News
Waterford Wetland Survey 2015
In January of this year a joint project with Wetland Surveys Ireland, and funded by Waterford City and County Council was launched to map all wetlands in Waterford and undertake a survey of selected sites.
The final wetland map to be produced from the project will include both sites within the state SAC/ SPA / NHA network, but more importantly will identify wetland sites outside of the “recognised” network of conservation worthy areas.
Both freshwater habitats (bog/fen/lake/ponds artifical or natural etc.) and brackish water (saltmarsh/lagoons/dune slacks etc.) will be included within the wetland inventory.
The Map of Irish Wetlands currently has 188 potential wetland sites shown in the county.
If you are aware of a wetland site, not currently displayed on the map, that you feel should be included in the Waterford wetland inventory, please send details of the sites location to Peter Foss. All submissions will be acknowledged in the final report.
Many thanks.
#MapofIrishWetlands
Highland Cattle Pilot Conservation Project at Pollardstown Fen
Minister Humphreys introduced a pilot project at Pollardstown Fen, Co. Kildare in December. Locally sourced Highland Cattle have been brought onto the site to help conserve Habitats Directive protected Vertigo species and Marsh Fritillary butterfly. These cattle are adapted to graze on course fibrous plants and reduce the dominance of tall species of plants such as reed and tall grasses. This should enhance habitat quality for these protected species. An initial 6 hectare site has been selected for the pilot project with an additional 18 ha of state owned land available and suited for expansion in the future. National Parks and Wildlife Service will be monitoring the project.
Photograph above shows Highland Cattle grazing on Harristown Common, Co. Kildare.
