Help to save our wildlife

WE might as well get into positive mode early in the New Year.

In spite of predictions of doom for nature and wildlife, there are some encouraging stories around. Not every vulnerable species is going the way of the hapless dodo, but there’s an important qualification — human assistance is often necessary to ensure survival of our fellow creatures.

Over the years, we’ve been hearing about decline in grouse, largely due to habitat destruction in upland areas where the bird once thrived, but a project to restore habitat in Boleybrack Mountain, in Co Leitrim, has led to a rise in the grouse population there.