Environment
How bats use hedgerows
0 How bats use hedgerows Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, and Tina Aughney, Bat Conservation Ireland, tell us why hedgerows are so important for bats. ‘As blind as bat’ is one of many myths about bats. Bats are nocturnal mammals with good eyesight but in the hours of darkness they rely on […]
2 September 2024
Coppicing and hedge laying actions under ACRES
0 Coppicing and hedge laying actions under ACRES Along with establishing new hedges, there are two further hedge actions under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) – coppicing and the laying of hedges. It is important to understand what is involved in each action and the ongoing work required over the course of […]
1 September 2024
Why birds need hedges
Why birds need hedges Of the 110 species regularly recorded in the Countryside Bird Survey in Ireland during the breeding season, 55 use hedges. Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, and Niall Hatch, BirdWatch Ireland, tell us more. 35 bird species nest in hedges that provide enough cover from predators, both overhead […]
31 August 2024
Reducing Your Farm’s Impact on Water Quality This Autumn
Reducing Your Farm’s Impact on Water Quality This Autumn Richard Gill writes about how farmers can protect water quality by implementing a range of practices, from optimal fertiliser application to investing in infrastructure like fencing and solar-powered water pumps. Farmers can play a crucial role in safeguarding water quality by implementing various […]
31 August 2024
Healthy hedges deliver for biodiversity
Healthy hedges deliver for biodiversity As part of National Hedgerow Week 2024, Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, tells us of the biodiversity benefits of healthy hedges. All native hedges are incredibly important for biodiversity. They are generally 200 years old and, in addition to the hedge plants, the ground vegetation and […]
30 August 2024
Value of healthy hedgerows highlighted as National Hedgerow Week is launched
Value of healthy hedgerows highlighted as National Hedgerow Week is launched Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett, today, Wednesday, 28 August launched National Hedgerow Week 2024 at an event in Birr Castle, Co. Offaly. National Hedgerow Week, which is jointly coordinated by Teagasc and the Heritage Council, is […]
28 August 2024
Do you know what a species rich grassland looks like or if you have one on your farm?
Do you know what a species rich grassland looks like or if you have one on your farm? Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, Dr Catherine Keena, joins us on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss natural and semi-natural grassland. The discussion covers various aspects of grassland management in Ireland, focusing on the […]
26 August 2024
Growing Wild: Haws and Powdery Mildew on Whitethorn
Growing Wild: Haws and Powdery Mildew on Whitethorn Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, takes a closer look at some of our native Irish biodiversity, focusing this time on Haws and Powdery Mildew on Whitethorn. Haws on Whitethorn Look out for haws on whitethorn and note where they are occurring – on […]
23 August 2024
Refresher: The Teagasc Better Farming for Water Campaign
Refresher: The Teagasc Better Farming for Water Campaign The Teagasc Better Farming for Water campaign was cited as a substantive action in the today, August 20, published Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s plan to progress the retaining of Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation post 2025. In this article, we take a look […]
20 August 2024
Growing Wild: Scarlet Waxcap and Yellow Meadow Ants
Growing Wild: Scarlet Waxcap and Yellow Meadow Ants Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, takes a closer look at some of our native Irish biodiversity, focusing this time on Scarlet Waxcap and Yellow Meadow Ants. Scarlet Waxcap Look out for scarlet waxcaps, one of our waxcap fungi found in tightly grazed areas […]
17 August 2024