Portally Cove at it's best

Some pix taken at Portally Cove last weekend.

Wildlife and winter weather

Many people have contacted us with concerns about wildlife during the recent cold snap, to know how wild animals and birds are coping with the cold conditions and how they can help wildlife.
The reality is that there are and have been impacts on birds, resident and migratory and many of the impacts won't be fully realised until spring when numbers of young may be reduced. It is also true that all of our native wildlife is adapted to cold weather, such as thicker coats in winter time, e.g. deer or hibernation e.g. hedgehogs. However, wild animals, birds and insects need habitat / cover to hibernate/nest/forage in, so we humans can help by leaving as much habitat as possible, especially linking habitat such as hedgerows, rivers and streams. This means that there is plenty of cover for wildlife , and importantly, that wildlife can move about safely between feeding and breeding grounds. Without "linkages" such as hedgerows and linear woodlands, animals can be left isolated on "islands" without sufficient food.
These are the things we need to consider when building roads etc, which deplete the habitat available to other species

Another way in which we can help is by having wildlife-friendly gardens with logpiles, leafpiles, areas of longer grass and undisturbed corners for small mammals and insects to shelter/over-winter/nest in. Plenty of trees provide protection and shelter, and native trees in particular are a good source of food, e.g.holly, hawthorn.
Waterbirds such as duck, geese, swans and waders such as oystercatchers are affected by lack of access to open water.
Garden birds can be helped by giving water and food - provide seed and nut food, moist bread, mealworms, apples, cheese and fat from meat etc. Do not put out dry porridge or rice as it affects their digestion. A water-bath is essential for birds for drinking and bathing. Keep it frost free in the mornings. And remember, if you start to feed birds, keep it up - they will come to depend on your garden/food supply!

Frogs hibernating in ponds will suffocate unless water kept ice-free. A labour-saving way to do this is to leave an old football floating on the surface and simply remove it when ice forms.

Deer are apparently suffering adverse effects in Scotland as they come down from highlands and come into closer contact with humans / cars etc. In Scandinavia, they use railroads to travel along, so the potential for fatalities is high.

If you have any tips for caring for wildlife, we would love to see them posted on this blog, so get in touch

The picture above is from Birds and Bloom...a useful website on this and other issues.

Thanks to Marie for the words of wisdom!

December Walk

The December Outing of the Irish Wildlife Trust Waterford takes place on Sunday December 12th starting at 2 pm sharp. The walk is along the interesting and biologically rich and diverse Anne Valley starting at Annestown car park. The walk is gentle and will be of about 2 hours. The route will take us along the Anne River past Dunhill Castle, the stronghold of the mediaeval Power family. This is a family friendly outing. The walk will be led by Reggie and Hilary Killops. Let us know if you need transport to and from the walk as there will be a small amount of car pooling available. Directions for Annestown car park: From Dunhill take the Annestown Road. The car park is at the eastern end of Annestown Beach or from Tramore follow the Dungarvan coast road through Fenor and on to Annestown. Enquiries: Ray at 051-382629. All welcome.

View Larger Map

Irish Wildlife Trust November Walk

The November Walk of the Irish Wildlife Trust ( Waterford) went to the interesting Carrigavantry Lake area on Sunday November 14th. The walk included a section along the lake front, through some forestry, and open farm land. Carrigavantry is a reservoir so part of the focus of the walk was the water supply. There is a passage grave en route. Alan Walsh of the Copper Coast Geo Park lead the walk.

Information on the reservoir can be found on the Flyfishing website. The new wheelyboat gives additional access to the lake.

Hydronet from the EPA gives some idea of the seasonal fluctuation of water levels.

Cliff walk report part 2

Our final destination: Portally Cove...any chance of continuing this fine walk on to Ballymacaw and even Rathmoylan?

once again the steps are a little demandiing for the less agile!

Fine coastal features at the mouth of Portally

and a Geo which has a small protective fence around it to prevent the less wary slipping in

Dunmore Cliff Walk Report part 1

Looking back over the Flatrocks to the Lighthouse and on up the Suir Estuary.

Well done to Ray McGrath and the Dunmore East Tourism and Commerce Group for their fine booklet entitled: Guide to 7 walks in Dunmore East and surrounding area. For more information on the annual Walking Festival check here.

The new steps may be a bit steep for some but maybe improved

The addition of a seat with views over to the Hook and a small bridge over a marshy area

Should development be allowed on such a superb coastline?

Walk on 14th November

Ballyscanlon Lake will be the venue on November 14th. The wildlife will not be as active as when Don Conroy visited in July. Listen to his podcast on WLR..click here.