News Update March - April 2012
NPWS Support the Irish Red Grouse Association
Pictured L-R: David Tierney, Tom Dunne, Pat Warner, Jim Fitzharris, Lyall Plant, Ciaran O Keeffe
Ciaran O’Keeffe, Pat Warner and David Tierney from The National Parks & Wildlife Service recently hosted a meeting with The Irish Red Grouse Association (IRGA) at their offices at 7 Ely Place, Dublin to discuss the work presently being done by the IRGA and how we can work together to benefit red grouse in Ireland. The meeting was attended by Lyall Plant, Chief Executive of Countryside Alliance Ireland, Jim Fitzharris, I.F.A. Countryside and Tom Dunne, Gundog and Field Trial Group all of whom were representing the Irish Red Grouse Association
grouse removed from the red list of globally endangered species and said the IRGA was seeking the co-operation of all other groups in achieving this
Lyall Plant outlined the origin of the IRGA and listed its achievements in the last fifteen months, since it had been formed. There were now 14 grouse projects in operation under the auspices of the IRGA with some more nearly ready to start and Lyall paid special tribute to the work of IRGA committee member, Judith Kelemen of NPWS, for her work and dedication to improving the habitat for red grouse in Ireland.
The IRGA outlined the case for burning in March. As it is, February is the only really suitable month and was far too limited a period for burning if the weather was inclement. The Wildlife Act prevents any burning in March and there is no provision for derogation attached to this section.
A number of issues were discussed including habitat improvement and predator control, highlighting that all the work presently being done will also benefit other groundnesting species. Lyall highlighted the Association’s objective to work with other like minded organisations and bodies to have the red
Some discussion was held on the forthcoming CAP Reform and greening measures along with single payment and agrienvironmental schemes. The EU Directive sought measures to protect wildlife habitat. In general, it was felt that controlled burning of heather was the way to curb indiscriminate burning of habitat.
However, Ciaran O’Keeffe said that the Act was being reviewed and he would be pleased to accept a submission from the Association seeking special licences for March burning on the Association’s sites. The meeting ended with all parties agreeing to work closely together going forward for the benefit of our environment and its wildlife that will enable us to continue to participate in our rural activities.
Countryside Alliance Awards
Michael Martin of Mallusk, Vice-President of the Six Mile Water Trust, has been named “Rural Hero” for the UK and Ireland at the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards finals in London; while Nolan’s of Kilcullen has taken the prestigious Butcher crown. Michael, along with James and Emma Nolan attended the Awards’ Reception at the House of Lords on 7 March and they were absolutely delighted to be named as the best in the UK and Ireland. The Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars’, have been running for seven years and were set up to celebrate the characters, produce, traditions and enterprise of the countryside through the people who work so hard to make it tick. Michael was nominated in the Rural Hero category which honours those doing something heroic for the countryside, often unsung. Countryside Alliance Chairman Kate Hoey MP (who herself, is from County Antrim) presided over the reception, which was attended by regional champions from all over the UK and Ireland. The reception was also attended by a huge number of cross-party Parliamentarians. Prizes were handed out across the categories of local food, village shop, enterprise, butcher and rural hero. Richard Benyon MP and Lord Taylor of Holbeach, members of the DEFRA Parliamentary Team, were on hand to present the awards. Colm Ó Súilleabháin, First Secretary (Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) was also on hand to offer his congratulations. Kate Hoey told the reception: “This year’s rural hero doesn’t seek or expect praise – Michael Martin does what he does out of a genuine passion. He has been instrumental in setting up the Six Mile Water Trust, formed as a result
of a disastrous pollution incident in June 2008. The Trust seeks to protect the 26 mile long river which runs through heavily populated and industrial areas of County Antrim. Michael is involved in an education programme with local schools, teaching the importance of plant life and invertebrates in the river and how to introduce fingerling trout. He works closely with Government agencies, local councils and local businesses; all in his quest to improve the river for the good of the community and the associated flora and fauna. Michael is an avid fly-tyer, angler, dog-handler and shot and makes himself available, whenever possible, to promote good practice and love of the countryside. Michael’s resolve, knowledge and quiet firm manner, tempered with humour has meant that he has gained the respect and support of many, including the Countryside Alliance.” Kate Hoey went on to commend Nolan’s: “A family affair (currently run by James and Emma), this butcher shop is a fourth generation business that has been serving the rural community with pride since 1886. The produce is quite simply top notch and the owners are rightly proud of the quality and traceability of everything sold on the shop floor, whether from their own farm or from other local farms. There is an abattoir on site and when the judges visited, there was a team butchering and boning out the carcases with impressive skill in the back-stage area which is a beacon of excellence in modern day butchery. Nothing is wasted and they have started producing dog food from offcuts – simple but great ideas that cater for customers’ needs. The shop also sells fruit, vegetables and has a deli counter alongside the award winning butchery products.”
Going Strong since 71 It was my honour and privilege to be asked to attend the Rathcormac Gun Club end of season celebration in Curraheen Park on Saturday the 3rd of March. This was no ordinary celebration as it marked the closing of 40 consecutive seasons of game shooting and conservation in Rathcormac. Rathcormac is a most progressive club, not only in terms of trying new types of release pens, game crop trials and so on, but also in promoting the sport in general through new media such as Website and YouTube videos. I particularly like their emphasis on encouraging the youth into the sport; this is a key area that all clubs should focus on to protect the sport going forward. In all, 67 members and friends of the Rathcormac Gun Club gathered at Curaheen Park Greyhound stadium to mark the occasion. Guests included, Jim O’Donovan, President of Cork Field Trials Association (and Rathcormac Gun Club), Tom Tracey of Irish Rough Shooter and myself, Lyall Plant, Chief Executive, Countryside Alliance Ireland.
I was honoured to be asked to make a presentation to John Drinan; John is the only member to have 40 years of active shooting in Rathcormac. Colman Howard, Club Chairman, thanked all those who attended on the night and called on Jim O’Donovan, Club President, to present me with a beautiful framed picture of pair of Labs sitting at a peg for which I am very grateful. This was in recognition of Countryside Alliance Ireland’s support to the Club. During his address, Colman also took the opportunity to especially thank the landowners whose land we shoot over, as without the landowners’ support we would not have a sport. He also gave a special thanks to those landowners who generously make their land available for game crop and release pens and Rathcormac were delighted to see many of those landowners at the event. Countryside Alliance Ireland was very pleased to see the Club publicly acknowledging the contribution that landowners have on our sport and the rapport that Rathcormac obviously has with them. The highlight of the weekend for me was when I met the lads in Rathcormac the following day. The day started with breakfast in Michael O’Donovan’s house and he gave me a tour of his impressive Springer kennels. Mike provided a very interesting insight into their pedigree and proudly gave a quick demonstration on obedience and retrieving skills. We then went to see some of last season’s game crop,
which proved to be an outstanding success. However, the conversations with the Rathcormac Gun Club always centre around how it can be improved for next year. Following successive game crop trials over the years with commercial crops, they have blended their own seed mix of crops that are successfully grown by local farmers. Consultation is ongoing and now turnips and sugar beet are going to be added to the mix for next year. As the season is now closed we didn’t bring gun dogs to try the crop, however as we gently strolled through one section we raised 2 hens and a cock pheasant and one beautiful Irish Hare. Next on the agenda was one of the most picturesque sites I have seen, this site was donated to the Rathcormac Gun Club by a landowner who is also a great supporter of the Club and whom I had the pleasure of meeting at Curraheen Park the previous night. The land in question was cut off from the main property by a river and 10 years ago the Club planted a considerable number of indigenous Irish trees, which are now well established with significant ground cover at foot. Last year the Club built a pheasant release pen on the site; this site incorporating a mature Oak which provides shade and perching for roosting poults. The remaining space is open to the sun and on a spring morning such as this, the heat of the sun was evident in this sheltered site. Mink control is obviously a concern here, however, this is in the careful hands of Eoin, one of the junior members, but also one of the most dedicated active members of the Club. Eoin’s role is to place, monitor and control the mink traps on the river and this has been a success both in terms of the number of mink captured and the fact that no casualties were recorded. It is always a pleasure for me to meet with the guys from Rathcormac, however, to view the progress that this Club has made since my last visit a few short years ago is phenomenal. It leaves me with no doubt in my mind that the Rathcormac Gun Club is an inspiration to anyone interested in pheasant rearing, conservation and game shooting the world over. The Rathcormac Gun Club has become the benchmark for all clubs to aspire to and is referenced in every conference and game fair I attend in Ireland and the UK.
Heather Burning in County Tipperary Following the safety brief, everyone eagerly piled into transport and drove to the hills, stopping at vantage points to view recent burn sites. The day was glorious, but the recent damp weather with a low morning cloud and the absence of any meaningful wind meant that the heather would not burn which was a pity. They did manage to get a few small fires to light, but these went out quickly. However, all those in attendance did learn many practical lessons and the day also highlighted the need for change in legislation to allow selective heather burning in the month of March.
The Irish Red Grouse Association funded a heather burning demonstration day that was hosted by ABGN Gun Clubs on the Knockmealdown Range. The purpose of the event was to show the practicalities, difficulties and the dangers of heather burning and groups throughout the country who have begun grouse projects were invited. Douglas Butler, Chairman of ABGN Gun Clubs gave a brief outline of the Clubs, which is an amalgamation of three Gun Clubs. Pat O’Sullivan, Safety Officer from ABGN Clubs followed up by giving a safety brief on the day’s activities.
Invasive Species A short but important online survey has been launched by the European Commission asking people across Europe for their views on tackling invasive alien species.
evidence that such activities are environmentally harmful. In particular the release of game for hunting purposes or for hunting itself (e.g. falconry).
The survey may lead to a new law requiring member states to manage or even to eradicate populations of invasive alien species in their country. The survey is in English with 11 multiple choice questions and only takes a few minutes to complete.
To find out more about the consultation please visit our website at www.caireland. org where you will find all the relevant information and links to the on line consultation.
The importance of this issue is well highlighted in the press release of the Commissioner. However, it must not be used as an avenue to unfairly discriminate against legitimate hunting interests, unless there is good
Firearms News Republic of Ireland Following a review of the Firearms Licensing processes the Garda Commissioner has approved the amended Firearms Certificate Application Form (FCA1). The amended Form FCA1 for all categories of Firearm Certificate Applications is now available on the Garda Website www. garda.ie. and AGSPortal. We have also been informed that the first trance of renewals will shortly commence. Many people are wondering whether they will have to complete the whole form again. We have spoken to the issuing authority who have informed us that the renewal forms will arrive fully populated (completed)
with the information that you provided all you will have to do is check that all the details are correct (if not amend) sign, date and return. Northern Ireland We have been waiting since last November for the Department of Justice to publish proposals for amendment to the Firearms (NI) Order 2004 including the review of the fees for licences. We now have received correspondence from the Department of Justice informing us that they are still gathering information from third parties and they now anticipate the consultation will be issued in the next couple of months. We will keep you all informed.