider was recorded as being the first case of a spider to capture and eat a lizard in Ireland. Dr Michel Dugon from the Venom Systems Laboratory in the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway said, "This report is quite significant for two reasons. One, it is

the first time a terrestrial vertebrate has fallen prey to a spider in Ireland and second, the viviparous lizard is a protected species in Ireland while the noble false widow is a recent alien species that is still actively colonising Ireland."

The obvious question is where are these animals coming from?

Insects can hide in imports, or people’s luggage. Water-borne species can be transferred in bilge water, or on clothing or water gear. Dead specimens can be passed off as pets that have died, and their bodies dumped. Larger species are not so easy to hide, and clearly are either pets that have escaped, or have been released deliberately. With the change in the climate, the risks invasive and exotic species pose to native species will become more severe and increase the threat to our biodiversity.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

UK Farmers Aiming for Zero Farming Emissions The National Farmers Union (NFU) - the UK’s farming and growers representative body - called for net zero farming emissions by 2040. In a speech at the Oxford Farming Conference, NFU president, Minette Batters, said such ambitious measures were essential to compete with other nations on green standards.

Farming in the UK contributes to 10% of the UK's greenhouse gases. As the emissions come not only from CO2, but methane and nitrous oxides released by livestock and fertilisers. The conference

also launched the NFU’s report ‘United by our environment, our food, our future’, which outlines the role farming has had in shaping the British countryside, and highlighted the need for a better data-based approach for effective future agricultural and environmental policy making. The report also identifies where future challenges lie, and where improvements can be made.

Comparing the stewardship shown by the farming industry in the UK must give the Irish farming industry pause for

thought as to how they can do better in relation to the environment and protecting Ireland’s heritage. The recent support by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) of the Heritage Bill clearly shows the IFA needs to do more to protect our native heritage and tackle climate emissions. However, the Together for Biodiversity Awards aim to highlight beneficial Irish farming practices, perhaps showcasing the best Irish agriculture has to offer with regards to protecting our natural heritage.

Keep up-to-date on all the latest news from the Irish Wildlife Trust on www.iwt.ie 6

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CONSERVATION NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The UK’s National Trust 2018 Weather and Wildlife Review

JAPAN WHALING CONTROVERSY At the end of 2018 Japan announced its intention to

The mix of weather seen in 2018 had an impact on wildlife, according to the UK’s National Trust, with some species thriving and others struggling. David Bullock, head of species and habitat conservation at the National Trust, says, “This year's unusual weather does give us some indication of how climate change could look and feel, irrespective of whether this year's was linked to climate change”.

Understanding how the fluctuations in weather impact wildlife will help manage areas and aid the native wildlife in coping with these changes. The freezing temperatures at the beginning of the year claimed the lives of many seabirds along the UK’s east coast. Marine life caught in the cold snap succumbed to the cold with hundreds of marine invertebrates being washed ashore. The ‘Beast from the East’ also caused an increase in birds from the continent moving to the UK. Snowy owls, typically seen in the Arctic, were seen at Scolt Head Island off the Norfolk coast in February and St David's in Wales in late March. The hot weather had mixed blessings for butterflies. Many, such as the adonis and chalkhill blues had extra broods in the late summer/autumn. Tortoiseshell, commas and speckled wood were seen late into autumn. However, species such as the red admiral and peacock, which feed on nettles, had a difficult time. The hot weather not only increased wildfires, but dried out many wetland areas leaving species reliant on aquatic environments vulnerable. Plants that typically flower in the spring, such as violets and primrose, also flowered again in the autumn, while grasslands dried up leaving poor grazing for many farms, leading to farmers having to supplement diets with hay and silage. The warmer weather also caused an increase in diseases such as Ash Dieback and other pests infecting other trees. Fruit trees however managed through the winter conditions and had good crops of apples, pears, blackberries and sloe berries when the warmer weather came. The longer summer benefited bats due to the extended feeding before hibernation.

quit the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and resume commercial whale hunting, limited to its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

The decision has not been well received with many other nations such as Australia and New Zealand expressing disappointment with Japan’s decision. The move has also been condemned by the international conservation community. The Humane Society International expressed concerns that the move by Japan may set a precedent for other pro-whaling nations to follow suit.

And if hunting whales is not enough, a rare bluefin tuna weighing in at 278kg was recently caught off Japan’s north coast and sold at auction for a record breaking 333.6 million

LITHIUM CONCERNS

yen (over €2.5 million). Bluefin tuna is the largest species of tuna (related to mackerel) and

The increased use of portable devices has driven the need for lithium - a soft metal alkali which is collected either by mining or extracted from briny lakes through evaporation processes. The majority of lithium comes from briny lake resources in Chile, Bolivia and Argentina while Australia extracts lithium through mining. Only a small percentage comes from recycling old batteries.

The environmental impacts from lithium mining are varied. Aside from the physical damage to the landscape caused by mining activities, chemicals used to separate lithium from other minerals can result in water pollution through spills and leaching. In 2016, a chemical leak from the Ganzizhou Rongda lithium mine polluted the Liqi River in Tibet. Masses of dead fish were seen floating on the river, and eye witnesses also reported seeing dead yaks and cows floating downstream, after drinking contaminated water. Mining for cobolt and nickel has also had dire environmental consequences, with mines in the Philippines being closed due to environmental concerns.

According to Friends of the Earth, more needs to be done to enable recycling of old batteries. In the EU only around 5% of lithium batteries are recycled, with the majority going to landfill. With efforts to reduce the impact caused by fossil fuels, and the demand for batteries increasing, the demand for battery components such as lithium, nickel and cobolt will not go without consequences to the environment and local communities.

live up to forty years. Priced for their value in the Asian sushi markets, they are threatened due to overfishing.

Whale meat in Japan

Keep up-to-date on all the latest news from the Irish Wildlife Trust on www.iwt.ie Irish Wildlife Spring ‘19

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CONSERVATION NEWS

PRACTICAL CONSERVATION

Creating a Wildlife Pond Creating a wildlife pond in your garden will cater for a myriad of aquatic plants and animals from flag iris to frogs and dragonflies.

Water brings a whole new element to a space and although ponds take a little planning and plenty of effort, the wildlife rewards will make it all worthwhile.

By Ricky Whelan.

Before grabbing your shovel there are a few things you will need to consider, decide on and plan for in advance of breaking ground: Positioning the pond: The pond needs to see enough sunlight for plants to grow, these plants will in-turn oxygenate the water. Too much sun can cause the pond to overheat affecting the inhabitants and water chemistry overall. Position the pond where it gets sun for a few hours a day but also has a few hours in the shade. Lastly, try to avoid tree roots, as they will impede digging and you could risk damaging the trees, whilst roots might eventually grow through your pond liner.

Size, shape and depth: This is largely down to the space you have and your own ambition. A small pond can be just as diverse as a large pond. Most people opt for a stretched oval/kidney shape. A long pond will allow you to vary the depth more which will add some diversity below the surface giving plants and animals shallow and deep areas to colonise. It’s important to have one shallow edge which gradually gets deeper, to allow birds and mammals to drink from the pond’s edge easily and act as an escape route if, for example, the local hedgehog finds itself having an unplanned dip.

Lining the pond: The pond surface must be lined to hold water as it is unlikely that your soil is of such a high clay content that it will hold water naturally. Any material

Members of the IWT Laois-Offaly Branch, Portarlington Community Development Association pose in front of the newly completed wildlife pond created at the local nature area, credit Ricky Whelan.

that holds water can be used but the best materials are purpose made and readily available from good garden centres and online. Cut to measure liners made from PVC, Butyl and EPDM are sold by the m2 and can be costly. Pre-moulded liners are also widely available, these are made from rigid plastic and you dig the hole to fit, and are popular for smaller ponds. To cut back on costs, cheaper liners can be used and by using old carpets as padding in the bottom of the pond you can reduce the quality of the liner as the carpet will protect from rips and tears. The cheapest and greenest way to line a pond is to upcycle a container/vessel of some sort, an old bath, paddling pool or a trough would work nicely.

Filling and topping up: Even small ponds need lots of water and the last thing you want is to ferry buckets for hours. The garden hose is the easiest solution but it’s more sustainable to use rain water so try diverting a gutter or water butt to fill the pond. The pond might need top-ups in the summer.

Stocking up: Once full of water, a pond is ready for plants and animals. These will colonise naturally but most people aim to speed this process up by planting their pond. You can buy a host of aquatic plants from garden centres and other suppliers but this can be a game of roulette with many of the plants widely considered invasive still available for purchase. My advice is avoid

buying plants unless you are familiar with the species and sure of its provenance. It’s much more sensible to grab a bucket of water and a few handfuls of plants from a nice drain or nearby pond. The plants will colonise and spread and you can add more as time goes by. Plants introduced this way will also likely contain invertebrates and eggs of various species which will happily occupy their new home in your garden.

Frogs, newts, adult dragon/damselflies etc are more mobile and will find their own way so be patient and look forward to a pleasant surprise when you hear your first frogs in early spring.

A few last tips: Mark out the shape of the pond before beginning to dig, this will keep you on plan and ensure you have enough liner. Remove the top sod and put aside as you might want to use them to edge the pond. Dig to the depth you want and add contours such as banks and shallow areas.

Remove all stones or debris that might rip your liner material. Roll out old carpet to cover the bottom and sides before adding the liner. Remove boots when walking on the liner so not to rip it. Secure the liner with your turf rolls, rocks or gravel. Add any features to the pond before filling with water. Fish don’t tend to mix well with invertebrates and amphibians so if you want a diverse pond full of insect and amphibian life you need to avoid fish. With the hard work done just sit back and let nature do its thing!

Is there a practical conservation project you would like to see covered? Email iwteditor@gmail.com 8

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IWT NEWS

IWTNEWS Activity Update It’s spring and the new year of 2019 sees the Irish Wildlife Trust celebrate its 40th year in existence. Over the decades, the task of protecting Ireland’s wildlife has changed, as have we at the IWT. Some newer challenges such as climate change and plastic pollution have started to really show their effect globally, while the old reliables of habitat loss and over exploitation are still having a huge impact. Our organisation has changed along the way in order to adapt to new circumstances and opportunities. With this in mind, we decided to start the new year by checking in on where the IWT is now, where we want to go in the future and what changes we need to make to get us there.

Representatives from our local branches, our Board of Directors and our staff gathered in Dublin to spend a day discussing priorities for the IWT and a very worthwhile day it was too. It was great to see all the faces old and new gathered to discuss how we can improve in our work to protect Ireland’s wildlife. It was uplifting to meet the new committee of our Galway branch and learn of their ideas and enthusiasm for the branch. The updates from well-established branches on their activities as well as governance and campaign updates were all

By Kieran Flood, IWT Conservation Officer.

IWT strategy meeting, January 2019, credit Kate Mac Loughlin

of great benefit to get an overview of the work of the IWT as a whole. The activities of the IWT are made possible by the work of dozens of committed volunteers running our branches and sitting on our Board of Directors. We would like to thank all our volunteers for their time over the years.

The challenges and goals identified at this recent strategy day will go on to inform our new IWT Strategic Plan for 2019 onwards.

This plan will set out the priorities and vision for the IWT and will be available for our members and others to download at iwt. ie shortly.

As always, we would be delighted to receive your records of lizard sightings on the island of Ireland. Our wonderful little lizard, referred to as the viviparous lizard (Zootoca vivipara), is a curious creature making a life for itself in our cool damp and not very reptile-friendly country. The native viviparous lizard has been joined in Ireland by another curious lizard called the slow worm (Anguis fragillis). The slow worm is presumed to have been introduced to Ireland from Britain. It is a small reptile resembling a snake but actually classified as a legless lizard. Both of these reptile species will be becoming more active now in spring and can be spotted out basking on boulders, boardwalks and fenceposts. Sunny mornings are the best time to go lizard spotting so if you happen to see one take a quick photo and email it, along with the location and some habitat details, to research@iwt.ie or see https://iwt.ie/whatwe-do/citizen-science/national-reptile-survey/ for more details.

The IWT lizard, credit Daniel Signer

Reptile Records

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IWT NEWS

People for Bees

Newport River, credit Pádraic Fogarty

Bad news for the Newport River in Limerick The Newport is a relatively short river that runs from the uplands of the Silvermines Hills in Tipperary to the River Shannon north of Annacotty. It is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under EU law and has important populations of Atlantic salmon, dippers and otters. Alas, the Newport also falls into one of the ffice of ublic orks routine arterial drainage catchments which means every five years they are obliged under the rterial rainage ct of to go back in with the diggers for heavy engineering works. n ecember the T paid a visit to the river with ill onnor of co act and previous contributor to rish ildlife to view the damage done on foot of recent works. e saw how whole strips of riparian vegetation had been cleared and trees pulled out at the roots leaving steep embankments of bare earth. e saw how any otter holts which may have been there would have been obliterated while stands of nearby giant hogweed an alien invasive species suggests that the works have resulted in the spread of this no ious plant. e are working to find out e actly what happened and why. ne of our difficulties is that ppropriate

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ssessment reports which are re uired by law to assess the potential impacts of projects on s are carried out by the no other state agency gets to approve its own pro ects in this way and so there is an urgent need for proper oversight of these schemes. nother issue is the difficulty in accessing information that should be easily available on the website. eople should not need to resort to legal means to find out where arterial drainage works are planned and when and what environmental assessments have been carried out. The other big issue is the need for these totally unnecessary maintenance works especially given that there are homes and businesses downstream which are vulnerable to ooding in other words these drainage works are likely to create ooding problems and not solve them. This points to a need to update the rterial rainage ct which is over 70 years old! In January the T met with the where we had a constructive discussion around these issues. e will be working with our e partners to promote natural ood solutions and better practices so that our beleaguered rivers can begin the road to recovery.

ast year we delivered bee conservation training to over people across reland through our eople for Bees programme and thanks to funding from atagonia and four local councils we are continuing our eople for Bees pro ect in . e are running bumblebee monitoring and habitat creation workshops in counties onegal erry imerick and estmeath from pril onwards. e will also be running bee conservation training sessions with our local branches so that the whole of T can embrace the bee and the challenge of saving our pollinators.

T members are invited to attend these workshops free of charge so why not come along to learn how you can support the ational Bumblebee onitoring cheme or how to provide food and shelter for our pollinator population. e can all do our bit to help. or details of workshop dates and venues and to book or get in touch with us at email: conservation@iwt.ie and check out the pro ect news and updates on the pro ect webpage here https iwt.ie people for bees

Gypsy’s cuckoo bumblebee (Bombus

bohemicus), from IWT Lough Boora Nature Reserve, credit Kieran Flood

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IWT NEWS

Bad news for Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park, credit Pádraic Fogarty

More bad news I’m afraid – this time within one of our national parks. Last December Galway County Council felled a patch of woodland within the park to make way for a road widening scheme. The woodland was described in a report prepared by ecologists for the scheme as being of ‘high local value’.

It has transpired that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) transferred the land in our national park (remember this belongs to citizens of the state) with no public consultation process. The IWT has been in touch with local community groups and we understand there was a genuine health and safety concern with regard to the road. Nevertheless, this does not excuse the lack of consultation and the total lack of any compensatory measures. The NPWS could have looked for more land to expand the

park elsewhere and where new woodland could have been allowed to emerge, yet they didn’t bother. As a result we are left with a smaller, and biologically poorer national park. The IWT wrote to Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, making a complaint and her response only highlighted her disconnect from what is happening in our natural environment, telling us how new investment in visitor access will result in better conservation of species and habitats. It won t. This fiasco once again underlines the very poor state of our national parks (in recent years the IWT has highlighted issues of illegal turf-cutting in Glenveagh as well as over-grazing and rhododendron infestations in Killarney). Their lack of legal protection and the fact that none operates

under a working management plan has left them vulnerable to neglect and erosion, like what we have seen in Connemara. The National Biodiversity Action Plan (2017) identifies an action to manage national parks and nature reserves to a high standard”. We have yet to see how this is to be implemented.

Mailing List Why not join our mailing list to get monthly updates on our campaigns and events? Just head over to the IWT website home page to sign up or drop is a line at enquiries@iwt.ie.

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IWT NEWS

Campaign Update

By Pádraic Fogarty, IWT Campaigns Officer

Good news for coastal waters

Scallop dredge

Regular readers of Irish Wildlife will be aware that we have been campaigning for a number of years to bring an end to the practice of ‘pair-trawling’ in our shallow bays and estuaries. Early in 2018 the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) opened a public consultation on the matter and nearly one thousand responses were received. This, on its own, was a tremendous result and was far and away the largest response to a marine-related consultation ever seen, showing (encouragingly) that there are lots of people out there who care about our seas. In October, the IWT wrote to DAFM Minister Michael Creed asking for a

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moratorium while the consultation responses were being considered and, frustratingly, in November the pair-trawlers were back. But then, Minister Creed delivered us all an early Christmas present when he announced that all trawling by boats over 18 metres in length would be banned from January 1st 2020. Pairtrawling for sprat only will be permitted until 2022 with a quota introduced in 2020 of 2,000 tonnes, reducing to 1,000 tonnes in 2021 (no quotas have existed heretofore).

This means that all trawling by large boats (bottom trawling as well as pair-trawling) will come to an end in 2022. There are still some issues, such as the continuation of

dredging (e.g. for scallops and razor clams) which are a problem while there is always a risk that boats below 18m will start trawling (this is why IWT called for an end to all trawling and dredging regardless of the size of the boat). All the same, we need to recognise that this is a major step forward for the protection of the marine environment and we have written to Minister Creed thanking him for taking this bold step. We also want to thank you – our IWT members – many of whom participated in the consultation.

It is very encouraging to know that things can, and sometimes do, change for the better!

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EDUCATION

THE SEA’S GARDEN

Sea lettuce growing on a Sabellaria reef. Sabellaria is the honeycomb worm, named for the distinctive reefs it builds. Abundant on the south coast of Ireland, this species is protected under EU law so we do not forage seaweed on or near these reefs, credit Emma Power

Marie Power highlights the benefits of seaweed not only as a source of nutrition to humans but as a vital source of shelter, food and camouflage to animal and bird life.

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reland’s 3000 km coastline supports over 250 of the world’s 12,000 seaweed species, or marine macroalgae, classified into red (Rhodophyta), green (Chlorophyta) and brown (Phaeophyceae). Growing on rocks in the inter-tidal and the sub-littoral zones, and in deeper water, attached by root-like holdfasts to the rocks, seaweeds are immersed in sea-water or submerged for hours between tides. Here they photosynthesise, using the sun’s energy to convert the phytoplankton absorbed from sea-water into food and energy.

In Ireland, several species are used commercially in animal feed, fertilisers, cosmetics and the manufacture of food additives such as alginates. About 15 edible species grow here, including dilisk, carrageen moss, the wracks, the kelps and the distinctive pepper dulse. Seaweeds are valued for their rich umami flavour, as well as for nutrients. Coastal dwellers traditionally believed in the health and medicinal benefits of seaweed. This belief is well-founded: seaweed is a source of plant protein, vitamins, minerals and trace elements such as, iodine, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium etc. Species containing protein, zinc and Vitamin B12, such as dilisk, can play a valuable role in vegetarian and vegan diets.

Research is ongoing to establish other health benefits and bio-availability of these nutrients.

Of course, humans are not the only species that need seaweed, as an hour spent exploring the rocky shore reveals. Seaweeds support animal and bird life, providing shelter, food, camouflage. So, the question of how we use this resource is key. Seaweed must be foraged sustainably to ensure survival of all rocky shore species. Even the dead seaweed thrown

up on the tideline by storms creates a valuable food supply for coastal invertebrates and seabirds before eventually breaking down in the waves to form phytoplankton. Local authorities use by-laws to control the removal of beach material and commercial seaweed harvesting is licensed

by DAFM. Seaweed has become the focus of attention for state agencies and others who see it as another resource to be exploited. This is discomfiting for those of us who have witnessed the negative impact of industrialisation on agriculture and fishing. Seaweed is a valuable resource. Licensing and development of the industry therefore needs to be managed in an ecologically sustainable way, not least to protect the habitat where it grows and which is part of a distinct ecosystem and ocean nutrient cycles.

Seaweeds have rather complicated sex lives, so it is important they are given time to reproduce and are not foraged during the fertile period, which varies among species.

One species we are however happy to remove entirely is Sargassum muticum (wireweed). This invasive, brought here a few decades ago with oyster spat, is spreading rapidly and grows vigorously in rock-pools, impeding the growth of native species such as ulva. It’s full of healthenhancing minerals too.

The current interest in food provenance, in shortening the link between where food is grown or produced and where it is consumed, yields benefits well beyond short-term profitability for the food industry. As we educate people in using wild food in an ecologically sound way, we increase awareness of biodiversity, environmental protection and enhance community resilience.

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FIADHÚLRA

Filí agus Fiadhúlra! ˜ Ailbhe Ó Monacháin

An portach i lár an Earraigh,

le caoinchead Tina Claffey

“Anois teacht an Earraigh beidh an lá ag dul chun síneadh, Is tar éis na Féil’ Bríghde árdóchad mo sheól…..”

Seans gur sin na línte filíochta is mó a mbaintear úsáid astu le slán - más slán é - a chur leis an dúluachair, agus le léaró dóchais a chaitheamh romhainn amach in aimsir fheanntach seo na bhFaoilleach….

Ach gan a bheag a dhéanamh de dheismireacht an Reachtabhraigh, is iomaí file Gaelach eile a bhunaigh saol, saothar agus bliain mhór ar an dúlra. Ábhar atá cíortha go hacadúil cheana féin ag lucht léinn atá sa tábhacht a bhain leis an dúlra do na seanbhaird agus na cinn chomhaimseartha, ach ní mhiste mar sin féin - agus gan an ghaoth Mhárta féin síobtha thar na scoilb orainn cuimhneamh ar chomh gar is a bhí na seanfhilí don dúlra, do na séasúir agus do theile-buac shíoraí na haimsire.

I ndiaidh an iomláin, nach í an aimsir agus gach a mbaineann léithe bun agus barr achan dara comhrá a gcuirtear ceann uirthi idir an scarthanach agus an neoin bheag?

Nár dheas, mar shampla, mar a d’fhí an t-ilcheardaí ban agus ‘an seanchaí síor14

chuartaidheachta’ an dúlra isteach ina cheathrúna ceoil san amhrán Seachrán Chairn tSiadhail: “Thógfainn giumhas i dtús an Mhárta, Is bhéinn d’á stálughadh sa tSamhradh arís, Dhéanfainn coinnle ins a’ lá de, Is bhéinn ag báirseoireacht ins an oídh’e; Ghabhfainn fiadh duit i dtús an Fhóghmhair, Agus broc an chrónáin as sin go faoi; Dhéanfainn seilg ar na cnocaibh móra, Dá mbeadh na cómhghair ar mo líon.” (as an leabhar Seachrán Chairn tSiadhail curtha in eagar ag Seosamh Laoide, 1904).

Tá tagairt dheas eile don dúlra san amhrán Éirigh ’s Cuir Ort do chuid Éadaí nó Lionndubh an Phósta mar a thug an file Seán Bán Mac Grianna, as Rann na Feirste Thír Chonaill air.

Mhínigh ‘an Fear Bán’ i litir chuig cara i mBéal Feirste i 1963 gur fear a bhí san fhile, Cormac, “a bhí i ngrá le hógmhnaoi….ach ní dheachaigh leis. Níor stad sé ariamh den ghliodaíocht gur fágadh sa dol é.. B’éigean dó cailín a phósadh nach raibh grá dá laghad aige uirthi. Bhí a chroí briste!”

Oíche amháin agus é ina luí ag meabhrú ar mhian a chroí, tháinig a shearcrún cléibh chuige

ina aisling, agus d’áitigh sé uirthi go n-éalódh an bheirt acu san áit nach mbeadh ann ach iad féin agus éanacha an aeir… “s trua gan mise ’s an Niamh bheag na léigthe mílte ó chuan, Ar oileán an chlochair bhig chraobhaigh mar a dtitfeann na néalta ’n suain; An áit a mbíonn nead ag an éanlaith, an t-iolar, a’ géag ’s a’ chuach, Chuirfinnse geasa ar an Niamh bheag solas a’ lae a thabhairt uainn.”

Is iomaí sin lá a chaith Seán Bán Mac Grianna thíos fá chiumhais na mara, agus ba mhaith a thuig sé féin agus na filí eile nádúr shíoraí an dúlra… díreach mar a Théid a’ Lán Amach is Isteach: “Fásfaidh ’n bhachlóg teacht an Earraigh, Ins a’ tSamhradh beidh gach toradh i mbláthas, Seinnfidh ’n éanlaith ins na crannaibh, Ins an Fhómhar beidh gach toradh lán.

Teacht a’ Gheimhridh titfidh ’n duilliúr, Thig síon is siorradh as gach aird, Sioc is sneachta gearradh dubh na Nollag, Cha dtéid cosc le obair Dé go brách.”

B’fhéidir gurb iad na rannta is fóirsteanaí don am seo den bhliain Ceithre Ráithe na Bliana - an

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FIADHÚLRA

An fhorais i lár an Earraigh, le caoinchead Tina Claffey

Anois teacht an Earraigh, le caoinchead Tina Claffey

t-allagar idir na séasúir a chum Séamas Dall Mac Cuarta. Nach seo an t-am den bhliain a n-iarrann an tEarrach ar an Gheimhreadh éisteacht?

“A chraosaire bhréagaigh, a bhfuil casadh i d’éadan, Le feannadh, le faobhar, le sioc is le fuacht, ’S tú mhasluigheas gach aon ní dá bhfuil ar an tsaoghal seo, ’S ar áilne na gréine go gcuirfeá drochshnuadh.

Cha n-umhluighim go héag le mur ngaisge, ’s cha n-éistim, ’S mé saothróir an tsaoghail-sean, ’s a chuireas go luath.

Ní’l sé faoi’n ghréin ar bhocht mo léithid féin a theacht, ’S gur i mbárraibh mo ghéaga a ghoireas an chuach” (as Filidheacht na nGaedheal - curtha in eagar ag Pádraig Ó Canainn, 1940).

Ní mhaithfeadh an Muimhneach a choíche domh é, muna luafainn an dúil sa dúlra a bhí ag a gcuid filí focalbhácha! Agus nár dheas mar a shnaidhm siad an tírghrá leis an fhiaghrá?

“Ar m’éirghe domh ar maidin, Grian an tSamhraidh a’ taithneamh, Chuala an uaill dá casadh, Is ceol binn na n-éan; Bruic is míolta gearra, Creabhair na ngoba bhfada, Fuaim ag an macalla Is lámhach gunnaí tréan;

Ceithre ráithe na bliana in aon lá amháin, le

caoinchead Tina Claffey

An sionnach ruadh ar an gcarraig, Míle liúgh ag marcaigh, Is bean go dubhach ‘san mbealach Ag áireamh a cuid géadh; Anois tá an choill dá gearradh; Triallfaimíd thar caladh, ’Sa Sheáin Uí Dhuibhir an Ghleanna Tá tú gan géim” agus nárbh fhurast an Chluain Mhuimhneach a chur ar an té a shílfeadh gur fá bhólacht amháin a bhí An Druimfhionn Donn Dílis?

“A Dhruimfhionn donn dílis, A shíoda na mbó, Cá ngabhann tú san oíche ’S cá mbíonn tú sa ló?

Bímse ar na coillte Is mo bhuachaill im chómhair, Agus d’fhág sé siúd mise Ag sileadh na ndeor”. (an dá théacs as Filidheacht na nGaedheal curtha in eagar ag Pádraig Ó Canainn, 1940).

Is í mo dhúil go maithfidh an léitheoir domh pilleadh ar na filí Ultacha. As a grá do dhúlra a ceantar dúchais a chum Sinéad Nic Mhaongail Ceol Loch Aoidh. Dán moltach atá ann ar áit i bparóiste Inis Caoil i nGaeltacht Dhún na nGall ar a dtugtar Loch Fhia go hoifigiúil anois: “Tá dhá oileán ar an loch bheag seo Comh deas is tá in Éirinn Bídh an lach ’s an ghé is nead acu Faoi thom-bhláth gorm fraochlaidh; Go mbfhearr liom bheith ag iasgaireacht

Breac gheal uirthi sa tséasúr, Ná bheith i gcaisleán thall i Sasanaibh Ag na huaisle uilg ar féasta.” (as Dhá Chéad de Cheoltaibh Uladh - curtha in eagar ag hÉnrí Ó Muirgheasa, 1934).

Luaigh mé níos luaithe filíocht agus fiadhúlra mar ábhar tráchtais, ach sin do lá nó do shéasúr eile!

Ach gheall mé fosta nach ndéanfainn a bheag d’Antaine Chill Aodáin agus ó tharla gur leis a thoisigh mé an siabhrán fil-dhúlra seo, is leis a chríochnód!

Ainneoin gur cheil an galar breac radharc na súl air óna óige, ba mhór a ghrá don dúlra sa taobh tíre i ndeisceart na Gaillimhe inar chaith sé bunús a shaoil... agus ba seo go díreach mar a bhreac ár gcéad Uachtarán a chuid línte ina bhailiúchán i 1933: “Is aoibhinn aerach ar thaoibh an tsléibhe Agus tú a’ féachaint ar Bhail’-Uí-Liagh, Ag siúbhal sna gleanntaibh ‘baint chnó agus sméara. ’S geall ceileabhar éan ann le ceoltaibh sidhe.

Cia’n bhrigh san méid sin go bhfáightheá léargus Ar bhláth na gcraébh atá le n-a thaoibh, Ní’l maith d’á sheunadh a’s ná ceil ar aenne, ’Sí spéir na gréine agus grádh mo chroidhe.”

(Abhráin agus Dánta an Reachtabhraigh curtha in eagar ag Dubhglas de hÍde, 1933) Mar sin de, an tEarrach seo agus sibh ag siúl cois abhann nó fá choillte deas na gcnó, cuirigí cóta seascair fileata ar raon bhur súl!

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BRANCH FOCUS

Across Country THE LATEST UPDATES FROM

the

News and updates from IWT branches across Ireland.

Belclare Turlough & Knockma Woods

by Dan Connell, Galway Branch

Designated as a proposed Natural Heritage Area, Belclare Turlough lies around 4.5km south west of Tuam, Co Galway. The triangular-shaped turlough appears every year below the hill of Knockacarrigeen on which Belclare village is situated.

While typically no standing water is evident during the summer months, during the winter months the site usually covers around 100 acres; although it has also been known to swell up to more than 120 acres, dependant on the extent of seasonal flooding. Belclare is an area of local or regional importance in north east Galway for 14 species of waterfowl, including whooper swan, golden plover, and Greenland white-fronted goose; all of which are species listed in Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive.

Collectively, around 37 different bird species were observed on the day, including large flocks of lapwings, green-winged teal, widgeons and Greenland white-fronted geese. Although IWTG cannot claim to be there for their arrival, with the help of local birdwatchers present among our group, we were at least able to provide the first official records of the presence of golden plover at the Turlough in 2019, which was a great boon for all involved.

We also witnessed a pair of kestrels and

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a sparrowhawk, respectively, attempting to predate on some of the smaller wader birds; which made for some exciting moments of flurried evasive-activity on the part of the lapwings in particularly.

Knockma Nature Reserve, located 11km west of Tuam, consists of mixed broadleaved woodland, limestone pavement and hazel scrub. The woodland range is situated on a steep rise with an elevation of over 550ft and is possibly the highest point in the local countryside; measuring 50m at the base of the hill, rising to 167m.

Within the semi-natural woodland itself, native oak (both pedunculate and sessile) and ash trees are surrounded by non-native beech, sycamore and douglas fir, with an understory of bramble, ivy and hawthorn.

Sadly, we noted that the site suffers increasingly, to greater or lesser extents in various parts, from invasive-species such as cherry laurel and rhododendron.

Despite this, the site remains deeply evocative. Partly due to the hill’s long association with fairy folk-lore. Knockma is rumoured to be the place where Finvarra, the King of the Connacht Faeries holds court, while some believe Queen Maeve of Connacht is buried in one of the lateMesolithic cairns archaeologist have discovered spread across the summit.

With regards to facts we can substantiate, during our biodiversity walk, 21 species of birds were recorded, including jay, goldcrest, linnets, meadow pipit, and

sparrowhawk. Whether it was the same sparrowhawk observed at nearby Belclare remains unconfirmed. As are reports that on an earlier visit to Knockma woods in 2018 made by a member of the group, a greater-spotted woodpecker was seen perched in the trees.

One resurging species certainly known to now inhabit Knockma is the pine marten, with increased sightings recorded each year.

We did not record one on our walk sadly, nor did we witness any of the bat species known to frequent the woodlands – pipistrelles, leisler, and long-eared – being the wrong time of day and wrong time of year for that unfortunately. As such, the Galway Branch is planning to return to Knockma to lead bat walks in the summer months, and to the Turloughs to conduct botanicals surveys later in spring when the water recedes.

The Galway Branch day trip to Belclare,

credit John Smyth

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NORTHWEST

Notes Northwest From the

Return of the Reds

by Lindsay Hodges

Red squirrel, credit Christine Cassidy

January 1st, 10am, we find ourselves in an isolated woodland, as part of a twice-weekly pilgrimage to top up red squirrel feeding stations and check cameras to monitor how these special animals are doing. The woodland is just one across the North West where numbers of red squirrels are slowly beginning to increase, their return a welcome success story. The same cautious progress is happening in all counties across the North, spearheaded by dedicated conservation groups and initiatives to highlight the plight of native reds.

While thankfully the translation from the original story that Cinderella’s slippers were made of red squirrel pelt morphed over time to mean glass ones instead, the fate of red squirrels is more nightmare than fairy tale. The relentless spread of invasive grey squirrels has become a threat so grave that reds have been driven to the point of extinction. Their ability to eat cones, nuts and seeds ‘in the green’ and

to strip food supplies completely leaves nothing for reds.

For volunteers, the word which first comes to mind is devotion, something so magical about red squirrels that inspires a willingness to do everything to save them. This involves regular provision of food to stabilise little colonies and the culling of greys when found.

Without culling, their growth would rise unchecked and with it, the final eradication of the remaining reds. So today is another act of defiance and defence.

We top up feeders in several locations and then check the first site for visitors. They have already found their secret santas have left a rich selection of nuts and seeds. When the first appears, tail flicking and body a quiver, it never fails to uplift. There is a hardy band of at least five at this site, each with their own personalities and foraging styles. From the white-tipped tail, the black ear-tufted, the tuftless, the muddy-

nosed and the bleach-blond highlights, they are in good shape going into 2019. One noses open the feeding box and rummages, then sits delicately, turning a hazelnut three times over in its slender hands before springing head first down the tree. Some travel qood distances to bury their cache, others stay closer to the food source. Cheeky mud-nose watches from behind a tree as others work and then casually scampers over and unearths the stash.

Across Derry there are small but stable populations. The threat remains high – both from the continued presence of greys and also from ongoing battles with planners over the fate of historic woodlands. But coming into the breeding season, this little group are safe, secure and well fed. Hopefully in the months ahead, the cameras will witness a new generation taking their first steps into this difficult world and in time, perhaps not just surviving, but thriving. Iora Rua, our brave red warriors.

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WILD IDEAS

Scotland’s

KELP BATTLE Tipperary Woman, Edel Walsh, reports on the campaign to protect vital kelp supplies in her adopted home, Ullapool

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n August 2018 a company called Marine Biopolymers (MBL) launched a scoping report seeking a licence to dredge for the kelp (Laminaria hyperborea) along large swathes of Scotland’s west coast. Mechanical dredging happens when a 3-4m wide dredgehead with metal teeth tears kelp up by the holdfast, killing the plant. Any species that rely on it are either mangled or rendered homeless.

MBL planned to dredge up to 34,000 tonnes of kelp from the sea bed per annum. They had big ambitions, stating that kelp dredging could be the start of a “significant industry” in Scotland. Based on modelling, it’s estimated that the dredged kelp would amount to approximately 15% of Scotland’s kelp crop.

However, other attempts to model the extent of the various species of kelp have varied considerably. The intended product range for which MBL needed the plant’s stipe included eco-friendly bioplastics such as cosmetics, Gaviscon, riot shields and cancer drugs.

The importance of kelp cannot be overstated. Quite simply, nothing

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WILD IDEAS

LE can replace the ecosystem services that it provides. Residing at the bottom of the food chain, kelp forests are among the most productive ecosystems on earth. One Norwegian study (Christy et al 2003) found 238 species living on kelp with an average of 8,000 individuals per plant - one plant was discovered to be home to a whopping 80,000 individuals.

Kelp is a major player in the battle to ameliorate climate breakdown.

Kelp forests occur in cold, nutrient-rich waters and absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide in order to grow.

Kelp forests prevent and alleviate damage caused by flooding and storm events, altering water motion and providing a buffer against storm surges through wave dampening and attenuation and by reducing the velocity of breaking waves. In doing so, they ‘reduce coastal erosion and the movement of sand and pebbles from adjacent beaches’. This is hugely important for many of Scotland’s low-lying islands along the Outer Hebrides where coastal erosion is already an issue.

Kelp buffers the rising acidity in our waters which is caused by global

Ailsa McLellan in the sea, credit David Hayes

warming. Dying and drifting kelp may sequester more carbon than all other marine plants and per acre these ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems absorb twenty times more atmospheric CO2 than terrestrial forests (according to a study by Jensen and Duarte, 2016). Alarmingly, rising sea temperatures are already causing the range of kelp to shrink.

Scotland’s coastal kelp forests have been described as among the most dynamic and biodiverse habitats on the planet. They host a vast array of life including commercially important fish and shellfish species, otters, sea birds, seals and humans.

There’s the obvious reliance of Scotland’s fishermen and food producers on the marine food chain such as Atlantic cod, pollock, coley, crab and lobster. Additionally, wildlife tourism such as sport fishing, diving, tour boats and wildlife watching is a growing and lucrative industry along Scotland’s west coast. A number of studies calculated that the leisure and recreation industries directly reliant on coastal marine biodiversity contribute more than £11 billion to the UK economy annually. All rely on a healthy and vibrant marine environment.

MBL’s plans were underway for around eight years. During this period they received active encouragement from individuals within Marine Scotland, almost £500 million in funding from Scottish Enterprise and assistance from public bodies including Scottish Natural Heritage.

Shockingly, the first time coastal communities heard about these plans was two weeks prior to the deadline for responses to the scoping report.

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WILD IDEAS

Views from the Northwest Highlands, credit Edel Walsh

Ailsa McLellan, marine scientist, seaweed picker and oyster farmer lives in Ullapool in Scotland’s Northwest Highlands. Believing it unacceptable that anyone would seek to destroy something that stands between the planet and climate breakdown, she commenced a massive campaign, with her social media activities gathering immediate momentum. An online petition to Roseanna Cunningham, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform garnered over 23,000 signatures. McLellan contacted west coast businesses and over 200 of them signed a letter to the minister asking that kelp dredging not be allowed. Signatories included the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Association, the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers, major seafood exporters, restaurants and wildlife tourism operators. Overall, Marine Scotland received an unprecedented 2,350 written responses.

Luckily, there was a stroke of timely good fortune during this period.

A review of Scotland’s Crown Estate Bill was underway looking at reform of the body tasked with managing Scotland’s assets. A supportive Green MSP, Mark Ruskell, requested an amendment that kelp could only be harvested under existing measures. These measures are strict rules stipulated by the Crown Estate whereby no individual plant can be killed, the habitat must not be altered and all bi-catch must be recorded. The amendment was successful and incorporated properly into the Crown Estate Bill as legislation. It is important to note that kelp dredging has not been banned - it had never been allowed in the first place.

MBL have not given up and continue to lobby and press their case. They rail against the term “dredge”, preferring to describe their proposed activities as the gentler-sounding “combing”. They claim that the “ban” has cost the Scottish economy £300 million.

Despite their assertions, they are unable to explain how their processes save carbon.

Marine Scotland is due to launch a review of how seaweed is harvested later in the year. McLellan says it is imperative that this 20

Ailsa McLellan examining oysters, credit David Hayes

review is independent, objective, and critical and takes into account the impacts of kelp dredging on the fishing industry and the environment in places where it already happens, such as Norway and Brittany. She is concerned that no pilot study should be allowed to go ahead with ‘adaptive management’ in place as in reality they believe that this would mean that a precedent had been set and dredging had already begun as an industry.

There is cause for concern. Current breaches in the very few areas that are closed to scallop dredging off Scotland’s west coast have shown that Marine Scotland hasn’t the capacity to regulate or prosecute those that do not stick to the rules.

The story is certainly not over. However, it is a testament to one woman’s successful efforts to galvanize an often conflicted cross-section of interested parties in one of the most remote areas of Europe, and her absolute refusal to allow the destruction of what is regarded by many as one of the most essential building blocks of life under the sea.

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Competition

COMPETITION

We’re offering Irish Wildlife readers the chance to win one of two fantastic books!

The Sea Garden – A Guide to Seaweed Cookery and Foraging

by Marie Power The Sea Garden is a smart little pocketbook with all the information needed for using seaweed in everyday cookery, in the garden and in skincare. The top ten edible species of seaweed on the Irish coast are described with attractive colour photographs and drawings to aid identification and help the first-time forager to find what they need. There are lots of recipes – sweet, savoury and snacks – as well as guidance for drying and storing, health benefits and beauty therapy. Seaweed is known as a health food and contains high levels of protein, B and C vitamins and other micro-nutrients, of which the body requires small quantities. The Sea Garden shows how dilisk, carrageen, sleabhcan, kelp etc can be incorporated into the Irish diet. There’s also a chapter on rocky shore ecology, explaining the source of this food – essential Fiche amhrán faoi na ceithre shéasúr in aon leabhar aoibhinn for sustainable foraging. amháin!

Bliain na nAmhrán by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin

Is leabhar iontach ar fad é seo, idir mhaisiúcháin, cheol, amhrán aíocht agus leagan amach – Inis Magazine This multimedia collection offers a special aesthetic experience – CBI Book of the Year Judges ’ Panel

Futa Fata, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe, Éire. www.futafata.ie

Futa Fata

istig

CD

h

n

side

i

ag ceol!

Bliain na nAmhrán – The Year of Song - is a beautiful book Bíaccompanied by a CD with fun songs about the four seasons of the year. From the blooming of spring, through the joys of summer and the coziness of autumn, all the way to the playfulness of winter, the lyrics from the songs are beautiful and fun. A thoroughly entertaining experience! With music from Kathleen Chualáin and children from Connemara & Scoil Sailearna and illustrations

by Tarsila Krüse (cover and autumn), Brian Fitzgerald (summer), Christina O’Donovan (spring) and Jennifer Farley (winter).

We have one copy of The Sea Garden – A Guide to Seaweed Cookery and Foraging and two copies of Bliain na nAmhrán to give away. To be in with a chance to win, just answer the following question: In what county is Mount Briscoe Organic Farm?

Please send your answer along with your name and address as well as the title of your preferred book to iwteditor@gmail.com by the 30th of April 2019.

Winter ’18 Winners: In our winter issue we gave our readers the chance to win copies of Ireland’s Seashore: A Field Guide by Lucy Taylor and Emma Nickelson and Dr Hibernica’s Compelling Compendium of Irish Animals by Aga Grandowicz and Rob Maguire.

The question asked was: What tree is on the national flag of Lebanon?

The answer was: Lebanese Cedar.

The winners are: Marian Balfe, Clonrollagh, Co Longford. (Dr. Hibernica’s Compelling Compendium of Irish Animals) and Marie Power, Co Waterford and Eamon Killian, Co Kildare (Ireland’s Seashore: A Field Guide).

Congratulations and many thanks to all who entered!

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FEATURE

FRIEND OR FOE Barn owl in flight, credit Mike Brown

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f a barn owl was to fly inches from your head on a still night, you wouldn’t hear a thing. Its wings, measuring approximately 100125cm in full span - about the length of a small child’s outstretched arms - are completely noiseless in flight, a handy evolutionary tool that allows it to sneak silently up on unassuming prey.

As discreet as its flight, however, the same cannot be said for its call, best described as a blood-curdling shriek. The chilling nature of these vocalizations, heard exclusively at night, has led barn owls to be associated with death and the other-worldly in many cultures. This is also the case in Ireland. The word for barn owl in Irish is scréachóg reilige, meaning “screecher in the graveyard.”

The legend of the Banshee - the fairy women who sings outside homes in lament of the dead - is also thought to be linked to the species; if you have ever heard a barn owl screech in the woods in the dead of night, it’s not hard to imagine why.

Nora Ward examines how roads provide both opportunities and great dangers to barn owls in Ireland, who unlike their neighbours in the UK, regularly nest in close proximity to roadsides.

THREATS TO BARN OWLS IN IRELAND According to some estimates, the barn owl population in Ireland has decreased by 50% in the last 25 years. Scientists estimate that there are only approximately 400-500 breeding pairs left in the country. While catching a glimpse of the distinctive heartshaped face of a barn owl was once a somewhat regular occurrence, the chances of spotting one now are increasingly rare.

The reason for the decline is likely due to a combination of factors, John Lusby, a Raptor Conservation Officer in Birdwatch Ireland, says,“Like other farmland birds, such as the corncrake and curlew, barn owls have not fared well in the changing agricultural landscape.” The intensification of farming methods, including a change from hay to silage, tillage loss, and a reduction of hedgerows, has resulted in less foraging habitats for barn owls and may be having an impact on the species as a whole.

An increase of rodenticide use may also explain the drop-off, researchers say.

Rodenticides are commonly used as a form of pest control in Ireland and usually enter the systems of barn owls indirectly through the consumption of poisoned rodents, as well as directly through baits. Research

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conducted by Birdwatch Ireland found that 87% of the owls they tested had rodenticides in their system. Rodenticides can be lethal to barn owls when consumed in significant quantities. As many rodenticides are anticoagulants, they prevent blood clotting which can cause the owls to bleed to death internally. The length of time it takes for an owl to die can vary considerably. Research from the UK revealed that it can be anywhere from one to three weeks for a barn owl to die after eating three mice poisoned with Bordifcoum, a rodenticide used in the UK and Ireland. There are also not-yet-answered questions about the effects of non-lethal doses of the toxins on barn owls, with some concern that the consumption of rodenticides - even if doesn’t kill the individual - could affect breeding and hunting success.

THE IMPACTS OF ROADS These are not the only threats facing barn owls, however. A recent study led by Lusby in association with Birdwatch Ireland and funded by the National Roads Authority indicates that death due to car collision may be another significant factor in the decline of barn owls.

For almost ten years, from 2008-2017, the research team involved in the project, along with volunteers, scoured roadsides for owl carcasses and enlisted the help of the public to notify them if and when they came across a body. Regular surveys were carried on the Tralee bypass and the M8 motorway due to these roads being identified as potential hotspots for barn owl road casualties. The researchers found that road collisions were by far the most common causes of mortality for barn owls in Ireland, accounting for over two-thirds of all deaths. Barn owls were also the most common raptor to be hit by cars, and, along with the blackbird, the third most common bird species found dead on roads.

The data suggests that barn owls are especially vulnerable to cars and major road networks, a finding that corresponds with

“Barn owls were also the most common raptor to be hit by cars, and, along with the blackbird, the third most common bird species found dead on roads”

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Michael O'Clery conducting road casualty

survey on the Tralee bypass, credit John Lusby Home range of Camp Male, Co Kerry, 2017

Barn owl on Tralee bypass, credit Ed Carty

similar studies in other countries. The researchers think that the reason for this disproportionate impact of roads is due to the barn owl's poor peripheral vision, as well as its tendency to fly low to the ground while searching for prey.

AN UNUSUAL PARADOX Although most of the report’s findings are in accord with studies done elsewhere, the data also reveals some strange patterns.

While research from other areas show that barn owls tend to avoid roads, this does not seem to be the case in Ireland. Unlike in the UK, for example, where nesting sites are usually found far away from major road networks, data from this project reveals that there are numerous nest sites close to roads. Moreover, as part of the Birdwatch Ireland report, the researchers tagged individuals with GPS transmitters and found that many of the owls regularly crossed back and forth across roads, thus

showing no clear signs of avoidance.

This data suggests that roads could, in fact, be advantageous to owls, at the same time as they present a serious hazard, according to Lusby. “High numbers of birds are killed on the major roads we looked at, but at the same time, we also found that adult birds can nest in close proximity to major roads and that birds associated with these nests encounter, cross and hunt on these major roads on a frequent and even nightly basis,” he says. “It’s possible that roads have an ecological benefit for barn owls,” he adds.

The researchers don’t quite know the reason for this anomaly, but Lusby suspects that the barn owls might be attracted to roadside verges because they provide good foraging conditions and an abundance of prey, like small rodents. However, the concentration of owls on roadside verges might also indicate that there are degraded habitats and a shortage of prey elsewhere, he says. The researchers found, for example,

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“It may very well be that roadside verges are more attractive to barn owls in the Irish landscape due to the nature of the surrounding landscape and habitat conditions.”

Barn owl in ash tree nest, credit Mike Brown

that the owls in Ireland have a much bigger home range than barn owls in the UK and other parts of Europe, suggesting that those in Ireland have to fly further looking for food in a scarcer environment. “It may very well be that roadside verges are more attractive to barn owls in the Irish landscape due to the nature of the surrounding landscape and habitat conditions,” he explains.

While more research is needed regarding the factors that influence barn owl interaction with roads, it is clear that habitat quality and foraging conditions away from roads must be improved, according to Lusby. Providing

more rough grassland with shelter for rodents is a crucial part of that.

Moreover, because roadside verges seem to be providing important foraging ground for the owls, making sure that the biological integrity of these areas is maintained is another key focus.

THE FARMER’S FRIEND Despite the sense of uncertainty still hovering over the status of barn owls in Ireland, and the need for future conservation measures that might combat, and understand, the negative impacts of roads, Lusby says

that he finds hope in the enthusiasm and fondness the Irish public seems to hold for this magnetic creature.

“The response from the general public and the farming community on this project has been phenomenal,” he states. “Without them, our understanding of barn owls wouldn’t be where it is now.”

It helps, he admits, to work with an iconic species so central to the Irish imagination. “It is clear that barn owls are still very much regarded as the farmer’s friend... and held on a pedestal in that regard,” he concludes.

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EXPLORING WILDLIFE

THE WONDER OF WILD GEESE

Light-bellied brent geese, Credit Martina Caplice

Gordon D’Arcy marvels at how wild geese can transform an otherwise dreary landscape.

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f all our birds, geese have had a particularly hard time from humans. Domestically reared geese are prepared for the pot in droves, especially at Christmas. On the continent where foie gras is a culinary specialty, geese continue to be cruelly abused. Until relatively recently, wild geese were hunted in our bogs and wetlands for the same end. It has been their downfall that they are good to eat.

For the many who have admired geese in the wild, the idea of reducing them to a mere food item is unthinkable. Wildfowlers who have ‘given up the gun’ talk nostalgically of wild goose magic - how geese appeal both to the senses and the heart. Some of this must be due to their capacity to transform an otherwise dour habitat into a vibrant avian theatre; a boggy expanse, a grey wetland, or a bleak estuary is wonderfully enlivened by the presence of geese. The exuberant bleating of airborne skeins resonates with us in a singularly pleasing fashion

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EXPLORING WILDLIFE

Brent geese,

credit Christine Cassidy

Brent geese at Lough Foyle, Co Derry, credit Christine Cassidy

Six ringed greylag, credit Christine Cassidy

and a sky inscribed with their wavering lines – wild goose ‘writing’ – a kind of indecipherable tundra language.

Every winter, about 2000 barnacle geese from Greenland’s breeding grounds assemble in a wide coastal pasture at Lissadell in Sligo.

A commodious bird-hide on stilts allows terrific views of these otherwise shy birds.

Strikingly patterned in silver-grey, black and white with creamy faces, the flock resembles a convention of nuns, an impression emphasized by their constant low cackling.

When disturbed, the entire flock takes to the air in an extraordinary cacophony. At dusk the entire company vacates their field heading off in clamouring squadrons in the direction of Inishmurray. ‘Barnies’ are both scarce and elusive in Ireland. Until they depart in April, the Lissadell site offers a unique observational opportunity for goose-watchers.

The white-fronted goose also comes to us from Greenland, once widespread winter visitors to Ireland. As a consequence of widespread wetland drainage, bog exploitation and hunting pressure, most of the national population – some 10,000 birds – now pass the winter in the safe reclaimed estuarine land of the Wexford Slobs. With their white forehead ‘fronts’ and black belly patches these brownish geese are distinctive, but they lack the visual glamour of their Greenland neighbours. The high-pitched yelping of the flock in the air, although like the excited noise of children in a playground, is incomparable.

Watching skein after skein of the geese arriving from their overnight roost in Wexford Harbour, filling the air with their yelping is an unforgettable experience.

Pink footed goose drawing,

credit Gordon D’Arcy

Brent geese,

credit Christine Cassidy

The smallest of our geese, the brent geese, comes to us from Arctic Canada - a two-way trip of more than 4000km. The annual November assembly of some 15,000 birds on the mudflats of Strangford Lough is something to behold.

Before dispersal to other coastal habitats they gather to feed on the abundant supplies of eel grass available at low tide on the mudflats. No bigger than large ducks, brent geese are both dumpy and dusky. Their white rear end and a small white neck-mark are the only notable features. On the ground and in the air they call with a low grumbling, quite unlike any of our other geese. Before their prodigious migrations became known, they were considered to be sea produce, from goose barnacles. As fish therefore (rather than fowl), they could be eaten on Fridays and during Lent! Once relentlessly hunted by punt-gunners, brent geese now enjoy protection throughout the country.

Our largest goose, the greylag, is easily identified.

Large grey wing-patches (hence the name) and a large orange bill are the distinguishing features.

Wary of humans, they are invariably difficult to approach. When disturbed or going to roost,

greylags call with loud confused honkings, reminiscent of farmyard geese. They come to us from Iceland in moderate numbers. Their flocks, scattered around the country on river callows and open farmland near water rarely exceed a few hundred individuals. A regular wintering location is at Broad Lough in Wicklow. In recent years permanent feral flocks have been established on Lough Erne and elsewhere though prior to the advent of their exploitation wild greylags are known to have bred on some of our bogs.

The pink-footed goose, a widespread and abundant winter visitor to Scotland, is strangely scarce here. Others such as the various Canada goose species and snow geese (also from Canada), are rare visitors. According to 19th century ornithologists such as William Thompson, the bean goose, now a rare visitor, occurred here. Reassessment of historical reports, however, suggest that they may have been erroneous given the potential for confusion with young white-fronts, which they resemble.

Wild geese, whatever the species, have an undoubted capacity to charge our wildest places with their particular magic. With the drainage and reclamation of so many of our bogs and other wetlands we are fortunate indeed to still have our geese flocks to inspire and uplift the spirit.

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SPRING FOCUS

Food for Thought Billy Flynn discusses the finding of a recent report from The Lancet, highlighting the “catastrophic” effect the overconsumption of meat is having on the environment and what we can do to make a difference.

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e’s been criticised for his flamboyant socks, his taste in films, and now the reported diet of our Taoiseach is under fire. Recently, Leo Varadkar told a gathering of Fine Gael party members that as part of his personal actions toward climate change mitigation, he was “trying to eat less meat.” He did also state that part of the rationale for his planned reduced meat consumption was for health reasons. As he’s a medical doctor, as well as our Prime Minister, that’s surely fair enough. However, he was most likely unprepared for the media storm that followed.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Association president, Patrick Kent,

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SPRING FOCUS

Dairy cows, credit Pádraic Fogarty.

described his comments as “reckless in the extreme.” The Irish Farmers’ Association president, Joe Healy, said that the Taoiseach’s remarks were “disappointing,” and president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Pat McCormack, said that Varadkar’s timing “couldn’t be worse.” On the floor of the Dáil, the opprobrium continued from a number of quarters. Most colourfully perhaps, from Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae, who said, “people that are suggesting that we should give up eating meat…never did a day’s work.” Even party colleagues called on the Taoiseach to withdraw the remark as it would be damaging to the beef industry.

Quicker than you can say bouef tartare, our bold leader was off to a steak restaurant with some party faithfuls and proclaimed to our country’s parliament that he had a nice steak (Hereford, if you really need to know) the night before. This no doubt helped to fuel the back-pedal that he was required to continue over the next day or so.

But here’s the thing: he was right, and now everyone knows he was right. This very same week, the foremost British medical journal The Lancet produced an unusual article that said (among many other things) reducing our consumption of meat is hugely important - not just for our health but also for the global environment. The article - a joint effort by the Norwegian think-tank EAT, scientists and medical doctors - calls for a massive, near-complete overhaul of the way we eat in order to protect ourselves and the planet from catastrophic harm.

The global food system is broken, says the EAT-Lancet report.

While there are nearly a billion people going hungry and around two billion with deficient diets, there are over two billion people overweight or obese. Unhealthy diets are more dangerous in terms of morbidity or mortality than “unsafe sex, alcohol, drug and tobacco use combined,” according to the report. Aside from the impacts on human health, the human diet is causing “catastrophic” damage to our planet, the authors warn. This will hardly come as breaking news to those who keep an eye on environmental issues but the report starkly states that food production is “the largest source of environmental degradation.”

It has long been said that ‘you are what you eat’ but now it seems clear that we have been eating beyond our means and that of our planet too. In perhaps the strongest terms yet, this report lays out what we need to do and not do if we are to hope to achieve sustainability. Tim Lang of City of London University – one of the report authors – says, “The food we eat and how we produce it determines the health of people and the planet.” But we are getting it badly wrong, says Lang and we are now in a “catastrophic” situation. He says that a significant overhaul, one that changes the global food system on a scale not seen before, is needed. He does say, somewhat hearteningly, that while this sort of change is unprecedented and requires traveling in uncharted policy waters, that “this goal is within reach and there are opportunities to adapt international, local and business policies.”

If this kind of rhetoric sounds familiar, it is because it is. These are the terms that we have been hearing about our global and national responses to climate change. But this is different. Maybe the solution to the looming crisis is within our reach. The horror of impending climate chaos can make the bravest and most optimistic of us feel powerless. What can we do in the face of ever- growing human energy consumption and burgeoning emissions?

We can all, however, change what we eat. A more cheerful aspect of the EAT-Lancet report is that changing what we eat can have significant and immediate benefits. We will need to drastically reduce our meat intake, starting now. The author heard a commentator saying in an interview that the weekly allowance of meat we should be eating would make up one hamburger, roughly 7g per day. This wouldn’t trouble any of the growing number of vegetarians among us. Last year, An Bord Bia estimated that 8% of Irish people are now vegetarian.

A major UK supermarket this year announced changes to their ordering based on 12% (one in eight) of their customers being veggie and this number looks likely to continue growing. Another saw a growth of 25% of demand for their vegan chilled foods.

Dairy might be a sticking point for many. We do like our milk in this country, not to mention our butter and cheese. In the diet recommended by EAT-Lancet, we would consume 250g of all dairy products per day. Breaking news if you like eggs: with only three eggs allowed per fortnight, your omelettes will be thin on this regime.

While this all sounds rather grim, it does make you think that if it is possible to gain all the calories you need from far less harmful (plantbased) sources, shouldn’t you be doing this anyway? All ecological considerations aside, it’s much, much healthier for you. While we might bemoan the negative impacts of being a modern consumer, we definitely all have the choice we want when it comes to access to healthier things like vegetables. When you consider that two billion people never have access to that much nutrition, it doesn’t sound like such an effort to make a positive impact, for a change.

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WILD SPACES

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The lower lighthouse and Seal’s Cove, credit Martina Caplice

hours the world at the edge of

Martina Caplice gives a vivid account of 24 hours spent on Skellig Michael.

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WILD SPACES

“Above me the majesty of the Milky Way stretches and a bright moon illuminates the ocean”

Puffin, credit Martina Caplice

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n summer 2018 I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work on Skellig Michael, one of Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Few people are permitted to spend more than a handful of hours visiting this early medieval monastic site.

Skellig Michael is a twin-peakead crag of old red sandstone and compressed slate that stands proudly in the Atlantic Ocean, 11.6km off Bolus Head, on the Iveragh Peninsula’s western most tip, in Co Kerry. It was once thought to be the last point of land, an island at the edge of the world. This harsh outcrop, where Christian monks created a unique monastery and hermitage, showcases the pure and raw connection once held between religion and nature.

The following is my account of 24 hours at the edge of the world.

My morning begins with the familiar shrill ‘cheep cheep cheep’ of my alarm. Although it’s not an alarm at all, but the resident herring gull chick sitting outside my window, calling for his breakfast of mussels and fish. I look out the window at him and the waves crashing against the flanks of Skellig Michael. Beyond is the blue grey swell of the Atlantic Ocean. I climb down from my bunk and open the door to view the wall of cliff, seagulls and puffins that rises above my cabin. The musty smell of guano fills the air in this awe inspiring cultural landscape where the works of man and nature combine.

Today I am climbing South Peak, the highest point of the island, 218m above sea level. In order to get there I must first ascend 600 treads of the south steps which lead to the U-shaped valley in the centre of the island know as Christ’s Saddle. The journey up is breath-taking. On either side of the stone stairs are swards of sea campion and thrift, pocked with burrows where puffins and Manx shearwaters nest. As I make my way up these ancient steps I am greeted by puffins calling with sounds of something between a moo and a motorbike. These wonderful birds are everywhere. They are under the steps, in the vegetation, on all the rocks and even tumbling clumsily down the slopes as they take flight towards the ocean.

At Christ’s Saddle I diverge from the path frequented by Skellig’s usual visitors and I don my safety harness, ready to climb. As I hug the Devonian rock surface, fulmars circle nearby, curious to see why I am high up on their pinnacle. Their nest sites are dotted all over, some still containing fluffy grey chicks. Once at the summit I can understand why the monks and seabirds chose

Moonlight view of Skelig Michael, credit Martina Caplice

this place as their home, both man and bird soaking in the island’s peaceful isolation.

During the descent I overlook one of Skellig’s two lighthouses as well as Seal Cove. Here a grey seal has come to enjoy Skellig’s spa, bathing in the bubbles of the crashing waves. Skellig Michael is home to a few mammal species which adds to the overall diversity of the island. Rabbits and house mice are also found here, both thought to be introduced with the arrival of the lighthouse keepers in the 19th century.

After my descent I return to my cabin. While making dinner I’m interrupted by a loud rapping on my door. On the ledge above me, among the white heads of sea mayweed, one of only two resident red-billed choughs is flinging stones at my cabin in search of its own dinner.

Before the sun slips away I retrace the first few steps up to where the iconic Wailing Woman stands, an outcrop of rock carved by the wind into a natural sculpture. I sit here for a while surrounded by puffins. Tranquillity can be found in watching their circular aerial displays before finally coming to roost, beaks full and glinting with silver sand eels for hungry chicks.

As evening fades and night falls I settle in to the last of my work, and eventually retire to sleep. Later that night I wake with a start. Out in the moonlight the banshee like shrieks of the Manx shearwaters can be heard as they leave the island for their nocturnal hunts. I cannot resist the urge to be out experiencing the night, and leave my cabin, torch in hand. Immediately I have bat like creatures swooping down to investigate me. These are storm petrels - another nocturnal bird species that lives in the monastery’s beehive huts during the day. Skellig Michael supports one of the world’s largest breeding populations of storm petrel and Manx shearwater. It is designated as a Special Protection Area and a Statutory Nature Reserve due to its ornithological importance.

The lack of artificial light in the night on Skellig Michael highlights its isolation and the beauty of the natural world. Above me the majesty of the Milky Way stretches and a bright moon illuminates the ocean. This magnificent sight may have left the monks as awestruck as it leaves me now, standing alone on a rock teeming with life, reaching towards the heavens at the edge of the world.

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FIELD REPORT

Monitoring and Assessing Ireland’s

Lakes & Rivers Dr Hugh Feeley from the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Unit at the Environmental Protection Agency, explains why we need to monitor and assess the effects of human activity on our rivers and lakes.

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reland is as blue as it is green. Our small island has well over 80,000km of river channels and more than 12,000 lakes. Some of these water bodies are large, covering substantial areas - like Lough Corrib and the River Shannon - while the majority are small, but no less important. In many ways, they act like the capillaries and blood vessels of the land, flowing from the high mountains to the plains and onwards, eventually reaching the sea. The intricate connection between land and water means that our streams, rivers and lakes are highly susceptible to what happens on the adjacent land area. Therefore, there is a need to monitor and assess our rivers and lakes to ensure that on-going human activities do not pollute or degrade the very waters we not only rely on daily for our drinking water, but also provide us with food, amenities, tourism and habitats for nature.

Ireland has one of the oldest river ecological monitoring programmes in Europe, having started in 1971. Since the introduction of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) in 2000, our work and legislative support has become more focused and now aims to ensure all of our rivers, lakes, groundwater sources, estuaries and coastal waters remain unpolluted and those that are polluted are returned to unpolluted conditions. Consequently, EPA ecologists visit and assess more than 13,200km of river channel (or over 2,800 individual river stations) and

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approximately 220 lakes (or 80% of lake surface area) throughout the country, at least once every three years. The day to day work of an EPA ecologist varies but our busiest seasons in the freshwater team are the summer and early autumn months. During this period the life of an EPA ecologist can be hectic, although very rewarding. Each ecologist is assigned a list of river stations and lakes to visit and assess, which is generally completed over a 10 to 12 week period starting in early June. The best part of the job is the amazing nature we see daily, and often take for granted. The wide array of life comes in all shapes and forms, from the less well-known algae, plants and invertebrates to the more charismatic fish, mammals and birds.

Every year we develop, hone and improve our ecological knowledge.

While each member of the team has a personal area of interest, I gravitate to the invertebrate fauna - especially the aquatic insects - which makes the job both rewarding and interesting.

Many of these insects have remarkable adaptions, including camouflaged pigmentation, variable life strategies and other weird and wonderful survival and reproductive tactics.

Caddisflies create elaborate cases as larvae, made from a variety of sand, gravel, stones, twigs and leaves in which they live, each constructed specifically and unique to a species or family.

Other caddisflies produce silk ‘nets’ to capture food from the flowing water. Similarly, the mayflies, stoneflies, aquatic true flies,

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damselflies, dragonflies and aquatic beetles all have interesting and diverse behaviours and adaptions. In fact, one could spend the remainder of this article, and much more, describing them!

Another interesting invertebrate found in our rivers is the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera). These amazing creatures initially live as tiny larvae that parasitize passing trout or salmon, and only become shelled adults after 7 to 15 years, in several complicated steps I won’t elaborate on.

Individuals have been known to live for over 100 years, making them Ireland’s longest living animal. They are found in many clean, lownutrient, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated, gravely rivers and are currently estimated to occur in approximately 160 rivers, and a handful of associated lakes, nationwide. Other species, such as freshwater sponges, molluscs, crustaceans, vascular plants and algae, amongst many others, are also interesting and diverse in their own ways, all contributing to the overall biodiversity of our freshwater systems, enhancing their health and informing us about their ecological quality.

Unfortunately, I write this article in the context of change. Every year the threat grows from invasive species being introduced to our freshwaters, endangering our native species and the natural balance which makes our rivers and lakes thrive. The introduction of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), for example, has been detrimental to the normal healthy

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FIELD REPORT

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functioning of so many of our lakes and rivers, with new water bodies affected each year. More recently disease has threatened our native and protected white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), resulting in 100% mortality in the affected areas, including large entire sections of the Barrow, Boyne and Suir river systems. The freshwater pearl mussel is also critically endangered in Ireland, with 90% of all freshwater pearl mussels having died out across Europe during the 20th century. Existing populations, generally found in the less densely populated, less developed, and less intensively farmed regions, are predicted to go extinct within the current generation unless drastic action and conservation efforts are undertaken.

More worryingly, the continuing increase in the number of moderately polluted rivers and the dramatic loss of our highest quality unpolluted waters since the 1980s (as highlighted by the latest EPA Water Quality Report 2017) is alarming and needs urgent attention. As human activities such as diffuse pollution from agricultural activities, poor waste water treatment infrastructure, pesticides and fine sedimentation, continue to put pressures on our freshwaters, the health and wellbeing of our environment is at stake. Their protection, restoration and enhancement is not something that should be the responsibility of the government, its agencies, or the European Union alone but the responsibility of every member of society, as we all benefit.

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1. The picturesque Owenass River, Co Laois, a tributary of the River Barrow, credit Hugh Feeley 2. A white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) from the Slate River, Co Kildare, credit Hugh Feeley 3. Hugh Feeley surveying Lough Leane, Co Kerry in summer 2017 4. Freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera) from rivers in Co Kerry, credit Hugh Feeley 5. A freshwater sponge from the Needleford Stream, Co Laois, credit Hugh Feeley 6. A caddisfly (Hydropsychidae) net which collects food from the water column and is then ingested, credit Hugh Feeley 7. A mayfly (Ephemera danica) in amongst some red algae (Batrachospermum sp.), credit Hugh Feeley 8. A caddisfly (Phryganeidae) poking out of its self-constructed case made of leaf material, credit Hugh Feeley 9. Invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on a rock from Lough Owel, Co Westmeath, credit Hugh Feeley

Contact us

Check out www.catchments.ie and @EPAEcology and @EPACatchments on twitter for more information, news and updates relating to the ongoing work within the Environmental Protection Agency.

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MEMBERS’ LETTERS

OVER TO YOU Our members have been busy exploring and making exciting discoveries this season.

We love to hear from our members, so remember to keep in touch with all your stories, photos and questions from your adventures!

Dear IWT , Just after Christmas this year my son and I travelled to Killarney National Park. Our aim was to visit some ancient pinewoods. We were joined there by some fabulous people who we follow on Twitter. We were guided to an amazing site, Dale Wood, a pine-oak-holly temperate rainforest, with some birch and a few ash. The lower trunks of the Scots pines were covered in lush growth of filmy ferns. There was a feeling of being in an ancient site. The feel good factor was made even better when one of the party spotted a gorgeous Kerry slug. This was the first time I had ever seen one of these slugs, although I had read about them and heard about them from friends. The girl who had spotted the slug told us how she had had to speak out in defence of Kerry slugs when she was in school. The slug was the topic of ridicule by teacher and pupils alike and was being much maligned as its presence was slowing/stopping planned road building plans! The slugs have a preference for high humidity and acidic soils. It feeds on certain species of lichens,mosses and liverworts.

Thankfully it is now a protected species. We saw a further two slugs once we had got our eye in for them! It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to visit this site.

With best regards , Donna Rainey, Garvagh, Co Derry

TOP TWEET from Friends of Merlin Woods (February 6th) The strength of #Galway City Development Plan 20172023 has resulted in the safeguarding of #MerlinWoods and the meadows from development An Bord Pleanála has refused permission for the development within it.

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MEMBERS’ LETTERS

Dear IWT, Although otters are shy creatures, Achill Island, Co Mayo is a very good place to see them - both in the lakes and around the coast. I saw this individual on a wet and overcast January day eating a fish on the seaweed covered shoreline at Achill Sound. When returning to the water it gave high pitched whistles, suggesting that there may be cubs nearby" FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE MONTH December winner: Robin by Lee Morrow

Regards Micheal Ó Briain, Achill, Co Mayo

TWEET QUESTION Encountered an interesting I-don’t-know-what washed up on Tramore beach this morning (from @waterfordis ) ANSWER They are goose barnacles - filter-feeding crustaceans growing on objects floating on the sea and are occasionally washed up after a storm. The Welsh historian, Giraldus Cambrensis, wrote that the barnacle goose came from oak wood drifting on the waves of the sea in Topographia Hiberniae in 1187. It was assumed that the barnacles were attached to branches before they fell into the water and English botanist, John Gerard, drew the goose barnacle tree, displaying the belief that goose barnacles created barnacle geese.This belief may have come from the fact that barnacle geese were never seen in the Summer when they were supposedly developing underwater instead of breeding in remote Artcic regions. But in 1589 Dutch sailer Geraard de Veer saw barnacle geese nesting on the island of Novaya Zamlya.

If you have a story, question, or an image you’d like to share with us, or, God forbid, even a complaint, send it to iwteditor@gmail.com Irish Wildlife Winter ‘18

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Emperor moth, credit Margaret Edgill

ON LOCATION

WILDLIFE WONDERLAND A glimpse of the wildlife at Mount Briscoe Organic farm by North Offaly farmer Margaret Edgill.

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imestone grassland is a precious wildlife habitat, supporting an unrivalled delight of wild flowers, the vast majority of which are long lived perennials, capable of withstanding summer droughts and prolonged grazing. This rich and varied flora is maintained by grazing traditional and native breeds of cattle including, Hereford, shorthorn and Irish moiled. It supports an exceptionally rich insect fauna, which in turn attracts predators.

Our farm explodes into flower in May, when yellow dominates, first with cowslips and then, horseshoe vetch and common rockrose later in the month. The common rockrose provides our bees with a valuable source of nectar and a few species of beetles and butterfly larvae feed on its foliage.

Pinks and reds dominate in June, with carpets of wild thyme, and the common spotted, fragrant and pyramidal orchids. July and August belong

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to the purples of the thistles, and the purples and blues of the common and greater knapweeds, fellwort and devil’s bit.

A whole host of grasses and sedges exist in our pastures, most especially in our traditional hay meadow, yellow rattle, plantain, meadow fescue, yarrow, timothy, wild species of red and white clover. Farmers are now encouraged to have clover in their grassland as it fixes nitrogen from the air and saves on fertiliser.

If modern agricultural practices had been adopted by my parents in the early 70s much of our rich biodiversity may have been lost. If fertility increases, many elements of the flora and fauna decline or disappear; they are outcompeted by more vigorous grasses and die out.

We are awash with frogs all year round under every stone or upturned log. We have numerous old walls, and stone buildings which surely host hibernating bats, who feed on dung beetles that breed in cow pats. They herald the arrival of long summer evenings.

Our hedgerows abound with brambles, wild roses, crab apples and whitethorn which all provide food to the diverse eco system hosted at Mount Briscoe. Our heritage orchard of standard trees supports even more habitat. The hazel and beech trees provide fruit for our healthy red squirrel population and much joy in our hearts.

The hum of bees in a horse chestnut, or any tree in full bloom provide time to wonder and rejoice.

The under story of our hardwood canopy provides garlic mustard which we make the most delicious pesto, plus our field boundaries provide the usual cow parsley, burdock and nettles. Larger birdlife includes buzzards, which we can watch swoon and land on the limbs of great trees.

Rare glimpses of the elusive pine marten is another: was it? could it? yes it was! moment and excitement for us, but not so good for our soon to be hens. The fox is always on the go, but sometimes he dares to venture out in broad day light in the middle of a harvest but the highlight of the past year was seeing my first emperor moth.

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Ag Méadú Eolas Muirí Ag Soláthair Seirbhísí Mara Building Ocean Knowledge Delivering Ocean Services

www.marine.ie

Introducing the new Irish Wildlife Trust membership card.

Please fill in your name, cut out and keep your new membership card to present at talks and other events.

Cards valid until February 28th 2020.

Your 2020 card will be printed in our 2020 spring issue.

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Membership Card 2019

Individual members, please fill in your full name. Family members, please fill in your family name. Card valid until February 28th 2020. Your 2020 card will be printed in our spring 2019 magazine. © Irish Wildlife Trust 2019.

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