Gorse fires wreaking havoc on forgotten plants and animals

While nesting birds and their chicks are the main victims of illegal gorse fires that have again plagued the country this year, plants and other animals that are often forgotten about are also being badly hit, writes Donal Hickey. 

Butterflies and tiny, almost unseen, insects, for instance.

Ecologist Kevin Corcoran says the prostrate sea broom is an extremely rare plant now confined to a handful of locations on the West Cork coast, including the Sheep’s Head area where it shows off its yellow May blossoms. Sadly, he adds, just three plants now survive in this isolated outpost.