News
Kildare Wetland Survey Discoveries 2013
During August the wetlands in Kildare were the focus of survey work undertaken for Kildare Couty Council as part of the second wetland survey within the county. This project was undertaken in co-operation with the team from Wetland Surveys Ireland.
In all 60 sites were examined for their wetland value culminating in the preparation of detailed wetland reports for each. Most of these sites had been identified as part of an aerial photographic examination of the county undertaken in 2012, and to date little was known about the wetlands occuring there.
A range of wetlands were found including a man made articial ponds and lakes, quarry lakes, transition mire and cutover bog habitats. Abandoned quarry sites, such as Kilrainy shown above showed interesting wetland community regeneration together with species rich calcareous grassland community development.
Nymphoides peltata the invasive Fringed Water Lily was found at two locations. Eradication of this highly invasive species was recommended.
Results of the Kildare Wetland Survey II will be available from the Kildare County Council later in the year.
#MapofIrishWetlands
Some interesting discoveries in Bellacorick Bog SAC, Co. Mayo
During survey work on Bellacorick Bog SAC in County Mayo in late July a number of interesting discoveries were made in this large lowland or atlantic blanket bog area.
Finds included a dark colour form of the Garden Cross Spider (Araneus diadematus) possibly a camoflague adaptation to the tar covered black electricty pole on which it has spun its web.
A colony of Erica mackaiana, only recorded previously in one or two locations within the county. The heather covered some 10 square meters on an area of disturbed and grazed blanket bog adjacent to a forestry plantation.
The large carabid beetle Carabus glabratus also known as the Smooth Ground Beetle on a moss carpet beside an extensive pool complex. At almost 2.5-3 cm long its an impressive insect.
and a bare peat bottomed flush/channel area dominated by a large stand of Rhynchospora fusca.
