Tipperary Farmer shortlisted for Farming for Nature Award
Séan O Farrell, of Cloncannon Biofarm is one of six farmers shortlisted for the inaugural ‘Farming for Nature Awards’. Members of the public, and in particular the farming community, are being asked to vote for their top pick for the 2018 National ‘Farming for Nature’ Award. The prestigious award is part of a wider independent initiative (www.farmingfornature.ie) […]
LIT Scientist and Thurles native proves existence of pure native Irish Honey Bee, Apis mellifera mellifera – the native black bee previously feared extinct
A Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) scientist has proven beyond any doubt that the pure native Irish Honey Bee – Apis mellifera mellifera is not extinct as previously feared, but still exists on the island of Ireland. Applied Science Postgraduate Jack Hassett from Thurles has discovered that millions of the pure native species are […]
IWT – Nature loses out again with extension of burning and hedge-cutting season
The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is disappointed but not surprised at the announcement that Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has extended the season into which land owners can burn vegetation or cut hedges. Once again we note that the greater good of protecting nature and our landscape will take a […]
The Urban Countryside – Christmas in the Countryside.
by Albert Nolan For kids the days before Christmas seem to get longer and longer while for poor harassed parents there just isn’t enough hours in the day. If the stress of the festive season is getting you down try taking a short walk in your garden or park and discover some of the fascinating […]
The Urban Countryside – Berries for the birds
by Albert Nolan After the summer holidays the year seems to take on a faster pace as house routine blends in with the school week. Some birds have already returned to their wintering quarters and others like swallows are getting ready to go. Swifts have departed and for such a noisy species they leave without […]
The sweeter side of Wasps – The Urban Countryside
by Albert Nolan I have received several calls and emails form distressed people wondering why there are so many “bloody wasp” around over the last few weeks. These insects are universally unpopular because of their painful sting. But behind this successful defense their lives are very interesting and they are very important in the ecology […]
The Urban Countryside – Grasshoppers
by Albert Nolan The Tailor of the Meadows. I was driving my car a few days ago and enjoying the countryside as it sped by and the cool breeze circling in the car. The roadside verges have recovered some of their lushness after been scorched by the heat wave and fresh flowers and grass […]
The urban countryside – The Pheasant
by Albert Nolan Every so often a reader emails me around his observations on pheasants. He had seen one recently digging a hole in the ground and sitting in it and was wondering why it was behaving in such a manner?. Like the pheasant I was left scratching my head for a few days and […]
The Urban Countryside – A brush with foxes
by Albert Nolan The silence of Sunday morning was shattered by the harsh warning call of a pair of Magpies in the back garden. Despite the lingering effects of last nights wine I decided it was worth the effort of drawing the curtains as this warning call often indicates a predator is about. As I […]
Go wild this year as part of Tipperary Festival
This year as part of Tipperary Town Festival well know wildlife enthusiasts Dan Hogan and Albert Nolan will be exploring our town and discovering bugs, butterflies and birds These walks will be of particular interest to families and kids but all are welcome to attend and learn about Tipperary’s wildlife. For more information please contact […]
