Lismore Callows walk

The next outing will be to the Lismore Callows on Sunday February 21st. Meet at Woodies carpark at 1245pm or go direct to The Towers on the road to Ballyduff, c5km from Lismore, at 2pm to view the waterbirds, followed by a walk to through the woods to see the towers. The walk leader will be Denis Cullen.

Blackwater Callows

Grid reference: X0199 west to W9299.

Ordnance Survey Discovery map: number 81

Habitat: Flooded pasture-fields (callows) along R. Blackwater; extensive woodlands.

Main interest: Wintering wildfowl and waders.

Climate Emissions

A colleague of mine in Oregon sent me this interesting map. If you want to see the full article, click here

Great news for Waterford Coastline

An Bord Pleanála finally released its decision on the hotel, golf and housing complex at Garrarus and Kilfarrasy proposed by Islandikane Developments Ltd. The decision is a complete refusal to grant planning permission and one which overturns Waterford County Council’s decision to grant permission in Feb 2009.

This refusal by An Bord Pleanála is the decision that the Garrarus group have worked so hard to create a case for and the Bord has recognised and reiterated the compelling reasons to preserve the site as one that is characterised by its open landscape, rural style settlement and special habitats. To read a copy of the Bord’s decision click here.

This is a landmark decision by the Bord which should provide a test case which can set a precedent to prevent similar style developments on other areas of special protection in Ireland. The positive response by the Bord to the appeals it received arguing against this development is one that substantiates the effort, expertise and dedication of all those involved in making these appeals.

This result is the culmination of each and every submission that was lodged with Waterford County Council Planning Authority as all of these were part of the file that was submitted to An Bord Pleanála and so there are many, many people who have contributed to this outcome. The GDCR would like to thank everyone for the support, advice and work that they have undertaken in order to contribute and participate in the campaign of opposition to the proposed development. Their website is here.

We have preserved, for now, the landscape, character and unspoilt beauty of the place in which we live and relax and this is no small victory.

Don't be a nanny, visit the goats!

Irish Wildlife Trust November Outing

The Waterford branch of the IWT invite you to join them on a walk and visit to the Bilberry goats. This will take place on Sunday, November 22nd. The walk will leave from outside the Brewery, just past Rice Bridge, starting at 2 pm. The route will take us out Bilberry and up Quarry Road to the goats and then back by Gracedieu and Summerhill to the start point. Points of interest in addition to the goats include urban wildlife and the natural history of the River Suir.
All are welcome.
Check out the Bilberry Goats Blog or the website for more information about the goats.

Walk leader Ray McGrath.
For more information, telephone 051 382629 and 085 746 8102.

Bulletin of the National Biodiversity Data Centre

The Autumn issue of Biodiversity Ireland is now available as a download from the National Biodiversity Data Centre website.
Well worth a look.

Also check out the Biodiversity maps

Seaweeds

"Have some seaweed pasta sauce, Ah go on, go on"

Samples of Marinated Aalaria (wakame), Laver bread (made with sloughan), Cheese and Dilisk Scones, Kelp Crisps, Carageen Chocolate Blancmange were all on offer at Kilfarrassey on Saturday last. Recipes available on the blog (check under March postings in Archive on left side) or by emailing Marie Power

Bealtaine events on 23rd and 24th May

As part of the Bealtaine Festival organised by Calmast, the Waterford branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust will host the following two events.

To book, login here

Food for Free!
Join Marie Power on Saturday 23rd May at Kilfarassey Strand, Fenor, Co. Waterford for seaweed identification and it's use in cooking. The event will include samples of "sea vegetables" and dishes made from them, a scramble on the rocks to see how they grow and how to collect in a sustainable way, and some beauty uses of seaweed. Those interested should assemble at 10.30am at Kilfarrassey carpark.
Directions: From Tramore take coast road (R675) towards Dungarvan. Just before the village of Fenor, take the turn to the left which is signposted Kilfarassey. The car park is about a mile down this road.

Wildwatch.
Date: Sunday 24th May
Venue: Mahonbridge/ Comeraghs - Mahon bridge Village. Participants will learn about the animals and plants that live in the Comeraghs. The Crough Walk is a 2km woodland walk along the banks of the Mahon Stream. Here we will do some nature spotting, mammal tracking, tree naming, stream dipping and identifying bird calls.
The walk will be lead by Denis Cullen.We will assemble at 2.00 pm at Mahon Bridge. Directions: From Waterford take the N25 (Cork road). Turn off (right) just past Kilmacthomas for Mahonbridge. Continue for approximately 4km until you arrive in the village of Mahonbridge