Irish Wildlife Summer 2016

ISSN - 1649 - 5705 • SUMMER ‘16

IRISH MAGAZINE OF THE IRISH WILDLIFE TRUST

IRELAND’S

SIT BIE LDL FE W

MAGAZINE

Ireland’s

WILD DEER Preserving our heritage

SPOTTED IN IRELAND:

•Corncrake •Viviparous lizard • Honey bee

SCRUB BURNING

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TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE

WESTERN SANCTUARY

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Check out our new stock of premium full zip fleeces, high quality T-shirts and range of wildlife books and gifts – perfect for the nature lover in your life.

FLEECES

€30

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See our full range online at

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HAVE YOU SPOTTED

IRELAND’S

REPTILES THIS YEAR? If so then please contact us with your sighting.

It will contribute towards our National Reptile Survey.

Please send lizard and slow worm sightings with the date, location, habitat and a photo to iwtresearch@gmail.com or see

This year we are once more calling for sightings of our native viviparous lizard and the introduced slow worm.

www.iwt.ie/lizard-survey for more details.

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WELCOME

Chairperson’s Comment

ISSN - 1649 - 5705 • SUMMER ‘16

pring has finally sprung in earnest and with it co e the fa iliar signs the twittering and chattering of our igrant visitors overhead and deep within hedgerows and reedbeds the stately progression of bas ing shar s along the west coast in search of food the nightly song of the toads if you’re luc y enough to live in an area where they are to be found ore welco e this year than ever after over a hundred consecutive days of rain in so e parts of the country

IRISH MAGAZINE OF THE IRISH WILDLIFE TRUST

IRELAND’S

T BESIFE WILDL

MAGAZINE

Ireland’s

WILD DEER Preserving our heritage

SPOTTED IN IRELAND: •Corncrake •Viviparous lizard • Honey bee

SCRUB BURNING

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TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE

WESTERN SANCTUARY

Cover credits: Red stag (photo by Peter O’Toole) Viviparous lizard (photo by T. Wilkinson) Contents page credits: Shield bug (photo by Derek Martin) Natterjack toad (photo by Anthony Dawson)

i ilarly delayed by incle ent weather political rather than eteorological the chattering of sound bites on the radio heralded the arrival of our new govern ent. hile this ay be a cause for opti is or despair in so e uarters what is concerning is the potential further sidelining of the environ ental agenda in the newly unveiled progra e for govern ent. he for al ac nowledge ent of cli ate change within a newly created inistry ad ittedly alongside co unication and natural resources is a very welco e step despite anny ealy ae’s protests that such a thing is both unnecessary and out of our earthly hands. nfortunately the words heritage’ and environ ent’ no longer appear anywhere in the cabinet and I worry that our for er inister for rts eritage and the aeltacht now having added egional evelop ent and ural ffairs to her already crowded brief will have even less attention to spare for the conservation of our beleaguered wildlife. n the bright side the arrival of a new inister for griculture ay allow for a re e a ination of e isting directives particularly around an issue close to the I ’s heart the barbaric and failed policy of culling badgers to control bovine tuberculosis as well as the growing debate around the role that deer play in the spread of said disease discussed in ore detail in this issue .

23/05/2016 11:54

Pass it on. If you’re finished with your Irish Wildlife don’t throw it in the bin. 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: Pádraic Fogarty, IWT Published by Ashville Media Group www.ashville.com

Printed on

All articles © 2016. 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 cannot be held responsible for any inadvertent errors or omissions contained herein.

Please recycle this copy of Irish Wildlife

he changing season has thrown another far ore positive national initiative into sharp relief the ll Ireland ollinator lan. ith new owers of all colours appearing daily in our gardens fields and hedgerows it is sad that the appearance of a honey bee co es as such a surprise where once it elicited a co forting fa iliarity. hile the loss of our bee populations has been news for a nu ber of years we finally not only have a strategy in place to atte pt to halt their decline but it is also being i ple ented in any sectors of Irish society. ro idy owns initiatives co unity pro ects and schools to local authority policies on the anage ent of roadside verges and agri environ ental sche es the recognition that we need to nurture and protect our pollinators in an increasingly hostile odern landscape is seeping into the national consciousness.

If the recent election and subse uent diversity in the il have shown us anything it is that all of our voices count so if you see issues in your locality that concern you bring the to your local authority shout about the to the press report the to the authorities even if you feel you are not being heard it all a es a difference. nd lastly if you haven’t already signed the petition regarding the proposed a end ents to the ildlife ct e tending the hedge cutting and burning season please add your voice to the over people who have we surely haven’t heard the end of it

avid c or ic hairperson Irish

ildlife rust

contriiButors DAMIEN HANNIGAN is secretary of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland (WDAI). A qualified deer manager, he is an avid deer enthusiast and the lead campaigner for deer welfare in Ireland.

His extensive experience and knowledge in deer matters, which he has gained over his 20 years of managing deer, has culminated in invitations to address a wide range of audiences including academics, government and media on subjects such as wildlife crime, and deer management.

Since its establishment in 1981, the WDAI has grown to become the largest organisation of its kind in Ireland, representing those involved in deer management and people with an interest in the conservation and well-being of Ireland’s wild deer herds.

CONOR KELLEHER is an ecological

consultant who specialises in bats, is Chair of the Cork County Bat Group and is a past Chairperson of the Irish Wildlife Trust.

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CONTENTS

Contents 4.

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

5.

CONSERVATION NEWS All the latest Irish and international conservation news.

8.

12.

IWT NEWS

What we’ve been doing over spring.

EDUCATION Tackling climate change requires an invested response by us all, writes Katy Egan.

13.

BRANCH NEWS The latest updates from IWT branches nationwide.

16.

WILD IDEAS Conor Kelleher offers some advice on gathering evidence should you observe a scrub fire during restricted periods.

19.

COMPETITION We’re offering our readers the chance to win one of two fantastic new books.

20.

FEATURE – PRESERVING OUR WILDLIFE HERITAGE Damien Hannigan reports on Ireland’s largest wild land mammal – the deer – and defends its role in recent controversies.

24.

EXPLORING WILDLIFE Gordon D’Arcy explores the ecological complexities of the beautiful island of Cyprus.

26.

SUMMER FOCUS The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is an important document, writes Billy Flynn.

28.

FIELD REPORT Feargal Ó Cuinneagáin reports on the Ó Cuinneagáin Corncrake Reserve in Mayo.

30.

OVER TO YOU A selection of letters and photos sent in

by Irish Wildlife Trust members.

32.

ON LOCATION Christine Cassidy and Lindsay Hodges delve into the secret lives of foxes.

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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: Caterpillar of the 6-spotted burnet moth. Photo: Andrew Kelly.

ABOVE: Otter. Photo: Mike Brown.

Have comments?

Magazine queries, general wildlife questions or observations email: irishwildlife@iwt.ie All other queries email: enquiries@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.

Irish Wildlife is published quarterly by the IWT.

The IWT encourages action at a local level and has a number of branches around the country: Cork: corkbranch@gmail.com Facebook: search for ‘Irish Wildlife Trust – Cork Branch’ Dublin: Barbara, dublinbranch@iwt.ie facebook.com/DublinBranchIrishWildlife Trust, dubliniwt.blogspot.ie Waterford: Denis Cullen, iwtwaterfordbranch@gmail.com, deniscullen@eircom.net, irishwildlifetrust. blogspot.ie Cavan: cavanbranch@iwt.ie www.facebook.com/irishwildlifetrust. branch Kerry: Pat, iwtkerry@gmail.com www.facebook.com/KerryIWT www.iwtkerry.blogspot.ie Sign up to their monthly newsletter!

Galway: Lenny, iwtgalway@gmail.com www.facebook.com/IWTgalwaybranch Longford/Westmeath: Chris Martin, iwtlongfordwestmeath@gmail.com Facebook: search for ‘Longford/ Westmeath Irish Wildlife Trust Branch’ Laois/Offaly: Ricky, iwtlaoisoffaly@gmail.com www.facebook.com/IWTlaoisoffalybranch

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 Ireland’s wildlife. If 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

ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANISATIONS KICKED OFF FARMED LAND

Dr Debbi Pedreschi outlines the latest national and international news from the world of conservation.

IRISH NEWS

 Sika deer. Photo: Mike Brown

MASS DEER GRAVE UNEARTHED IN WICKLOW Mystery surrounds a mass grave of sika deer which was revealed by images taken by a local man at the Luggala estate near Roundwood, Co Wicklow in April. The pictures show dozens of rotting carcasses in an open pit. Gardaí, waste management and environmental officers from Wicklow County Council were tasked with the investigation, as it is unknown if the deer were killed ille-

gally or by licensed hunters. Beyond how the deer were killed, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has labelled the pit itself as an “enormous bio-security threat”. There is controversy over the control of the deer population in the area, with the IFA claiming the finding supports the “inadequacy of the current approach to managing a national deer population”. The organisation has expressed fears about TB in deer populations, though there is no evidence linking it to the high rates found in cattle in Wicklow. However, it is not currently known if the pit is a result of sanctioned operations and a dereliction of duty in relation to safe disposal of the carcasses, or if it represents individuals taking the law into their own hands.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has issued warnings instructing environmental organisations to stay off farmers’ lands, singling out BirdWatch Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Farmland is commonly used by environmental groups in Ireland for a variety of reasons, such as for survey work to assess the health of wildlife populations. However, the IFA is arguing that there has been significant restrictions placed on farming activities and other developments, and that farmers have not received compensation promised by the government in 2003 for losses suffered in lands designated as Special Areas of Conservation for wildlife. The IFA is attempting to highlight its issues to the government by withdrawing vital access to environmental groups. According to an IFA spokesperson, “Dredging and clearing of rivers will have to take place to alleviate the problems associated with flooding. NPWS cannot be allowed to stand in the way of this”. BirdWatch Ireland has expressed their surprise at the IFA’s move, highlighting their good working relationship with the IFA, and stressing the importance of surveying wildlife populations.

Furthermore, BirdWatch supports the farmers’ claim for compensation where actions serve to protect and conserve wildlife and biodiversity.

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CONSERVATION NEWS

IRISH NEWS

 Sea gulls on Skellig Michael

SKELLIG WARS In the wake of debate over numbers accessing Skellig Michael as a result of the filming of Star Wars last year, the Office of Public Works (OPW) issued a temporary ban on all boats from landing on Skellig Michael. This was due to extremely dangerous conditions after rockfalls on the famous World Heritage Site left parts of the island in a hazardous, unstable state. The monastic site, which lies 12km off the Kerry coast, requires visitors to climb 618 steps in a demanding ascent. The season for visiting Skellig Michael is now restricted to between May 15th and September 30th each year. The number of visitors is currently restricted to 180 per day in order to protect the island’s vulnerable ecosystem.

But with the success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, already

the third highest grossing film in history, debate has ensued over whether access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site should be increased. Boat operators and hotel owners are calling on the government to extend the period of the year when visitors are permitted, a motion which is strongly opposed by conservationists who assert that Skellig Michael’s archaeological and ecological treasures are being imperiled. Conservationists and tour guides point out that the ecosystem on the island, where the only way to reach the ruins of the medieval monastery is to climb over 600 steps carved from granite by monks who first arrived in the sixth century, is “extremely fragile”. The island reopened for visitors on May 15th and will close for the winter on October 2nd.

Hen harriers continue to decline The 2015 hen harrier survey results indicate that population numbers are continuing to decline, with numbers falling even within special protected areas (SPAs) set up to protect the bird. The 2015 survey showed there are between 108 and 157 breeding pairs across Ireland, down by 8.7 per cent since the 2010 survey. Within SPAs, harrier populations were found to have declined by 26 per cent since 2005. These SPAs, representing just 2.3 per cent of Ireland’s land area, are extremely important for the hen harrier, given that they hold 44 per cent of all known pairs in the country. The fall in numbers appears to be caused by a number of factors according to the report, including land use change, decline in habitat and reduced food availability, which was produced by the Golden Eagle Trust, Irish Raptor Study Group and BirdWatch Ireland on behalf of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Data from the survey will inform attempts to halt the decline through the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan, currently being prepared by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

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CONSERVATION NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

MASS MARINE MORTALITY IN CHILE

THREE NEW LEMUR SPECIES FOR MADAGASCAR A recent paper in the Journal of Molecular Biology describes three new species of nocturnal mouse lemur revealed using genetic techniques. They live in the south and east of Madagascar and the discovery increases the number of known mouse lemur species to 24. Genetic techniques have been essential in identifying these species as they form a cryptic species complex – they are a group of closely related species that are very similar in appearance to the point that they are very hard to distinguish.

So far this year Chile has been subject to numerous mass marine deaths. In January, thousands of dead squid washed up on the Chilean shores of Santa Maria Island. In April, thousands of tonnes of sardines washed up along the shores of the Queule River in southern Chile. Footage showed masses of the lifeless silver fish more than a foot deep choking the waters in and around the river shores and boats. So far, the reasons are unclear. Mass deaths are not unheard of in the region, but the severity and sheer numbers concerned are unusual. Experts have hypothesised that the phenomenon may have been caused by higher than usual seawater temperatures or hypoxia resulting from algal blooms, but have not ruled out pollution. Others suggested it may be due to natural ‘upwelling’, where dense, cooler and usually nutrient-rich water moves towards the ocean surface, replacing the warmer, usually nutrientdepleted surface water, and an associated drop in oxygen levels may have led to the death of the squid. It remains to be seen what knock-on effects may be observed throughout the food chain; the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has previously reported that low stocks of sardines and anchovy were to blame for starving sea lion pups. These findings follow on from a scientific expedition last year which counted 305 bodies and 32 skeletons of whales, thought to be sei whales, through aerial and satellite photography in an area between the Gulf of Penas and Puerto Natales. Beyond the concerns for the species themselves, the mass deaths have caused major health concerns with thousands of rotting carcasses washing up on beaches. In both incidents the national response has been slow, taking up to five days before help was provided to remove the animals. Technicians from the Chilean National Service for Fisheries and Aquaculture (Sernapesca) have collected samples for analysis, and individuals have been warned not to consume the fish.

Corals – good news and bad Most of the Great Barrier Reef has bleached, and more than half of the coral in the reef is thought to have died this summer. When corals are stressed by disease, pollution, or overheating, they expel their symbiotic microalgae which provide them with energy via sunlight, and also produce their colour. Without them they become bright white in a process known as bleaching. Bleached corals are in danger, but not yet dead. If the source of their stress passes quickly, they can absorb new symbionts – sometimes finding microalgae more resistant to the stressor. However, recent findings seem to indicate that most of the coral has died and will never recover. The extent of the damage varies with how far, and how long, temperatures exceeded normal maxima. The southern winter will bring relief, but it may come too late to save more than a small fraction of what was once a wonder of the world. Meanwhile in Brazil, a vast and previously unseen reef has been discovered in the most unlikely of places – the Amazon. Stretching for more than 960km, the coral is between 30 and 120 metres deep. The reef is less biologically diverse than others but nevertheless, the authors reported 73 species of reef fish and 40 corals.

Penguin Pics – Citizen Science!

Scientists studying how climate change is affecting penguins have installed a series of 75 cameras near penguin territories in Antarctica and its surrounding islands to figure out what’s happening with local populations. But with each of those cameras taking hourly photos, they simply can’t get through all the images without your help. The team from the University of Oxford is seeking help from the public via a citizen science project known as PenguinWatch 2.0. All you need to do is log on, look at photos, and identify adult penguins, chicks, and eggs in each image. See www.penguinwatch.org.

Keep up-to-date on all the latest news from the Irish Wildlife Trust on www.iwt.ie Irish Wildlife Summer ‘16

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IWT NEWS

IWT NEWS PROJECT UPDATE Lorraine Bull, IWT Development Officer, reports on a busy few months for the IWT.

T

he spring into summer period has been extremely busy for us here at the IWT. We’ve been working on campaigns, liaising with businesses on the services we can deliver for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, running education workshops and events, attending environmental meetings and establishing a new partnership with Dublin City Council.

Our ‘No to More Slash and Burn’ campaign, in conjunction with An Taisce, BirdWatch Ireland and the Hedgelayers Association of Ireland, continued to receive interest in the media and our online petition now stands at 17,187. We will be submitting the petition to the new Minister shortly and hope to be able to sit down with representatives of the new government to reinforce the importance of preventing the cutting of hedgerows during August, and burning during March.

Following on from last year’s successful events with Apple, we once od

Photo: Kieran Flo

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again visited the Apple Distribution Centre in Cork to celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd) to engage with staff on our CSR programme, which will run throughout the summer. We also met with other businesses to discuss how their employees can get involved with our projects. If your organisation would like further information on our CSR programmes, please email enquiries@iwt.ie.

We are delighted to announce a new partnership between the IWT and Dublin City Council’s Biodiversity and Parks Department, which will allow us to deliver a wider range of talks and events throughout the city, as well as increase our profile and event advertising. Our aim is to reach an even greater number of people to spread the word about Irish wildlife and to attract new members. Our partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW) at St. Enda’s Park in Rathfarnham, Dublin also continues this year with a series of talks and events throughout the summer.

In fact, our events calendar is jampacked for this year. In April, we took part in Dublin Zoo’s Green Fest weekend and then in May, to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22nd, the IWT helped celebrate Irish biodiversity by conducting a series of events nationwide. Events included bat walks, coastal walks, urban wildlife, flora identification, hedgerow biodiversity and a bioblitz at Father Collins Park in Dublin (in association with Dublin City Council). A big thank you to everyone who came to these events in support of Irish wildlife. We have many more events scheduled over the summer, so make sure to keep an eye on our website and in our e-zines (and please notify us

Photo: Kieran Flood

if you are not receiving our emails).

The IWT education programme continues to grow as we’ve conducted a number of talks and field trips to primary and secondary schools around the country.

We have also conducted talks on the value of hedgerows and encouraging wildlife in local areas for community groups and libraries. As we are looking to expand our education programme next year, do get in touch for further information if we could assist your school or community.

Finally, with Dublin Bay being designated an UNESCO biosphere in 2015, the IWT also attended the Dublin Bay Biosphere Partnership consultation meetings. Hosted by the Biosphere office and the Dublin area councils, the meetings were held to identify research actions and conservation measures for sites across the Dublin Bay region. The draft of the outcomes from this consultation process is due for release for public consultation in August. At the final meeting in April, the meeting focused on the Dublin Port area, which is due to be dredged in order to facilitate the world’s largest cruise liner. We will report more on this in our autumn issue.

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IWT NEWS

REPTILE SURVEY UPDATE

By Kieran Flood, IWT Conservation Officer.

T

he IWT National Reptile Survey is now well under way, with over 50 volunteer citizen scientists trained in reptile surveying in all four provinces of Ireland. We have also had a great response from our members and the general public to our call for viviparous lizard and slow worm sightings. We have had over 60 sightings reported already, including the first slow worm sighting of the National Reptile Survey. This slow worm was sighted and photographed in the Burren, Co Clare, a known stronghold of the species. Our native viviparous lizard is popping up all over the country with hotspots for sightings in counties Cork and Donegal. Our lizards have certainly been busy this year and have been spotted inside houses, hanging out on the cliffs of Moher as well as swimming – yes, swimming! A sighting has come in of an underwater lizard spotted in Co Donegal, swimming in a stream.

LIZARD SIGHTINGS

Send your sighting to iwtresearch@gmail.com with the following details: Viviparous lizard.

Photo: T Wilkinson

All of these lizard sightings and discoveries are hugely interesting and it is certainly not too late for us to learn more in 2016. These reptiles will remain active until October with the juveniles being born in late August/early September.

So keep your eyes open for any scaly sightings, grab a photo and get in touch to help us map Ireland’s reptiles.

› Your name › The date of the sighting › The location of the sighting (GPS coordinates and/or address) › A photo if possible › The habitat where spotted (e.g. bog, sand dune etc.)

To view our new reptile film and for more info about Ireland’s reptiles and how to find them, visit www.iwt.ie/lizard-survey

BOORA BOG VISIT

By Kieran Flood.

T

his year we have begun the process of updating our management plans for the IWT nature reserves, and we recently visited our Boora Bog reserve as part of the process. The reserve is situated within the Lough Boora Parklands, a large nature park created on Bord na Móna cutover bogland just outside Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Our reserve is a section of land within the parkland on which turf was never significantly cut. This site is undergoing the process of ecological change from bog to woodland and so when walking the site, one encounters a mix of birch, alder, heather, and grasses as well as the

Silt pond adjacent to reserve. Photo: Kieran Floo

d

open water ponds that flank the site.

We have begun our reptile survey onsite and plan also to survey the vegetation, invertebrate, amphibian and birdlife of the

Birch tree silho uette on reserve. the Photo: K ieran Flo od

reserve. We also plan to improve access and run an IWT members’ visit later in the year. So keep an eye on the website and mailing list for your invitation.

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IWT NEWS

IWT CAMPAIGN NEWS

By Pádraic Fogarty, IWT Campaigns Officer.

STOPPING WILDFIRES The generally wet and cold start to the year saw fewer wildfires than usual in Ireland.

However a brief dry, bright spell in April saw a predictable upsurge in the number of fires. This year, the IWT appealed to the public to log fires with us using their phone, by emailing irishwildlife@iwt.ie with the location, date and, where possible, a photo. In the ten days between April 16th and 26th we logged 19 wildfires in this way. Of these, 11 were in areas protected for nature conservation and included the Killarney National Park, the Slieve Aughty special protection area for the hen harrier, bogland in Connemara, as well as West Cork and Mount Leinster in Co Carlow.

We have shared this information with the Department of Agriculture and urge it to deny the single farm payment where relevant (as per its own guidelines).

Common dolphin cau

ght in a fishing net. Photo: Dermo t Breen

SUPERTRAWLERS IN IRISH WATERS

ney.

Wildfires in Killar

Photo: Vivian Philips

The IWT has been raising awareness of the problems associated with wildfires for a number of years, and there are encouraging signs that public tolerance is growing thin. Ultimately the solution lies in better policies from the Department of Agriculture, which promotes more sustainable land use in upland areas.

The IWT would like to thank all those who have helped us with the survey as well as the emergency services who attended fires throughout the country.

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Last November the IWT wrote to EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, urging action on the issue of so-called supertrawlers in Irish waters. Last winter saw a number of these enormous vessels operating off our coast while our navy was prevented from carrying out inspections due to poor weather. Our concerns centre on the potential of these vessels to catch non-target species, referred to as ‘bycatch’ – particularly whales and dolphins, but also other marine life. Because there are no independent monitors on board these boats, there is no way of knowing the scale of the damage being caused.

The Commissioner responded at the time saying “the system is working well” and that “no or only very limited cetacean by-catches have been reported recently”.

However this has proven not to be the case and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) reported in March that a record number of common dolphins

have washed ashore in 2016 showing “obvious signs of being caught in fishing nets”. Their research also found that the system of inspection referred to by the Commissioner only extends to Irish vessels, while the supertrawlers active over the winter were of other nationalities. In April the IWT and IWDG jointly wrote again to the Commissioner pointing out this anomaly and his duty to act, especially given that dolphins are protected under the EU’s Habitats Directive. Having independent observers on board all factory trawler vessels is a vital first step in reducing the enormous impact this type of fishing has on our seas.

IRELAND’S UNIQUE RED DEER IN KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK In April the IWT joined the Wild Deer Association of Ireland (WDAI) in meeting officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to discuss the management of Killarney National Park’s unique red deer herd. This herd is the

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IWT NEWS

last remnant of animals brought to Ireland

by Neolithic people 5,000 years ago. They are consequently of enormous ecological and heritage value. Last year, after demands from local politicians, the NPWS undertook a cull of red deer, aiming to remove 60 animals, but in the end shooting 44. The concerns of the IWT and the WDAI centred on the lack of data or rationale behind the cull and the NPWS confirmed that the targeted figure of 60 was not based on an overall management plan. Our organisations have also expressed concerns for some time that the size of the red deer population in Killarney is unknown and that a census was a necessary first step in any management program. We were

Red deer near Torc,

Killarney.

Photo: mozzercork/Flick r (CC By 2.0)

encouraged to learn that census data had in fact been gathered and a repeat count would take place in 2016. These data have yet to be made available to us but we look forward to reviewing them. Encouragingly, it was also announced that a

management plan for Killarney National Park will be drafted in 2016, something that is badly needed to address the multiple pressures it is under, and the IWT looks forward to participating in this process.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INVOLVED IN RUNNING THE IWT?

By Joy Davies, IWT Treasurer.

T

he affairs of the IWT are managed by a council consisting of not less than seven and not more than 13 members. Council members, who are volunteers, are responsible for the decisions which determine the future development and direction of the IWT, and meet at least four times a year.

Occasionally a council member has to retire before completion of their tenure, and it would be useful for the IWT to have a panel of prospective council members ready to step in and fill such vacancies.

All members of the IWT over the age of

18 are eligible to serve on the council.

We need people with a wide range of skills who can contribute fresh ideas

and perspectives. The only essential qualification is a genuine desire to see the IWT continue to grow and prosper.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE COUNCIL? If you are interested in joining the council and feel that you can make a difference, please send a brief CV to iwtsecretary@gmail.com or post to The Secretary, IWT, Sigmund Business Park, 93a Lagan Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11

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EDUCATION

JUST ONE PERSON Tackling climate change requires an invested response by us all, writes Katy Egan.

T

eaching and communicating about climate change is potentially one of the most challenging tasks an environmental educator (or anyone!) can do. How do you communicate the enormous scale of the issue? The mind-bogglingly complex science and the devastating social, economic and environmental impacts, all the while encouraging hope and action?

I work mainly with second level students in relation to climate change, as this is the age group to which this subject is most appropriate. According to David Sobel (an American environmental educator and researcher) there is a ‘ladder of responsibility’ when it comes to introducing children to environmental problems.

Sobel suggests that using local learning opportunities based around nature to teach about the environment in a broad way is far ore beneficial for students under the age of 10, rather than focusing on big problems like biodiversity loss and climate change.

This is not to say that the many aspects of our global environmental crisis should be ignored altogether. However, these issues should not be framed as the responsibility of young children to solve.

When we do this it can create intense and often paralysing fear, and the enormity

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of a problem can be too much, leading to feelings of despair and apathy.

If young children ask questions or are curious, we should of course address their concerns, ask their opinions and hear them out. Their answers may surprise you. A study in Ireland in 2012 found that when a five year old student was asked about an environmental problem, she wrote that she was “scared the sea would rise up and gobble up her house”.

Allowing the task to grow with the student can prevent the environmental problem overwhelming him or her. We can facilitate positive environmental behaviours at an early age by looking at smaller problems more locally, such as polluted streams, the school waste system, or non-native species in the back garden.

It is with older students, who have the capacity for grasping more complex issues with associated values and morals, that we can begin to introduce environmental challenges like climate change. But many teenagers who I have talked with feel angry, disillusioned and frustrated by the lack of action by adults – teachers, politicians, and people who they believe should know better. They also tell me that simple actions such as turning off lights in order to tackle a Hollywoodesque, apocalyptic, end-ofthe-world scenario feels ridiculous. The

truth is, as honourable as those behaviours are, they will not tackle the root cause of a problem as insidious as our addiction to fossil fuels. Rather, they merely delay the inevitable. It is also difficult to be passionate or invested in turning lights off.

I am often asked, “what can one person do?” In answer to this, I blatantly steal from Bill McKibben (founder of 350.org) and say “stop being one person”. We are not in a blockbuster movie, there is no magic bullet or hero coming to save us.

It will take everyone working together, a ing s all but significant changes that go beyond simply turning off the lights.

Get proactive – form a group and choose a passion project. With other people helping us, we can accomplish so much more. Talk to local politicians, start petitions, hold a march, write editorials, start blogs, lend your voice to those already shouting…be heard! If you are a more practical person who likes to see the results of their efforts, plant trees or create something (technology, art, etc.) that visually addresses these issues be seen r finally raise oney for a solar panel for your school/building, start a community garden, a rainwater harvesting scheme, a car sharing system or anything you can dream up…be active!

The question is no longer what can you do, but what will you do?

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24/05/2016 09:56

BRANCH NEWS

The latest updates from

IWT BRANCHES NATIONWIDE Longford/Westmeath Branch. By Noreen McLoughlin.

Photos on this page: Derek Martin

In the spring of 2015, the IWT Longford/ Westmeath Branch participated in the creation of a wildlife garden at a residence of one of our members in Ballymahon, Co Longford. The seeds for the wild garden were a mixture of annuals, biennials and perennials and they were obtained from Design by Nature in Co Carlow (www. wild owers.ie . his co pany provides Irish seed sourced fro native Irish owers – unlike other companies in Ireland selling wild ower seed sourced fro ora in ritain. he wild ower garden beca e a resounding success, producing a colourful riot of Irish wild owers. he garden was visited by a wide range of invertebrates not

seen in the garden before including seven different species of bees such as Bombus hortorum and Bombus jonellus, 20 species of hover ies three types of dragon ies da sel ies shield bugs and butter ies.

Plenty of moths were also recorded including the five spot burnet oth a possible first record for o ongford. all scale wild ower pro ects li e this are very replicable in all s all private gardens, school gardens and community gardens. Once an initial clearing of the site was achieved to re ove persistent weeds, the maintenance of the garden was ini al. ver the winter the seed heads were left intact to encourage finches

// THE WILDFLOWER GARDEN BECAME A RESOUNDING SUCCESS, PRODUCING A COLOURFUL RIOT OF IRISH WILDFLOWERS. //

and other seed feeding birds. verall these gardens can have a significant i pact on biodiversity on a local level.

THINK GREEN FOR 2016 IWT’s Longford/Westmeath branch has also participated in the develop ent of a local environ ental initiative titled hin reen for ’. his environ ental charter has been spearheaded by members of the est eath nviron ental roup with the support of est eath County Council and local newspapers in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. WEG hopes to get as many people as possible to sign up to this charter. In doing so, they are a ing a co it ent to live more sustainably by reducing their waste and energy. This charter also includes actions that people can take to protect and enhance biodiversity.

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BRANCH NEWS

Laois/Offaly Branch. By Brian Gaynor.

Our native wildlife, in the form of traditional wild ower eadows is fir ly being put bac on centre stage in ortlaoise. his is than s to the efforts of the I aois ffaly ortlaoise idy owns and aois ounty ouncil who have oined forces to help recreate these rich and colourful but unfortunately vulnerable habitats on different sites throughout the town. he I ’s recent successful ocal rea grant will help fund the purchase of locally sourced native wild ower seed and so e si ple interpretative signs. he wild ower eadows will be created in two of the town par s and will co ple ent the other recent par enhance ents such as the woodland trail outdoor nature classroo natural play area interpretation etc. he council will also aintain own paths through the eadows which will invite the public to wal in and around the so that they can get a real sense of the life and wonder of these special places. ild ower eadows were once co on throughout the island but sadly since the s nearly per cent have been lost due to agricultural intensification and develop ent. hese habitats support a wide

range of wildlife including any plants birds butter ies bu blebees oths and uch ore. ith the loss of this valuable habitat these species have in any cases also suffered serious population declines. andowners fro the public and private sector as well as co unity organisations such as idy owns can benefit greatly fro the natural services provided by wild ower eadows. hey are visually uch ore interesting than endless e panses of lawn they can greatly reduce costly owing regi es they act as natural playgrounds for children and grown ups they are e tre ely i portant for our native wildlife and so uch ore. In other parts of the country these eadows are being used as part of an overall touris pac age as well as to encourage locals to get out and en oy their local par s again. e can all do our bit to save these habitats by anaging parts of our lawn areas for eadows and by encouraging your local council idy owns group hospital staff and anyone else you can thin of to set so e space aside for the . lease contact the Irish ildlife rust aois ffaly at sec.iwtlaoisoffaly g ail. co for ore details on this pro ect.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday July 9th Junior Photography Day Abbeyleix Bog Thursday July 28th Clara Bog Discovery Day (in conjunction with Clara Bog Visitor Centre) Details for both events will be announced shortly on our Facebook page and our website.

Dublin Branch he biodiversity of ublin includes the wildlife and habitats ranging fro orth ull Island the city’s coastline the hoeni ar and other public par s to rivers and canals and their riparian ones roadsides and residential areas. biosphere is a special designation awarded by but anaged in partnership with local co unities. he orth ull Island has been a iosphere since and in this designation was e tended to enco pass the whole of ublin ay. owever with people living co uting and wor ing within the one how do you anage ublin city with the best interests of people and nature in ind he answer is the ublin ity iodiversity ction lan . iospheres are recognised for their

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biological diversity but are anaged to pro ote a balanced relationship between people and nature. or the new ublin ity iodiversity ction lan the city is divided into three ones a core one a buffer one and a transition one helping to lin the variety of habitats to a functioning urbanised city. he ublin ity iodiversity ction lan pro ect has four ain the es. he e ai s to strengthen the nowledge base of decision a ers for the conservation and anage ent of biodiversity. he e see s to strengthen the effectiveness of collaboration between each of the sta eholders in the greater ublin region fro govern ent agencies to non govern ental organisations such as the I . onservation is reliant on collaboration between all organisations.

Bull Is

land

he e ai s to enhance opportunities for biodiversity conservation through green infrastructure and the final the e is to develop greater public awareness involve ent and understanding of the issues. he action plan’s overarching ai is to recognise ublin as a place full of wildlife and at its core see s to lin people with nature.

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BRANCH NEWS

Photos on this page: Anthony Dawson

Kerry Branch With the arrival of summer, the Kerry Branch of the IWT always tries to make the most of the improvement in the weather and get people out of doors. This year, after an unprecedented amount of rain in North Kerry during the winter and a correspondingly wet spring, it was needed more than ever! Our visit

// IRELAND’S RAREST AMPHIBIAN, THE NATTERJACK HAS BEEN ENJOYING A BUMPER YEAR WITH HUGE CHORUSES REPORTED IN SEVERAL SITES AROUND KERRY... //

to the the dune slacks of the Magharees Peninsula to hear the natterjack toad in full song during the breeding season has become an annual event, and this year it attracted a record crowd. With the weather conditions absolutely perfect on a slightly damp and warm May evening, the toads obliged with a deafening chorus that was heard hundreds of yards away! Ireland’s rarest amphibian, the natterjack has been enjoying a bumper year with huge choruses reported in several sites around Kerry, apart from its major stronghold

around Lough Gill near Castlegregory.

The Branch has also been working closely with Tidy Towns this year, and this summer should see the fruition of a swift box project around the town centre in Tralee, with many of the local businesses and municipal buildings getting involved, a number of insect hotels placed along a popular local greenway, and a wildlife garden developed in conjunction with the Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre.

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WILD IDEAS

A Burning Question – Lessons from the Courts

Conor Kelleher offers some advice on gathering evidence should you observe a scrub fire during restricted periods.

A

s another season of illegal scrub burning is under way across our long-suffering countryside, a brief account of some lessons learned in some cases of deliberate arson in the courts is rapidly needed in order to strengthen any future cases for the prosecution.

Section 46 of the existing Wildlife Acts 1976 – 2012 states: “S.46.1 provides that it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or destroy any vegetation on uncultivated land or such growing in any hedge or ditch from the 1st of March to the 31st of August. Exemptions include agricultural or forestry activities, the cutting, grubbing or destroying of vegetation during the process of carrying out works by the Minister or other state bodies, for reasons of public health and safety. Fishery development works and the destroying of noxious weeds is also exempted. The clearing of vegetation in the construction of roads and other works and the development and preparation of sites is also exempted.

The Minister may request details to this effect. The amended Act recognises that disturbance of hedgerows for the purpose of preventing the spread of fire or to save human life or that which is necessary in an emergency, 16

 Urris gorse fire, Co Donegal. Photo:

Greg Clarke/Flickr (CC By ND 2.0)

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WILD IDEAS

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WILD IDEAS

may be a good defence against prosecution under this section.”

Existing legislation therefore ensures the protection of habitats that may be in use by nesting birds and other protected species during the main breeding season from March to August inclusive.

Further to the time restrictions within the Wildlife Acts, it is also standard best practice that any farmer or landowner who plans to burn scrub, especially in the vicinity of woodland or forestry, informs the authorities in advance of starting a fire and that burning is only undertaken during optimum weather conditions in the months of September to February inclusive and with consideration of wind direction and strength. The landowner ay also have to provide fire breaks at the boundaries of the area to be burned to ensure contain ent of the fire.

VIGILANCE If a scrub fire is observed within the proscribed period, it is essential that the authorities are informed immediately and that the following details are given to or recorded

by An Garda Síochána: • Day and date of the incident.

• ocation of the fire.

• he ti e when the fire was first noticed and the ti e when the fire finally burned itself out.

• The proximity of woodland or forestry to the fire.

• The wind direction and strength.

• The type of accelerant

The Vee, Co Waterford

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Gorse fire on Fahan Hill,

Co Donegal. Photo: Greg Clarke/Flickr (CC By ND 2.0)

used to start the fire petrol, oil, diesel etc.

• The type of vegetation being burned: grass, gorse, heather, woodland etc. and, if possible, note the species. Also note whether the vegetation is alive or dead (cases have fallen on landowners claiming the scrub was already dead or that “birds don’t nest in dead bushes”!).

• The type and registration of any vehicles in the vicinity of the fire.

• The view of and distance to the fire fro where it was observed: clear view, obstructed view etc.

Finally, and most importantly (without taking any risks), ta e photographs of the fire

// AS A CASE MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS OR MONTHS TO COME TO COURT, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT ALL THE OBSERVATIONS MADE AT THE SCENE OF A FIRE ARE RECORDED AND WRITTEN DOWN ON THE SAME DAY TO ENSURE ACCURACY. // and, if possible, of the type of vegetation being burned. hotographic evidence is difficult to overturn. Any photographs taken by witnesses should be submitted to the Gardaí at the same time as a statement is given or soon after, otherwise they may not be admissible in court.

As a case may take several weeks or months to come to court, it is essential that all the observations made at the scene of a fire are recorded and written down on the same day to ensure accuracy. Your notes (timed and dated) can also be referred to in court to add veracity to your evidence.

If presenting evidence in court, be aware that the landowner will have the last word so be precise when recalling the events and give all the facts as were recorded on the day, as you

won’t get a chance to counter any arguments subsequently put forward by the defendant.

To confuse matters, the use of Roundup or other weed killers on farmland is termed ‘burning off’ by Teagasc and this can complicate court proceedings. Statements by expert witnesses on behalf of the defendant such as “The farmer in this case was following best practice when burning off” may in fact refer to the use of weed iller and not fire and this should be pointed out to the judge by the prosecution.

If inaccurate witness statements or poor evidence are provided it is certain that a defendant will be exonerated due to reasonable doubt, so it is essential that as many facts as possible are gathered on the day of the fire.

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n o i t i t e p m o C

COMPETITION

We’ve got copies of two fantastic new books to give away!

Peter and the Little People, by David O’Brien.

You’ve heard stories about the Little People: leprechauns and their like.

Ireland is full of people who have had strange experiences out in the fields in the early morning. All just tall tales and myths, of course. At least, we assume so...

David O’Brien has loved writing since his teens and had one of his first poems published in Voices, a small Dublin poetry magazine, at the age of fourteen.

He began writing fiction soon after and wrote the novella that would later become his first published book, Leaving The Pack, at the age of seventeen. Though his academic writing took precedence for a number of years, and he is still involved in deer biology and management, he kept writing other things in his spare time and has always dreamt of one day being able to do it full time. A total of 10 per cent of the author’s royalties will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund, and to the Irish Wildlife Trust.

The Wild Plants of the Burren and the Aran Islands: A Field Guide, by Charles Nelson.

The Burren and the Aran Islands are renowned worldwide for their beautiful wild flowers and plants. Charles Nelson has selected 139 of the most widely occurring, plus a number of special and elusive plants, including the recently rediscovered Arctic sandwort. By illustrating each plant with a colour photograph showing it in the wild, alongside space to record the place and date of discovery, this becomes a souvenir of rambles in search of wild flowers. Introduced by short chapters on the region plus user instructions, the photographs are grouped according to flower colour and pages are colour-coded so one can flick to the appropriate section.

We have two copies of each book to give away. To be in with a chance to win one, just answer the following question and email your answer, along with your name, address and preferred prize, to irishwildlife@iwt.ie by August 1st.

What type of deer is believed to have been brought to Ireland 5,000 years ago?

Spring ’16 Winners: In our spring issue we gave our members a chance to win Niall MacCoitir’s most recent book Ireland’s Birds –

Myths, Legends and Folklore.

The question we asked was: Which Irish city is ‘buzzing’ with activities to boost the local bee population?

The answer was Limerick.

The two lucky winners are: Catherine Kiely from Dunmanway, Co Cork and Keith Reilly from Kells, Co Meath.

Congratulations to the winners and many thanks to all those who entered!

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FEATURE

Preserving Ireland’s Wildlife Heritage Damien Hannigan of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland reports on Ireland’s largest wild land mammal – the deer – and defends its role in recent controversies.

Fallow deer in Phoenix Park, Dublin

A

s our largest wild land mammals, deer are agnificent creatures and fully deserving of their place in the environ ent.

They are an important part of our heritage and have been continuously in e istence in

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Ireland since eolithic ti es so e years ago. hile generally welco ed by landowners as an integral part of the countryside in Ireland we have seen an increase in the unwarranted vilification of deer in recent years. his vilification has included clai s that our wild deer population is out of control and spreading

bovine tuberculosis to cattle. ecently Ireland’s deer management organisation, the ild eer ssociation of Ireland conde ned clai s that deer numbers were spiralling out of control and were the cause of high levels in cattle stating that such clai s were grossly isleading and rec less.

POPULATION I a regularly as ed as to how many deer there are in Ireland. he answer is we don’t now here are currently no data on the population of wild deer in Ireland as a census has never been underta en. owever there are certain indicators that support clai s by those who manage our wild

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FEATURE

deer of a significant decline in deer numbers nationally.

Claims of isolated hotspots of overpopulation have also been made but, in the absence of a census or criteria as to what is a hotspot, these claims are somewhat subjective.

In the absence of predators to control their numbers, it falls on deer hunters to manage deer at sustainable levels, minimising damage to crops and the wider ecosystem. These hunters are required to make an annual deer cull return to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), confir ing the species location and number of deer culled. espite a significant increase in the number of hunting licenses issued in the last ten years, broadly speaking the observed trend of the national deer cull has continued to fall since 2009 to 30,513 animals in 2014, a reduction of 14.5 per cent.

While there are some perceived localised areas of high deer densities, this data correlates to the consistent feedback from hunters, landowners and foresters of an observed decrease in deer numbers nationally. One-third of the national cull comes from Co

Fallow buck, Phoenix

Park. Photo: Joe Murphy

Wicklow, where the cull has also continuously reduced since 2009 to 10,722 animals in 2014, a reduction of 22 per cent.

A further indication of declining deer numbers is the number of permits requested by landowners under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts (to cull deer due to perceived crop damage in the absence of a standard method used to access crop damage). These applications have fallen by 27 per cent since 2009 to just 309 permits in 2014, or less than 0.22 per cent of the farming population.

The exceptionally high concentration of private estates, our largest national park, military bases and inaccessible forestry plantations in Co Wicklow act as a reservoir for deer resulting in crop damage to adjoining farmland. This creates a false perception that other areas have high deer densities.

DEER AND TB Farmers have genuine concerns regarding TB, which often results in significant financial loss. p to now the finger of blame has been pointed by farmers at our badger population but, in recent

Sika stag, Wicklow Mountains.

Photo: Joe Murphy

// DEER, LIKE MANY OF OUR WILDLIFE SPECIES AND EVEN DOMESTIC PETS, ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO TB BUT AT VERY LOW LEVELS. // months, suggestions have been made that wild deer are the cause. Such claims are grossly misleading and do nothing to help those farmers impacted by TB. Deer, like many of our wildlife species and even domestic pets, are susceptible to TB, but at very low levels (less than one per cent nationally). Co Wicklow has been at the centre of these claims recently following a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) project investigating the presence of TB in wild deer in the Roundwood area of Co Wicklow. TB levels in cattle in the East Wicklow area are the highest nationally at 8.85 per cent and, with the artificially high deer densities in the Roundwood area, means that deer have become a target for those looking for answers to the TB question.

The DAFM project

investigating TB in wild deer involved the culling of 103 wild deer in a small area of Co Wicklow, exclusively on farms where TB is already present in cattle. Akin to testing for the presence of u in a doctor’s waiting room, a higher than average level of TB would be expected. Of the 103 deer e a ined five showed gross lesions or advanced TB. Using the standard methodology for cattle TB testing this would have been the final outco e and in line with the expected results. However, DAFM then proceeded to undertake a unique culture testing on each deer carcass significantly ore detailed than that used for cattle, resulting in a misleading headline of 16 per cent of deer tested showing signs of TB. If this methodology was used on cattle it could potentially damage the reputation of farming in Ireland. TB in cattle Irish Wildlife Summer ‘16

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FEATURE

is measured as a percentage of either per thousand cattle tested or as a percentage of the total cattle present in a county – both give very different answers. The results of the DAFM project do not represent per thousand deer tested or the entire deer population of Co Wicklow, but just 103 deer from a selected area using a more detailed methodology.

Recent claims from the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) that TB in deer is 80 to 120 times that of the national cattle herd is merely creative accounting. This claim misleads by attempting to compare the results of the total number of livestock in Co Wicklow against TB levels detected in cattle versus the results of 103 deer carcasses tested. Many commentators see the IFA claims as merely an attempt to browbeat DAFM into becoming involved in the removal of deer from our countryside, something the Department has so far rejected.

The department has also confir ed that si ilar testing of deer for TB took place in areas of Co Sligo and Co Kerry where TB levels in cattle were high, but found no evidence of

Stag. Photo: Karol Waszkiewicz

King of the stags and his harem of hinds at

the Lake Hotel Killarney. Photo: Niall Huggard

22

TB in deer carcasses tested in the same areas. Fallow deer present in the Phoenix Park, Dublin were previously found to have TB when cattle were present in the park, but when cattle were removed and deer densities reduced, TB disappeared from the deer herd. DAFM has also confir ed that the results of a project investigating deer TB in Co Wicklow (along with the testing of a further 30 deer in the same area) “was a once off” and not relevant to the rest of the country, where TB levels in deer are believed to be less than 1 per cent. hey have also confir ed there is no evidence to suggest deer spread TB to livestock.

Scotland is estimated to

have a wild deer population of over 800,000 but has been TB free since 2009. It would be beneficial for those addressing the TB issue if they spoke to their Scottish counterparts.

NATIVE RED DEER The red deer found in Co Kerry is a unique subspecies not present anywhere else in Ireland. Their continuous presence in Co Kerry for over 5,000 years makes them our last remaining ‘native’ deer herd and of national conservation importance.

The herd was fully protected in 2012 by the then Minister Jimmy Deenihan, TD due to dangerously low numbers.

A recent decision by the National Parks and Wildlife

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FEATURE

cklow

Sika hinds, Co Wi

Stag, Killar

ney Nationa

e

Sika stag. Photo: Fran Byrn

Service and Minister Heather Humphreys to undertake a cull of red deer in Killarney National Park caused considerable controversy. The cull was widely criticised by deer experts due to concerns over the lac of ustification and the indiscriminate manner by which deer were to be culled.

Best practice deer management should demonstrate the reasons for management decisions which have been taken and should always be completely

transparent and the ustification for both policy decisions and decisions about on going practical management should be made public. It is crucial that management decisions are well founded not si ply arbitrary or seat of the pants as a result of un ualified political or landowner pressure.

Management decisions should be factual and science based.

While attending a recent meeting with the National Parks and Wildlife Service along with

l Park

the I it was confir ed that there is no deer management plan in place for Killarney National Park or Co Kerry.

Research completed and published in 2012 by Dr Ruth Carden, an associate of the National Museum of Ireland, highlighted that the native Co Kerry red deer herd suffered from low genetic diversity, similar to living in a village where only one family name exists. Dr Carden outlined in the findings of a four year research programme that “the Killarney National Park herd needed to nu ber between 1,000 animals to be sustainable.

Otherwise the herd’s health was at risk from diseases and wea ening associated with in breeding.” A recent statement

from the National Parks and Wildlife Service stated they “believe that red deer currently number 550”.

Due to the unique ecosystem that exists in Killarney National Park, damage to the Park from grazing animals and the threat of non native red deer and sika/red deer hybrids means the management of deer in Co Kerry is not going to be straightforward.

A recent statement from the Irish Wildlife Trust and Wild Deer Association of Ireland, following discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, that a management plan for the park is to be developed is to be welcomed and gives hope for the herd’s future survival.

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EXPLORING WILDLIFE

A Perilous

STOPOVER Gordon D’Arcy explores the ecological complexities of the beautiful island of Cyprus.

A

partitioned island with a British colonial history? A republic economically dependent on agriculture, food exports and tourism? No, not Ireland – Cyprus. Cyprus, like Ireland, has a strategic history involving invasions and migrations of peoples including the Mycenae, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Crusaders, Moors etc. But since the tragic turbulent events of the 1970s it has been divided and governed by Greece in the south and (forcibly) by Turkey in the north.

MEETING THE LOCALS Biogeographically, Ireland and Cyprus have little in common. One exposed on urope’s western edge in uenced by the Atlantic and the Arctic; the other (a

quarter of its size) sheltered in the eastern editerranean in uenced ainly by sia inor and north frica. yprus’ ora (1,800 species, containing many endemics), is twice that of Ireland. And though it has fewer land mammals, it has much greater biodiversity otherwise. Insects and reptiles are particularly well represented.

In the course of an April ramble in the foothills of the wild Troodos range, I found myself surrounded by a bewildering array of wild owers and butter ies. i ards scuttled away from every sunny rock and on one occasion, Cyprus’ only poisonous snake lay casually across the trail.

I was aware, however, of a relative paucity of resident birds. Cyprus is perhaps best known as a staging post for migratory birds. In spring an estimated 100 million pass through the island, from Africa en

Makronissos Beach, Cyprus

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route to Asia Minor and Europe, while in autumn 150 million move through on their southward journey. The Mediterranean tradition of hunting both resident and migratory birds has, over the years, had a devastating impact on the populations of many species. Birds widely regarded as ‘pot species’ – ducks and geese, pigeons and partridges and others regarded as game birds – are trapped and shot with impunity.

But anything with feathers, such as thrushes, finches even sparrows and warblers are regarded as fair game and relished as delicacies. The indiscriminate slaughter is of course not confined to yprus. It is endemic in Malta, Sicily, Italy and Egypt.

At one time it was thought that over 50 million migratory birds were being killed annually by hunting in the Mediterranean.

Thankfully, change is on the way.

Following accession to the EU in 2004, (being thus subject to its environmental laws), it is now illegal to hunt passerines such as songbirds in Cyprus. The Cypriot government, aware of the radicalness of this legislation, has successfully sought an interim relaxation permitting widespread netting, trapping and hunting to continue

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EXPLORING WILDLIFE

A lizard sunbathes on a rock in Cyprus

// LIZARDS SCUTTLED AWAY FROM EVERY SUNNY ROCK AND ON ONE OCCASION, CYPRUS’ ONLY POISONOUS SNAKE LAY CASUALLY ACROSS THE TRAIL. // in spring. This has created an export black market of pickled birds to restrictionfree countries like Saudi Arabia.

A brave group of subversive conservationists, in the absence of government support, has begun destroying nets, traps and limed perches wherever they are encountered. Needless to say, the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) has incurred the wrath of the bird-catchers and as in Malta, experience threats and even attacks. CABS is supported by sympathetic groups from all over Europe, resolute in seeking change.

Despite governmental prevarications these determined and battle-hardened NGOs are gradually winning the war.

COMPLEX HISTORY The current political situation on Cyprus came about as the consequence of a short

but bloody war. Though unresolved, most of the populace north and south has elected to move on towards peace for the sake of social and economic stability.

With peace, tourism – mainly in the Greek sector – has become the economic mainstay of the island. Unfortunately, as in other Mediterranean hot-spots, the Cypriot government has supported a policy of rampant, often ill-considered development at the expense of its landscape and nature. It seems that every hillside vantage and coastal retreat has been engulfed by shiny new holiday resorts, villa complexes and hotels and their ostentatious accompaniments.

Aware of the rapid disappearance of natural habitats conservationists have been fighting a new battle against powerful, wealthy developers in an effort to save what is left.

Akamas, Cyprus’ new national park on the westernmost extremity of the island,

has come into being against the odds and largely by default. A British military firing range prior to independence it has been largely spared the vulgarity of consortium-driven development. Far-seeing conservationists have miraculously not only managed to thwart such formidable opposition but, through pressure from the EU, introduced an enlightened agritourist programme with positive ecological ra ifications. large part of a as is returning to its former state as maquis and native forest of pine and juniper. Hectares of oat cereals bordered by glorious banks of ruderals such as corn arigold re ect the pre-fertiliser days of subsistence farming.

The park is thus a working entity, paying for itself. My stroll through the Akamas was delightfully enhanced by the songs of corn buntings goldfinches and doves.

Rollers and bee-eaters blazed their exotic colours from wayside perches. Stopping to watch a cuc oo y first of the year on its migration, perhaps to Ireland, I felt that, despite the presence of spent shotgun cartridges littering one of the park’s trails, it would nowadays have a better chance of reaching its destination than before.

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24/05/2016 10:23

SUMMER FOCUS

The Plan for

Pollinators Billy Flynn explains the importance of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

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SUMMER FOCUS

T

here are few national plans that may have as much importance to the ongoing well-being of our biodiversity as the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (2015-2020).

This is a call for actions that may well be critical in saving many of our invertebrate species from extinction. By doing so, we might be able to stave off a calamitous collapse of ecosystems the like of which we have not yet seen.

IRELAND’S BEES Our bees are in trouble. We have managed to make our countryside and other open spaces so inhospitable that it is believed that up to onethird of our wild bee species are in danger of extinction. In other words – we do nothing and they, along with the important role they play in pollination, will be gone.

We have just under 100 native bee species in Ireland, it is believed. Only one of these species is the well-known honey bee. There are 20 species of bumblebee and nearly 80 solitary bee species. They are all dealing with similar threats.

The need for shelter and food are common to all living things and we have deprived many of our native invertebrates of both. It is believed that loss of nesting habitat has been a key factor, alongside hedgerows re oved for field enlarge ent loss of small woodland areas and the removal of dead wood and other organic materials.

Similarly, the treatment of land with fertilisers isn’t environmental vandalism, it is common practice to improve yields. Nonetheless, this has led to vast areas that allow almost no wild owers to e ist. nable to compete with nitrogenloving grasses and their allies, these areas now offer no food for bees. Couple this with our tendency to see gardens, parks

and road verges as untidy if they sport dandelions and daisies and to cut them back almost as soon as they appear, and you have large sections of our country that offer just about nothing for pollinators.

THE WAY FORWARD The need to do something is clear. It is cheering therefore to now have something akin to a roadmap of how to get pollinator numbers back where we want them.

First of all, this is an allIreland plan as our pollinators don’t abide by our borders.

Many parties have to be involved. These include the larger non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Irish Wildlife Trust is among them. Also included are 80 other public and private bodies and stakeholders, among whom 81 actions of the plan are divided. There are five ey ob ectives 1. Making Ireland pollinator friendly.

2. Raising awareness of pollinators and how to protect them.

3. Managed pollinators – supporting beekeepers and growers.

4. Expanding our knowledge on pollinators and pollination service.

5. Collecting evidence to track change and measure success.

The next bit of good news is that the latest agrienvironmental programme (GLAS) incorporates pollinators’ well-being into its ideals, and a number of the measures promote creation and maintenance of food and habitat for pollinators. Farmers will also be asked to undertake five voluntary tas s to assist pollinators. Away from the farm, a very admirable schedule of actions has been devised to raise awareness, encourage action, and to provide

// WE DO NOTHING AND THEY, ALONG WITH THE IMPORTANT ROLE THEY PLAY IN POLLINATION, WILL BE GONE. // information. These include targeting Tidy Towns groups, schools and local authorities.

A novel methodology for providing project information and updates will also be made available, harnessing the utility of the internet and new apps. It is an impressive undertaking.

However, for such an urgent issue, much of what is planned relies on voluntary effort.

While the input of volunteers is admirable, will it always be dependable? Do NGOs have the capacity to keep up their agreed actions and will community groups have sufficient e pertise erhaps instead of hoping that farmers will go the extra mile for pollinators, the setting aside of devoted conservation areas such as headlands or field

boundaries would be more useful. Public spaces including parks, roadside verges and railway embankments could be compulsorily managed for pollinating insects’ benefit.

Couldn’t we all tolerate dandelions by our footpaths if they saved bumblebees?

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a worthwhile initiative and there is no doubt that we have a responsibility to get behind it. However, we should also ensure that each of our local authorities and the other relevant public and private bodies get behind it too. Paying this issue lip-service just won’t be enough. Failure just isn’t an option.

For more see www.biodiversityireland.ie Irish Wildlife Summer ‘16

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24/05/2016 10:26

FIELD REPORT

A Western

HAVEN Feargal Ó Cuinneagáin reports on the Anaclann Dúlra an Traonaigh Uí Chuinneagáin (Ó Cuinneagáin Corncrake Reserve) in Mayo.

I

always had a dream to ‘have’ my very own corncrake. After ten years of saving, I had enough money to buy a small site (25 acres) in Mayo in 2012. This is the area closest to where I live in Wicklow which has a viable population of corncrake. The land I bought was traditional hay meadow with a small area of fen. The farm was ideal for me. Management of the land has been mainly for corncrake, but I have also tried to help other endangered species. After getting advice from a corncrake expert in 2015 I approached the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with a view to accessing their Corncrake Farm Plan.

Corncrake

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PREPARATION Corncrake usually arrive in west Connaught in early May from Southern Africa.

They seek out vegetation that is 20cm in height. At that time of year the hay meadows are still too short. Therefore the corncrake seek out early growing plant species like nettles, iris and umbellifers.

One of the main limiting factors for corncrake in Ireland is lack of early cover.

A priority was to create iris and nettle beds, ideally on 10 per cent of my farm.

I already had a 0.5 acre iris bed on the land, and I planned on doubling its size. I began harvesting iris in a field along a river near my house in Wicklow, by digging up the

Flock of barnacle geese.

Photo: Feargal Ó Cuinneagáin

rhizomes (roots) and then washing them. I stored the in buc ets of water. In all I filled 252 buckets which were then transported to Mayo. Once there, an area was prepared for the iris by ploughing and rotovating it.

Each individual rhizome was planted by throwing it onto the prepared ground and stamping on it! After six trips to Mayo the new iris patch was completed in winter 2015.

Two nettle beds were created in 2012 before I took over management myself.

Unfortunately, they both ended up with mostly rank scutch grass with little nettles.

Rank scutch grass is worthless for corncrake.

Using an innovative approach developed by the NPWS I set upon restoring the nettle beds in 2015. I sprayed Roundup at 1/10th the normal concentration on the nettle beds.

It inhibits the grass, but the nettles less so.

The nettles were then fertilised with a high phosphate fertiliser (10-10-20). In bare areas, the ground was rotovated and nettle rhizomes added. By summer 2015 both nettle beds were rejuvenated. As Roundup can be potentially harmful to invertebrates I made every effort to use as little as possible.

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FIELD REPORT

// MANAGEMENT OF THE LAND HAS BEEN MAINLY FOR CORNCRAKE, BUT I HAVE ALSO TRIED TO HELP OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES. //

Feargal Ó Cuinneagáin

EXPANSION Spring 2016 has seen a big expansion of my nettle beds. Nearly 0.6 acres of nettle beds have been created. I harvested nettle rhizomes from a dense nettle bed on the Curragh, Co Kildare by digging up the nettle plants. I brought them home, and washed them to remove excess soil and grass. I sourced well rotted farmyard dung as well as spent mushroom compost and added this to the prepared area. Both

these materials are high in phosphates to give the nettles a head start.

Corncrakes have two broods, with the first hatching in id une and the second in late uly to early ugust. orncra e chicks have been observed to hatch as late as September 1st, so it is essential that the mowing of meadows does not occur during these times, otherwise chicks can be killed.

Unfortunately most farmers now mow as early as May, which is the main reason for

corncrake decline. Chicks need to be 14 days old to safely survive mowing. I wait as late as possible to mow my meadows, doing so in mid-September. The quality of the fodder is not as good with late mowing, but it is safer for corncrake, which is my main priority.

The farm is also managed to help other threatened species. This year I have planted a seed crop for twite. This bird is on the verge of extinction. I have sowed 0.25 acres of a triticale/kale/mustard crop for them. They winter nearby so hopefully they will find y crop. uring the winter barnacle geese graze on my meadows.

They provide a vital service in getting rid of rank grass. The ever present skylarks are a joy, largely silent in the east of the country. When labouring on the farm their song drives you to work even harder!

I have many plans for the future! I will hopefully attract three or four calling corncrake in the summer, with twite and barnacle geese in the winter. In my fen I aim to dig a series of pools which might prove attractive for red-necked phalarope, another very rare bird.

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MEMBERS’ LETTERS

OVER TO YOU Have you been out and about over the past weeks and months? Our members are always sending us photos of Ireland’s flora and fauna – here’s a snapshot of just a few we have received at IWT HQ this spring.

PEKING DUCK? dlifeTrust/

www.facebook.com/IrishWil

Dear IWT, I spotted this very colou rful bird in the company of a male and female duck on the Dodder today. Do you know the name as I cannot see it in my wildlife reference book?

Brian Murphy

LLOCK, winner of our Congratulations to MARK PO petition for this great April Photo of the Month com capture of a chaffinch.

your a lot for s k n a are n, th Hi Bria photos. These from d n ll a a in y email cks, orig e breeding u d in r a to b mand ey seem ea. They have h T . a Chin lin ar e Royal the Dub now in noticed along th n also bee r Dublin. ea n l a Can gards, Kind re IWT

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24/05/2016 10:33

MEMBERS’ LETTERS

THE HEAD ON THAT! Hi IWT,

me images Here are so ull found in of a deer sk ge Wood, Tomnafinno ighted w. I’d be del ine, I always Co Wicklo in the magaz see sika to have them g it. I often in ad re y jo ’t interbred really en , they haven d o o w e th klow. deer in part of Wic is th in d re with the ork! the good w Keep up all Best, nch Andrew Ly

WARNING: CUTENESS OVERLOAD!

Colin Stanley sent us these images of leverets (baby hares) from the Rock of Dunamase in Co Laois.

SUMMER FROGS Dear IWT, Took this photograph in my garden pond on Saturday Ma rch 12th in Nobber, Co Meath .

It’s very busy with frogs at this time of year producing a lot of frogspawn. It didn’t take lon g for a few to come into sight. I am an amateur photographer usi ng a Canon 70D with a Canon f/2 .8 20-200 lens.

Ben Whitley

HYBRID BLUEBELLS? Dear IWT, After watching your video, I’m still not 100 per cent sure on these, hybrids?

Anneke Hi Anneke, thanks for your enquiry. They are certainly not our native bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta. They are either the Spanish bluebell or the hybrid. They look quite like Spanish bluebells due to the more upright open flowers, but the pollen in one photo does not look very blue, hence they may be hybrids. Hope that’s of help.

Haven’t seen our Nature Notes video Three Shades of Blue: How to Identify our Native Bluebell? Check it out here: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bGrWk Rw70JU

Kind regards, IWT

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 irishwildlife@iwt.ie

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24/05/2016 10:32

ON LOCATION

Foxes on our doorstep Discoveries from our local patch, by Christine Cassidy and Lindsay Hodges.

A

t first it was a gli pse the two of us local birdwatchers and wildlife photographers turned around to find a fo right behind us before it disappeared at speed into the undergrowth. he second ti e on a different coastline of Ireland a patch of brac en bron ed in the sun turned into not ust one sleeping fo but two he recollection ade such a deep i pression on us that it began a fascination for this stunning native species starting a personal study over a year with so e a a ing discoveries and insight into the secret lives of fo es. e loo ed for these a a ing ani als in three places elfast erry and

Photos: Christine Cassidy and Lindsay Hodges

the Inishowen eninsula in onegal. erhaps the greatest surprise was finding these enig atic ani als right on their separate suburban doorsteps. hrough the use of wildlife trail ca eras in different locations which allowed fo es to be observed at close uarters but in co plete safety we have gathered so e incredible and inti ate o ents showing fo es to be both free spirit opportunists and creatures of habit.

In rural areas fo es were recorded e ploring beaches for the possibility of shorebirds eggs young chic s frogs and rodents. In woodlands at dus they were scenting for rabbits or surprising roosting birds. ost often it was the evidence left behind that gave us the

// PERHAPS THE GREATEST SURPRISE WAS FINDING THESE ENIGMATIC ANIMALS RIGHT ON THEIR SEPARATE SUBURBAN DOORSTEPS. //

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best reasons to set our ca eras such as footprints on beaches and pathways trail paths worn into the grass or feathers appearing at specific woodland locations that suggested a favourite pluc ing spot. he footage a assed of urban fo es has been astonishing showing the passing through gardens nightly in the co pany of badgers dodging do estic cats and wal ing a fi ed pathway between their den areas and any potential source of food. he fo es were attracted by fallen peanuts or seed fro bird tables and ca e regularly to the sa e locations. ne pair being onitored are currently raising four healthy cubs in an old badger sett in an overgrown section of garden co pletely unnoticed by their hu an neighbours.

It has been a special privilege for us to witness these a a ing ani als not ust surviving but thriving and we plan to continue our study for ore detailed and illustrated reports for future publishing.

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24/05/2016 10:34

REVERSE THE DECISION TO ABOLISH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT The Irish Wildlife Trust, Friends of the Earth, VOICE, An Taisce and Birdwatch Ireland have launched an important petition calling on the Taoiseach to recognise the value of a healthy environment and reverse the proposed abolition of the Department of the Environment.

A healthy environment is the basis of a good quality of life for everyone and supports and sustains resilient communities as well as Ireland’s rich biodiversity. We need a Minister with responsibility for our environment who will act as a voice for us all at ministerial level.

linsepatron [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Comm ons

Sign the petition now to support our call! my.uplift.ie/petitions/the-taoiseach-must-reverse-his-decisionto-abolish-the-department-of-the-environment

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 2017.

Your 2017 card will be printed in our spring issue.

IBC IWT Summer16_ADVERT.indd 1

Membership Card 2016

Individual members, please fill in your full name. Family members, please fill in your family name. Card valid until February 28th 2017. Your 2017 card will be printed in our spring 2017 magazine. Š Irish Wildlife Trust 2016.

24/05/2016 10:35

CARSTEN KRIEGER PHOTOGRAPH FINE ART PRINTS - BOOKS - WORKSHOPS CARSTEN KRIEGER

P

FINE ART PRINTS - BOOKS

Join or renew your IWT membership today and make a difference for Irish Wildlife.

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23/05/2016 17:17 2/9/14 09:53:10