Environment
Emission Reduction Scenarios
0 Emission Reduction Scenarios Colm Kelly, Climate Action & Sustainability Adviser, discusses strategies for Irish farmers to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, using scenarios generated by the Agnav planner tool, and highlights the impact of adopting new technologies on emission levels. Irish Agricultural Green House Gas (GHG) emissions have become part of everyday […]
7 September 2024
‘Rapid uptake’ of MACC measures needed to reduce agricultural emissions
0 ‘Rapid uptake’ of MACC measures needed to reduce agricultural emissions In its recommendations to Government, the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) has highlighted the need for a “rapid uptake of the high-impact and cost effective measures from the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve to reduce agricultural emissions”. As presented in the Annual […]
5 September 2024
Hedgerow Flora
0 Hedgerow Flora There are approximately one hundred plant species associated with our native Irish hedges, each one with its own story to tell. These include trees, shrubs, climbers and herbs. Catherine Keena and John Feehan tell us more. When it comes to biodiversity, the most important single component in the value of […]
3 September 2024
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