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Irish Wildlife

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IWT PRESS RELEASE In response to the news this morning that Minister Heather Humphreys is to extend the season for burning and hedge cutting into the bird breeding season we have just issued this Press Release: Press Release: Nature and landscape loses

23/12/2015

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Wed, Dec 23, 2015

23/12/2015

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In response to the news this morning that Minister Heather Humphreys is to extend the season for burning and hedge cutting into the bird breeding season, we have just issued this Press Release:

Press Release: Nature and landscape loses out again as Minister Heather Humpreys announces extension of burning and hedge-cutting season

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is disappointed but not surprised at the announcement today that Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has extended the season into which land owners can burn vegetation or cut hedges. Once again we note that the greater good of protecting nature and our landscape will take a hit in favour of appeasing the large farming organisations. The reality is that these measures will change nothing on the ground except perhaps to legitimise further degradation of the countryside – something which has been on-going for some time now. Based on no scientific evidence, and only the demands of vocal lobby groups, burning of vegetation will be allowed through the month of March when many birds and other animals are nesting.

IWT Campaigns Officer Pádraic Fogarty says “time and again we see the grip that vested interests have on decision making that affects the wider good. Since coming to office Minister Humphreys has shown no interest or knowledge of the natural environment which is a part of her brief. The sad thing is that much of the damage has already been done and this decision will simple perpetuate the downward trajectory of nature and landscape in Ireland. It makes a mockery of claims that Ireland is a so-called ‘world leader’ in sustainable food production.”
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IWT Press Release: Decline of the Irish Sea continues as Fishing Quotas set beyond scientific advice The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is concerned at the continuing decline of the marine environment in the Irish Sea following the European Commissions Cou

17/12/2015

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IWT PRESS RELEASE

17/12/2015

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IWT Press Release: Decline of the Irish Sea continues as Fishing Quotas set beyond scientific advice

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is concerned at the continuing decline of the marine environment in the Irish Sea following the European Commission’s Council meeting earlier this week. Since 2004 scientists have advised that no fishing for cod or whiting should be carried but this has been routinely ignored. In 2007 this advice was issued for sole and yet quotas continue to be granted. Cod stocks in the Irish Sea have declined 10-fold since the 1980s, according to the Marine Institute. The new Common Fisheries Policy, which came into effect in 2014, committed the EU to sustainable fishing and rebuilding fish stocks. While some progress has been made there has been little change in the management of the Irish Sea. This sea has gone from a mixed fishery with abundant catches, to virtually a single-species (Dublin Bay prawn) and evidence even here suggests it is being overfished.

IWT Campaign Officer Pádraic Fogarty says “Despite all the talk it is business as usual for the Irish Sea and there’s to be no political will to restore it to its previous wealth. The ecosystem is on course to be so damaged that we could be looking at a sea full of jellyfish and little else in the not too distant future.”
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Just posted a photo https://t.co/izjqe5LG65

7/12/2015

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#rock https://t.co/PtZ9VtMgjN

7/12/2015

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#nature https://t.co/adbAmCmTjt

7/12/2015

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Just posted a photo https://t.co/KBgmoN5eWx

7/12/2015

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Just posted a photo https://t.co/kTDY1NBkCv

7/12/2015

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Just posted a photo https://t.co/fTlLE9yKFz

7/12/2015

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2016 - A Big Year 

5/12/2015

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Dear Santa,

A big year is an informal competition among birders to see who can see or hear the largest number of species of birds within a single calendar year and within a specific geographical area. This year I am going to try to do a big year on an informal basis. My two main reasons for doing this is as a life long learner, I want to be able to sharpen my identification skills. and secondly to continue my Irish Wildlife adventure!.Please could you bring me a new scope and to spot some new species!

your friend 

Stephen
 

In comparison to most European countries, Ireland has fewer breeding species. While many of these are migratory, there are also many resident species, common in Europe, that are rare in Ireland. There are several reasons for this:

Firstly, Ireland has been isolated as an island for approximately 8,000 years. As a result, many sedentary species including Nuthatches, Willow Tits and Tawny Owls, which do not move great distances, have not managed to cross the Irish Sea. Secondly, Ireland's mild, wet climate results in a lower winter mortality rate for resident species, allowing such species to commence breeding in the best habitats before many migrants arrive. Therefore, Ireland has fewer available niches for migratory species. Finally, Ireland has fewer habitat types than our neighbouring island. In comparison to Britain, Ireland has less deciduous woodlands and Scots pine forests, while habitats such as heaths, chalk down land and very high mountain ranges are totally absent explaining why birds like Woodlark, Dartford Warbler, Crested Tits and Ptarmigan do not occur here.
However, Ireland does hold healthy populations of some species that are in serious decline elsewhere in Europe. Corncrakes are recovering their numbers in the midlands, while Dublin and Wexford hold large numbers of Roseate Terns. Of course, the islands and headlands of the rugged western and southern coasts hold enormous seabird colonies, with the largest breeding number of Storm Petrels in the world. Ireland also holds three sub-species of breeding birds, Coal Tit, Jay and Dipper, while the Irish Red Grouse is also considered by some to be a distinct subspecies.

While Ireland's western geographical location is not ideal for many European migrants, it is perfect for the occurrence of many North American species swept across the Atlantic on their long migration from northeast Canada.
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Just posted a photo https://t.co/fRnXmrLSZs

5/12/2015

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    I am a wildlife photographer based in Co. Wicklow, Ireland, who has an affinity for Ireland's landscape and wildlife. The magic of Ireland is truly evoked in the marriage of landscape and light.

    Contact: mactire.ie@gmail.com

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  • Home
  • Store
  • Blog
  • Cetaceans - Whales and Dolphins
    • Basking Shark
  • Mammals
    • Otter
    • Seals
    • Deer
    • Bats
    • Squirrel
    • Fox
    • Rabbits
  • Birds
    • Heron
    • Kingfisher
    • Gullible
    • Great Northern Diver
    • Robin
    • Cock Pheasant
    • Greylag Goose
    • Egret
    • Cormorant
    • Mute Swan
    • Reed Bunting
    • Lough Derg Sea Eagles Video
  • Wild Flowers
    • Wild flowers of Ireland
  • Trees
  • Biodiversity.ie
    • IWT Dublin Branch
    • Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland
  • Animal Tracks
  • Insects
  • Irish Wildlife Fact Sheets
  • Michael Conry Books