Anja Murray: Opposition to saving nature — all that we hold dear — is surreal

That so many people are enthusiastic about restoring nature is grounds for hope. We must not let the scaremongering of a minority derail this democratic process

Grey Seal. Picture: Eamonn Coyle

As the summer charges in confidently, it’s easy to feel enthused about wild nature. Wet fields are brimming with meadow buttercup and bright pink ragged robin. Wild orchids are coming up everywhere. Coastlines are covered in swathes of pretty pink sea thrift and the sea invites us in to swim. Swifts zoom past overhead and swallows glide on evening air currents, catching up flying insects for their nestlings as they go. We are reminded at every turn of the richness that surrounds us and how we in Ireland have not completely lost our close connection with nature.

Swallows glide on evening air currents, catching up flying insects for their nestlings as they go