Sustainability - Biodiversity - Irish Examiner

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BIODIVERSITY IN ACTION

Sustainability collection highlighting content that relates to protection of our natural world and human life.

BIODIVERSITY IN ACTION

Sustainability collection highlighting content that relates to protection of our natural world and human life.

<p>The cutting of hedgerows during this time is largely prohibited, with only limited exemptions applying.</p>

news

Public warned not to cut hedgerows during bird nesting season

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has also issued updated guidance for landowners, outlining their legal responsibilities.

<p>Like their wild ancestors, ferrets are slim serpentine creatures almost half a metre long with black brown, or multi- coloured, coats.</p>

outdoors

Being cruel to be kind: Rathlin Island finally a ferret-free zone

<p>During the month of April, observe how bees are drawn to wildflowers for their generous offering of nectar pollen. Dandelions are one of the best food sources for bees, so leave them be. Don’t spray herbicides or pesticides. <span class="contextmenu emphasis CaptionCredit">Picture: iStock</span>
</p>

outdoors

The many ways to be a wild bee — and what we can do to help them

large school of mackerel

outdoors

Mackerel boats ‘full to the chin’ no more as quota down by over 70%

wetland scenery

outdoors

For peat's sake: We cannot afford to let the damage to our wetlands continue

Close-up image of Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) perched on seaside black, hard plastic dumpster refuse bin, scavenging fish a

outdoors

Same species, different city: Is nature losing its local accent?

Possible avian flu concern after 11 dead swans discovered at Loughaderra lake in east Cork

Possible avian flu concern after 11 dead swans discovered at Loughaderra lake in east Cork

'This is a biohazard,' said Proinsias Ó Tuama of Clean Coasts Ballynamona, who reported the find to the Department of Agriculture

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

Fresh Potato Harvest

Spring is in the air — here's how you can take biodiversity action from your garden

With spring in the air, more people are getting out into the garden and keeping wildlife in mind by opting for eco-friendly and organic products

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

Undervalued and overlooked: Scrub is nature’s way of rewilding — here's how

Undervalued and overlooked: Scrub is nature’s way of rewilding — here's how

Whatever the type of landscape, scrub habitats are just as significant as more celebrated hedgerows, offering a similar suite of benefits

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Winter weather Feb 16th 2026

Ireland’s seasonal identity crisis — what is it and how can we adjust?

It’s March. The daffodils are out, the evenings are getting longer, and winter is officially over. Or is it ...?

Fri, 06 Mar, 2026

Cainism may help restore eagle numbers in Ireland — here's how

Cainism may help restore eagle numbers in Ireland — here's how

Eagles can’t afford to raise two siblings here and so a form of siblicide observed in youngsters may ironically help Irish restoration

Thu, 05 Mar, 2026

Country Diary Archive : Western European hedgehog

Hedgehogs are waking up from their long winter slumber but they cannot move about as they need

In March, hedgehogs are waking up from hibernation and will soon begin venturing out from their cosy nests in search of food

Wed, 04 Mar, 2026

Rotational heather burn

Senators call on ministers to unblock burn permits to farmers

Senator Eileen Lynch, Cork North-West, said controlled burning, when carried out responsibly and at the correct time of year, is a well-established land management practice

Tue, 17 Feb, 2026

Interactive map showcases Shannon Estuary's wildlife and how to best protect it

Interactive map showcases Shannon Estuary's wildlife and how to best protect it

The Shannon Estuary has been internationally recognised for its wildlife, as it sees many waterbirds travel thousands of kilometres from Greenland and Iceland to winter there

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Michael Moynihan: Council responses show they can't see the wood for the trees

S Michael Moynihan: Council responses show they can't see the wood for the trees

Residents of Knockfree Ave in Cork are angered by council plans to cut down mature trees in their area

Thu, 22 Jan, 2026

Asian hornet from Catalonian Garden - Berga

'Cork is a mecca for Asian hornets', beekeepers warn

The public is urged to be vigilant in order to keep the insect under control

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

Lady's View in Killarney National Park of Ireland - shadows of clouds move on mountains and lakes

Majority of Ireland’s protected habitats still in decline

The Article 17 Report notes that over two-thirds of habitats are impacted by agricultural-related activities, particularly inappropriate grazing, drainage and pollution

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Scenic green valley and colourful rhododendron bushes in the Vee, Knockmealdown Mountains, Ireland.

Habitats report a stark contrast to nitrates decision

Biodiversity collapse is not a lost cause, but Government failure to prioritise it is devastating for all those working on nature restoration

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Extension of Ireland's derogation 'not a free pass' for farmers, says Michael McGrath

Extension of Ireland's derogation 'not a free pass' for farmers, says Michael McGrath

Under the derogation, Irish farmers are allowed to spread more nitrates, including slurry, on their land than other EU farmers

Thu, 27 Nov, 2025

A field of red clover in Derbyshire, UK.

Department starts payments for 2025 multi-species and red clover silage measures

Farmers who have applied and are eligible under the multi-species sward and red clover silage measures will begin to receive payments for their 2025 crop.

Tue, 18 Nov, 2025

Teagasc opens new research and innovation centre at Johnstown Castle

Teagasc opens new research and innovation centre at Johnstown Castle

The new laboratories at NASRIC will further support research in water quality, soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon farming, nutrient efficiency and farmland biodiversity

Tue, 18 Nov, 2025

Fota Wildlife Park needs your help to keep animals thriving after the bird flu outbreak

Fota Wildlife Park needs your help to keep animals thriving after the bird flu outbreak

Although we faced losses in the initial outbreak, we can confirm that our remaining bird population is currently testing negative for avian influenza, writes Aileen Tennant, director at Fota Wildlife Park

Sat, 08 Nov, 2025

Draining sewage from pipe into river, pollution rivers and ecology.

Mick Clifford: Our rivers are not the only places to have been polluted under the IFI

It seems there has been a complete disregard for the protection of rivers and lakes under Inland Fisheries Ireland, writes Mick Clifford

Mon, 20 Oct, 2025

Asian hornet from Catalonian Garden - Berga

Climate change making Ireland more hospitable to invasive species, experts warn

The Climate Council has warned Ireland is “falling far short” of its international conservation commitments, with an estimated annual biodiversity investment gap of €700m.

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Cork fish kill: No culprit for the worst environmental disaster in Ireland this century

Cork fish kill: No culprit for the worst environmental disaster in Ireland this century

A multi-agency investigation failed to find the source of, or even identify, the toxins that killed nearly 40,000 fish in the Blackwater River recently

Tue, 30 Sep, 2025

Biodiversity experts plan for arrival of invasive species amid rise in temperatures

Biodiversity experts plan for arrival of invasive species amid rise in temperatures

A risk register of the chances of non-native species arriving here will be developed

Sun, 14 Sep, 2025

Woman listening music with her mobile phone in first snow

Local radio stations ask young listeners to help them record sounds of nature in Ireland

16 local radio stations will consult with schools and youth groups on the collaboration with climate scientists at Harvard and Copenhagen universities

Sun, 31 Aug, 2025

What is the Asian hornet and should we be worried after one was found in Cork?

What is the Asian hornet and should we be worried after one was found in Cork?

First Cork sighting of invasive Asian hornet highlights risks to Irish honeybees and the need for public vigilance

Thu, 28 Aug, 2025

Working with landowners to protect and restore Ireland's rivers

Working with landowners to protect and restore Ireland's rivers

The EU Waters of LIFE project aims to reverse the decline of Ireland's most pristine rivers

Tue, 26 Aug, 2025

Proposal aims to turn land left over from Cork road scheme into native woodland

Proposal aims to turn land left over from Cork road scheme into native woodland

The land donated to Nature Trust for planting with the type of trees and forest that once covered Ireland would also have public walking trails

Mon, 25 Aug, 2025

'It makes us look like barbarians': No prosecution after white-tailed eagle poisoned in Kerry

'It makes us look like barbarians': No prosecution after white-tailed eagle poisoned in Kerry

There have been three cases of white-tailed eagles being poisoned and killed in 2025 so far despite the bird species being protected under the Wildlife Act

Tue, 19 Aug, 2025