Nature bouncing back with lots of positives going on in Irish environment and wildlife

DESPITE the downbeat and often valid warnings about the state of the Irish environment and wildlife, lots of positive things are going on, writes Donal Hickey.

As far back as 1969, a government report said our natural heritage was being “steadily whittled away’’ by human exploitation, pollution and modern development. Things have got much worse since then with the continuing decline and near extinction of many species.

Bogs and wetlands have disappeared at an alarming rate, but new habitats are being created in the most unlikely places such as the edges of motorways and congested urban areas. We also have high-value nature farming in places such as the Burren and Connemara where farmers are working in tandem with state agencies in ways that offer them a livelihood while at the same time protecting nature.