New wildlife pond

Over the last two Mondays, a new wildlife pond has been created by IWT local volunteers in conjunction with St. Saviours School, Ballybeg. Leighton Roche, John Hoban and Marie Power worked with Senan and the 4th class pupils of Mr Gough's class to create a wildlife pond in the school grounds. The pond is planted with bogbean, iris and oxygenating hairgrass, and it is hoped will support frogs and newts in time. Water and web of nature classes were carried out with the class to help explain the ecological context for the pond.

Some new planting, as well as biodiversity classes were carried out in St. Ursulas School. The pond created there a few years ago, was populated with goldfish , so these are now removed to another location and native plants - iris and water forget-me-not - were introduced to increase the biodiversity of the pond.

A protective grid is now being sought to prevent accidents. If you know anyone who has one to spare, or who can make one, we would like to hear from you.

Special thanks are due to Leighton and John who did the hard work of digging the pond!

Biodiversity maps

The latest release of Biodiversity Maps now includes a function to report on what species have been recorded in an area of land. Register as a user of Biodiversity Maps and this allows you to generate a report on designated sites (SPAs, SACs, NHAs, and Nature Reserves), squares of the national grid (10km, 2km and 1km resolution) and for any townland in the country.

December Family treat

Waterford Irish Wildlife Trust held a Christmas outing especially for families and the children of members and friends on Sunday December 18^th.  The outing consisted of a one mile walk to the Harrington deer herd just outside Dunhill, a visit to the deer herd,   a tasting of Chough farm products and  festive refreshments.   We then returned to Dunhill for a social gathering over some mince pies.  

Ray introducing IWT

Short walk along the road

The fast section into the pool, a fish delight

Mary with river Anne in background

New constructed wetland for private house

Ray holding forth

Bamboo, another invasive or an ornamental?

The deer we all wanted to see,Sika, an invasive?

December walk

The Irish Wildlife Trust in conjunction with MISE (Mammals in a sustainable environment) are hosting a training day and walk to spot otters on Sunday December 11^th.  The meeting point is at the carpark at the Waterford Island Castle Ferry at Ballynakill which is about 2 miles from the city centre.  Follow the Dunmore Road past the Hospital.  The third main turnoff on the left, past the hospital is signposted for Waterford Castle.  Follow this sign. The meeting time is 11 a.m.  Members of the general public who would like to know more about otters and otter surveying are very welcome on this walk which will last about 2 hours.  Reservations are necessary.  Please call Ray at 051-382629 before Saturday December 10^th.  Please bring your wellingtons and waterproofs.