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# Irish Wildlife Trust

Conserving Ireland’s Wildlife and Habitats Join Now

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://iwt.ie/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Places to Connect: Vale of Clara Nature Reserve, Co. Wicklow](https://iwt.ie/places-to-connect-vale-of-clara/) - Places to Connect: Vale of Clara Nature Reserve, Co. Wicklow By Kieran Flood, IWT CEO First published online: 21 January 2026 In this new series of articles, we will share recommendations of nature reserves and wild areas where you can go to connect with nature. Spending time outdoors in wild, functioning ecosystems allows us to
- [Committee on Marine Protected Areas](https://iwt.ie/committee-on-marine-protected-areas/) - Committee on Marine Protected Areas First published online: 21 January 2026 Grace Carr, Marine Advocacy Officer On Tuesday 13 January we attended the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. An Oireachtas committee is a group of TDs and Senators from all political parties that have responsibility to scrutinise and advise on particular
- [IWT New Year Plant Hunts with BSBI](https://iwt.ie/new-year-plant-hunts-with-bsbi/) - IWT New Year Plant Hunts with BSBI By Charlotte Salter-Townshend, IWT Communications & Network Officer First published online: 07 January 2026 Warmer winters may be changing the flowering times of plants, with a domino effect on all forms of wildlife. Since 2011, the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) have collated data on what’s
- [We're Hiring a Nature Advocacy Officer](https://iwt.ie/nature-advocacy-officer/) - We’re hiring a Nature Advocacy Officer Job Title: Nature Advocacy Officer Organisation: The Irish Wildlife Trust Location: Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7, Ireland (hybrid working supported) Hours: This is a full time 5 day week post Salary Rate: €32 - 40,000 per year (rate determined by level of professional experience) Contract Type: 2 year
- [IWT Members-Only Nature Writing Competition](https://iwt.ie/nature_writing_competition/) - IWT Members-Only Nature Writing Competition To thank our members (and perhaps attract a few new ones!) we are delighted to announce a members-only Nature Connection writing competition. First Place wins an eco stay at Native Ballydehob, in the wilds of West Cork. A growing body of scientific studies show that we benefit physically, mentally,
- [Nature Advocacy and Policy: 2025 in review](https://iwt.ie/nature-advocacy-and-policy-2025-in-review/) - Nature Advocacy and Policy: 2025 in review First published: 23/12/2025 2025 has been a difficult year for environmental issues. Pressures are appearing from all sides and there have been many disappointing blows to contend with. Those in power nationally and internationally don’t seem to have safeguarding the environment on their agendas and deregulation
- [Reflecting on 2025: Hope in the Wild](https://iwt.ie/reflecting-on-2025/) - Reflecting on 2025: Hope in the Wild First published online: 19 December 2025 Two strong themes of our work at IWT are Connection with Nature and Hope through Action. This year we have been busy progressing our strategy in line with these themes through the three interconnected pillars of our work; Advocacy for Nature, Building
- [Article 17 Habitats Report 2025](https://iwt.ie/article-17-habitats-report-2025/) - Article 17 Report 2025 By Grace Carr, IWT Marine Advocacy Officer First published online: 12 December 2025 2025’s Article 17 report results are as clear as day. Nature is declining in Ireland. The State needs to properly fund and support nature restoration. Every 6 years countries in the EU have to report on the state
- [Support the Bill to Ban Fox Hunting in Ireland](https://iwt.ie/support-the-bill-to-ban-fox-hunting-in-ireland/) - Support the Bill to Ban Fox Hunting in Ireland By Charlotte Salter-Townshend, IWT Communications & Network Officer First published online: 04 December 2025 Background and Timeline Fox hunting emerged as a topic during the presidential election debates. Most people were aghast at the description of this brutality as a “rural pursuit”. Ireland is now an
- [Our Ocean of Opportunity](https://iwt.ie/our-ocean-of-opportunity/) - Date July 15th Time 11.30 am - 12.45 pm Location This is a free webinar on the Zoom platform. All are welcome. Programme 11.30 Opening address by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD 11.40 Panel discussion chaired by Pádraic Fogarty (Irish Wildlife Trust) with Grace Cott, Assistant Professor at University
- [Event Announcement: Revitalising Ireland's Seas - Irish NGO coalition presents report on identifying areas of interest for MPA designation](https://iwt.ie/revitalising-irelands-seas/) - Revitalising Ireland's Seas Irish NGO coalition presents report on identifying ‘Areas of Interest’ for Marine Protected Area designation in Irish waters Wednesday, July 6th, 2022, 11 AM (WEST) Where: Zoom Watch the recording of this event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAkIWP89Ftc Event information Fair Seas is an Irish coalition campaign that seeks to build a movement of ocean
- [Disappointing outcome at COP30](https://iwt.ie/disappointing-outcome-at-cop30/) - Disappointing outcome at COP30 COP30 came to its conclusion and it was a sobering and stark reminder of the huge issues happening within the UN Climate Change Conference process. The final text which was agreed had NO reference to fossil fuels. No mention of oil, gas or coal, the biggest cause of climate change. The
- [European Commission highlights the need for fairer quota sharing](https://iwt.ie/european-commission-highlights-the-need-for-fairer-quota-sharing/) - Commission highlights the need for fairer quota sharing across Member States Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy states that quotas should be allocated in a fair and transparent manner taking into account social, environmental and economic criteria. Incentives should also be given for the use of more environmentally friendly fishing gear. This all
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes good news for the Glen](https://iwt.ie/goodnewsfortheglen/) - Press Release 26th November 2025 Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes good news for the Glen The Irish Wildlife Trust has welcomed the news that the National Parks and Wildlife Service have purchased 100 acres of forestry land beside the Glen of the Downs nature reserve. IWT Chief Executive, Kieran Flood commented, “It is very encouraging to
- [Commission Guidance on Fishing in Natura 2000 sites and what Ireland is currently doing](https://iwt.ie/23013-2/) - Commission Guidance on Fishing in Natura 2000 sites and what Ireland is currently doing New Commission guidance has been released to clarify issues around fishing activity in protected Natura 2000 sites. There are no new recommendations, the purpose of the document is to provide guidance to EU Member States on how to apply
- [No More Slash and Burn](https://iwt.ie/no-slash-burn/) - No to More Slash & Burn Published on: 4 November 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust, Birdwatch Ireland, An Taisce, and the Hedge Laying Association of Ireland highlight that the proposed changes to Section 40 of the Wildlife Act contained in the Heritage Bill 2016 are unjustified and damaging to natural heritage. Now the Bill is in
- [Heather Humphreys ‘clueless’ in interview on Radio Kerry](https://iwt.ie/heather-humphreys-clueless-interview-radio-kerry/) - Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys appeared clueless and unaware of her responsibilities in an interview with Radio Kerry this morning (April 23rd). She maintained that fires were not an issue for her staff except where it occurred in Killarney National Park. She seemed totally unaware that fires also occurred in Wicklow
- [No To More Slash & Burn](https://iwt.ie/no-slash-burn-4/) - No To More Slash & Burn Published on: 23 December 2015 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is disappointed but not surprised at the announcement yesterday that Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has extended the season into which land owners can burn vegetation or cut hedges. Once again we note that
- [Call to Action: Hands off Nature](https://iwt.ie/call-to-action-hands-off-nature/) - Our nature is under attack. The European laws that have been safeguarding our forests, rivers, wildlife and clean air are being quietly dismantled - under the false promise of “simplification”. But what’s really being simplified is the path for those who want to profit from nature at everyone’s expense. The European Commission quietly launched a
- [Press Release: The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the announcement of large vessel trawling restrictions in the 6nm zone](https://iwt.ie/press-release-restrictions-in-the-6nm-zone/) - The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the announcement of large vessel trawling restrictions in Ireland's 6nm zone IWT Press Release 22rd July 2025 The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the announcement made today on the long overdue 6 nautical mile (nm) trawling ban. It has been announced that from the 1st of October 2026, trawling by
- [Report from The Third UN Ocean Conference](https://iwt.ie/ocean-conference/) - Report from The Third UN Ocean Conference The IWT is dedicated to advocating for the protection and restoration of our marine life. To this end, we attended the recent UN Ocean Conference to monitor the proceedings and campaign for urgent marine protection actions from the Irish government and the EU. Below is a report from
- [The Irish Wildlife Trust calls for progress at Third United Nations Ocean Conference](https://iwt.ie/press-release-2025-06-06/) - Press release 06th June 2025 The Irish Wildlife Trust calls for progress at Third United Nations Ocean Conference The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling on the Irish Government to take the opportunity of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference to announce the long awaited national MPA Bill with ambitious measures to effectively protect
- [IWT Members Only Competition](https://iwt.ie/iwt-members-only-competition/) - IWT Members Only Competition - Goat Boat Tour To thank our loyal members, we’re thrilled to announce a fantastic members-only competition: 9 lucky IWT members will win a free spot on an exclusive Irish Sea Wildlife Tour! This special tour, run by Goat Boat tours - a passionate local business dedicated to marine wildlife, coastal
- [Press release:  Talks at COP16 in Colombia suspended without decision on financing](https://iwt.ie/press-release-talks-at-cop16-in-colombia-suspended-without-decision-on-financing-reached/) - Talks at COP16 in Colombia suspended without decision on financing Press Release 02nd Novmeber 2024 After an intense 2 weeks of negotiations at COP16, talks have been suspended at the final hurdle around the topic of resource mobilisation and financing. Talks carried on through the final night of the conference and were suspended
- [Press Release:  86% of Irish people support stricter protection of Marine Protected Areas](https://iwt.ie/press-release-86-of-irish-people-support-stricter-protection-of-marine-protected-areas/) - 86% of Irish people support stricter protection of Marine Protected Areas Press Release 25 June 2024 New polls released today show that 86% of citizens across 7 EU countries expect their political leaders to prioritise the protection of marine biodiversity. An independent polling company interviewed approximately 1000 people in each of the 7 EU
- [Press Release: A Historic Day for Europe and Nature](https://iwt.ie/press-release-a-historic-day-for-europe-and-nature/) - A Historic Day for Europe and Nature Press Release 17th June 2024 The EU Nature Restoration Law is finally passed by the EU Council of Environmental Minister’s after several years of negotiations The EU Nature restoration Law which aims to restore 20% of EU land and 20% of EU seas was finally passed
- [Press Release:  IWT welcomes government support for Nature Restoration Law and calls on other states to step up for nature.](https://iwt.ie/press-release-iwt-welcomes-government-support-for-nature-restoration-law-and-calls-on-other-states-to-step-up-for-nature/) - IWT welcomes government support for Nature Restoration Law and calls on other states to step up for nature. Press Release 14/6/2023 The Nature Restoration Law is officially on the agenda for debate and a potential vote in the upcoming EU Environment Council meeting on the 17th June. This is the final meeting of
- [EU wide campaign launched to end destructive bottom trawling in protected areas](https://iwt.ie/destructive-bottom-trawling-in-protected-areas/) - EU wide campaign launched to end destructive bottom trawling in protected areas Press Release April 24th 2024 A new report, co-authored by Marine Conservation Society, Seas at Risk and Oceana looks at destructive bottom trawling in 7 EU Member States’ marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and urges the European Commission to ban bottom
- [IWT Statement: Irish Wildlife Trust refuses to accept cash over conviction](https://iwt.ie/iwt-statement-irish-wildlife-trust-refuses-to-accept-cash-over-conviction/) - Irish Wildlife Trust refuses to accept cash over conviction Press Release 14th March 2024 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is disappointed to learn that in a recent wildlife crime court case a successful conviction for the destruction of a badger sett was altered on appeal to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The court applied
- [Nature Restoration Law passed by European Parliament](https://iwt.ie/press-release-nature-restoration-law-passed-by-european-parliament/) - Nature Restoration Law passed by European Parliament Press Release 27th February 2024 The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the passing of the Nature Restoration Law and believes this is a substantial step forward on the way to restoring our degraded ecosystems. While the law has been weakened since the Commission's original proposal back in 2022, it
- [Let our rivers run free](https://iwt.ie/let-our-rivers-run-free/) - Citizens' Assembly Ideas 2023 saw the publication of the “Report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss”. Many impactful solutions to biodiversity loss are found within the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly. It is vital that the Government of Ireland act on these recommendations. This series of articles explores ideas found within the Citizens' Assembly
- [Strengthening Hedgerow Protection ](https://iwt.ie/strengthening-hedgerow-protection/) - Citizens’ Assembly Ideas 2023 saw the publication of the “Report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss”. Many impactful solutions to biodiversity loss are found within the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly. It is vital that the Government of Ireland act on these recommendations. This series of articles explores ideas found within the Citizens' Assembly
- [It's Time Public Land Was Managed In The Public Interest](https://iwt.ie/its-time-public-land-was-managed-in-the-public-interest/) - Citizens' Assembly Ideas 2023 saw the publication of the “Report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss”. Many impactful solutions to biodiversity loss are found within the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly. It is vital that the Government of Ireland act on these recommendations. This series of articles explores ideas found within the Citizens' Assembly
- [How Changing our Economic Goals Could Help to Restore Nature](https://iwt.ie/how-changing-our-economic-goals-could-help-to-restore-nature/) - Citizens' Assembly Ideas 2023 saw the publication of the “Report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss”. Many impactful solutions to biodiversity loss are found within the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly. It is vital that the Government of Ireland act on these recommendations. This series of articles explores ideas found within the Citizens' Assembly
- [A Bold New Look for a Wilder Future](https://iwt.ie/a-bold-new-look-for-a-wilder-future/) - The Irish Wildlife Trust is evolving and with it, our visual identity is changing too. After months of thoughtful planning, we’re excited to introduce our refreshed look: a new logo and colour palette that better reflect who we are today, the breadth of our work, and our bold vision for nature restoration in Ireland. Since
- [IWT are hiring a Communications & Network Officer ](https://iwt.ie/communications-network-officer/) - We’re hiring a Communications & Network Officer Download job ad here Job Title: Communications & Network Officer Organisation: The Irish Wildlife Trust Location: Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7, Ireland (hybrid working supported) Hours: This is a full time 5 day week post Salary Rate: €30-35,000 per year (rate determined by level of experience) Start
- [Heritage Week: Connecting The Dots: Native Woodlands and Your Creative Response](https://iwt.ie/heritage-week-connecting-the-dots-native-woodlands-and-your-creative-response/) - Heritage Week: Connecting The Dots: Native Woodlands and Your Creative Response 24 August, 1:45pm - 5pm Lisnavagh House, Co. Carlow Join the Irish Wildlife Trust for a special heritage week event where you will connect with nature in beautiful broadleaf woodland. Led by an Irish Wildlife Trust guide, you will learn about oak, ash,
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust calls on an Taoiseach, Michaél Martin, to show leadership for nature and treat the climate and biodiversity crises as the emergencies they are](https://iwt.ie/20053-2/) - Press release Date: 23rd January 2025 Irish Wildlife Trust calls on an Taoiseach, Michaél Martin, to show leadership for nature and treat the climate and biodiversity crises as the emergencies they are. The Irish Wildlife Trust looks forward to engaging with new Government Ministers on environmental issues and calls for the reinstatement of
- [Press Release: The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling for the Irish Government to submit their overdue national roadmap for phasing out destructive fishing in Marine Protected Areas.](https://iwt.ie/press-release-the-irish-wildlife-trust-is-calling-for-the-irish-government-to-submit-their-overdue-national-roadmap-for-phasing-out-destructive-fishing-in-marine-protected-areas/) - Press Release 20th March 2025 The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling for the Irish Government to submit their overdue national roadmap for phasing out destructive fishing in Marine Protected Areas. A new study released today by Seas at Risk, Oceana and ClientEarth, environmental NGOs working on marine conservation issues, shows that, despite EU nature
- [Pádraic's Blog: Golden Plovers, sheep, peat and ‘Hurling from the Ditch’](https://iwt.ie/golden-plovers-sheep-peat-and-hurling-from-the-ditch/) - Golden Plovers, sheep, peat and ‘Hurling from the Ditch’ Published on: 31 July 2020 By Padraig Fogarty The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Irish Wildlife Trust. Last week the IWT issued a press release calling for sheep to be removed from
- [The Case for Beavers in Ireland](https://iwt.ie/the-case-for-beavers-in-ireland/) - The Case for Beavers in Ireland Published on: 18 December 2020 By Padraig Fogarty The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Irish Wildlife Trust. I have been agog these last few years watching in envy as beavers have popped up across Britain. Having
- [The EU Ocean Pact](https://iwt.ie/the-eu-ocean-pact/) - The EU Ocean Pact was proposed by the European Commission and aims to bring coherence across any EU policies which are linked to the ocean. Some of the goals of the pact are to achieve healthy, resilient and thriving oceans and coastal communities and to promote a successful and sustainable blue economy. At
- [The Magic Of An Irish Rainforest](https://iwt.ie/the-magic-of-an-irish-rainforest/) - The Magic Of An Irish Rainforest By Eoghan Daltun Published online October 14th 2024 The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Irish Wildlife Trust. Guest Writer in Irish Wildlife Magazine Autumn 2024 Issue. Get your copy of the latest magazine by joining IWT
- [Nature Advocacy & Policy: 2024 In Review](https://iwt.ie/nature-advocacy-policy-2024-in-review/) - Nature Advocacy & Policy - A Look Back on 2024 Published 19th December 2024 By Grace Carr Overall, 2024 has been a disappointing year for nature conservation. We haven’t seen the ambitious change that is needed to tackle both the biodiversity and climate crisis. New political climates at EU level have brought new challenges
- [Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Nature Wins and Community Action](https://iwt.ie/reflecting-on-2024-a-year-of-nature-wins-and-community-action/) - Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Nature Wins and Community Action Written by Emily Nolan Published 19th December 2024 As we close the chapter on 2024, it’s clear that this has been a standout year for the Irish Wildlife Trust. In a time of growing environmental challenges and occasional political uncertainty, we’ve come together
- [Real Marine Protected Areas are within the EU's grasp](https://iwt.ie/real-marine-protected-areas-are-within-eus-grasps/) - Real Marine Protected Areas are within the EU's grasp An important vote on the Initiative Report of MEP Isabel Carvalhais “Toward a sustainable blue economy in the EU: the role of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors”, is taking place in the European Parliament on May 3rd. MEPs will have the chance to vote on prohibiting
- [Call to Action: Consultation on Trawling Activity in 6 Nautical Mile Zone](https://iwt.ie/consultation-on-trawling-activity-6nm-zone/) - Call to Action: Consultation on Trawling Activity in 6 Nautical Mile Zone Published April 05th 2024 The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine wants to hear your views on vessels trawling within the 6 nautical mile (6nm) zone around Ireland’s coastlines and we are encouraging everyone to take the time to submit a
- [Nature Can't Vote - You Can](https://iwt.ie/nature-cant-vote-you-can/) - Nature Can't Vote but You Can. Published 28th May 2024 The European and Local elections are coming up on June 7th and we are encouraging everyone to get out and vote. Nature cannot vote but you can, so why not use your vote to help protect and restore nature. Sometimes the EU can seem
- [Irish Wildlife Trust submission to CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027](https://iwt.ie/irish-wildlife-trust-submission-to-cap-strategic-plan-2023-2027/) - December 8th 2021 Irish Wildlife Trust submission to CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 Link to downloadable pdf of submission To Whom it May Concern, The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is a national, charitable, membership-based organisation which was established in 1979. Our goal is to raise awareness of our natural heritage and its benefits to people. We
- [EU Fisheries Committee (PECH) try to weaken landmark Nature Restoration Law](https://iwt.ie/eu-fisheries-committee-pech-try-to-weaken-landmark-nature-restoration-law/) - The European Nature Restoration Law (NRL) is the first continent-wide comprehensive law to restore Europe's degraded ecosystems on land and sea. The climate and biodiversity crisis are two sides of the same coin and we must tackle them simultaneously. Having healthy ecosystems will not only help to mitigate climate change it will also offer natural
- [Irish political leaders must support Nature Restoration in the European Parliament](https://iwt.ie/irish-political-leaders-must-support-nature-restoration-in-the-european-parliament/) - Press Release Irish political leaders must support Nature Restoration in the European Parliament May 25th 2023 The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling on all political leaders in Ireland to ensure that their MEPs support the Nature Restoration Law in the European Parliament This week the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries (PECH) and Agriculture and
- [Big parties are failing to lead](https://iwt.ie/big-parties-are-failing-to-lead/) - Big parties are failing to lead Pádraic Fogarty June 3rd 2023 Biodiversity week came to a close last week with dozens of events around the country celebrating our natural heritage. It’s hard to know if the irony was lost on some politicians that instead of spending time reflecting on our connection with nature they joined
- [MEPs have voted to keep the Nature Restoration Law alive and fought off attempts to quash it by the European People's Party (Fine Geal’s European group).](https://iwt.ie/press-release-meps-nrl-vote/) - Press Release MEPs have voted to keep the Nature Restoration Law alive and fought off attempts to quash it by the European People's Party (Fine Geal’s European group) 15th June 2023 A key vote in Strasbourg has kept hopes alive for the livelihoods of millions of workers and the wellbeing of the planet. Voting
- [Irish MEPs must support a strong Nature Restoration Law at the European Parliament meeting in July  ](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-meps-must-support-a-strong-nature-restoration-law-at-the-european-parliament-meeting-in-july/) - Press Release Irish MEPs must support a strong Nature Restoration Law at the European Parliament meeting in July 27th June 2023 Today, MEPs in the European Parliament committee for Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) concluded their voting on the Nature Restoration Law (NRL). The final vote was tied 44-44 which means
- [Nature thrown a lifeline as motion to reject Nature Restoration Law is defeated](https://iwt.ie/press-release-nature-thrown-a-lifeline-nature-restoration-law/) - Press Release 12th July 2023 Nature thrown a lifeline as motion to reject Nature Restoration Law is defeated The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is delighted that MEPs today (12th July) voted to pass the Nature Restoration Law (NRL). This is a substantial step forward for the European Green Deal and while it could be more
- [The Nature Restoration Law - Who voted for what and what happens next?](https://iwt.ie/the-nature-restoration-law-who-voted-for-what-and-what-happens-next/) - The Nature Restoration Law was proposed by the European Commission in June 2022. This law is part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy which is a key element to the European Green Deal. It aims to help recover Europe's extreme biodiversity loss by 2030. The original text which was proposed had restoration targets to cover
- [Press Release: Essential Nature Restoration Law Survives EU Negotiations](https://iwt.ie/essential-nature-restoration-law-surives-eu-negotiations/) - Press Release Essential Nature Restoration Law Survives EU Negotiations Published 10th November 2023 EU Trilogue Negotiations have concluded on the Nature Restoration Law. Although ambition has been weakened from the original vision for this law, it is now a step closer to becoming a reality and supporting Ireland's efforts to save nature. The Irish
- [Reflecting on 2023: Highlights and Challenges for Nature Conservation](https://iwt.ie/reflecting-on-2023-highlights-and-challenges-for-nature-conservation/) - 2023 has been filled with many ups and downs when it comes to biodiversity and conservation measures for nature in Ireland, read on for some of the most important developments of the year. Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss and EU Biodiversity Strategy One of the best news stories for nature conservation this year was the
- [EU Nature Restoration Law - A Deep Dive](https://iwt.ie/eu-nature-restoration-law-a-deep-dive/) - EU Nature Restoration Law - A Deep Dive Published: March 14th 2024 Author: Grace Carr, IWT Marine Advocacy Officer. First Published by Fair Seas. Here we look at the recently passed EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) and what it means for life in the ocean. In this blog we look at the marine targets within
- [EU Member States Backtracking On Nature Restoration Law Undermines Democratic Process](https://iwt.ie/eu-states-backtracking-on-nature-restoration-law-agreements/) - EU Member States Backtracking On Nature Restoration Law Undermines Democratic Process By Grace Carr Published March 28th 2024 A very disappointing turn of events has happened over the past week in regards to the NRL. The Council should have completed the final rubber stamp of the law on Monday. This is usually just a formality
- [Northern Ireland miles ahead of Republic in protecting inshore waters.](https://iwt.ie/northern-ireland-miles-ahead-of-republic-in-protecting-inshore-waters/) - Northern Ireland miles ahead of Republic in protecting inshore waters by Grace Carr March 30th 2023 New fisheries management measures were enacted this year in Northern Ireland which will prohibit bottom trawling in nine inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). There will also be measures put in place in these MPAs for static gear such as pot fishing.
- [Petition for Minister McConalogue to oppose an increase to the margin of tolerance for fisheries](https://iwt.ie/petition-for-minister-mcconalogue-to-oppose-an-increase-to-the-margin-of-tolerance-for-fisheries/) - Birdwatch Ireland in collaboration with the IWT has created a petition calling on the Minister for agriculture, food and the marine, Charlie Mc Conalogue to block a new dangerous proposal which could have devastating effects on fish stocks and incentivise overfishing and underreporting. It has been proposed that the 10% Margin of Tolerance (MoT) should
- [Discussions on Control Measures for Fisheries reach a conclusion](https://iwt.ie/discussions-on-control-measures-for-fisheries-reach-a-conclusion/) - Five years after the initial proposal to reform the EU Fisheries Control Regulation, the EU Council and Parliament have finally come to an agreement in trilogue negotiations on the European Commissions proposal. The EU Fisheries Control Regulation helps to ensure that the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) are followed by all those fishing
- [Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes new marine designations but warns that fisheries must be controlled if they are to be effective.](https://iwt.ie/prirish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-new-marine-designations-but-warns-that-fisheries-must-be-controlled-if-they-are-to-be-effective/) - Press Release Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes new marine designations but warns that fisheries must be controlled if they are to be effective. 14th July 2023 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the latest announcement of a large new Special Protection Area (SPA) in the north-west Irish Sea. SPAs are designated under existing legislation for the protection
- [EU Nature Restoration Law cannot restore marine ecosystems without addressing Fisheries Impacts](https://iwt.ie/press-release-eu-nature-restoration-law-cannot-restore-marine-ecosystems-without-addressing-fisheries-impacts/) - Press Release EU Nature Restoration Law cannot restore marine ecosystems without addressing Fisheries Impacts 28th September 2023 After the Summer recess in the EU Parliament, final trilogue negotiations have begun on the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) and will determine how ambitious and effective this law will be. The negotiations will take place between the
- [Environmental NGOs Rebukes Government For Slow Progress On Key Ocean Protection Legislation](https://iwt.ie/press-release-environmental-ngos-rebukes-government-for-slow-progress-on-key-ocean-protection-legislation/) - Press Release Environmental NGOs Rebukes Government For Slow Progress On Key Ocean Protection Legislation Published: 25 October 2023 Fair Seas Coalition deliver 11,758 signature petition calling for urgent legislation A coalition of Ireland's leading environmental NGOs has strongly criticised the government for failing to publish key legislation that would protect Irish seas and help tackle
- [Reflecting on 2023: Highlights and Challenges for Marine Conservation](https://iwt.ie/reflecting-on-2023-highlights-and-challenges-for-marine-conservation/) - This year, marine policy has been at forefront of the Irish Wildlife Trust's advocacy efforts, as we collaborated with multiple NGOs to lobby for enhanced marine protection. Read the following sections for an in-depth look at some of the highs and lows of marine conservation in 2023. Marine Protected Area Bill In January,
- [The Irish Sea Network (ISN) releases its new report ‘Ecological Considerations for Marine Spatial Planning in the Irish Sea’.](https://iwt.ie/the-irish-sea-network-new-report-irish-sea-marine-planning/) - The Irish Sea Network (ISN) releases its new report ‘Ecological Considerations for Marine Spatial Planning in the Irish Sea’. Published: February 9th, 2024 The Irish Wildlife Trust, SWAN and 11 other environmental organisations across Ireland and the UK are urging their governments to take a collaborative and ecosystem based approach to marine spatial
- [Ireland’s first Marine National Park - what does it mean for nature?](https://iwt.ie/irelands-first-national-marine-park-what-does-it-mean-for-nature/) - Ireland’s first Marine National Park - what does it mean for nature? Published: April 25th 2024 On the 22nd of April, Irish Ministers announced Ireland’s first Marine National Park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara. This will be Ireland’s largest National Park covering more than 70,000 acres of land and sea. This is an inspiring
- [Why Should I Take Part in No Mow May?](https://iwt.ie/why-should-i-take-part-in-no-mow-may/) - Why should I take part in No Mow May? Published May 4th 2024 No Mow May is an annual campaign started by Plantlife in the UK, asking everyone to put away the lawnmower during the month of May to help our native wildlife. The All Ireland Pollinator Plan endorsed this campaign in Ireland
- [Connecting With Nature](https://iwt.ie/connecting-with-nature/) - Connecting With Nature by Kieran Flood Published July 10th 2024 Taking time to connect with nature is a valuable exercise for our wellbeing and for nature too. Most of us feel a sense of belonging and joy when we spend time in nature. This is sometimes referred to as biophilia and it is
- [Roadside habitats conservation project](https://iwt.ie/roadside-habitats-conservation-project/) - Irish Wildlife Trust launches roadside habitats conservation project, “Networks for Nature” Published February 24th, 2015 The Irish Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce a new and innovative project titled ‘Networks for Nature’, which aims to educate and empower local communities and tidy towns groups to manage and cherish roadside verges which are important refugia for
- [Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes comments from Tánaiste that the State should buy land for rewilding](https://iwt.ie/press-release-coillte/) - Press Release Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes comments from Tánaiste that the State should buy land for rewilding 24th January 2023 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the comments from Tánaiste Micheál Martin, which were reported in today’s Irish Independent newspaper (24/1/23), that the State “must purchase land for native woodlands and for simple rewilding at
- [Press Release: Hill burning season a symptom of political apathy in the face of our biodiversity emergency ](https://iwt.ie/press-release-hill-burning-season-a-symptom-of-political-apathy/) - Press Release Hill burning season a symptom of political apathy in the face of our biodiversity emergency 02nd March 2023 The depressing predictability of the fires which have engulfed West Cork and Kerry in recent days is a symptom of chronic apathy by government departments in the face of growing frustration in hill areas. Despite
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust celebrates rewilding at special event in Longford this weekend](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-celebrates-rewilding-at-special-event-in-longford-this-weekend/) - Press Release Irish Wildlife Trust celebrates rewilding at special event in Longford this weekend 21st March 2023 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) will hold a special event entitled 'Rewilling for People and Nature' this Saturday March 25th at the Corlea Trackway Centre in Co. Longford to discuss rewilding and the enormous potential this has for
- [Press Release: Citizens’ Assembly report on Biodiversity Loss a damning indictment of the State's failure to protect nature](https://iwt.ie/citizens-assembly-report/) - Press Release Citizens’ Assembly report on Biodiversity Loss a damning indictment of the State's failure to protect nature 05th April 2023 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the publication today (April 5th 2023) of the final report and recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. It confirms that the State has abjectly failed
- [Ireland and UK conservation groups unite to call on the Government to reintroduce the sturgeon – Ireland’s lost ‘dinosaur fish’](https://iwt.ie/press-release-reintroduce-the-sturgeon/) - Press Release Ireland and UK conservation groups unite to call on the Government to reintroduce the sturgeon – Ireland’s lost ‘dinosaur fish’ 19th May 2023 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) and the Blue Marine Foundation in the UK have jointly published a report, ‘Restoring the Sturgeon to Irish Waters’ urging the Government to examine the
- [Irish Wildlife Trust calls on the Government to send the Citizens’ Assembly report to an Oireachtas committee to fast-track action for nature](https://iwt.ie/press-release-citizens-assembly-report/) - Press Release Irish Wildlife Trust calls on the Government to send the Citizens’ Assembly report to an Oireachtas committee to fast-track action for nature 24th May 2023 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is today calling on the Government to ensure the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss are fast-tracked for action. A
- [Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Irish Government support for Nature Restoration ](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-irish-government-support-for-nature-restoration/) - Press Release Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Irish Government support for Nature Restoration 20th June 2023 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) warmly welcomes the strong endorsement by the EU Council of Ministers today in Luxembourg for the Nature Restoration Law. This throws a lifeline to the initiative which has been subject to a negative campaign led
- [European Court of Justice issues damning indictment of Ireland’s failure to protect nature](https://iwt.ie/press-release-european-court-of-justice-damning-indictment/) - Press Release European Court of Justice issues damning indictment of Ireland’s failure to protect nature 29th June 2023 The European Court of Justice today issued a damning finding against Ireland for its failure to implement the Habitats Directive. This ruling comes as no surprise to anyone following the deterioration of our natural environment and has
- [Three years in government](https://iwt.ie/three-years-in-government/) - Three years in government Pádraic Fogarty 1st July 2023 The Government recently celebrated three years in office, how is it doing in meeting nature objectives? I wrote a blog after its first anniversary in 2021 and the same terms and conditions apply to the one you are about to read. A year is not a
- [Bad news for bogs as designated areas set to lose protections](https://iwt.ie/press-release-bad-news-for-bogs-as-designated-areas-set-to-lose-protections/) - Press Release Bad news for bogs as designated areas set to lose protections 4th July 2023 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is appalled that the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 is set to be passed by the Oireachtas (it is scheduled to be presented to the Dáil tomorrow evening, July 5th). The Bill, if enacted, will
- [Wildart 2023 - Children’s Wildlife Art Competition open for Entries](https://iwt.ie/press-release-wildart-2023/) - Press Release Wildart 2023 - Children’s Wildlife Art Competition open for Entries 10th October The Irish Wildlife Trust is excited to announce the launch of WildArt 2023, an engaging art competition that invites young artists to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Irish woodlands during the autumn season. Under the theme "Autumn
- [Chapter 1: The End](https://iwt.ie/chapter-1-the-end/) - Part 1 Episode 1: In the End The beauty of the world hath made me sad, This beauty that will pass; ‘The Wayfarer’ by Padraic Pearse https://soundcloud.com/irishwildlifetrust/episode-1-the-end Imagine if all the birds vanished from Ireland. Picture for a moment your daily routine, except with no bird song, no seagulls rummaging around the bins, no
- [Bottom Trawling in the EU, the UK and Ireland](https://iwt.ie/bottom-trawling-in-the-eu-the-uk-and-ireland/) - Bottom Trawling in the EU, the UK and Ireland The marine environment as well as the fisheries sector face a number of issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change as well as challenges arising from political matters like Brexit. Ensuring that marine ecosystems are restored and protected effectively will not only preserve the incredible
- [World Wetlands Day 2024](https://iwt.ie/world-wetlands-day-2024/) - WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2024 World Wetlands Day stands as a global reminder of the crucial role wetlands play in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. These vibrant ecosystems are especially critical for iconic Irish species such as the Curlew, a bird whose calls are synonymous with Irish wetlands yet is alarmingly diminishing from our landscapes. The
- [Bringing back the sturgeon](https://iwt.ie/bringing-back-the-sturgeon/) - Bringing back the sturgeon Pádraic Fogarty 21st May 2023 Dublin’s wonderful Natural History Museum has a lot to say about our sea fish. The Victorian cabinets that line the walls of the hall on the ground floor speak to not only the great diversity of marine life that once abounded around our coasts but also
- [Fair seas but few whales](https://iwt.ie/fair-seas-but-few-whales/) - Fair Seas, few whales Pádraic Fogarty 17th of June 2023 The south west-coast of Ireland has been identified by Fair Seas as an area which warrants designation as a Marine Protected Area (MPA). The Irish government has committed to protecting 30% of our territorial waters in MPAs by 2030 and legislation to allow for this
- [Toxic denial](https://iwt.ie/mcconalogues-denial/) - Toxic denial October 16th 2022 Denial remains a prevailing feature of the faltering approach to our collapsing biosphere. Outright climate denial has ceased to be a standard feature of debates even if it hasn’t completely disappeared. Extinction denial hasn’t been so noticeable but that is likely due to the fact that biodiversity loss has not
- [A revolution is underway](https://iwt.ie/a-revolution-is-underway/) - A revolution is underway October 29th 2022 Loss of biodiversity is a sad feature of humanity since our earliest ancestors first left the plains of Africa, but it was the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492 that unleashed an assault on the natural world unlike anything seen in human history. The spread
- [Crisis of Consultations](https://iwt.ie/crisis-of-consultations/) - Crisis of Consultations November 13th 2022 “We want to hear your views”: six words that make hardened environmental activists want to take up smoking. Much time is devoted by NGOs and local community groups to making submissions to ‘public consultations’. This is where the government or one of its agencies asks ‘the public’ for its
- [Nature Restoration Law](https://iwt.ie/nature-restoration-law/) - Nature Restoration Law 27th November 2022 Democracy requires a lot of talking. Too much talking many might say, and certainly when it comes to the biodiversity and climate emergency we have heard far too much talk accompanied by precious little action. As I write, the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss has just voted to pass
- [The Government at COP15](https://iwt.ie/the-government-at-cop15/) - The Government at COP15 December 11th 2022 COP15, being held in Montreal, Canada, is the biggest, most important event for biodiversity in over a decade. The previous one of this magnitude, held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, was the last to produce an overarching agreement among the world’s countries to stop the loss of species and
- [Looking back on 2022](https://iwt.ie/looking-back-on-2022/) - Looking back on 2022 December 30th 2022 Are we turning a corner? Or are we stuck in a dead end? Here’s a round up of what happened, and what didn’t, in 2022. February saw the launch of ‘Fair Seas’, a coalition of groups, including the Irish Wildlife Trust, dedicated to the protection of 30% of
- [The Nitrates Bomb](https://iwt.ie/the-nitrates-bomb/) - The Nitrates Bomb January 11th 2023 The joke in 2008, in the forestorm of the economic meltdown that resulted in such pain for Ireland went like this: what’s the difference between Iceland and Ireland? One letter and six months. It wasn’t funny then either. Today it could be reframed: what’s the difference between Ireland and
- [Bringing back lost species](https://iwt.ie/bringing-back-lost-species/) - Bringing back lost species February 25th 2023 Ireland’s tattered ecosystems are so far down the path of collapse that most people have got used to the idea that our island is not the place for wild nature that can simply be allowed to look after itself. I am used to hearing that what we have
- [Goodbye to the Hills](https://iwt.ie/goodbye-to-the-hills/) - Goodbye to the Hills Pádraic Fogarty 26th March 2023 At a conference in Galway dedicated to the management of Ireland’s uplands regions, speaker after speaker raised concerns about the ecological degradation caused by over-grazing, the low returns for farmers on their sheep as well as the need for diversification and more native woodland in the
- [People and wildife and dogs](https://iwt.ie/people-and-wildife-and-dogs/) - People and wildlife and dogs Pádraic Fogarty April 22nd 2023 In the greater scheme of things, owning a dog is probably seen as at the insignificant end of the biodiversity crisis wedge. Owners of harmless-looking lapdogs or lumbering retrievers do not typically see their beloved pets as destroyers of ecosystems. I’m not a dog owner
- [Opinion: Drift of the farm orgs](https://iwt.ie/drift-of-the-farm-orgs/) - OPINION Drift of the farm orgs By Pádraic Fogarty 15th July 2023 This blog represents the views of the author and is not an Irish Wildlife Trust position. Last May, I found myself on the farm of Donie Regan in the west of County Offaly. The open day was organised by the Farm Carbon
- [Pádraic's Blog: The Hardest Animal to Live With](https://iwt.ie/the-hardest-animal-to-live-with/) - Pádraic's Blog: The Hardest Animal to Live With Bringing wolves back to Ireland has many supporters but for many it is all just a stretch too far. The conflict would be fierce and fraught, at least if current attitudes to nature are anything to go by. Can’t we just manage what we have? Why would
- [Don't ask me to be optimistic](https://iwt.ie/dont-ask-me-to-be-optimistic/) - Don't ask me to be optimistic As far as apocalyptic weeks go, the one just gone has been impressive. The week started with the publication of a study showing that the rate at which ice sheets in the polar regions are melting is tracking the worst case scenarios which had been predicted in the 5th
- [Lessons from Costa Rica](https://iwt.ie/lessons-from-costa-rica/) - Lessons from Costa Rica by Pádraic Fogarty, January 22nd 2022 Forestry continues to be a vexed issue in Ireland. While the forest owners, nurseries, sawmill owners and timber suppliers are mostly focussed on the immediate issues of getting licences for planting and felling, the bigger, and more important issue is the lack of new forest
- [The left is right](https://iwt.ie/the-left-is-right/) - The left is right The emergence of a ‘left-green’ conversation in Ireland seems to have gone unnoticed in the mainstream media. Its most notable figures inside the Oireachtas are Neasa Hourigan, Green Party TD for Dublin Central, Bríd Smith in People Before Profit, Alice-Mary Higgins (Ind) and Lynn Boylan of Sinn Féin. The Social Democrats,
- [What’s the point of industrial fishing?](https://iwt.ie/whats-the-point-of-industrial-fishing/) - What’s the point of industrial fishing? The prominence of Brexit in the media was eclipsed this year by the Covid-19 health emergency but it has re-emerged in recent weeks due to the failure of the EU and UK to negotiate a future trading agreement. One of the sticking points has been fishing, an area that
- [What to expect for 2021](https://iwt.ie/what-to-expect-for-2021/) - What to expect for 2021 2020 had been billed as a ‘super year’ for climate and biodiversity issues and, in a way, it was, but not like anyone could have imagined. Major conferences on climate, oceans and a ‘new deal for nature’ were all postponed due to Covid-19. A major, but under-reported, report from July
- [30x30: the new colonialism? Or the only way to save life on Earth?](https://iwt.ie/the-big-5-0/) - 30x30: the new colonialism? Or the only way to save life on Earth? In 2016 the eminent, Harvard-based biologist Edward O. Wilson, made a radical proposal for the protection of the Earth’s biodiversity. Known as ‘Half Earth’, it is “a call to protect half the land and sea in order to manage sufficient habitat to
- [The senseless logic of burning land](https://iwt.ie/the-senseless-logic-of-burning-land/) - The senseless logic of burning land Pádraic Fogarty March 13th 2021 Let’s say for a moment that I’m a farmer in the uplands and I want to clear land for my grazing animals. I’ve been told by all the farmer organisations that fire is a perfectly acceptable tool for the task and I may even
- [Seaspiracy and saying no to seafood](https://iwt.ie/seaspiracy-and-saying-no-to-seafood/) - Seaspiracy and saying no to seafood I remember, over a decade ago, kick starting the Irish Wildlife Trust campaign to end overfishing which was, in turn, part of a wider campaign called OCEAN2012. This was in advance of the reform of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and I was trying to get my head
- [Marine Protected Areas... but where?](https://iwt.ie/marine-protected-areas-but-where/) - Marine Protected Areas, but where? It’s all happening at sea. This week the ESB announced that the coal-fired power plant at Moneypoint, on the west coast of Co. Clare, would be repurposed as a renewables hub to service floating off-shore wind turbines and the production of hydrogen fuel. In an interview in the Irish Times
- [A year in government](https://iwt.ie/a-year-in-government/) - A year in government by Pádraic Fogarty July 3rd 2021 The government recently celebrated a year in office. The IWT supported the Programme for Government (PfG) on the basis that – if implemented – it would set us on a course to addressing the biodiversity emergency. Green Party leader and minister for Transport Eamon Ryan,
- [Look to the sea](https://iwt.ie/look-to-the-sea/) - Look to the sea The sea has given us everything. The earliest people lived by, and off, the sea, as have generations that followed. The sea brought us our history, from the Viking and Norman invasions to the Martello towers that were built as look-outs for a Napoleonic invasion. The sea took our hopeful and
- [Norwegian Wood](https://iwt.ie/norwegian-wood/) - Norwegian Wood Last week I spent some time walking in Norway. Outdoor activity in the country is a national obsession and starts at an early age with their utebarnehage (outdoor kindergardens). Here, children spend much of their week in the forest regardless of the weather. Babies in cots are brought inside for their naps only
- [IUCN Congress](https://iwt.ie/iucn-congress/) - IUCN World Congress The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organisation that has worked for the protection of biodiversity since its founding in 1948. It is probably best known for producing ‘red lists’ of species which are endangered with extinction. Its latest assessment, published last week to coincide with its
- [Rewilding Ireland - where will be first?](https://iwt.ie/rewilding-ireland-where-will-be-first/) - Rewilding Ireland - Where Will be First? Rewilding got a little closer to home this week with the announcement that the Affric Highlands in Scotland are to be added to the Rewilding Europe network. It becomes one of only nine landscape-scale projects (the organisation has many more smaller initiatives which include the Dunsany Estate in
- [COPs – what are they good for?](https://iwt.ie/cops-what-are-they-good-for/) - COPs – what are they good for? It’s nearly 30 years since world leaders met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the Earth Summit. I recently bought a copy of TIME on eBay which anticipated the event with the cover headline ‘Coming Together to Save the Earth’. “What kind of planet will our children inherit?
- [Decolonising conservation](https://iwt.ie/decolonising-conservation/) - Decolonising conservation The Burren winterage festival just finished up with its annual cattle drive. Now in its 20th year it is a reminder of an ancient tradition of transhumance – the movement of cattle from the lowlands to upland winter grazing pastures. It is this practice that lies at the heart of the ecological diversity
- [Last chance? Or no chance?](https://iwt.ie/last-chance-or-no-chance/) - Last chance? Or no chance? The Irish Wildlife Trust is attending the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. As a first-timer I have been overwhelmed by the enormity of the event. There’s the excitement at witnessing something of such global significance but a disorientation that is only lifting on day 4. World leaders and famous faces
- [Nature for Sale?](https://iwt.ie/nature-for-sale/) - Nature for sale? The COP is entering into its final days. Despite being labelled as a ‘now or never’ moment, the task of meaningfully addressing the climate and biodiversity emergency will remain with us after the delegates head home. No matter what the outcome it is important that momentum is maintained in the days and
- [On hen harriers and water quality](https://iwt.ie/on-hen-harriers-and-water-quality/) - On hen harriers and water quality Two programmes underway to address environmental issues show how change can be achieved, but also the challenge that lies ahead. Are we addressing the biodiversity emergency? Well, yes and no. There’s no question but that a slew of programmes and measures have been developed in the past five
- [Speed and Conviction](https://iwt.ie/speed-and-conviction/) - Speed and Conviction Later this year, June to be precise, will mark the 30th anniversary of the Rio Earth Summit. It was a landmark event in the history of the environmental movement which resulted in the international treaties to end biodiversity loss and limit greenhouse gas emissions that remain the centrepieces of the global response
- [The failure of fisheries science](https://iwt.ie/the-failure-of-fisheries-science/) - The failure of fisheries science In 2013, as part of an overhaul of the Common Fisheries Policy, the European Union committed to ending overfishing by 2015 ‘where possible’ and by 2020 ‘at the latest’. Needless to say, this deadline came and went but a successful legal challenge by Friends of the Irish Environment in the
- [The Trouble with Turbines](https://iwt.ie/the-trouble-with-turbines/) - The Trouble with Turbines Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine has placed a spotlight on Europe’s fossil fuel dependence. The war has come on top of already rising fuel prices that, as I write, are seeing petrol prices near €2 a litre. Coincidentally, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) this week published its sixth
- [Doing Nothing on the Bogs](https://iwt.ie/doing-nothing-on-the-bogs/) - Doing Nothing on the Bogs It’s nearly a decade since I travelled to Glenveagh in Donegal to look at what I had been told was widespread illegality and habitat destruction inside the eponymous National Park. I found the accusations hard to believe at the time, given the high profile of the Park but there it
- [Is this progress?](https://iwt.ie/is-this-progress/) - Is this progress? I had a dream that I was listing to Claire Byrne’s RTÉ radio show every day this week where she interviewed politicians from across the spectrum on the imminent extinction of curlews in Ireland. I imagined I heard Fine Gael’s Patrick O’Donovan list all the townlands in his constituency where curlews could
- [Could this be a super year?](https://iwt.ie/could-this-be-a-super-year/) - Could this be a super year? Yesterday (May 14th) marked the first full day of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, nearly three years since the idea was first mooted on the very same day the Dáil declared a climate and biodiversity emergency. Hardly an emergency response but a welcome development all the same. 100
- [Dodgy Dealings Under the Sea](https://iwt.ie/dodgy-dealings-under-the-sea/) - Dodgy Dealings Under the Sea by Pádraic Fogarty July 23rd 2022 Hundreds of records released to Coastal Concern Alliance, a citizens’ group, under Freedom of Information and Access to Information on the Environment rules raise serious questions for habitat protection and wind farm development in the Irish Sea Was there political interference in designating sites
- [Brazil's national election and the fate of the Amazon](https://iwt.ie/brazils-national-election-and-the-fate-of-the-amazon-rainforests-future/) - Brazil's national election and the fate of the Amazon Fabiola Gomes Vieira October 1st 2022 Once again Brazil is preparing for a presidential election, only this time the date is surrounded by even more attention and tension than normal. After four years of the government of Jair Bolsonaro, champion of the loosening of environmental protection
- [Chapter 8: the Shannon Wilderness Park](https://iwt.ie/chapter-8-the-shannon-wilderness-park/) - Chapter 8: The Shannon Wilderness Park https://soundcloud.com/irishwildlifetrust/episode-8-shannon-wilderness-park/s-ZphIkbae10v “On the chilly lakelet, in that pleasant gloaming, See the sad swans sailing: they shall have no rest: Never a voice to greet them save the bittern’s booming Where the ghostly swallows sway against the West” From The Children of Lir by Katharine Tynan (1898) “We can
- [Chapter 7: Pearl Valleys Farmland](https://iwt.ie/chapter-7-pearl-valleys-farmland/) - Chapter 7: Pearl Valleys Farmland https://soundcloud.com/irishwildlifetrust/episode-7-pearl-valleys-farmland/s-nNztyNYR6V3 And precious their tears as that rain from the sky Which turns into pearls as it falls in the sea Thomas Moore (Irish poet 1779-1852) The water was slightly murky but as the swirling vortex slowed I could see the outlines emerge from the bottom of the tank.
- [Chapter 6: the Ulster Shark Coast](https://iwt.ie/chapter-6-the-ulster-shark-coast/) - Chapter 6: The Ulster Shark Coast https://soundcloud.com/irishwildlifetrust/episode-6-the-ulster-shark-coast/s-0Vqm6bNaS3C Once upon a time there was a little boy who lived with his granny at Easkey. He always went down to feed the fish at the pier. He stole bread from his old grandmother for which she used to beat him, but still he did steal the bread
- [Chapter 5: Natural Capital](https://iwt.ie/chapter-5-natural-capital/) - Natural Capital https://soundcloud.com/irishwildlifetrust/episode-5-natural-capital/s-Koa9OZ66THd ... as he waded slowly up its course, he wondered at the endless drift of seaweed. Emerald and black and russet and olive, it moved beneath the current, swaying and turning. The water of the rivulet was dark with endless drift and mirrored the high-drifting clouds. The clouds were drifting above him
- [Chapter 9: Bear Country](https://iwt.ie/chapter-9-bear-country/) - Chapter 9: Bear Country https://soundcloud.com/irishwildlifetrust/episode-9-bear-country-epilogue/s-Xfz3B67dVM7 “Do you remember, one day down in the glen you found a poor little wolf in great agony and like to die, because a sharp thorn had pierced his side? And you gently extracted the thorn and gave him a drink, and went on your way leaving him in peace
- [Chapter 4: The Wild Atlantic Rainforest](https://iwt.ie/episode-4-the-wild-atlantic-rainforest/) - Chapter 4. The Wild Atlantic Rainforest https://soundcloud.com/irishwildlifetrust/episode-4-the-wild-atlantic-rain-forest Glen of the scarlet-berried rowan Fruit praised by every flock of birds, For the badgers a sleepy seclusion Quiet in their burrows with their young 14th Century Irish poem It is no more than a twig the size of a chopstick standing upright in the ground.
- [Chapter 3: Restoring Connections](https://iwt.ie/episode-3-restoring-connections/) - https://soundcloud.com/irishwildlifetrust/episode-3-restoring-connections Shaping New Mountains Chapter 3: Restoring Connections I am the wind which breathes upon the sea, I am the wave of the ocean, I am the murmur of the billows, I am the ox of the seven combats, I am the vulture upon the rocks, I am the beam of the sun,
- [Chapter 2: The Heart of the Matter](https://iwt.ie/chapter-2-the-heart-of-the-matter/) - Shaping New Mountains: Chapter 2 https://soundcloud.com/irishwildlifetrust/episode-2-the-heart-of-the-matter The Heart of the Matter “What is your trouble?” the gentle queen asked. “During a year”, Conn replied, “there has been neither corn nor milk in Ireland. The land is parched, the trees are withered, the birds do not sing in Ireland, and the bees do not make
- [Message from the Board of the Irish Wildlife Trust](https://iwt.ie/message-from-the-board/) - This is the text of a message sent to IWT members from the Board of Directors following the resignation of our staff member Pádraic Fogarty. Interested members of the public beyond our own IWT membership have contacted us about this incident so we have decided to publish this message here for public reference. Message
- [Opinion: Nature Restoration must be supported by Irish MEPs](https://iwt.ie/nature-restoration-must-be-supported-by-irish-meps/) - OPINION Nature Restoration must be supported by Irish MEPs By Damien Thomson Political Advisor to the Left grouping in the European Parliament on environment & climate, July 10th 2023 On Wednesday (July 12th), there will be an extraordinarily decisive vote in the European Parliament which will decide whether we have a chance of overcoming
- [Judgement on European Commission vs. Ireland case](https://iwt.ie/judgement-on-ec-v-ireland-case/) - Ireland has lost a case brought to the European Court of Justice by the European Commission over its failure to implement the Habitats Directive. The judgement occurred on the 29th of June after a lengthy case and highlights Ireland’s consistent failure to protect nature on land and at sea. Recap In 2004, 423
- [PRESS RELEASE: Emissions reductions deal a dreadful failure of leadership](https://iwt.ie/emissions-reductions-deal/) - PRESS RELEASE 29th July 2022 Emissions reductions deal a dreadful failure of leadership The deal reached by the government, which fails to meet even the minimum legal requirement of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030, has demonstrated a dreadful lack of leadership. The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is particularly disappointed that more was
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes agreement at COP15 but warns there is an urgent need for implementation](https://iwt.ie/cop15-agreement/) - Press Release 19th December 2022 Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes agreement at COP15 but warns there is an urgent need for implementation The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the announcement this morning (December 19th) that the signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity have concluded a new deal to reverse biodiversity loss and stabilise global ecosystems.
- [Press Release: Ireland should aim to protect 30% of our land and sea as part of global efforts to reverse biodiversity loss at COP15](https://iwt.ie/press-release-ireland-should-aim-to-protect-30-of-our-land-and-sea/) - Press Release 15th December 2022 Ireland should aim to protect 30% of our land and sea as part of global efforts to reverse biodiversity loss at COP15 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling on the Irish government, represented at the COP15 meeting in Montreal, Canada by Minister for State Malcolm Noonan, to commit Ireland
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes moves to better protect the marine environment](https://iwt.ie/irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-moves-to-better-protect-the-marine-environment/) - Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes moves to better protect the marine environment 14th December 2022 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) warmly welcomes the announcement yesterday (December 13th) from Minister of State Malcolm Noonan that there will be new designations of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in the waters off Ireland as well as the
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust attends COP15](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-attends-cop15/) - Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust attends COP15, the most important event for biodiversity in over a decade 06th December 2022 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) will be in Montreal, Canada from Wednesday (7/12) to attend the COP15 meeting, hailed as the biggest meeting for biodiversity in over a decade. COP15 is held under the
- [PRESS RELEASE: IWT welcomes recommendations from the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss](https://iwt.ie/citizens-assembly-recommendations/) - Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes recommendations from the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss 28th November 2022 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) warmly welcomes the recommendation from the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss that the constitution should be amended to better protect biodiversity. The IWT had asked in our submission that the rights of nature
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Oireachtas committee recommendations to reverse biodiversity loss](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-welcome-oireachtas-committee-recommendations-to-reverse-biodiversity-loss/) - PRESS RELEASE 17th November 2022 Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Oireachtas committee recommendations to reverse biodiversity loss The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the report from the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action on Biodiversity published today (17/11/22). The IWT gave a presentation to committee members during the hearings which took place in 2021. We
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes €1.3 billion funding for new forest programme but warns that money alone will not address problems](https://iwt.ie/pr-funding-for-new-forest-programme/) - PRESS RELEASE 08th November 2022 Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes €1.3 billion funding for new forest programme but warns that money alone will not address problems The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the additional funding for forestry schemes announced last week (3/11/22) by Minister for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett. The increased grant and premium
- [PRESS RELEASE: Continuing failure by Ireland to protect peatlands highlighted by the European Commission](https://iwt.ie/press-release-continuing-failure-by-ireland-to-protect-peatlands-highlighted-by-the-european-commission/) - PRESS RELEASE 29th September 2022 Continuing failure by Ireland to protect peatlands highlighted by the European Commission The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is welcoming today additional infringement proceedings by the European Commission against Ireland in order to enforce protections for peatlands. In 1992, by signing up to the EU’s Habitats Directive, Ireland agreed to protect some raised
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for strong new law in submission to the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss](https://iwt.ie/irish-wildlife-trust-calls-for-strong-new-law-in-submission-to-the-citizens-assembly-on-biodiversity-loss/) - PRESS RELEASE 20th September 2022 Irish Wildlife Trust calls for strong new law in submission to the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has made a submission to the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss which calls for a strong new Biodiversity Act that will put the protection and restoration of biodiversity on
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust opposes redesignation of 466 water bodies as ‘highly modified’](https://iwt.ie/press-release-highly-modified/) - PRESS RELEASE 18th May 2022 Irish Wildlife Trust opposes redesignation of 466 water bodies as ‘highly modified’ – the move could leave thousands of kilometres of river permanently degraded and near lifeless The Irish Wildlife Trust has responded to the public consultation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the redesignation of hundreds of water
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes condemnation of illegal fires by Minister Malcolm Noonan but more must be done](https://iwt.ie/press-release-fires/) - PRESS RELEASE 01st April 2022 Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes condemnation of illegal fires by Minister Malcolm Noonan but more must be done The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) strongly welcomes the robust condemnation of illegal fires by Minister of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan however a lot more needs to be done
- [PRESS RELEASE: WildArt 2022](https://iwt.ie/press-release-wildart-2022/) - PRESS RELEASE 5th April 2022 Wildart 2022 - Express your Creativity with the Irish Wildlife Trust WildArt Competition The Irish Wildlife Trust has launched the third edition of their children’s art competition WildArt. The competition will engage children in the wonders of local wildlife through the seasons. Children up to the age of 16
- [PRESS RELEASE: Peat needs to stay in the ground](https://iwt.ie/press-release-peat-needs-to-stay-in-the-ground/) - PRESS RELEASE 26th April 2022 Peat needs to stay in the ground The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling for the government to act to keep all turf in the ground where it belongs. After weeks of acrimony over a proposed ban on the sale of turf (along with wet wood and smoky coal) it
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust warmly welcomes reform of nature conservation in Ireland](https://iwt.ie/press-release-npws-review/) - Press Release 4th May 2022 Irish Wildlife Trust warmly welcomes reform of nature conservation in Ireland The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the announcement that cabinet has signed off on reform of governance structures for nature conservation in Ireland. An independent review into the National Parks and Wildlife Service last year found fundamental weaknesses
- [Press Release: The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes report adopted by the European Parliament calling for urgent action on bottom-contacting fishing gear, but questions why majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) would not support a ban on bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas](https://iwt.ie/press-release-the-irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-report-adopted-by-the-european-parliament-calling-for-urgent-action-on-bottom-contacting-fishing-gear-but-questions-why-majority-of-members-of-the-eur/) - PRESS RELEASE: The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes report adopted by the European Parliament calling for urgent action on bottom-contacting fishing gear, but questions why majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) would not support a ban on bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) adopted an Own Initiative Report
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes appointment of chair to the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss](https://iwt.ie/citizens-assembly-chair/) - Press Release 25th March 2022 Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes appointment of chair to the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the appointment of Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin as chair of the forthcoming Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. This is a vitally important process which we hope will engage the people of Ireland
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for investigation into allegations of unlawful disturbance of protected species by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government](https://iwt.ie/irish-wildlife-trust-calls-for-investigations-into-allegations-of-unlawful-disturbance-of-protected-species-by-the-office-of-public-works-opw-and-the-department-of-housing-heritage-and-local-governmen/) - PRESS RELEASE 15th February 2022 Irish Wildlife Trust calls for investigation into allegations of unlawful disturbance of protected species by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling for a full investigation into the background of a report in the Irish
- [Ireland in 2050](https://iwt.ie/ireland-in-2050/) - Ireland in 2050 Pádraic Fogarty 6th May 2023 2050 is only 27 years away. It’s at the same point in the future as 1996 is in the past, when Hotmail launched on the internet, Mission Impossible, Twister and Independence Day were in cinemas and the ‘Macarena’ was driving people on to, and away from, the
- [Will the Citizens’ Assembly change anything?](https://iwt.ie/will-the-citizens-assembly-change-anything/) - Will the Citizens’ Assembly change anything? Pádraic Fogarty 8th April 2023 This week’s publication of the Citizens’ Assembly report on Biodiversity Loss is a vindicating moment for environmental NGOs. Over the past year, 100 randomly selected citizens were given the task of making comprehensive recommendations on how we can reverse biodiversity loss, even though many
- [Irish Wildlife Trust receives Lord Mayor’s Award in recognition of their work](https://iwt.ie/irish-wildlife-trust-receives-lord-mayors-award-in-recognition-of-their-work/) - Irish Wildlife Trust receives Lord Mayor’s Award in recognition of their work 31st March 2023 The Irish Wildlife Trust is honoured to have received a Lord Mayor’s Award in recognition of our work to help make Dublin a better place to live. Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy presented three individuals and three organisations
- [IWT response to MSFD Programme of Measures](https://iwt.ie/iwt-response-to-msfd-programme-of-measures/) - IWT response to MSFD Programme of Measures March 7th 2023 New measures for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive are welcome and needed if we are to achieve Good Environmental Status in all descriptors. It is therefore disappointing to see that some new measures are vague, non-committal and are inadequate for reaching Good Environmental Status. ©Grainne
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for urgent action to ban trawling and dredging in inshore waters](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-calls-for-urgent-action-to-ban-trawling-and-dredging-in-inshore-waters/) - Press Release 15th March 2023 Irish Wildlife Trust calls for urgent action to ban trawling and dredging in inshore waters The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has written to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and Minister for Biodiversity and Land Use, Pippa Hackett, urging them to act swiftly to protect inshore
- [The Lawless OPW](https://iwt.ie/the-lawless-opw/) - The Lawless OPW March 11th 2023 by Pádraic Fogarty Emo Court in County Laois is a splendid example of neo-classical architecture completed in the mid-1800s and set within mature trees and manicured gardens. It was also, until recently, home to a nationally important roost for brown long-eared bats. Emo Court is one of dozens of
- [Press Release: State failing to stop destruction of "protected" bogs](https://iwt.ie/press-release-state-failing-to-stop-destruction-of-protected-bogs/) - Press Release 06th March 2023 State failing to stop destruction of "protected" bogs The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling for greater law enforcement after new data, released after appeal to the Office of the Information Commissioner, revealed that illegal turf-cutting remains a significant problem in Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designated for raised
- [Press Release: As the government heads to the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, new information shows that unlawful turf-cutting remains widespread on Special Areas of Conservation](https://iwt.ie/press-release-unlawful-turf-cutting-2/) - Press Release 28th October 2021 As the government heads to the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, new information shows that unlawful turf-cutting remains widespread on Special Areas of Conservation Data from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and acquired by the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) under Freedom of Information rules, show that
- [New Irish Fishing Quota for Vulnerable Spurdog](https://iwt.ie/new-irish-fishing-quota-for-vulnerable-spurdog/) - New Irish Fishing Quota for Vulnerable Spurdog 23rd February 2023 A new Irish quota for the IUCN listed vulnerable spurdog (Squalus acanthias) for 1,874 tonnes was announced for 2023. Minister McConalogue stated that “When we reopen the fishery, measures will be put in place to require that larger spurdog are avoided to allow them to
- [Padraic's Blog: What next for Forestry?](https://iwt.ie/what-next-for-forestry/) - What next for Forestry? January 28th 2023 Padraic Fogarty It has been a dramatic week in the history of our long and tortured relationship with trees in Ireland. The protests, the outrage among opposition politicians, the people sending emails to their TDs, even the government ministers admitting things need to change, including the State buying
- [The Ashy Mining Solitary Bee](https://iwt.ie/the-ashy-mining-solitary-bee/) - The Ashy Mining Solitary Bee What is a Solitary Bee? Solitary bees are much more common in Ireland than bumble or honey bees. They don’t live in big colonies or have a social system with a queen. Where do They Live? They simply make their own nests inn hollow stems or they make tiny
- [General Knowledge on Bees](https://iwt.ie/general-knowledge-on-bees/) - General Knowledge on Bees Honeybees can recognize and remember human faces, to them we look like strange flowers. They can build respect and trust with people they remember! Bees are also very capable of showing love and affection. Bees are also self-aware animals, meaning they are aware that they are bees, which not all animals
- [Northern Dark Honey Bee](https://iwt.ie/northern-dark-honey-bee/) - Northern Dark Honey Bee Where do They Live? These honey bees live in hollow trees or inside the rooves of houses. They can be found all across Northern Europe. The strain we have here in Ireland is a native species. A large amount of them also live in manmade bee hives as most of the
- [White-Tailed Bumblebee](https://iwt.ie/white-tailed-bumblebee/) - White-Tailed Bumblebee Where do They Live? These fuzzy friends tend to live in farmlands, fields, a garden, or anywhere where they have access to flowers to feed on. You can find them all across Europe and even Japan. They find old abandoned mice nests to create their own underground nest that can house up
- [PRESS RELEASE: Increasing pesticide use presents a threat to wildlife and human health](https://iwt.ie/press-release-increasing-pesticide-use-presents-a-threat-to-wildlife-and-human-health/) - PRESS RELEASE: Increasing pesticide use presents a threat to wildlife and human health Published on: 11 April 2018 New figures from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine show that pesticide use in Ireland continues to increase, amounting to 3,135 tonnes of active ingredient in 2016 [1]. This is an increase of 14 tonnes on
- [IWT welcomes overdue change in strategy in the fight against TB in cattle](https://iwt.ie/iwt-welcomes-overdue-change-in-strategy-in-the-fight-against-tb-in-cattle/) - IWT welcomes overdue change in strategy in the fight against TB in cattle Published on: 15 January 2018 Following the announcement today by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Michael Creed, that vaccination of badgers is to become an ‘integral part’ of the plan to eradicate TB in cattle[1], the Irish Wildlife Trust
- [IWT calls on MEPs to oppose industrial-scale electrocution of marine life](https://iwt.ie/iwt-calls-meps-oppose-industrial-scale-electrocution-marine-life/) - IWT calls on MEPs to oppose industrial-scale electrocution of marine life Published on: 11 January 2018 Next week MEPs will be asked to vote on a European Commission proposal to allow so-called 'electric pulse fishing' to become a normal fishing practice across the EU. This practice involves dragging an electrified net across the sea floor -
- [Groundwork complains to the European Commission for lack of management at Killarney National Park](https://iwt.ie/groundwork-complains-to-the-european-commission-for-lack-of-management-at-killarney-national-park/) - Groundwork complains to the European Commission for lack of management at Killarney National Park Published on: 3 January 2018 Groundwork has made a formal complaint to the European Commission that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht (DCHG) have failed to protect the Oak woods in Killarney National
- [Radical action needed to save our seas](https://iwt.ie/press-release-radical-action-needed-save-seas/) - Radical action needed to save our seas Published on: 9 December 2017 This week sees the annual carve up of commercial fish populations by the countries of the European Union. Ireland will be represented by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed. A report by the New Economics Foundation found that last year Minister
- [IWT welcomes expansion of Ballycroy NP](https://iwt.ie/iwt-welcomes-expansion-ballycroy-national-park/) - Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the expansion of Ballycroy National Park Published on: 2 December 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) warmly welcomes the announcement by the new Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, that Ballycroy National Park in Co. Mayo is to be significantly expanded. This creates an enormous opportunity to enhance habitats
- [IWT calls for ban on industrial electrofishing](https://iwt.ie/irish-wildlife-trust-calls-european-parliament-fisheries-committee-prohibit-industrial-electrofishing/) - Irish Wildlife Trust calls on European Parliament Fisheries Committee to prohibit industrial electrofishing Published on: 20 November 2017 Tomorrow (Tuesday November 21st) the European Parliament fisheries committee is to decide whether to allow so-called ‘electric pulse’ fishing to be considered ‘conventional’, a move which would allow Member States to licence it like any other type of fishing.
- [Irish Wildlife Trust calls on Minister Michael Creed to end destructive ‘pair-trawling’ in coastal waters](https://iwt.ie/banpairtrawling/) - Irish Wildlife Trust calls on Minister Michael Creed to end destructive ‘pair-trawling’ in coastal waters Published on: 14 November 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is once again receiving reports from the south-west that destructive ‘pair trawling’ is underway in shallow bays and inlets. Pair-trawling is the practice whereby two boats drag a single net, effectively
- [Time to scrap ‘Origin Green’ as certified companies found to be among the country’s worst polluters](https://iwt.ie/time-scrap-origin-green-certified-companies-found-among-countrys-worst-polluters/) - Time to scrap ‘Origin Green’ as certified companies found to be among the country’s worst polluters Published on: 19 October 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling on the government to scrap its ‘Origin Green’ certification programme as it has transpired that some of the country’s worst polluters are among those certified by the scheme.
- [IWT condemns Athlone Municipal District Council’s call for Pine Marten cull](https://iwt.ie/iwt-condemns-athlone-municipal-district-councils-call-pine-marten-cull/) - IWT condemns Athlone Municipal District Council’s call for Pine Marten cull Published on: 19 October 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) condemns the call by Athlone Municipal District Council to de-list the Pine Marten as a protected species. The Pine Marten is a cat-sized carnivore which feeds predominantly on berries and invertebrates. Having been nearly wiped
- [97 illegal wild fires recorded across Ireland in 2017](https://iwt.ie/97-illegal-wild-fires-recorded-across-ireland-2017/) - PRESS RELEASE: IWT complains to the European Commission after 97 illegal wildfires recorded across Ireland in 2017 Published on: 12 September 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has formally complained to the European Commission (EC) that the Irish government is failing in its duty under the Birds and Habitats Directives to protect threatened wildlife in our
- [Early signs of recovery in Irish Sea Cod welcomed](https://iwt.ie/early-signs-recovery-irish-sea-cod-welcomed/) - PRESS RELEASE: Early signs of recovery in Irish Sea cod welcomed by IWT but it’s still too early for celebration Published on: 31 July 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes news that cod in the Irish sea is beginning to recover after decades of overfishing. Only last year the status of cod in this area
- [Support of hare coursing ban](https://iwt.ie/support-hare-coursing-ban/) - PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls on public to contact TDs in support of hare coursing ban Published on: 27 June 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is fully behind the private members’ Bill brought forward by Maureen O’Sullivan to ban hare coursing in Ireland and is urging people to make their voices heard. The Irish
- [Cut out herbicide use](https://iwt.ie/cut-herbicide-use/) - PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls on local authorities and members of the public to cut out herbicide use Published on: 17 June 2017 This summer, the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is urging the local authorities and members of the public to avoid the use of harmful herbicides and weed-killers, particularly on our roadsides. The casual
- [New UNESCO status for Killarney National Park](https://iwt.ie/new-unesco-status-killarney-national-park/) - PRESS RELEASE 9th June 2017 Irish Wildlife Trust opposes new UNESCO status for Killarney National Park Since 1982 Killarney National Park has been a UNESCO ‘biosphere’ reserve which, according to the world body “promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use"[i]. In December last year the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) complained to
- [Illegal dumping](https://iwt.ie/illegal-dumping/) - Press Release: Illegal dumping and mechanical turf extraction again found in Glenveagh National Park Published on: 31 May 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has made a complaint to the EPA and Donegal County Council in relation to illegal dumping in Glenveagh National Park. Over the weekend a large quantity of builder’s rubble was found in a
- [Amendment to Heritage Bill](https://iwt.ie/amendment-heritage-bill/) - PRESS RELEASE: Amendment to Heritage Bill step in the right direction but does not answer the Burning Question Published on: 31 March 2017 The IWT reluctantly welcomes the outcome of the Seanad debate on the Heritage Bill. The outcome is not what we would have liked as we strongly felt that hedge-cutting for health and safety
- [Devastating weekend for wildfires](https://iwt.ie/devastating-weekend-wildfires/) - PRESS RELEASE: Devastating weekend for wildfires across Ireland Published on: 23 March 2017 With a grim predictability, the first dry spell of Spring has seen a surge of wildfires across Ireland. Since Friday the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has recorded 15 wildfires from counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Galway, Donegal, Louth and Mayo. Eight of these were in areas protected for nature conservation
- [Ruling on hedgerow destruction](https://iwt.ie/ruling-hedgerow-destruction/) - PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes ruling on hedgerow destruction which costs Meath farmer €3,500 Published on: 14 March 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the recent ruling from Judge Gráinne Malone at Navan District Court (13th January last) in which Mr. Richard Douglas, a cattle farmer from Rathmoylan, Co Meath, appeared on a summons relating to the destruction
- [Prohibition on burning vegetation](https://iwt.ie/prohibition-burning-vegetation/) - Press Release: Prohibition on burning vegetation comes into effect on Wednesday (March 1st) Published on: 2 March 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is reminding landowners that from Wednesday (March 1st) it is prohibited under the Wildlife Act to burn vegetation for the duration of the bird nesting season (ending August 31st). Last year the IWT recorded 27 wild
- [Badgers continue to die in large numbers](https://iwt.ie/badgers-continue-die-large-numbers/) - Press Release: Nothing new in Creed’s badger vaccination ‘announcement’. Badgers continue to die in large numbers. Published on: 24 January 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the publication of research which shows that vaccinating badgers is effective in reducing levels of TB in badger [1]. However, yesterdays ‘announcement’ of the results by Minister for Agriculture,
- [Minister Creed fails to act in the public interest](https://iwt.ie/minister-creed-fails-act-public-interest/) - Press Release: Minister Creed fails to act in the public interest in failing to end overfishing Published on: 14 December 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust, which was in Brussels this week, is disappointed with the outcome of the latest round of fish quota negotiations which will do little for coastal communities or the protection of the
- [Action Plan must address lack of political will](https://iwt.ie/action-plan-must-address-lack-political-will/) - Press Release: National Biodiversity Action Plan must address lack of political will if we are to save our wildlife Published on: 14 December 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has called for greater prioritisation of wildlife protection in its submission to the draft National Biodiversity Action Plan. This is the third such plan and this is
- [My First Book of Irish Animals](https://iwt.ie/first-book-irish-animals/) - Children's book on sale now - My First Book of Irish Animals My First Book of Irish Animals, by Juanita Browne, is the first children’s picture book aimed at introducing young children to the wonderful world of Irish wildlife. Filled with fascinating facts and beautiful illustrations by Irish artist, Aoife Quinn, this book will capture the
- [Prioritise recovery of fish stocks](https://iwt.ie/prioritise-recovery-fish-stocks/) - Press Release: Minister Creed urged to prioritise recovery of fish stocks to benefit fish and coastal communities Published on: 8 December 2016 In advance of the annual Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels next Monday and Tuesday the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is urging Minister Michael Creed to prioritise the recovery of fish populations – something that will
- [Minister urged to prioritise recovery of fish stocks](https://iwt.ie/minister-urged-prioritise-recovery-fish-stocks/) - Press Release: Minister Creed urged to prioritise recovery of fish stocks to benefit fish and coastal communities Published on: 8 December 2016 In advance of the annual Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels next Monday and Tuesday the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is urging Minister Michael Creed to prioritise the recovery of fish populations – something that will
- [Independent observers on board supertrawlers](https://iwt.ie/independent-observers-board-supertrawlers/) - PRESS RELEASE: MEPs must use their influence to get independent observers on board supertrawlers in Irish waters Published on: 30 November 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the intervention by the naval service to board the supertrawler ‘Margiris’ yesterday (see www.facebook.com/irishnavalservice ). However in order to address the concerns around these very large boats it is
- [Citizen scientists in Laois bust the myths](https://iwt.ie/citizen-scientists-laois-bust-myths/) - PRESS RELEASE: Pine martens mostly vegetarian – citizen scientists in Laois bust the myths Published on: 2 September 2016 Whilst some media outlets have chosen to portray one of Ireland's rarest and elusive wild mammals as a blood thirsty, lamb murdering tyrant, work is currently underway in the Midlands to learn more about these forest-dwelling creatures
- [No to More Slash and Burn!](https://iwt.ie/no-slash-burn-2/) - Press Release: “31 Days, 31 Reasons for why it’s No to More Slash and Burn!” Published on: 2 August 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust, Birdwatch Ireland, An Taisce, and the Hedge Laying Association of Ireland highlight 31 reasons why the proposed changes to Section 40 of the Wildlife Act contained in the Heritage Bill 2016 are unjustified. Sign the
- [Ban on hedge cutting](https://iwt.ie/ban-hedge-cutting/) - Press Release: Ban on hedge cutting still in effect until 31st August. Published on: 27 July 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust is highlighting that the ban on hedge cutting still runs until the end of August 31st. The Irish Wildlife Trust’s office has received numerous calls from around the country regarding illegal hedge cutting this summer
- [Failing to protect badgers](https://iwt.ie/failing-protect-badgers/) - PRESS RELEASE: Information revealed under Access to Information on the Environment legislation shows Minister Heather Humphreys failing in her duty to protect badgers Published on: 12 July 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is a national organisation concerned with the conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage. For many years we have campaigned against the policy of culling
- [Badger Culling](https://iwt.ie/badger-culling/) - Press Release: Culling badgers not the answer to eradicating TB Published on: 13 May 2016 Ireland has a historic problem with bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle and since 1989 has been culling badgers in an effort to eradicate the disease. From the beginning the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has opposed this approach, which sees healthy badgers, including
- [19 wildfires recorded in 10 days](https://iwt.ie/19-wildfires-recorded-10-days/) - Press Release: destruction to wildlife and landscape across Ireland as 19 wildfires recorded in 10 days Published on: 30 April 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) would like to thank the many people who responded to our call to log wildfires with us. In the 10 days from April 16th to 26th we received reports of 19 separate wildfires
- [Management of Kerry Red Deer](https://iwt.ie/management-kerry-red-deer/) - Press Release: Wildlife Groups welcome progress on management of Kerry Red Deer Published on: 20 April 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) and Wild Deer Association of Ireland (WDAI) have welcomed discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) which the groups held in Dublin on Friday last, April 15th. The two conservation groups had
- [Log wildfires](https://iwt.ie/log-wildfires/) - Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust urges people to log wildfires Published on: 19 April 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is a national conservation charity. In recent years we have highlighted the devastating effects that illegal wildfires have on our countryside and wildlife. This year we are urging people to contact us with details of where,
- [Roaming Reptiles!](https://iwt.ie/1194-2/) - Press Release: Keep an eye out for roaming reptiles! Published on: 16 April 2016 Have you seen a roaming reptile recently? With winter finally behind us it's the beginning of lizard season and the Irish Wildlife Trust is calling on people to get out and start reptile recording. As part of our National Reptile Survey we
- [Time to find solutions to extreme flooding](https://iwt.ie/time-find-solutions-extreme-flooding/) - Press Release: Time to find solutions to extreme flooding and stop obsessing on EU nature laws Published on: 7 January 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling on politicians to find effective solutions to the problem of extreme flooding. With climate change likely to increase the frequency and intensity of these events it is more
- [Decline of the Irish Sea continues](https://iwt.ie/decline-irish-sea-continues/) - Press Release: Decline of the Irish Sea continues as Fishing Quotas set beyond scientific advice Published on: 18 December 2015 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is concerned at the continuing decline of the marine environment in the Irish Sea following the European Commission’s Council meeting earlier this week. Since 2004 scientists have advised that no fishing
- [Starving Golden Eagles](https://iwt.ie/starving-golden-eagles/) - Press Release: Starving Golden Eagles require urgent government action Published on: 25 November 2015 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is urging Ministers Simon Coveney and Heather Humphries to act urgently to save the golden eagle reintroduction project from failure. Last week the Golden Eagle Trust confirmed what many ecologists already suspected: the project is failing as there is not enough food
- [Impacts of agriculture on our wildlife](https://iwt.ie/impacts-agriculture-wildlife/) - Press Release: ‘Sustainability’ measures failing to address impacts of agriculture on our wildlife Published on: 13 November 2015 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the publication today of An Bord Bia’s ‘Origin Green’ sustainability report and its stated aim for Ireland to become a ‘world leader of sustainably produced food and drink’. However existing measures are not addressing
- [Supertrawler devastating effects on marine life](https://iwt.ie/supertrawler-devastating-effects-marine-life/) - Press Release: Supertrawler likely to be having devastating effects on marine life Published on: 13 November 2015 The Irish Wildlife Trust has written to the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) and Minister for the Marine Simon Coveney with regard to the supertrawler FV Margiris which is currently in Irish waters. We are particularly concerned with the
- [UN Sustainable Development Goals](https://iwt.ie/un-sustainable-development-goals/) - Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Irish Government adoption of UN Sustainable Development Goals Published on: 25 September 2015 At the UN General Assembly in New York this week An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and President Micheal D. Higgins will commit Ireland to a series of Sustainable Development Goals to be reached by 2030. The IWT particularly
- [Support measures to protect our deep sea heritage](https://iwt.ie/support-measures-protect-deep-sea-heritage/) - Press Release: Minister Simon Coveney needs to raise his voice and support measures to protect our deep sea heritage Published on: 22 September 2015 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to stand up for the protection of our deep sea wildlife by supporting a ban on
- [Protect the marine environment](https://iwt.ie/protect-marine-environment/) - Press Release: Minister Simon Coveney must act to protect the marine environment Published on: 9 June 2015 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) and Coastwatch are calling on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD to act urgently to protect marine life in areas designated for nature conservation. In May of this year,
- [Misguided calls to cull deer in response to TB](https://iwt.ie/misguided-calls-cull-deer-response-tb/) - IWT Press Release: Government must resist misguided calls to cull deer in response to TB Published on: 26 May 2015 The Government is coming under increasing pressure from the farm industry lobby to cull deer with taxpayers money in the fight against TB in cattle. All mammals can carry TB and can potentially transmit the disease from one
- [Deer culls](https://iwt.ie/deer-culls/) - Press Release 07th August 2015 Deer culls symptomatic of increased verminisation of our wildlife The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling on the government to properly fund wildlife conservation so that our natural heritage can be correctly managed. Increasingly vocal calls for culls of wildlife, from sea gulls to pine martens and deer point to a
- [Time to remove the deer from the Park](https://iwt.ie/time-to-remove-the-deer-from-the-park/) - Time to remove the deer from the Park January 14th 2023 I have written before about the need for rewilding the Phoenix Park, Dublin’s largest urban green space. I bemoan the intensive level of management by the Office of Public Works which minimises it’s biodiversity value: dead or fallen trees cleared away, poor management of
- [EU Nature Restoration Law - What does it mean for marine conservation?](https://iwt.ie/eu-nature-restoration-law-what-does-it-mean-for-marine-conservation/) - EU Nature Restoration Law - What does it mean for marine conservation? What’s happening? In June 2022 the European Commission proposed the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to bring nature back to Europe. This law has legally binding restoration targets for marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. The goal is to have 20% of land and sea ecosystems
- [No more industrial tree farms](https://iwt.ie/no-more-industrial-tree-farms/) - No more industrial tree farms 17th of September 2022 Will Ireland’s new Forest Strategy prove to be the acorn that went on to be a mighty oak? Or will it be a seed in the wind, destined to land on stony ground? It’s hard to get excited about new strategies, given our long history of
- [EU nature law could be gamechanger for marine biodiversity, but will be meaningless if fisheries not properly addressed - NGO reaction](https://iwt.ie/eu-nature-law-reaction/) - EU nature law could be gamechanger for marine biodiversity, but will be meaningless if fisheries not properly addressed NGOs react to the marine aspects of the law Brussels – Today, the European Commission presented its legislative proposal on nature restoration, a new law with binding targets to restore degraded land and marine ecosystems across the
- [Species in Focus: Cormorant](https://iwt.ie/species-in-focus-cormorant/) - Species in Focus: Cormorant As the summer starts to pick up speed, you might find yourself heading down to the beach to cool off. Keep an eye on the sea when you’re there, and you might spot a cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) out on a fishing trip. Cormorants are common seabirds, although they’re often mixed up
- [Sinn Féin and biodiversity](https://iwt.ie/sinn-fein-and-biodiversity/) - Sinn Féin and biodiversity June 11th 2022 The government is nearing its second birthday. At the end of this year, at the halfway point if the government goes to full term, Micheál Martin will be replaced as Taoiseach by Leo Varadkar. While Martin has backed a response to the biodiversity emergency, even addressing the National
- [30 years of plans... and counting](https://iwt.ie/30-years-of-plans-and-counting/) - 30 years of plans... and counting May 28th 2022 Next month (June) will mark the 30th anniversary of the Rio Earth Summit. That’s right, 30 years. In 1992, when I was just finished my first year in college and heading off for a summer of fun in Munich, thousands of delegates from across the globe
- [Species in Focus: Painted Lady](https://iwt.ie/species-in-focus-painted-lady/) - Species in Focus: Painted Lady When you think of far-ranging animals found across all the continents, your mind probably goes straight to birds. But would you believe there’s a species of butterfly that does just as much exploring? The painted lady (Vanessa cardui) is the most widespread species of butterfly in the world. It occurs
- [Species in Focus: Dandelions](https://iwt.ie/species-in-focus-dandelions/) - Species in Focus: Dandelions At this point in the year, I’d imagine anyone who likes a manicured lawn is sick of seeing a certain stubborn yellow flower pop up all over their grass. However dandelions are a valuable native wildflower and have much to offer wildlife and us. Dandelions are useful and industrious plants that
- [Don't Mow, Let it Grow!](https://iwt.ie/dont-mow-let-it-grow/) - Take Action for Wildlife: Don’t mow, let it grow! 1. Protect our dandelions. Hold off with that first cut of grass till late April to allow dandelions feed the bees until other flowers come into bloom. 2. When you do start cutting the grass manage your lawn in a nature friendly manner cutting
- [Species in Focus: Freshwater Pearl Mussels](https://iwt.ie/species-in-focus-freshwater-pearl-mussels/) - There are many animals in Ireland that are under threat from various sources, and the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is catching it from all sides. Freshwater pearl mussels, like the saltwater mussels we eat, are bivalves. Bivalves are molluscs with soft bodies protected by a hinged shell which can open and close as they
- [Rewilding: winning hearts and minds](https://iwt.ie/rewilding-winning-hearts-and-minds/) - Rewilding: winning hearts and minds I’ve never particularly liked the term ‘wilderness’. Although it is instantly evocative it carries so much colonialist baggage that I think it best avoided, regardless of whether you think it even exists or not (for background on this I can recommend this important essay by William Cronon). These days many
- [Species in Focus: Slow Worm](https://iwt.ie/species-in-focus-slow-worm/) - Species in Focus: Slow Worm Whoops, looks like Saint Patrick is slacking on the job! Or is he? Despite its scientific name meaning ‘fragile snake’, this slithery little reptile is actually a kind of legless lizard, called a slow worm (Anguis fragilis). You might be wondering what the difference between a legless lizard and a
- [Water... what's it to you?](https://iwt.ie/water-whats-it-to-you/) - Water – what’s it to you? Where is your nearest water course? Mine is the River Tolka, a fairly short river that rises in farmland in Co. Meath only about 20km from where I live in Dublin. It is perhaps best known as the river that flows past the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin while
- [Species in Focus: Common Frog](https://iwt.ie/species-in-focus-common-frog/) - Species in Focus: Common Frog At this time of year, plenty of animals are only just waking up and getting down to business after a long hibernation. The common frog (Rana temporaria) is one such animal. Common frogs are small amphibians that can be found all across Ireland, as long as there are suitable bodies
- [‘Fair Seas’ campaign launches to demand fifteen-fold increase in Ireland’s Marine Protected Areas](https://iwt.ie/fair-seas-campaign-launches-to-demand-fifteen-fold-increase-in-irelands-marine-protected-areas/) - ‘Fair Seas’ campaign launches to demand fifteen-fold increase in Ireland’s Marine Protected Areas The Irish Wildlife Trust is delighted to be a partner in the Fair Seas campaign launching today and calling for the protection of Ireland's marine life through the creation of a network of ecologically coherent marine protected areas. Leading national environmental
- [PRESS RELEASE: Burning in Wicklow Mountains National Park contrary to climate and biodiversity aims](https://iwt.ie/press-release-wicklow-burning/) - PRESS RELEASE 20th January 2022 Burning in Wicklow Mountains National Park contrary to climate and biodiversity aims The Irish Wildlife Trust wants to express our opposition to the on-going burning of lands within the Wicklow Mountains National Park. See https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wicklow-Mountains-National-Park/261433833868972 Given the poor state of upland habitats, plus the emissions of smoke, water pollution
- [Virtual townhall meetings on MPAs](https://iwt.ie/virtual-townhall-meetings-on-mpas/) - Over the summer of 2021 we held a series of 9 townhall meetings in major Irish coastal counties. We addressed questions and concerns the public had about marine protected areas and encouraged participants to participate in the public consultation on the report 'Expanding Ireland's Marine Protected Area Network' available to download here. The government received
- [WWF and ‘Origin Green](https://iwt.ie/wwf-and-origin-green/) - WWF and ‘Origin Green’ ‘Origin Green’, the Bord Bia (and so publicly) funded food marketing programme, started life in 2012. In that time annual greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture (which had been on a downward trajectory) have risen by over 11%, from 19,284 to 21,432 kt CO₂ equivalent. According to the EPA, between their 2012-2014
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for rewilding to be incentivised as part of €9.8 billion Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)](https://iwt.ie/press-release-cap-rewilding/) - Press Release 8th December 2021 Irish Wildlife Trust calls for rewilding to be incentivised as part of €9.8 billion Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling for rewilding to be included in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan as an option for farmers. Rewilding is a method of restoring natural ecosystems and is
- [PRESS RELEASE: IWT welcomes acknowledgement of the biodiversity crisis and role of healthy ecosystems, including oceans, in the latest draft COP 26 text](https://iwt.ie/press-release-iwt-cop26-text/) - PRESS RELEASE 12th November IWT welcomes acknowledgement of the biodiversity crisis and role of healthy ecosystems, including oceans, in the latest draft COP 26 text The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the prominence of nature in the latest draft of the COP text which appeared in Glasgow today (November 12th). The draft acknowledges in
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes announcement at COP26 to end deforestation](https://iwt.ie/press-release-iwt-welcomes-cop26-announcement-to-end-deforestation/) - Press Release 03rd November Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes announcement at COP26 to end deforestation – Ireland must move to address its own deforestation problem The Irish Wildlife Trust, which is attending the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, welcomes yesterday’s announcement by the UK hosts that over 100 countries have signed a pledge to end deforestation
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes restoration of funding to the National Parks and Wildlife Service but much more needs to be done](https://iwt.ie/press-release-budget/) - Press Release 13th October Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes restoration of funding to the National Parks and Wildlife Service but much more needs to be done The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the announcement in yesterday’s budget that funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been restored to 2008 levels. This is
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust calls on the Government to back key biodiversity protection measures at the IUCN Congress](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-calls-on-the-government-to-back-key-biodiversity-protection-measures-at-the-iucn-congress/) - Press Release 07th August 2021 Irish Wildlife Trust calls on the Government to back key biodiversity protection measures at the IUCN Congress The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling upon the Minister of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, on behalf of the Irish government, to use his voting power at the IUCN Congress (currently
- [New forests please](https://iwt.ie/new-forests-please/) - New forests please Hardly a week goes by without articles appearing in the farming press about the dire state of the forestry industry in Ireland. These articles are repetitive (typically reprints of industry press releases) and bemoan the difficultly in getting licences for routine operations. These rarely, if ever, mention that forestry has been a
- [Wildlife Facts: Red Fox Care in the Garden](https://iwt.ie/foxes/) - Wildlife Facts Red Fox Care in the Garden Position The Irish Wildlife Trust does not encourage or condone the feeding of wild foxes. Our native fox is a wild creature and should be treated as such. However, the following will provide advice on how to feed foxes in the garden and other urban areas, providing
- [Video Report from Overfishing Protest 9th December](https://iwt.ie/video-report-from-overfishing-protest-9th-december/) - Video Report from Overfishing Protest 9th December
- [Taking the train](https://iwt.ie/taking-the-train/) - Taking the train I first left the country in 1986, at the age of 12. It was a much-anticipated family sun holiday to Mallorca. Until then every holiday had been to the caravan in Wexford. This was perfectly normal at the time, leaving the country was expensive. But my generation was quick to catch up.
- [Expect more Extinction Denial](https://iwt.ie/expect-more-extinction-denial/) - Expect more Extinction Denial Science denial has a long and inglorious history. In 1615 Galileo Galilei was condemned to house arrest for defending Copernicus’ theory that the earth travelled around the sun and not vice versa. In the 1960s, Rachel Carson, an aquatic biologist working for the US Bureau of Fisheries, came under ferocious attack
- [The Urgency of Rewilding](https://iwt.ie/the-urgency-of-rewilding/) - The Urgency of Rewilding This week saw two important publications that bring the urgent need for rewilding closer to being accepted at a policy level. While rewilding has gained widespread popular support, policy-makers and even many ecologists have remained sceptical. Part of this has been the lack of a widely accepted definition, accompanied by its
- [Climate resilient dairy - an alternative for Irish farmers](https://iwt.ie/climate-resilient-dairy-an-alternative-for-irish-farmers/) - While dairy is the most profitable sector in farming in Ireland, it increasingly faces environmental questions. What are the options? by Oliver Moore There has been strong growth in the dairy sector in Ireland because it is, by a distance, the most profitable sector in Irish farming. Even when overall farm incomes are stable or
- [IWT Talks & Events at St. Enda's Park, Rathfarnham](https://iwt.ie/iwt-talks-events-st-endas-park-rathfarnham/) - The IWT are delighted to announce that we are starting a series of talks and events, based around wildlife, for the OPW at St. Enda’s Park in Rathfarnham in South Dublin. The programme starts this Easter with: An afternoon tea & talk on: “The wildlife of South Dublin” on Wed. 1st April, 2:30pm and a “Family Easter Nature Trail” on Sat. 4th
- [Press Release: IWT Wild Oceans Photography Competition](https://iwt.ie/press-release-iwt-wild-oceans-photography-competition/) - Press Release 12th June 2020 The Irish Wildlife Trust is inviting submissions for a Wild Oceans Photography Competition In honour of World Oceans Day this June and to coincide with the easing of travel restrictions, the Irish Wildlife Trust have launched a marine themed photography contest. The aim of this competition is to raise awareness
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust condemns Taoiseach’s interference in An Taisce case](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-condemns-taoiseachs-interference-in-an-taisce-case/) - Press Release 13th May Irish Wildlife Trust condemns Taoiseach’s interference in An Taisce case The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is horrified at the intervention this week by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, in the case being taken by An Taisce against a proposed cheese factory in Co. Kilkenny. The ungainly remarks have unleashed a cascade
- [No budging the agri-debate](https://iwt.ie/no-budging-the-agri-debate/) - No budging the agri-debate It is rather depressing to see just how little the debate on agriculture and eco-action has progressed in recent years. The voices of the farming community, typically the leaders of farming organisations, the farming media and a cohort of rural politicians are sticking with their arguments on carbon leakage (if we
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for full investigation into fire at Killarney National Park and emergency measures to stop the cycle of infernos](https://iwt.ie/press-release-iwt-calls-for-full-investigation-into-fire-at-killarney-national-park/) - Press Release 26th April 2021 Irish Wildlife Trust calls for full investigation into fire at Killarney National Park and emergency measures to stop the cycle of infernos The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling for a full investigation into the causes and consequences of the fire which has destroyed swathes of Killarney National Park over
- [Ireland’s Agri-Food Strategy 2030](https://iwt.ie/irelands-agri-food-strategy-2030/) - Ireland’s Agri-Food Strategy 2030 In 2015 Ireland published its last agri-food strategy. ‘FoodWise 2025: A vision for growth’ was unabashed in its ambition. “It represents the shared voice of an industry striving to create a business and regulatory environment in which the extensive growth opportunities of the next 10 years can be fully capitalised on.”
- [Press Release: Government must allow full scrutiny of the Marine Planning Framework](https://iwt.ie/press-release-marine-planning-framework/) - Press Release 23rd April Government must allow full scrutiny of the Marine Planning Framework The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is urging the government not to rush through approval of the Marine Planning Framework in the absence of a Dáil debate or Oireachtas scrutiny. It is understood that the government is planning to approve this plan
- [IWT Submission to the Review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service](https://iwt.ie/iwt-submission-npws-review/) - IWT Submission to the Review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service Dear Prof Stout and Dr Ó Cinnéide, The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is a national, charitable, membership-based organisation which was established in 1979. Our goal is to raise awareness of our natural heritage and its benefits to people. We would like
- [PRESS RELEASE: Wildart 2021 - Express your Creativity with the Irish Wildlife Trust WildArt Competition](https://iwt.ie/press-release-wildart-2021-express-your-creativity-with-the-irish-wildlife-trust-wildart-competition/) - Press Release 30th March Wildart 2021 - Express your Creativity with the Irish Wildlife Trust WildArt Competition The Irish Wildlife Trust has launched the second edition of their children’s art competition WildArt. The competition will engage children in the wonders of local wildlife (within their lockdown surroundings of course!). Children up to the age of 18
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes commencement of National Parks and Wildlife Service Review](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-commencement-of-national-parks-and-wildlife-service-review/) - Press Release 03rd February 2021 Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes commencement of National Parks and Wildlife Service Review The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the announcement by Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, that the review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Oireachtas report on pre-Legislative Scrutiny of General Scheme of the Marine Planning and Development Management (MPDM) Bill](https://iwt.ie/press-release-mpdm-report/) - Press Release 18th February 2021 Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Oireachtas report on pre-Legislative Scrutiny of General Scheme of the Marine Planning and Development Management (MPDM) Bill The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomes the report on the pre-legislative scrutiny of the MPDM Bill which will provide for development projects in the marine environment, particularly off-shore renewable
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust finds that no permits for ‘controlled burning’ were issued in the North, East or South of Ireland in 2020, and only two in the West](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-finds-that-no-permits-for-controlled-burning-were-issued-in-the-north-east-or-south-of-ireland-in-2020-and-only-two-in-the-west/) - Press Release 15th March 2021 Irish Wildlife Trust finds that no permits for ‘controlled burning’ were issued in the North, East or South of Ireland in 2020, and only two in the West The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has received information from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage from Freedom of Information that
- [Our tortured relationship with trees](https://iwt.ie/our-tortured-relationship-with-trees/) - Our tortured relationship with trees If there’s one thing that unites nearly everyone in Ireland it’s that we’re all in agreement that the current attitude to trees is pitiful. Whether you’re an urbanite watching your street trees being torn down or a worker in a sawmill watching your supplies of timber dry up there is
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes independent review of the National Biodiversity Action Plan](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-independent-review-of-the-national-biodiversity-action-plan/) - Press Release 16th February Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes independent review of the National Biodiversity Action Plan The Irish Wildlife Trust today (16/2/21) welcomes the report of the National Biodiversity Forum which highlights serious weaknesses in the state’s approach to biodiversity protection. The IWT particularly welcomes the recommendation that the next National Biodiversity Action Plan be
- [What Value Nature?](https://iwt.ie/what-value-nature/) - What value Nature? It has long been argued that one of the reasons for our biodiversity crisis is the failure of economics to account for environmental harm. The effects of habitat destruction or pollution from industrial effluent has been dismissed as an ‘externality’ as though the air we breath and the water we drink is
- [The War on Rivers](https://iwt.ie/the-war-on-rivers/) - The War on Rivers “In recent years land drainage policy has received attention on two counts: the adequacy of the financial returns to investment of public funds in drainage has been questioned, and it has been alleged that adverse impacts on the environment also result therefrom”. It might have been written yesterday but these lines
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes publication of report on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) but process must be accelerated](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-publication-of-report-on-marine-protected-areas-mpas-but-process-must-be-accelerated/) - PRESS RELEASE 26 January 2021 Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes publication of report on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) but process must be accelerated The report published today by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government will advise the government on how to expand Ireland’s network of MPAs. This report is a crucial step towards safeguarding
- [Shaping New Mountains](https://iwt.ie/shaping-new-mountains/) - Shaping New Mountains https://soundcloud.com/irishwildlifetrust/shaping-new-mountains-introduction In 2017 I wrote a book called Whittled Away: Ireland’s Vanishing Nature. One of the reasons I wrote the book was because I didn’t feel that people realised the true extent of the damage that has been inflicted, and continues to be inflicted, to nature in our country. It painted a
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Government commitment to ‘High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People’ at today’s One Planet Summit](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-government-commitment-to-high-ambition-coalition-for-nature-and-people-at-todays-one-planet-summit/) - PRESS RELEASE 11 January 2021 Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Government commitment to ‘High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People’ at today’s One Planet Summit The One Planet Summit, which takes place today at the initiative of French president Emmanuel Macron and which will be attended (virtually) by Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage and
- [Reform of the NPWS is urgent](https://iwt.ie/reform-of-the-npws-is-urgent/) - Reform of the NPWS is urgent “We desperately need new thinking, new concepts, new contexts, new teaching methods, new curricula, better communication between all the participants in nature conservation. If we had a new and vitalised education programme, half the battle would already be won.” David Cabot, then a scientist for An Foras Forbhatha (and
- [Press Release: New information shows that unlawful turf-cutting remains widespread on Special Areas of Conservation](https://iwt.ie/press-release-unlawful-turf-cutting/) - Press Release 12th November 2020 New information shows that unlawful turf-cutting remains widespread on Special Areas of Conservation Data from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DCHG), and acquired by the Irish Wildlife Trust under Access to Information on the Environment rules, shows that mechanical turf-cutting continues to be a widespread issue on
- [Rewilding the Park](https://iwt.ie/rewilding-the-park/) - Rewilding the Park There’s a corner of the Phoenix Park, Dublin’s largest open space, that hints at wildness. It’s different from the rest of the Park in that it’s less manicured, messy looking, with unmown meadows and patches of scrubby thorn bushes. Most people walk right past it but within its tangled undergrowth there are
- [Corrosive power relations, not farmers, are killing the planet](https://iwt.ie/corrosive-power-relations-not-farmers-are-killing-the-planet/) - Corrosive power relations, not farmers, are killing the planet Feeding the world while bringing food systems back within nature’s limits is the challenge of the century. But farmers are mostly low wage workers and worry that greater environmental expectations will mean a further squeeze on their income. Is it possible for them to be green
- [Press Release: Budget marks a significant change in direction in the state’s approach to nature protection](https://iwt.ie/press-release-budget-marks-a-significant-change-in-direction-in-the-states-approach-to-nature-protection/) - Press Release 15th October Budget marks a significant change in direction in the state’s approach to nature protection The Irish Wildlife Trust has welcomed this week’s announcements in the budget which will start to address our biodiversity crisis. New funding announcements have been made across a range of sectors which will address historic shortfalls, most
- [Nature-based solutions](https://iwt.ie/nature-based-solutions/) - Nature-based solutions This week saw a significant milestone in Ireland’s tortuous journey from climate laggard to climate leader with the publication of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill. It is a significant achievement for the Green Party in particular, which delivered on its promise to deliver the bill within the first 100
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for moratorium on all trawling within six nautical miles of the coast following High Court ruling](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-calls-for-moratorium-on-all-trawling-within-six-nautical-miles-of-the-coast-following-high-court-ruling/) - PRESS RELEASE 09th October 2020 Irish Wildlife Trust calls for moratorium on all trawling within six nautical miles of the coast following High Court ruling Following the High Court ruling [i] that has overturned a decision to prohibit trawling by larger boats within 6 nautical miles of the coast, the IWT has written to Minister
- [Irish Wildlife Trust submission to Budget 2020](https://iwt.ie/budget-submission-2020/) - September 22nd 2020 Irish Wildlife Trust submission to Budget 2020 Dear Minister Donohoe, The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is a national, charitable, membership-based organisation which was established in 1979. Our goal is to raise awareness of our natural heritage and its benefits to people. We would like to make a submission for
- [IWT calls on Minister O’Brien to take urgent measures to prevent destruction of protected marine habitats](https://iwt.ie/iwt-calls-on-minister-obrien-to-take-urgent-measures-to-prevent-destruction-of-protected-marine-habitats/) - Press Release 01st October 2020 IWT calls on Minister O’Brien to take urgent measures to prevent destruction of protected marine habitats The Irish Wildlife Trust has released a report which highlights Ireland’s failure to manage and successfully protect the inshore network of marine protected areas (MPAs) [i]. Collating evidence from surveys conducted by the National
- [PRESS RELEASE: Fix the problems in forestry before silencing objectors](https://iwt.ie/press-release-fix-the-problems-in-forestry-before-silencing-objectors/) - PRESS RELEASE 25th September 2020 Fix the problems in forestry before silencing objectors The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is extremely concerned about the undue haste with which new forestry legislation is being rushed through the Oireachtas. This legislation proposes to introduce fees for objectors for the first time and was part of a broader set
- [Pádraic's Blog: In search of the real](https://iwt.ie/in-search-of-the-real/) - In search of the real A couple of years back I attended a conference on ‘Natural Capital’ in the National Concert Hall in Dublin. Natural Capital is a way of bringing nature into national economic accounting structures in order to value what are termed ‘ecosystem services’ – i.e. the things that keep us alive like
- [Please respond to Forestry Licences consultation by this Friday (28/08/2020)](https://iwt.ie/please-respond-to-forestry-licences-consultation-by-this-friday/) - Object to proposed changes to the Agriculture Bill 2020 limiting people’s ability to appeal. Minister of State for Agriculture Pippa Hackett has announced a consultation on the outline of the Draft Agriculture Appeals (Amendment) Bill 2020. This bill proposes significant changes and limitations to the appeal system for Forestry Licences. The IWT is calling on
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust call on UNESCO to remove ‘Biosphere’ label from Killarney as Kerry County Council withdraws support](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-call-on-unesco-to-remove-biosphere-label-from-killarney-as-kerry-county-council-withdraws-support/) - Press Release 07th August Irish Wildlife Trust call on UNESCO to remove ‘Biosphere’ label from Killarney as Kerry County Council withdraws support The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has written to the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) committee calling on them to immediately remove Killarney from its list of ‘Biosphere Reserves’. The call follows the revelation,
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls on Minister Malcolm Noonan not to issue licences for cruel hare coursing](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-calls-on-minister-malcolm-noonan-not-to-issue-licences-for-cruel-hare-coursing/) - Press Release 04th August PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls on Minister Malcolm Noonan not to issue licences for cruel hare coursing The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling on Minister at the Department of Housing Malcolm Noonan not to issue licences for hare coursing. The IWT would like to see hare coursing banned as
- [Environmental NGO Coastwatch Secures Win for Nature in Razor Shell Fisheries Court Case](https://iwt.ie/environmental-ngo-coastwatch-secures-win-for-nature-in-razor-shell-fisheries-court-case/) - Environmental NGO Coastwatch Secures Win for Nature in Razor Shell Fisheries Court Case The Irish Wildlife Trust and the Bigger & Better MPA campaign strongly welcome fantastic news for nature in Ireland after Coastwatch secures and important win in Razor Shell Fisheries Court Case. In November 2019, a razor shell dredge fishery was opened illegally
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) calls for sheep to be taken off the hills to allow restoration of upland and peatland ecosystems](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-iwt-calls-for-sheep-to-be-taken-off-the-hills-to-allow-restoration-of-upland-and-peatland-ecosystems/) - Press Release 21st July Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) calls for sheep to be taken off the hills to allow restoration of upland and peatland ecosystems IWT is calling on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Dara Calleary, Minister for Land Use and Biodiversity Pippa Hackett and Minister at the Department of Housing Malcolm
- [Press Release: Disbelief as Green ministers hand nature protection to Housing Department](https://iwt.ie/press-release-disbelief-as-green-ministers-hand-nature-protection-to-housing-department/) - Press Release 01/07/2020 Disbelief as Green ministers hand nature protection to Housing Department BirdWatch Ireland, Irish Wildlife Trust, Friends of the Earth, An Taisce, SWAN and the Environmental Pillar make joint call to #BringNatureHome Leading environmental NGOs have expressed disbelief at the new Government’s proposal to move responsibility for nature to the Department of Housing.
- [Press Release: The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the Programme for Government as potentially transformative for the Irish landscape.](https://iwt.ie/press-release-the-irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-the-programme-for-government-as-potentially-transformative-for-the-irish-landscape/) - Press Release 16th June The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the Programme for Government as potentially transformative for the Irish landscape. The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is welcoming the Programme for Government (PfG) presented by Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and Fine Gael as containing a number of elements which are potentially transformative in addressing
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes EU Biodiversity Strategy but we must move quickly to implementation. ](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-eu-biodiversity-strategy-but-we-must-move-quickly-to-implementation/) - Press Release 20th May 2020 Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes EU Biodiversity Strategy but we must move quickly to implementation. The IWT welcomes the publication of the EU's 2030 Biodiversity Strategy and Farm to Fork plan which set ambitious targets for the restoration of nature across the continent. If implemented it would see a transformation of
- [PRESS RELEASE: Protections for the Freshwater Pearl Mussel must be upheld](https://iwt.ie/press-release-protections-for-the-freshwater-pearl-mussel-must-be-upheld/) - Press Release 15th May 2020 Protections for the Freshwater Pearl Mussel must be upheld The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling on the government to uphold protections for the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, among the most endangered animals in Ireland. This week a number of Cork County Councillors wrote to the Minister for Culture, Heritage and
- [Press release: IWT welcomes the leaked EU Biodiversity Strategy on the anniversary of Ireland declaring a climate and biodiversity emergency](https://iwt.ie/press-release-iwt-welcomes-the-leaked-eu-biodiversity-strategy-on-the-anniversary-of-ireland-declaring-a-climate-and-biodiversity-emergency/) - Press Release 09th May 2020 Press release: IWT welcomes the leaked EU Biodiversity Strategy on the anniversary of Ireland declaring a climate and biodiversity emergency On Thursday May 9th 2019 Ireland became the first country to declare a climate and a biodiversity emergency. On its first anniversary there is sadly little to show for this
- [Press Release: Potential government parties should look to sea for important carbon emissions reductions, according to Irish Wildlife Trust](https://iwt.ie/press-release-potential-government-parties-should-look-to-sea-for-important-carbon-emissions-reductions-according-to-irish-wildlife-trust/) - Potential government parties should look to sea for important carbon emissions reductions, according to Irish Wildlife Trust Press release 07th May 2020 IWT urges political parties to recognise the carbon storage capacity of our seas and agree to protect and restore vulnerable marine habitats to help avert the climate and biodiversity crises. Several international commitments aim
- [Species of the week - Chanterelle](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-chanterelle/) - Chanterelle Cantharellus cibarius Chanterelle is probably one of the most desirable edible mushrooms found in Europe. It is orange or yellow, meaty and funnel-shaped and can be found in woodlands, growing from the ground or decaying wood. They will reappear in the same place every year, so if you find a good spot, you should
- [Discover your nature this National Biodiversity Week](https://iwt.ie/discover-your-nature-this-national-biodiversity-week/) - Discover your nature this National Biodiversity Week For the Irish Wildlife Trust, National Biodiversity Week is one of the most important and enjoyable weeks of the year. It is an opportunity for people across the country to get out and experience the biodiversity we still have in Ireland. There is a huge amount to discover
- [People for Bees in National Biodiversity Week](https://iwt.ie/biodiversityblog-bees/) - People for Bees in National Biodiversity Week The IWT People for Bees programme had a great opening weekend to National Biodiversity Week, with a double bill of bee monitoring workshops. We were in St Enda’s park in Rathfarnham Co Dublin on Saturday and in Letterkenny Institute of Technology on Sunday. Both bee monitoring events were
- [Species of the week: Fairy Flax](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-fairy-flax/) - Fairy Flax Linum catharticum Lus na mban sí Fairy Flax is an annual or biennial herb found in seashore meadows, dry fields, or rocky outcrops or limestone pavement. The 5 petals of the plant are small (4mm), white with light veins and a yellow centre. It flowers from May to September. The flowers droop noticeably
- [Species of the week: Common Green Grasshopper](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-common-green-grasshopper/) - Common Green Grasshopper Omocestus viridulus Dreoilín teaspaigh The common green grasshopper is a grasshopper of the Acrididae family. It is found in moderately wet regions of Europe and is distributed widely across Britain. Its range extends as far as Siberia and Mongolia. In Ireland it tends to be found in areas with long grass, such
- [Species of the week: Pedunculate Oak](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-pedunculate-oak/) - Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur Dair ghallda Pedunculate Oak is the less common of the two native Irish oak species. You can distinguish it from Sessile oak by looking at its acorns – pedunculate oak produces acorns on stalks. The oak is one of our largest and longest lived trees - specimens typically live for up
- [Species of the week: Raft Spider](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-raft-spider/) - Raft Spider Dolomedes fimbriatus Ireland’s largest spider, the Raft Spider, lives within our bogs and fens. The female (remember female spiders are larger than male spiders) spider’s body measures up to 22 millimetres long and leg span up to about 70 millimetres. We associate spiders with dry land but the Raft spider is semi-aquatic.
- [Species of the week: Spindle](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-spindle/) - Spindle tree Euonymus europaeus Feoras Spindle is found throughout Ireland in woodland, scrub and hedgerows on limestone. It is often planted in gardens and parks. A deciduous shrub or small tree which grows 3–6 m tall, rarely 10 m, with a stem up to 20 cm in diameter. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to elliptical,
- [Species of the week: Oak Moss](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-oak-moss/) - Oak Moss Evernia prunastri Evernia prunastri is a species of lichen, it has no official English name but is known as Oak Moss. Lichens that are attached only at the base are called fruticose and E. prunastri is the commonest in this group. It has a strap-shaped body, with fork-like branches hanging down from the
- [Species of the week: Marmalade Hoverfly](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-marmalade-hoverfly/) - Marmalade Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus E. balteatus is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the
- [Species of the week: Yellow brain fungus](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-yellow-brain-fungus/) - Yellow Brain Fungus Tremella mesenterica Tremella mesenterica is usually golden yellow and gelatinous but tough when damp, turning orange and shrivelling to a tiny fraction of its former size during very dry weather. Initially disc-like, the fruitbody soon develops irregular contortions only very vaguely resembling the structure of a brain. Individual fruitbodies grow to between
- [Species of the week: Black Slug](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-black-slug/) - Black Slug, also known as Black Arion Arion ater Seilide Dubh The black slug, also known as black arion, is a species of large land slug, a terrestrial slug in the family Arionidae, the roundback slugs. The size of the slug varies from 10 to 15 cm. Maturity is reached at about 2.5 cm The
- [Species of the week: Common puffball](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-common-puffball/) - Common puffball Lycoperdon perlatum The fruit body ranges in shape from pear-like with a flattened top, to nearly spherical, and reaches dimensions of 1.5 to 6 cm wide by 3 to 7 cm tall. It has a stem-like base. The outer surface of the fruit body (the exoperidium) is covered in short cone-shaped spines that
- [Species of the week: Portuguese Man O’War](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-portuguese-man-owar/) - Portuguese Man O’War Physalia physalis Smugairle an tseoil An exotic visitor, these unusual creatures occasionally appear in Irish waters during summertime bouts of good weather. While they are often mistaken for a jellyfish they are in fact a siphonophore – a colony of small animals working together as one whole in order to survive. Well
- [Species of the week: Brown Long-eared Bat](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-brown-long-eared-bat/) - Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Ialtog fhad-chluasach The Brown long-eared bat is a medium sized Irish bat species, their extremely large ears in relation to body size makes them an easy species to identify. The ears are up to three quarters the size of the total head and body length measuring 2.5cm. Each ear has
- [Species of the week: White Fronted Goose](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-white-fronted-goose/) - White Fronted Goose Anser albifrons The White Fronted Goose is named because of the characteristic white blaze across their foreheads, but this is absent in the juveniles. The birds breed in Greenland and Siberia typically on lowland tundra, often by lakes and rivers. They migrate to Ireland in October to April to enjoy our comparatively
- [Species of the week: Long-eared Owl](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-long-eared-owl/) - Long-eared Owl Asio otus Ceann cait The Long-eared Owl is distributed all across Ireland often found in coniferous woodlands with open grasslands nearby in order to hunt their prey. While they can be found distributed over most if the country except for the west, their range is somewhat scattered due to the low levels of
- [Species of the week: Wych Elm](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-wych-elm/) - Wych Elm Ulmus glabra Leamhán sléibhe The Wych elm is the only native elm in Ireland. It is a wide ranging Elm tree, it can be found from Ireland to Russia and as far north as the Arctic Circle. They are typically mountainous species preferring moist soils and higher humidity’s, its name in Irish means
- [Species of the week: Brown Hawker Dragonfly](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-brown-hawker-dragonfly/) - Brown Hawker Dragonfly Aeshna grandis Seabhcaí Ómrach The brown hawker is large common dragonfly found in Ireland, it is distinctive because of its chocolate brown colouring. They grow to 7.3cm long and have a wingspan of 10.2cm. Both males and females are similar looking but can be distinguished as males have blue dots on their
- [Species of the week: Small spotted catshark / lesser-spotted dogfish](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-small-spotted-catshark-lesser-spotted-dogfish/) - Small spotted catshark/ lesser-spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula Catsúileach ballach/ Fiogach Beag Commonly known as dogfish, the small spotted catshark is one of 71 cartilaginous sharks found in Irish waters. From a recent report published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) (Clarke, et al., 2016) on the status of sharks in Irish Waters they
- [Species of the week: Enchanter's nightshade](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-enchanters-nightshade/) - Enchanter's nightshade Circaea lutetiana Fuinseagach Enchanter’s nightshade is a small plant with long stems and broad leaves, it can grow to 20-50cm or taller and it has small white flowers at the head of each stem. The flowers which are very distinctive as they only have two petals that are deeply cleft, making it look
- [Species of the Week: Nettle](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-nettle/) - Nettle Urtica dioica Neantóg The Common or Stinging Nettle is a highly successful plant found all over the temperate areas of the world. It spreads by means of seeds and underground rhizomes that creep around just under the surface of the soil. The jagged leaves held in pairs along the square stems are easily recognisable
- [Species of the Week: Scots pine](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-scots-pine/) - Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Péine Albanach The Scots pine is one of Ireland’s three native coniferous trees. It is found across Eurasia from Ireland to Siberia, it was believed that it had died out in Ireland around 2000 years ago but has since been reintroduced for plantations in the 17th century. Tree stumps have
- [Species of the week: Marsh fritillary](https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-marsh-fritillary/) - Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia Fritileán Réisc The Marsh Fritillary Butterfly is one of Ireland's few legally protected Butterflies. It is protected under Annex II of the European Union Habitats and Species Directive. They have an orange and cream square pattern on their wings and can be identified by their distinctive cream bands on their underwing.
- [Press Release: IWT calls on farming organisations to support a new approach after a wildfire sweeps through the Wicklow Mountains](https://iwt.ie/press-release-wildfire-wicklow-mountains/) - The Irish Wildlife Trust has called on farming organisations to support a new approach to land management after a wildfire sweeps through the Wicklow Mountains Special Area of Conservation Press Release: 16th April 2020 A massive, illegal wildfire has swept through the Wicklow Mountains Special Area of Conservation (SAC) through the evening of April 15th
- [Press Release: More needs to be done to stop the scourge of illegal wildfires](https://iwt.ie/press-release-more-needs-to-be-done-to-stop-the-scourge-of-illegal-wildfires/) - Press Release: More needs to be done to stop the scourge of illegal wildfires The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and Minister for Heritage Josepha Madigan to do more to stop the annual scourge of wildfires on the hills. Wildfires are illegal at any time of year while
- [PRESS RELEASE: Urgency of addressing the biodiversity emergency is underlined by Covid-19 crisis](https://iwt.ie/press-release-urgency-of-addressing-the-biodiversity-emergency-is-underlined-by-covid-19-crisis/) - Urgency of addressing the biodiversity emergency is underlined by Covid-19 crisis Press Release 23rd March 2020 The breakdown of global ecosystems presents an urgent threat to humanity, which was recognised in 2019 with the publication of the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services by the United Nations [i]. This report highlighted how natural
- [Native Tree Giveaway Greens Co. Laois Woodlands](https://iwt.ie/native-tree-giveaway-greens-co-laois-woodlands/) - Native Tree Giveaway Greens Co. Laois Woodlands Community Receives 12,000 Donated Trees and Shrubs 24th February 2020 Trees, hedgerows and parks in Co. Laois received a boost from a recent tree donation. Approximately 12,000 trees were donated by the Trees on the Land projects, and distributed by the Laois Offaly Branch of the Irish Wildlife
- [Press Release: The Irish Wildlife Trust’s Top-Tens Asks for Politicians in advance of the General Election](https://iwt.ie/press-release-the-irish-wildlife-trusts-top-tens-asks-for-politicians-in-advance-of-the-general-election/) - Press Release: The Irish Wildlife Trust’s Top-Tens Asks for Politicians in advance of the General Election 28th January 2019 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has written to the political parties with our top ten asks for the next government to avert ecological meltdown. The 2020s needs to be the decade for nature restoration
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes action on vegetation destruction](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-action-on-vegetation-destruction/) - Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes action on vegetation destruction 22nd January 2019 The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the successful prosecution of two men for the destruction of 3 acres of scrub vegetation during the bird nesting season in 2018 (see statement below from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht). We'd like
- [Press Release: Public invited to IWT and Regenerative Farming Ireland event to discuss the future of farming](https://iwt.ie/press-release-public-invited-to-iwt-and-regenerative-farming-ireland-event-to-discuss-the-future-of-farming/) - Press Release 20th January 2019 Public invited to Irish Wildlife Trust and Regenerative Farming Ireland event to discuss the future of farming What is the future for farming in an era of biodiversity and climate crises? Can farming be part of the solution to ecological breakdown while providing incomes for farmers? The Irish Wildlife Trust
- [PRESS RELEASE: Minister’s no-show at important biodiversity meeting a poor reflection on Ireland](https://iwt.ie/press-release-ministers-no-show-at-important-biodiversity-meeting-a-poor-reflection-on-ireland/) - PRESS RELEASE: Minister’s no-show at important biodiversity meeting a poor reflection on Ireland Press Release: 19th December 2019 The European Council of Ministers met today in Brussels to discuss the biodiversity emergency and the recently announced Green New Deal [i]. The meeting was to discuss the outcomes of the COP25 meeting in Madrid,
- [PRESS RELEASE: Ministers fail to live up to talk of a ‘Green New Deal’ as overfishing set to continue](https://iwt.ie/press-release-ministers-fail-to-live-up-to-talk-of-a-green-new-deal-as-overfishing-set-to-continue/) - Ministers fail to live up to talk of a ‘Green New Deal’ as overfishing set to continue Press Release 18th December 2019 Despite a legal deadline of ending overfishing by 2020, and much hype from the new European Commission of a ‘Green New Deal’, Ministers, including Ireland’s Michael Creed, decided last night (December 17th) to
- [Press Release: No fishing in a dead ocean – Minister Creed must uphold the law and end overfishing](https://iwt.ie/press-release-no-fishing-in-a-dead-ocean-minister-creed-must-uphold-the-law-and-end-overfishing/) - No fishing in a dead ocean – Minister Creed must uphold the law and end overfishing Press Release: 16th December 2019 Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, travels to Brussels today for the annual negotiation of fishing quotas. It is the first such meeting since the Dáil declared a biodiversity and climate
- [Minister Creed must uphold the law and end overfishing](https://iwt.ie/minister-creed-must-uphold-the-law-and-end-overfishing/) - Minister Creed must uphold the law and end overfishing Press Release 09th December The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) and Extinction Rebellion are calling on Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, to uphold the law in December by ending overfishing and averting catastrophe in our seas. In 2013, the Irish presidency of
- [IWT to hold ‘Rewilding’ Discussion in Galway](https://iwt.ie/iwt-to-hold-rewilding-discussion-in-galway/) - IWT to hold ‘Rewilding’ Discussion in Galway Press Release: 15th November The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) will hold a free event exploring ‘Rewilding for Ireland’ next Thursday (November 21st) in NUI Galway in association with the NUIG Environmental Society. Rewilding is an exciting concept which can help to restore natural ecosystems to Ireland and
- [PRESS RELEASE: Moves to open up protected peatlands must be reversed](https://iwt.ie/press-release-moves-to-open-up-protected-peatlands-must-be-reversed/) - PRESS RELEASE: Moves to open up protected peatlands must be reversed 24th September 2019 The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling on the government to reverse proposals to open up protected peatland conservation areas for turf-cutting which are proposed in the Wildlife Bill. The bill is being discussed in the Seanad this week. This
- [Press release: Radical overhaul of Forestry Policy is urgently required.](https://iwt.ie/press-release-radical-overhaul-of-forestry-policy-is-urgently-required/) - Press release: Radical overhaul of Forestry Policy is urgently required. The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling for a radical overhaul of our forestry sector in response to the climate and biodiversity emergency. On nearly every measure our current forestry model is failing and in particular is driving extinction, water pollution and rural decline. The IWT
- [Press Release: Bigger and Better Marine Protected Area Conference in Trinity College Dublin](https://iwt.ie/press-release-bigger-and-better-marine-protected-area-conference-in-trinity-college-dublin/) - Press Release: Bigger and Better Marine Protected Area Conference in Trinity College Dublin 30th August 2019 Coastwatch and the Irish Wildlife Trust are the Irish partners in an international MPA project coordinated by European NGO Seas at Risk. Together we are hosting a conference on the 2nd and 3rd of September in Trinity College Dublin
- [Press Release: New Report highlights the extent of the Irish extinction crisis](https://iwt.ie/press-release-new-report-highlights-the-extent-of-the-irish-extinction-crisis/) - Press Release: New Report highlights the extent of the Irish extinction crisis 22 August 2019 A new report from the Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht on the status of our most valuable habitats and species paints a dire picture for biodiversity in Ireland and once again stresses the depth of the extinction crisis
- [PRESS RELEASE: Dramatic new research shows the power of trees in addressing global climate breakdown.](https://iwt.ie/press-release-dramatic-new-research-shows-the-power-of-trees-in-addressing-global-climate-breakdown/) - PRESS RELEASE: Dramatic new research shows the power of trees in addressing global climate breakdown. 08th July 2019 Dramatic new research, published in the journal 'Science' demonstrates the incredible powers of trees to drawdown carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The researchers suggested this should be among the priority actions in dealing with climate breakdown. The
- [Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Coillte forest initiative which is potentially very significant for nature](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-welcomes-coillte-forest-initiative-which-is-potentially-very-significant-for-nature/) - Press Release: Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes Coillte forest initiative which is potentially very significant for nature 20th June 2019 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) strongly welcomes Coillte’s announcement that a new division of the company is to be devoted to biodiversity and non-commercial objectives. This is a very significant step towards creating large areas of
- [PRESS RELEASE: Nature largely missing from the government Climate Action Plan](https://iwt.ie/press-release-nature-largely-missing-from-the-government-climate-action-plan/) - PRESS RELEASE: Nature largely missing from the government Climate Action Plan 18 June 2019 The Irish Wildlife Trust welcomes the publication of the government’s Climate Action Plan but is disappointed that nature – and addressing the biodiversity/extinction crisis in particular - is largely ignored. We welcome the commitment to better manage hedgerows and soils in
- [We need to protect the seas as if our lives depend upon it](https://iwt.ie/we-need-to-protect-the-seas-as-if-our-lives-depend-upon-it/) - We need to protect the seas as if our lives depend upon it For a small island nation our connection to the ocean can sometimes feel tenuous. Yet – unbeknownst to most of us perhaps – the oxygen in every other breath comes from the sea. To be more specific, 50% of the oxygen produced
- [Floating Classroom onboard Celtic Mist](https://iwt.ie/floating-classroom-onboard-celtic-mist/) - Floating Classroom onboard Celtic Mist 20th May 2019 A group of Ireland’s environmental NGOs are teaming up this spring for a rather unique education project lead by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. The exciting Floating Classroom initiative is combining ocean exploration with an educational schools programme which aims to raise awareness of Ireland’s marine
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust accuses the Office of Public Works in acting unlawfully in destroying large sections of the River Newport in Limerick](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-accuses-the-office-of-public-works-in-acting-unlawfully-in-destroying-large-sections-of-the-river-newport-in-limerick/) - PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust accuses the Office of Public Works in acting unlawfully in destroying large sections of the River Newport in Limerick The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has accused the Office of Public Works (OPW) in acting unlawfully when clearing a 3km stretch of river habitat along the River Newport in Co. Limerick
- [Dáil Calls for biodiversity loss in Ireland to be examined by the Citizen’s Assembly](https://iwt.ie/dail-calls-for-biodiversity-loss-in-ireland-to-be-examined-by-the-citizens-assembly/) - Dáil Calls for biodiversity loss in Ireland to be examined by the Citizen’s Assembly BirdWatch Ireland, The Irish Wildlife Trust and An Taisce warmly welcome the amendment passed in Dáil Éireann tonight for the issue of biodiversity loss to be examined by the Citizen’s Assembly. This move recognises the ecological crisis we are in. We call on the
- [PRESS RELEASE: IWT is calling on the government to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency following the publication of the latest UN report](https://iwt.ie/press-release-iwt-is-calling-on-the-government-to-declare-a-climate-and-biodiversity-emergency-following-the-publication-of-the-latest-un-report/) - PRESS RELEASE: IWT is calling on the government to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency following the publication of the latest UN report 06 May 2019 The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling on the government to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency following the publication of the latest UN report to warn of catastrophic consequences
- [PRESS RELEASE: Radical transformation of our uplands required to overcome threat of wild fires](https://iwt.ie/press-release-radical-transformation-of-our-uplands-required-to-overcome-threat-of-wild-fires/) - PRESS RELEASE: Radical transformation of our uplands required to overcome threat of wild fires 23 April 2019 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling for a radical transformation in how we manage our upland landscapes after another weekend of wild fires devastated habitats across Ireland. Last year the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust objects to Bord na Móna’s plans for a 24-turbine wind farm within the Shannon Wilderness Park](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-objects-to-bord-na-monas-plans-for-a-24-turbine-wind-farm-within-the-shannon-wilderness-park/) - PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust objects to Bord na Móna’s plans for a 24-turbine wind farm within the Shannon Wilderness Park 28th March 2019 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has submitted an objection to An Bord Pleanala against Bord na Móna’s proposed Derryadd 24-turbine wind farm in the heart of the proposed Shannon Wilderness Park
- [PRESS RELEASE: IWT welcomes news that burning of uplands will not be extended into March this year](https://iwt.ie/press-release-iwt-welcomes-news-that-burning-of-uplands-will-not-be-extended-into-march-this-year/) - PRESS RELEASE: IWT welcomes news that burning of uplands will not be extended into March this year 28 February 2019 The IWT has welcomed the announcement from Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, that burning of uplands will not be permitted into March of this year. IWT campaigns officer Pádraic Fogarty says:
- [Together for Biodiversity Award Winners](https://iwt.ie/together-for-biodiversity-award-winners/) - The Irish Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the winners of the Together for Biodiversity Awards. The awards were presented to the category winners at the National Biodiversity Conference by Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan. The Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the work being carried out by individuals, communities, schools,
- [A Lament for our Peatlands](https://iwt.ie/a-lament-for-our-peatlands/) - A lament for our peatlands What a let down. After being invited to an Oireachtas hearing to “discuss preserving biodiversity and ecosystems of peatlands” I had thought that here was an chance to talk openly with law-makers about the threats and opportunities facing our bedragled bogs. Even the press release from the ‘Joint Committee on
- [Restoring nature must be central to climate action](https://iwt.ie/restoring-nature-must-be-central-to-climate-action/) - Restoring nature must be central to climate action By Padraic Fogarty, IWT Campaigns Officer Two reports in the past two months focussed the world’s attention – if only briefly - on the dire state of our planet. The first, from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) laid out in stark terms how there
- [PRESS RELEASE: Proposed burning regulations are no solution to solving issues in our uplands](https://iwt.ie/press-release-proposed-burning-regulations-are-no-solution-to-solving-issues-in-our-uplands/) - PRESS RELEASE: Proposed burning regulations are no solution to solving issues in our uplands 01 February 2019 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has made a submission to the proposed guidelines on the implementation of Section 7(1) of the Heritage Act 2018 which will allow controlled burning of vegetation during an extended season, including March. The
- [Press Release: People urged to join Dáil protest against forestry policy](https://iwt.ie/press-release-people-urged-to-join-dail-protest-against-forestry-policy/) - Press Release: People urged to join Dáil protest against forestry policy The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is supporting the ‘Save Leitrim’ campaign which is organising a protest at the Dáil this Wednesday at 11am. We are urging people concerned with current forestry policy to turn up and send a clear signal to politicians that the
- [IWT welcomes decision by Minister Creed to restrict trawling in coastal waters](https://iwt.ie/iwt-welcomes-decision-by-minister-creed-to-restrict-trawling-in-coastal-waters/) - PRESS RELEASE: IWT welcomes decision by Minister Creed to restrict trawling in coastal waters The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) wishes to commend Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, for his decision today banning vessels over 18m in length from trawling within 6 nautical miles of the coast. This is a very significant
- [IWT complains to Minister Madigan over destruction of woodland in Connemara National Park](https://iwt.ie/iwt-complains-to-minister-madigan-over-destruction-of-woodland-in-connemara-national-park/) - IWT complains to Minister Madigan over destruction of woodland in Connemara National Park The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has formally complained to Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, over the recent destruction of a broad-leaved woodland in Connemara National Park in Galway. The removal of the woodland, which was evaluated by independent
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls on the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action to ensure that nature is central to its recommendations.](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-calls-on-the-oireachtas-committee-on-climate-action-to-ensure-that-nature-is-central-to-its-recommendations/) - PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls on the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action to ensure that nature is central to its recommendations. The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has made a written submission to the Committee on Climate Action, calling on its members to recognise the important role that nature conservation can play in mitigating climate
- [Launch of new Biodiversity Awards](https://iwt.ie/launch-of-new-biodiversity-awards/) - Press Release Date 25th October 2018 Irish Wildlife Trust & Dublin Port launch new Biodiversity Awards with Minister for Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, T.D. Calling on community groups, farmers, schools and individuals to enter now 25th October 2018. The Irish Wildlife Trust and Dublin Port Company today launched the Together for Biodiversity
- [IWT Attend the Extinction Rally in Dublin 17th November](https://iwt.ie/iwt-attend-the-extinction-rally-in-dublin-17th-november/) - IWT Attend the Extinction Rally in Dublin on 17th November Our Campaigns Officer Padraic Fogarty addressed the crowd, highlighting the urgency of species loss in Ireland.
- [Press Release: Public urged to attend Extinction rally tomorrow (November 17th)](https://iwt.ie/press-release-public-urged-to-attend-extinction-rally-tomorrow-november-17th/) - Press Release: Public urged to attend Extinction rally tomorrow (November 17th) The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is urging people to attend events around Ireland to protest the lack of action in the face of planetary ecological collapse. Events will be held in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast at 2pm in what is planned to be a family-friendly
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for moratorium on pair-trawling to save the marine environment](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-calls-for-moratorium-on-pair-trawling-to-save-the-marine-environment/) - PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for moratorium on pair-trawling to save the marine environment 23rd October 2018 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has written to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed asking him to impose a moratorium on pair-trawling to protect the marine environment, particularly in the south-west. Pair-trawling is the
- [Environmental Groups enraged as Minister Madigan uses conservation plan to push for damaging forestry in protected sites.](https://iwt.ie/environmental-groups-enraged-as-minister-madigan-uses-conservation-plan-to-push-for-damaging-forestry-in-protected-sites/) - PRESS RELEASE Environmental Groups enraged as Minister Madigan uses conservation plan to push for damaging forestry in protected sites. 17th October 2018 Environmental Groups call on Minister Josepha Madigan and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to retract new proposals to allow forestry in European protected sites. The Minister’s proposals are part of
- [Irish Wildlife Trust submission to Budget 2018](https://iwt.ie/irish-wildlife-trust-submission-to-budget-2018/) - Irish Wildlife Trust submission to Budget 2018 Download the submission here as pdf PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust budget submission highlights chronic underfunding for conservation in the face of worsening extinction crisis The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has written to Minister for Finance Paschal Donoghue calling for greater public spending on conservation in Budget
- [PRESS RELEASE – The River Bandon Flood Scheme; is so much destruction necessary?](https://iwt.ie/press-release-the-river-bandon-flood-scheme-is-so-much-destruction-necessary/) - PRESS RELEASE – The River Bandon Flood Scheme; is so much destruction necessary? 17th September 2018 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling on the Office of Public Works to adopt more nature-friendly means for alleviating flooding following the destruction of a section of the River Bandon in Co. Cork over the past 18 months.
- [Press Release: Better protection for sharks needed as Spanish boat detained on suspicion of illegally shark finning in Irish waters](https://iwt.ie/press-release-better-protection-for-sharks-needed-as-spanish-boats-detained-on-suspicion-of-illegally-shark-finning-in-irish-waters/) - Better protection for sharks needed as Spanish boat detained on suspicion of illegally shark finning in Irish waters The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has written to Ministers Michael Creed (Agriculture, Food and the Marine) and Josepha Madigan (Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) appealing for them to strengthen protections for sharks and other threatened marine
- [PRESS RELEASE: Latest Fine Gael marketing campaign cannot mask their appalling environmental record](https://iwt.ie/press-release-latest-fine-gael-marketing-campaign-cannot-mask-their-appalling-environmental-record/) - PRESS RELEASE: Latest Fine Gael marketing campaign cannot mask their appalling environmental record Fine Gael yesterday (20/8/18) launched their latest marketing initiative entitled ‘Green Week’ stating “This week, Fine Gael is going green. We are raising awareness about how you can be greener, what supports are available to you and why we need your help to tackle
- [PRESS RELEASE: Passing of the Heritage Bill highlights unhealthy relationship between government and lobbyists](https://iwt.ie/press-release-passing-of-the-heritage-bill-highlights-unhealthy-relationship-between-government-and-lobbyists/) - PRESS RELEASE: Passing of the Heritage Bill highlights unhealthy relationship between government and lobbyists The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is disappointed at the passing into law of the poorly named Heritage Bill and we would like to pay tribute to all who campaigned to have it scrapped – including members of the public and politicians
- [Trips to Ireland’s Eye June 2018](https://iwt.ie/trips-to-irelands-eye-june-2018/) - Trips to Ireland’s Eye June 2018 For the eighth year in a row, the IWT Dublin branch organised two trips to Ireland’s Eye this June. As in previous years, both outings were fully booked up and on both occasions participants fully appreciated the charm of this unique little island north of Howth Harbour. Fortunately, the
- [PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for all trawling to be prohibited within the coastal zone](https://iwt.ie/press-release-irish-wildlife-trust-calls-for-all-trawling-to-be-prohibited-within-the-coastal-zone/) - PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for all trawling to be prohibited within the coastal zone The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has made a submission to the public consultation on Minister Michael Creed’s (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) review of trawling activity inside the 6 nautical mile zone. In our submission we
- [New report from Irish Wildlife Trust highlights government failure in protecting our seas](https://iwt.ie/new-report-from-irish-wildlife-trust-highlights-government-failure-in-protecting-our-seas/) - New report from Irish Wildlife Trust highlights government failure in protecting our seas The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is urging the government to get on with the task of establishing a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – something which it is required to deliver by 2020 but where little progress has been made to
- [Save 6 Miles of Sea](https://iwt.ie/save-6-miles-of-sea/) - The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is looking for your views on trawling within the 6 nautical mile coastal zone. The IWT would like to see all trawling banned in this area and is encouraging everybody who cares for our seas to make their views known. We have prepared a sample template and
- [Environmental groups slam Heritage Bill roll back of Irish nature laws](https://iwt.ie/3354-2/) - Environmental groups slam Heritage Bill roll back of Irish nature laws A coalition of environmental NGOs and concerned citizens will rally outside Leinster House today to call on the Government to halt the roll back of Ireland’s nature laws proposed in the Heritage Bill. BirdWatch Ireland, the Irish Wildlife Trust, An Taisce, the
- [People for Bees in Blessington](https://iwt.ie/people-for-bees-in-blessington/) - On Saturday we were hosted by the Blessington Tidy Town group to hold a very successful talk on bees and pollination and outdoor workshop on bee monitoring and identification. April has seen some spring weather arrive at long last, bringing some growth for our wildlife. It has also marked the beginning of this year's
- [Irish Wildlife Trust calls for payments to be made to farmers for not farming](https://iwt.ie/irish-wildlife-trust-calls-for-payments-to-be-made-to-farmers-for-not-farming/) - PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls for payments to be made to farmers for not farming Date: 23rd March 2018 As part of our submission to the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling on the government to support the ‘rewilding’ of land in certain areas by paying
- [Submit recommendations for CAP Post-2020](https://iwt.ie/submit-recommendations-for-cap-post-2020/) - The public has until the 23rd of March 2018 to highlight their priorities for the reformed CAP scheme post-2020. The Irish Wildlife Trust is asking members of the public to engage with this important process and to particularly highlight the need to protect the environment and biodiversity in any reformed plan. A submission form can
- [Feed Wild Birds After Emma](https://iwt.ie/feed-wild-birds-emma/) - Your garden can save lives During cold snaps, you will almost certainly notice more birds coming into your garden to seek sanctuary from the harsher environment in the countryside – particularly if you provide food on a regular basis. The variety of species may increase too and you may be lucky enough to attract unusual
- [The Beast from the East slows spring but ban on hedgecutting and burning starts today](https://iwt.ie/beast-east-slows-spring-ban-hedgecutting-burning-starts-today/) - JOINT PRESS RELEASE: BirdWatch Ireland, Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations, Irish Wildlife Trust, Hedgelaying Association of Ireland, An Taisce. The Beast from the East slows spring but ban on hedgecutting and burning starts today Although the “Beast from the East” is doing its utmost to suggest otherwise, 1st March is the first day of spring.
- [Press Release: IWT calls for better legal protection for marine life](https://iwt.ie/press-release-iwt-calls-better-legal-protection-marine-life/) - Press Release: IWT calls for better legal protection for marine life 05 February 2018 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is calling for full legal protection for selected marine fish and invertebrates in a newly released report, entitled ‘Protecting Our Ocean’s Wealth – a proposal for legal protection of threatened marine species’. The protection of wildlife
- [News](https://iwt.ie/news/) - Latest News
- [Review of Birds of the Homeplace](https://iwt.ie/1032-2/) - A review by Rónán McLaughlin. Many years ago as a child growing up in Malin head, Co. Donegal, I was surrounded by nature. It was everywhere and everything we did revolved around it. We farmed, we fished and we felt grateful for the arrival of the swallow and we had a somewhat somber feeling when
- [IWT objects to classification of Wild Boar](https://iwt.ie/iwt-objects-classification-wild-boar/) - The IWT has made a submission to the risk assessments published recently by the Government. The IWT is against the illegal release of wild boar/hybrid/feral pigs. Any reintroduction of wild boar would have to be preceded by a detailed feasibility study and consultation process and if deemed feasible and acceptable by members of the public
- [Sustainable fishing options for inshore fishermen](https://iwt.ie/sustainable-fishing-options-inshore-fishermen/) - BIM & Marine Institute failing to provide sustainable fishing options for inshore fishermen Environmental groups, including the Irish Wildlife Trust, BirdWatch Ireland, Coastwatch, the Irish Seal Sanctuary and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group are calling on the authorities in Ireland with responsibility for fisheries to provide sustainable fishing options for the inshore fishing fleet.
- [Wild Watch Events 2014](https://iwt.ie/wild-watch-events-2014/) - Wild Watch - Fundraising Events for the Irish Wildlife Trust At the end of last month, we organised our annual Wild Watch events. Wild Watch is an opportunity to highlight the beauty and wonder of Irish wildlife and to promote membership and the valuable work of the IWT, branches and its volunteers. As a
- [Review of Doorstep Wilderness: A Wilder Side of Dublin](https://iwt.ie/review-doorstep-wilderness-wilder-side-dublin/) - Doorstep Wilderness: A Wilder Side of Dublin is a book by Paul Hughes, a full-time photographer and member of the Irish Wildlife Trust and Birdwatch Ireland. It details the life of a stretch of the River Dodder, mostly between Ballsbridge and the railway bridge at Lansdowne Station, between the spring of 2008 and summer 2012.
- [A Wilder Side of Dublin](https://iwt.ie/wilder-side-dublin/) - Book Review of Doorstep Wilderness: A Wilder Side of Dublin Niall Mac Coitir reviews Doorstep Wilderness: A Wilder Side of Dublin, the new book by Paul Hughes. Read the review and see others in our Guest Articles section.
- [Book Review of Birds of the Homeplace](https://iwt.ie/book-review-birds-homeplace/) - Rónán McLaughlin reviews Birds of the Homeplace - the Lives of Ireland's Familiar Birds by Anthony McGeehan with Julian Wyllie. Read the review and see others in our Guest Articles section.
- [Calls for all burning of uplands to be banned](https://iwt.ie/calls-burning-uplands-banned/) - Irish Wildlife Trust calls for all burning of uplands to be banned under any revision of the Wildlife Act. The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT), in its submission to the proposed changes in the open season for hedge-cutting and burning of vegetation in the Wildlife Act, has called for all burning of upland vegetation to be
- [Mad March Hare](https://iwt.ie/mad-march-hare/) - Irish Wildlife Trust Launch “Mad March Hare” Video Competition The Irish hare Lepus timidus hibernicus is an endemic sub-species of the arctic hare. Unlike its continental cousins, which are restricted to high mountains and Arctic tundra, Irish hares are found from sea level right up to the tops of the highest Irish mountains. Sadly, this
- [Illegal burning](https://iwt.ie/illegal-burning/) - Irish Wildlife Trust calls on Minister Coveney to deny single farm payments to those found responsible for illegal burning Reports from all over Ireland show that the annual bonfire of our countryside is well underway. This illegal practice is resulting in the massive degradation of upland habitats and is driving species to extinction. While illegal
- [Wild Fire Atlantic Way](https://iwt.ie/wild-fire-atlantic-way/) - Ireland's landscape is one of our most valuable assets. It's the basis of our tourism and agriculture industries but more than that it provides us with water, flood control and clean air. It's home to our wildlife and it's where we go to restore weary minds. Indeed we use it as an effective tool when
- [Nature Alert! – Make Your Voice Heard to Save Nature](https://iwt.ie/nature-alert-make-voice-heard-save-nature/) - The Irish Wildlife Trust is supporting the Nature Alert! the campaign to facilitate people across the 28 EU countries to participate in the European Commission public consultation to help save nature conservation laws. The campaign, which is being organised by BirdLife, the European Environmental Bureau, Friends of the Earth Europe and WWF, is part of
- [IWT launch Nature Notes Video on Bluebells](https://iwt.ie/iwt-launch-nature-notes-video-bluebells/) - The IWT have launched a Nature Notes video "Three Shades of Blue" on how to identify our native and non native species of bluebells in Ireland, including the hybrids. To watch the video, check out our You Tube page at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGrWkRw70JU
- [Reject IFA cull on deer](https://iwt.ie/reject-ifa-cull-deer/) - IWT call on the Government to reject IFA cull on deer The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) and its media arm, the Irish Farmers' Journal (IFA), have been encouraging the government to undertake a cull of deer in Wicklow in order to control TB in cattle. This call has been prompted by a report from the
- [Irish Wildlife Trust Launch Lizard Survey](https://iwt.ie/irish-wildlife-trust-launch-lizard-survey/) - The Irish Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce the launch of its Irish Lizard Survey, which has been sponsored by Dublin Zoo. After the success of the Irish Wildlife Trust National Newt Survey, this Irish environmental charity is now conducting a pilot lizard survey with a view to running a future “Citizens Science” survey of
- [Fishing opportunities for 2016](https://iwt.ie/fishing-opportunities-2016/) - IWT submission on final proposals for fishing opportunities for 2016 The Irish Wildlife Trust's (IWT) submission on final proposals for fishing opportunities for 2016, submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, can be seen as a pdf here. Alternatively, the text of the submission is as follows: The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT)
- [No to More Slash and Burn!](https://iwt.ie/no-slash-burn-3/) - “No to More Slash and Burn!” Campaign Launch The Irish Wildlife Trust, Birdwatch Ireland, An Taisce and the Hedge Laying Association of Ireland have come together to launch a petition to persuade the Government to reverse its decision to makes changes to Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, which will allow for the burning of
- [Petition](https://iwt.ie/petition/) - Petition: Reverse the decision to abolish the Department of the Environment The Irish Wildlife Trust, along with Friends of the Earth, VOICE, Birdwatch Ireland and An Taisce, is launching a petition calling on the Taoiseach to reverse his decision to abolish the Department of the Environment. Join us in supporting Irish wildlife by signing this
- [Where’s the ‘Wild’ in Wild Nephin?](https://iwt.ie/wheres-wild-wild-nephin/) - Many Irish wildlife enthusiasts have been asking one question over the past year – what’s going on with the Wild Nephin Project? Lenny Antonelli digs a little deeper. Jointly announced three years ago by the State forestry company Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Wild Nephin Project’s stated aim is to
- [Prohibition of pair trawling in coastal areas](https://iwt.ie/prohibition-pair-trawling-coastal-areas/) - Irish Wildlife Trust calls for the prohibition of pair trawling in coastal areas Pair trawling is a fishing practice involving two boats dragging between them a single large net with small meshing. It is an activity which has lately been going on in sheltered inshore bays and estuaries along the west coast - many of which are
- [Saint Patrick and the Lizards](https://iwt.ie/saint-patrick-lizards/) - Saint Patrick may have gotten rid of Ireland's snakes but it seems he spared our lizards Help put them on the map with the Irish Wildlife Trust. Saint Patrick may have gotten rid of Ireland's snakes but it seems he spared our lizards. Ireland really is home to two fascinating lizard species and this Spring
- [Ireland’s vanishing nature](https://iwt.ie/irelands-vanishing-nature/) - New book charts Ireland’s vanishing nature and explores a future for people and wildlife Pádraic Fogarty has been Campaign Officer for the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) since 2013 and was its Chairman from 2009 to 2013. During this time he has also been Editor of the IWT’s quarterly ‘Irish Wildlife’ magazine. In his new book Whittled
- [IWT Biodiversity Week Events](https://iwt.ie/iwt-biodiversity-week-events/) - We are celebrating National Biodiversity Week from 19th to 28th May. All the events are free of charge and open to all. Join us at one of the events to explore the outdoors and learn about our fantastic biodiversiy. National Biodiversity Week Events 20 May: Miniature Wildlife in the National Botanic Garden - Co Dublin
- [Shark Attack](https://iwt.ie/shark-attacked/) - Shark Attack Last September a member of the public sent us this image of a critically endangered porbeagle shark at the fishmongers counter in Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt in Dublin. This, in itself, is not illegal however it is illegal to target the species or land it. We understand that no money changed hands at any
- [Submission on final proposals for fishing opportunities for 2018](https://iwt.ie/submission-final-proposals-fishing-opportunities-2018/) - Re: Submission on final proposals for fishing opportunities for 2018 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is an Irish non-profit organisation concerned with the conservation of Ireland’s biodiversity. As an island nation our marine and fisheries resource is a vital component of our natural and cultural heritage. Its sustainable use is therefore an essential element in

## Pages

- [Home](https://iwt.ie/) - Our Vision The Irish Wildlife Trust’s vision is an Ireland where wild nature thrives, and society enjoys the benefits of coexisting with diverse, functioning ecosystems. January Offer: Get a free Irish Wildlife Trust 2026 Calendar and Tote Bag with any Individual, Joint, Family, Concession, and Gift (except Junior) memberships!
- [IWT Events](https://iwt.ie/events/) - Below are the details of IWT nature events. Why not join us at one! Our IWT branch volunteers and staff deliver this programme of events in order to connect our community with nature and increase our understanding of the natural world. 01 February: Co Meath Move with Nature: Imbolc at Girley Bog When: Sunday 01
- [Gift membership](https://iwt.ie/gift-membership/) - A Year of Wildlife Wonders: Gift an Irish Wildlife Trust Membership The Irish Wildlife Trust is a membership-based organisation and charity. We rely on the generosity of our members and donors in order to support our services, projects, and campaigns to promote and protect Irish wildlife. Gift a membership to the nature lover in your
- [Become a Member](https://iwt.ie/support-us/become-a-member/) - Become a Member The Irish Wildlife Trust is a membership-based organisation and charity. We rely on the generosity of our members and donors in order to support our services, projects, and campaigns to promote and protect Irish wildlife. Join today to support our work. See below for membership details and options. January Offer: Get a
- [IWT Shopping](https://iwt.ie/shopping/) - Check out our organic clothing range or our great selection of nature books and cards. IWT ONLINE BOOK & GIFT SHOP ZERO WASTE ORGANIC CLOTHING RANGE Our organic clothing range is operated for us by Teemill via a separate webshop. Teemill produce and dispatch the IWT organic clothing range on our behalf
- [Irish Wildlife Magazine](https://iwt.ie/about-us/irish-wildlife-magazine/) - Irish Wildlife Magazine To get your copy of this fanatic magazine delivered to your door 4 times a year - Subscribe Now. Irish Wildlife is our award winning magazine produced four times a year for members of the Irish Wildlife Trust. Irish Wildlife is a must-read for any enthusiast of nature in Ireland. By
- [IWT Policies & Submissions](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/policy/) - IWT Policies & Submissions Recent IWT Submissions 2025 - The Development of the Priorities and Policy Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 Irish Wildlife Trust submission - The Development of the Priorities and Policy Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 2025
- [Take Action](https://iwt.ie/action/) - The Irish Wildlife Trust works to create a better future for Ireland’s biodiversity by motivating and supporting people to take action to protect biodiversity. To learn more about what you can do to help nature why not take one of the action below; Attend an IWT Event > See event page here Join the Irish
- [About Us](https://iwt.ie/about-us/) - Our Vision The Irish Wildlife Trust’s vision is an Ireland where wild nature thrives, and society enjoys the benefits of coexisting with diverse, functioning ecosystems. Our Mission The Irish Wildlife Trust’s mission is to protect and restore biodiversity in Ireland by motivating and supporting people to take action for nature. We aim to achieve
- [Shop](https://iwt.ie/shop/)
- [Tax Effective Giving](https://iwt.ie/support-us/tax-effective-giving/) - Turn Your Donation into Even More for Irish Nature If you’re an Irish taxpayer and you donate €250 or more in any one year, you can allow IWT to claim the tax you’ve already paid – at no extra cost to you! What Is Tax Relief on Donations*? When you donate €250 or more
- [Membership Payment](https://iwt.ie/membership-payment/) - Please pay your membership subscription fee by using the options below. The Irish Wildlife Trust is a membership-based organisation and charity. We rely on the generosity of our members and donors in order to support our services, projects, and campaigns to promote and protect Irish wildlife. A recurring annual subscription facilitated by Stripe will automatically
- [Webinars](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/communication/webinars/) - Irish Wildlife Trust Webinars Join us once a month to watch live discussions with specialists in wildlife conservation or use the links below to watch back. To join live and take part in the Q&A keep an eye out for the webinar registration links as they are announced on our events page, newsletter and socials.
- [Hands Off Nature](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/hands-off-nature/) - Don’t let the EU tear down nature protection. When the European Commission quietly asked for public opinions on whether to weaken environmental protections, you spoke up. And you weren’t alone. Nearly 200,000 people across Europe sent a powerful, united message in just 10 days: Hands off nature. We need our laws to hold polluters accountable,
- [Get Involved](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/) - Get Involved The Irish Wildlife Trust relies on the support of the public to take action for wildlife. There are many ways in which you can get involved with the IWT. Become an IWT Member The IWT is a membership-based charity. If you become a member you support our work and you increase our voice
- [Campaigns](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/) - Campaign Areas At the IWT our goal is to give a voice to nature and campaign for the protection and restoration of Ireland's wildlife. NATURE GOVERNANCE Nature Restoration Law MARINE See our Marine Advocacy Page here See our Fair Seas Campaigns Page here Restoring the Sturgeon to Irish Waters FRESHWATER Reform the Arterial Drainage
- [Annual Reports & Accounts](https://iwt.ie/about-us/annual-reports/) - Annual Reports & Financial Statements 2024 Audited Accounts (Financial Statements) 2023 Audited Accounts (Financial Statements) 2022 Audited Accounts (Financial Statements) 2021 Audited Accounts (Financial Statements) 2020 Audited Accounts (Financial Statements) 2019 Audited Accounts (Financial Statement) 2018 Audited Accounts (Financial Statement) Read IWT Annual Report 2013
- [Wildlife Emergency](https://iwt.ie/wildlife-emergency/) - Injured Wildlife Please note that the Irish Wildlife Trust does not operate an animal rescue and rehabilitation service. If you find an injured animal in your garden or outside, please consult the following web resources, which provides information on what you should do and the veterinary and rehabilitation professionals you can contact: Wildlife First Aid
- [Gift Membership Payment](https://iwt.ie/gift-membership/gift-membership-payment/) - Please pay your Gift membership fee by using the options below. The Irish Wildlife Trust is a membership-based organisation and charity. We rely on the generosity of our members and donors in order to support our services, projects, and campaigns to promote and protect Irish wildlife. Gift a membership to the nature lover in your
- [Waterford Branch](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/our-branches/waterford-branch/) - The committee of the Waterford Branch is comprised of individuals who have been involved with a range of other environmental groups in the past. It represents a pooling of resources to work as one team to speak for and co-ordinate the environmental voice in Waterford. The main focus is on walk-based activity in the southeast
- [Laois/Offaly Branch](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/our-branches/laoisoffaly-branch/) - The Irish Wildlife Trust Laois/Offaly Branch aims to promote wildlife and habitat conservation locally and the positive use and enjoyment of natural heritage within the two counties. It aims to do this through regular fun events throughout the year for young and old alike and for wildlife enthusiasts of all levels. These events include a
- [Kerry Branch](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/our-branches/kerry-branch/) - Kerry Branch The Kerry branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) aims to promote the appreciation of wildlife and the importance of habitat conservation throughout the county of Kerry. The branch also wishes to provide an outlet for wildlife enthusiasts of all levels and interests to come together and share their knowledge and skills with
- [Our Branches](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/our-branches/) - IWT Branches The Irish Wildlife Trust has branches around Ireland who organise events and conservation activities in their County. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact your local branch (see list below) Our Branches Dublin Branch Dublin Facebook click here Branch email dublinbranch@iwt.ie Kerry Branch Kerry Facebook click here Branch email
- [Make a Donation](https://iwt.ie/donate/) - Make a Donation If you believe in our good work, please support us in any way you can. Your generosity allows us to work to protect Ireland’s wildlife and habitats. You can make your donation through the following ways. Thank you! If you would like to donate on the behalf of a business please contact us
- [Contact Us](https://iwt.ie/contact-us/) - IWT Email Drop us a line at one of the emails below and we will get back to you as soon as we can. General Enquiries: info@iwt.ie Membership Enquiries & Subscription Cancellations: membership@iwt.ie Irish Wildlife Magazine: editor@iwt.ie IWT Office Our office core hours are Tuesday to Thursday 9:00 to 17:00 Address: The Irish Wildlife Trust, Coleraine
- [Waterways for wildlife](https://iwt.ie/waterways-for-wildlife/) - Waterways For Wildlife *** This project is no longer active *** Our Waterways for Wildlife programme consists of a series of events run along Ireland's waterways highlighting their importance in supporting our wildlife. At these events we look at various wildlife groups such as bats, bees and aquatic bugs. Event attendees will
- [No to More Slash and Burn](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/no-slash-burn/) - No to More Slash and Burn (Heritage Bill 2016) *** Last updated: July 2018 *** The Irish Wildlife Trust, Birdwatch Ireland, An Taisce, the Hedge Laying Association of Ireland and the Federation of Irish Bee Keepers Associations are highlight that the proposed changes to Section 40 of the Wildlife Act contained in the Heritage Bill
- [Gift Membership Payment Confirmation](https://iwt.ie/gift-membership-payment-confirmation/) - Thank you for your payment for an IWT Gift membership. We sincerely appreciate your support for our charity. The gift recipient will be contacted by us using the email provided, and their magazine will be sent to the postal address specified. The recipient will receive the IWT member's magazine on a quarterly basis. If you
- [General Elections 2024 - Are You Voting For Nature?](https://iwt.ie/general-elections-2024-are-you-voting-for-nature/) - This General Election campaign has featured lots of promises of tax cuts and big spending but little attention has been given to nature and the environment on the campaign trail. We have listed some key asks for nature as well as updates on general election campaign tools from other environmental NGOS. When candidates come knocking
- [Membership Signup one year](https://iwt.ie/membership-signup-one-year/) - Become a Member The Irish Wildlife Trust is a membership-based organisation and charity. We rely on the generosity of our members and donors in order to support our services, projects, and campaigns to promote and protect Irish wildlife. Join today to support our work. See below for membership details and options. TO JOIN: 1) Fill
- [Membership Registration](https://iwt.ie/membership-registration/) - Become a Member The Irish Wildlife Trust is a membership-based organisation and charity. We rely on the generosity of our members and donors in order to support our services, projects, and campaigns to promote and protect Irish wildlife. Join today to support our work. See below for membership details and options. TO JOIN: 1) Fill
- [Communication](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/communication/) - Giving a voice to wildlife is a key activity of the Irish Wildlife Trust. Nature cannot vote or protest or tweet about the devastation of the natural world but we can, and you can. We are active on the media below. We invite you to join, follow, share, retweet and make some noise for wildlife.
- [Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss](https://iwt.ie/citizens-assembly/) - Please note that the Citizen's Assembly are no longer accepting submissions. The closing date for submissions was Friday 11th November 2022. Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss A Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, made up of an independent Chairperson and 99 members of the public, has been convened to examine how the State can improve its
- [Otter Surveys](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/citizen-science/otter-surveys-2/) - Otter Surveys The Dublin and Galway Branches of the Irish Wildlife Trust conducted an otter surveys in 2016.
- [Badger Club](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/badger-club/) - Badger Club The Badger Club is the Irish Wildlife Trust children’s four-page magazine that folds out to an A3 Poster. The Badger Club Magazine is produced alongside our Irish Wildlife magazine four times a year. To receive this fun-packed children's magazine along with our magazine, join the IWT as a Family member for €55 per year
- [People for Bees](https://iwt.ie/people-for-bees/) - IWT People for Bees People for Bees delivers introductory training on Ireland's bees, bee monitoring and bee friendly habitat creation. The Irish Wildlife Trust works with the National Biodiversity Data Centre to support the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and the Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme. With the new skills learnt through our People for Bees programme, participants have
- [Privacy Policy](https://iwt.ie/privacy-policy/) - Introduction The Irish Wildlife Trust respects your right to privacy and complies with its obligations under the Data Protection Acts 1998 and 2003. The Irish Wildlife Trust needs to collect and use personal data (information – name, address, phone or email) for a variety of purposes (membership subscriptions, online donations, e-shop, e-zine newsletter, online surveys
- [Our Photographers](https://iwt.ie/about-us/our-photographers/) - Our Photographers MIKE BROWN Mike Brown is an award winning photographer based in West Cork. For many years now he has been specialising in Landscape and Nature photography and his work has been published extensively both here and abroad and purchased by collectors all over the world. Mike has published three highly acclaimed books of
- [WildArt Results](https://iwt.ie/wildart-results/) - WildArt 2023 Results Theme: Autumn Woodland Wonder Age Category 6 and Under Age Category 7 to 9yo Age Category 10 to 12yo Age Category 13 to 16yo WildArt 2022 Results Theme: Irish Wildlife Through the Seasons​ Age Category 6 and Under Age Category 7 to 9yo Age Category 10 to 12yo Age Category 13
- [WildArt](https://iwt.ie/wildart/) - ***This competitions is closed for entries*** WildArt Competition 2023 Express your creativity about Irish Wildlife by drawing, painting, building models or creating collages. Theme: Autumn Woodland Wonders. There are four age categories with a prize for the winner in each category. The age categories are 6 and under; 7 to 9; 10 to
- [National Reptile Survey](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/citizen-science/national-reptile-survey/) - National Reptile Survey Please note: This survey is not running this year - please send your lizard record to Biodiversity Ireland here The IWT National Reptile Survey aims to survey the distribution of Ireland's two wild species of terrestrial reptile - the native common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) and the introduced slow worm (Anguis fragilis). This
- [Fair Seas Petition](https://iwt.ie/fair-seas-petition/) - We are at a critical moment for the future of Ireland’s seas. While a recent survey showed that 98% of Irish people want more marine protected areas, the government continues to delay proposed legislation that could safeguard marine life and coastal communities. But now is a moment of opportunity. As part of our work
- [Nature Restoration Law](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/nature-restoration-law/) - What is the Nature Restoration Law? The European Commission has published a long-awaited proposal for the EU Nature Restoration Law. This Law proposes to restore at least 20 % of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and repair all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. This will be the first European-wide law
- [Fair Seas](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/fair-seas/) - Fair Seas is a coalition of Ireland's leading eNGO’s and environmental networks. The Irish Wildlife Trust is a proud member of this new coalition. We are working together to make sure 30% of Irish waters are fully protected by 2030. This is our greatest chance at restoring ocean health and we must act now. What
- [Badger Campaign](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/badger-campaign/) - Badger Culling Our Position The Irish Wildlife Trust opposes the use of badger culling as a technique for Bovine Tuberculosis management in Ireland. We have been campaigning in this area for a over a decade, calling for a stop to the wide scale badger culling being carried out by the Department of Agriculture in Ireland.
- [Governance](https://iwt.ie/about-us/governance/) - Governance of the Irish Wildlife Trust The Irish Wildlife Trust is governed by our Board of Directors (referred to as the ‘Council’). The Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic direction and running of the Irish Wildlife Trust organisation. Directors are elected to the council at the Irish Wildlife Trust AGM each year.
- [Marine](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/marine/) - Marine Conservation We work on many marine issues at the Irish Wildlife Trust and are part of national and European wide coalitions working towards better marine protection. We are partnered with Fair Seas working towards getting strong new Marine Protected Area legislation in Ireland Click Here to find out more about Fair Seas. We also
- [Restoring the Sturgeon to Irish Waters](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/restoring-the-sturgeon/) - Ireland and UK conservation groups unite to call on the Government to reintroduce the sturgeon – Ireland’s lost ‘dinosaur fish’ The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) and the Blue Marine Foundation in the UK have jointly published a report, ‘Restoring the Sturgeon to Irish Waters’ urging the Government to examine the feasibility of reintroducing this long-lost
- [Dublin Branch](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/our-branches/dublin-branch/) - The IWT Dublin Branch was re-established in August 2010. It aims to promote awareness of Irish wildlife and environmental issues and to reunite city-dwellers with their surrounding countryside and all it has to offer. We do this through nature walks, talks, cycles, and awareness and fundraising campaigns, coupled with direct hands-on conservation and habitat restoration
- [Education](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/education/) - Education Learn about the Ireland's biodiversity and how to protect it with the Irish Wildlife Trust We help people discover and learn about Ireland's wildlife through providing different avenues for you to engage with our organisation. Current Programmes People for Bees - People for Bees delivers introductory training on Ireland’s bees, bee monitoring and bee
- [Wild for Nature](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/education/wild-for-nature/) - Wild for Nature *** NOTICE: We are not currently conducting School or Community Workshops *** Discover and Learn about Ireland's wildlife by inviting an Irish Wildlife Trust Facilitator to visit your school. The Irish Wildlife Trust will provide a visual and interactive workshop to the children developing their knowledge of Ireland’s wildlife and understanding
- [Marine Protected Areas](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/marine-protected-areas/) - Marine Protected Area Network for Ireland Background Heavy human use of the marine environment has left our seas in a poor condition. Commercial fishing has been practiced in Europe for over 1000 years and with the advent of industrial fishing the pressure on our oceans has been scaled up dramatically. Aquaculture, agriculture, oil and gas
- [Join](https://iwt.ie/join/) - Become a Member The Irish Wildlife Trust is a membership-based organisation and charity. We rely on the generosity of our members and donors in order to support our services, projects, and campaigns to promote and protect Irish wildlife. Join today to support our work. See below for membership details and options. TO JOIN: 1) Fill
- [Badger Schools](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/education/badger-schools/) - Badger Schools *** NOTICE: We are not currently conducting School or Community Workshops *** Do your students LOVE wildlife? Do they want to protect it and learn all about it. Join the Irish Wildlife Trust and become a Badger School! Just €300 for a full year’s membership! All our programmes are tailored to your school’s
- [Ladybird Survey](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/citizen-science/ladybird-survey/) - IWT Ladybird Survey [Closed] ***Please note we are no longer running this survey*** To submit further sightings, please visit the National Biodiversity Data Centre website. The Irish Wildlife Trust's nationwide Ladybird Survey ran in partnership with National Museums Northern Ireland and biology.ie. The survey aimed to record the distribution of ladybirds in Ireland as there was a huge
- [Climate Action](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/climate-action/)
- [Rewilding](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/rewilding/)
- [Info on RHD/RHD2 Disease, Hares & Hare Coursing](https://iwt.ie/wildlife-emergency/info-on-rhd-rhd2-disease-hare-coursing/) - See below information provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service on their actions in response to the outbreak of RHD/RHD2 23th October 2019 FAQ on RHD/RHD2 and Hare Coursing What has happened? During July and August twelve carcasses of dead wild rabbits and hares were submitted to the National Parks and Wildlife Service from
- [Wildlife Facts](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/wildlife-facts/) - Red Fox Care in the Garden If you find a fox of a family of foxes living in your garden and wish to find out more about them, please see the information below. Check for more information on wildlife emergencies here
- [IWT Photo of the Month](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/communication/iwt-photo-of-the-month/) - IWT Photo of the month Facebook Competition The aim of this competition is to provide some fun and enjoyment by encouraging people to share and see beautiful Irish wildlife photos as something worthy in its own right, whether they be provided by pros in hides or amateurs out for a walk all photos are considered.
- [Fishing in Protected Areas](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/fishing-in-protected-areas/)
- [Galway Erasmus+](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/education/galway-erasmus/) - Galway Erasmus+ Project Booklet - Record of Locally Endangered Species The publication on this page is a list of Irish endangered species being studied by students in Galway Community College as part of an Erasmus+ project on Climate Change Studies and Research in the European Union. This project is a research collaboration between 3 schools from 3
- [Port Ban, Co. Cork](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/reserves/port-ban-co-cork/) - Port Ban, Co. Cork Port Bán is a 13 acre site made up of a patchwork of different habitats running along the banks of the river Toon. An area of cutover bog and heath gives way to a band of wet-woodland that runs parallel to the river Toon. Between the woodland and the river lies
- [Newcastle Lake, Co. Meath](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/reserves/newcastle-lake-co-meath/) - Newcastle Lake, Co. Meath Newcastle Lake is a privately owned reserve and not open for public visit without appointment. The Newcastle Lake wildlife sanctuary is situated in north county Meath. The reserve is centered on a secluded lake bordered with mixed woodland and reed beds. The lake is part of the river Dee system and
- [COP 26](https://iwt.ie/cop-26/) - The IWT will be present at the COP 26 in Glasgow to keep you up-to-date! Watch this space or follow our social media channels for news: Our key positions on the climate crisis The Irish Wildlife Trust support the One Future campaign's policy demands. Fast and fair climate action is crucial for the survival of humanity on planet earth.
- [Corporate Support](https://iwt.ie/support-us/corporate-support/) - Corporate Support The Irish Wildlife Trust is happy to discuss potential partnerships with interested businesses. Contact us directly on fundraising@iwt.ie OPTIONS FOR YOUR COMPANY TO SUPPORT THE IRISH WILDLIFE TRUST: Make a donation to our charity Suggest IWT for your company’s chosen charity of the year Host a corporate fund matching workplace fundraiser for
- [Wild Oceans Photo Competition](https://iwt.ie/wild-oceans-photo-competition/) - Welcome to the Irish Wildlife Trust’s Wild Oceans Photo Competition in honour of World Oceans Day! The contest has now ended.
- [Take action on marine protection: Participate in the public consultation on Marine Protected Areas in Ireland!](https://iwt.ie/take-action-on-mpas/) - Participate in the public consultation on the report 'Expanding Ireland's Marine Protected Area Network'* *This consultation has now ended. If you would like to be kept up-to-date with news around MPAs in Ireland, you can sign up to our newsletter via this link: http://eepurl.com/gutZlj Tell me more about the
- [Together for Biodiversity Awards](https://iwt.ie/biodiversity-awards/) - The Together for Biodiversity Awards were an opportunity to celebrate the work being carried out by individuals and communities across Ireland to protect our natural environment. See the winners here The Together for Biodiversity Awards were part of the National Biodiversity Conference, which took place at Dublin Castle on 20th and 21st February 2019. The
- [World Oceans Day](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/bigger-better/world-oceans-day/) - Happy World Oceans Day 2020! To celebrate our seas this month, we would like to share two great pieces of news with you: 1. We have launched our Wild Oceans Photo Competition! Just in time for the government announcement that we can travel freely within our counties, we are asking you to take to the
- [Biodiversity Week 2021 Events](https://iwt.ie/events/biodiversity-week-2021-events/) - This year, National Biodiversity Week will be celebrated from 15th to 23rd May May. "National Biodiversity Week is all about connecting people with nature. It’s about communicating the importance of biodiversity and motivating people to play their part in protecting it." Join in one of our activities to explore the outdoors and learn about our
- [Media](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/bigger-better/media/)
- [Living Landscapes](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/living-landscapes/) - Living Landscapes The Irish Wildlife Trust is committed to protecting the natural landscapes of Ireland. Forestry, wetlands, uplands and coastal habitats, regardless of legal status, are all vital to preserving our wildlife and biodiversity. Government policy and actions across the departments can have an influence on our landscape and the IWT aims to engagement
- [What We Do](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/) - Citizen Science Citizen science is research projects where the public is directly involved, often involving recording species or changes in the environment around you, and where data can help inform both professionals and the wider community. See our current an past citizen science projects here Campaigns & Policy One of the
- [Hedgerows](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/hedgerows/) - Protection & Management of our Hedgerows Hedgerows are essential for maintaining wildlife diversity, supporting species such as badgers, owls, hedgehogs, stoats, blackbirds and innumerable plants, butterflies and other insects. Not only are they an invaluable resource for much of our wildlife they are vital in providing food and shelter for pollinators, cleaning our air, defining
- [Citizen Science](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/citizen-science/) - Citizen Science Citizen science usually involves research projects where the public is directly involved, consisting of the recording of species or changes in the environment around you. This data can help inform both professionals and the wider community. In Ireland, you can submit bird, mammal, insect and flora data to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
- [IWT Members Wildlife Photo of the Year](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/members-photocomp-shortlist/) - 2020 IWT Members Wildlife Photo of the Year Competition We are delighted to announce the shortlisted and winning images of our IWT members Wildlife Photo of the Year Competition. Congratulations to Andrea Hunt whose amazing photo, capturing a bumblebee in mid-air pollination, has been chosen as our winner. Scroll down to see the fantastic winning,
- [IWT Members Only Photography Competition](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/members-photocomp/) - IWT Members Only Photography Competition We are introducing our new IWT members Wildlife Photo of the Year competition. A photo competition run exclusively for members of the Irish Wildlife Trust. We have one category “Irish Wildlife”. We are inviting IWT members to enter this competition by submitting one of your photographs, which celebrates Irish wildlife,
- [Fundraiser for Wildlife](https://iwt.ie/support-us/fundraise-for-wildlife/) - Fundraise for Wildlife There are many ways to Fundraise for Wildlife to support our work to conserve Ireland's wildlife and habitats. Here are some ideas: Host a Hedge Party Have a fun night with friends and family hosting a party of your imagination to celebrate Ireland's wildlife and fundraise for the IWT. Table Quiz Organise
- [Test Payment Buttons](https://iwt.ie/test-membership-buttons/) - Individ Reccuring junior JointFamily Concession
- [Membership Payment Confirmation](https://iwt.ie/membership-payment-confirmation/) - Thank you for subscribing for Irish Wildlife Trust membership. We appreciate your support for our charity. If it is your first time joining us you will receive a welcome pack in the post. You will then receive you IWT member's magazine on a quarterly basis. If you have any queries about membership payment or ever
- [WildArt Themes](https://iwt.ie/wildart-themes/) - WildArt Themes Express your creativity about Irish Wildlife by drawing, painting, building models or creating collages within one of the following themes Theme A: My Favourite Irish Plants and Animals Theme B: Protecting Irish Wildlife - Land and Sea Theme A: My Favourite Irish Plants and Animals Ireland has amazing species of plants and
- [WildArt Media Resources](https://iwt.ie/wildart-2021/wildart-media-resources/) - WildArt Media Resources WildArt-SQUARE-300dpi_jpeg WildArt-SQUARE-300dpi_png WildArt-SQUARE-72dpi_jpeg
- [Volunteer](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/volunteer/) - Volunteering Volunteers’ time, expertise, enthusiasm, and knowledge are central to the IWT’s conservation efforts. There are many different ways volunteers can help. See below for current opportunties: No opportunities right now. Please check back here throughout the year for updates. Thanks.
- [General Election 2020](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/general-election-2020/) - Our 10 Election Asks to Lead Ireland out of the Biodiversity Crisis Download 10 Asks Document Here 1 Re-structure and properly fund the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The NPWS should be independent (like the Environmental Protection Agency), allowing it to provide scientific advice, take enforcement action and run education programmes as well as
- [Species List](https://iwt.ie/species-list/) - Species List Ireland is home to a variety of different species of land and sea mammals, birds, plants and insects. There are approximately 50 species of land mammals e.g. hedgehog, pine martin, badger and sea mammals e.g. seals, dolphin and whales. We have over 400 species of birds and more than 4,000 plant species. There
- [Vote: People Together for Biodiversity Award - Small Group](https://iwt.ie/biodiversity-awards/vote-small-community-group/) - People Together for Biodiversity Award - Small Group Category A – (Small community group project, run on less than €3,000 budget) Scroll down the page to learn about the six projects shortlisted in this category Category Winner: Baile Slachtmhar Bhéal an Mhuirthead with their project "It’s all about the Bee’s and the Sea’s"
- [Vote: Farming Together for Biodiversity Award](https://iwt.ie/biodiversity-awards/vote-farming/) - Farming Together for Biodiversity Award Category E - Farmers working within conservation partnership projects Scroll down the page to learn about the six projects shortlisted in this category PROJECT A: AranLIFE: The sustainable management of the priority terrestrial Habitats Directive Annex 1 habitats of the Aran Islands. NOMINEE: Míchéal Ó Conghaile
- [Vote: Learning Together for Biodiversity Award](https://iwt.ie/biodiversity-awards/vote-schools/) - Learning Together for Biodiversity Award Category D – (Project run by a School – leading on biodiversity through education) Scroll down the page to learn about the six projects shortlisted in this category Category Winner: St. Colman’s Community College, Midleton, Co. Cork Biodiversity in our School and the Wider Community PROJECT A: Woodland Biodiversity
- [Vote: Local Biodiversity Champion Award](https://iwt.ie/biodiversity-awards/vote-champion/) - Local Biodiversity Champion Award Category C – (Project run by an Individual – leading change for biodiversity at local level) Scroll down the page to learn about the six projects shortlisted in this category Category Winner: Tommy Earley Sharing the biodiversity on his farm in Roscommon PROJECT A: Beara Rainforest by Eoghan Daltun
- [Vote: People Together for Biodiversity Award - Large Group](https://iwt.ie/biodiversity-awards/vote-large-community-group/) - People Together for Biodiversity Award - Large Group Category B – (Large community group project, run on more than €3,000 budget) Scroll down the page to learn about the six projects shortlisted in this category Category Winner: Moore Community Council CE Scheme with their project Ballydangan Bog Red Grouse Project PROJECT A: John
- [Biodiversity Awards Finalists](https://iwt.ie/biodiversity-awards-finalists/) - Our awards finalist are listed below Congratulations to all our finalist who will be displaying their projects at the National Biodiversity Conference We look forward to announcing the category winners at the conference on the morning of 20th Feb! Category A: People Together for Biodiversity Award - Small Project Carrigaline Tidy Towns from County Cork
- [Single contest photo](https://iwt.ie/single-contest-photo/) - [fv]
- [Golshane Farm, Co. Meath](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/reserves/golshane-farm-co-meath/) - Golshane Farm, Co. Meath Golashane Farm is a privately owned reserve and not open for public visit without appointment. Situated in north county Meath near the Cavan border, the reserve is a privately owned farm managed entirely for wildlife. The landscape in this beautiful area of Ireland is characterised by rolling hills and hedgerows. The
- [Reserves](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/reserves/) - Reserves The IWT manages a network of reserves around the country that it aspires to expand in order to protect more and more of Ireland’s wildlife and their habitats. Our reserves are a mixture of privately owned land managed for wildlife in conjunction with the IWT as well as land owned by the IWT
- [Shannon Callows, Co. Offaly](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/reserves/shannon-callows-co-offaly/) - Shannon Callows, Co. Offaly A “callow” is a very special habitat. Callows are seasonally flooded grassland ecosystem found on low-lying river floodplains. The IWT own a callow reserve on Bullock Island. An island located within the Shannon Callows and inundated by the great river each year. Due to this seasonal flooding the callows have never
- [IWT submission to the shape of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2020](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/living-landscapes/iwt-submission-to-the-shape-of-the-common-agricultural-policy-post-2020/) - IWT submission to the shape of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2020 Date: 23rd March 2018 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is a national, charitable membership-based organisation which was established in 1979. Our goal is to raise awareness of our natural heritage and its benefits to people. Since agriculture is the main land use in
- [Forestry and Woodland in Ireland](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/living-landscapes/forestry-and-woodland-in-ireland/) - Forestry and Woodland in Ireland IWT Statement – Forestry and Tree Cover in Ireland February 2018 It is well known that Ireland’s once expansive native forests have dwindled to a small number of highly fragmented patches which represent about 1% of Ireland’s total land area. Although total tree cover is over ten times this figure
- [National Parks](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/national-parks/) - Our National Parks We at the Irish Wildlife Trust believe that our national parks are important. These valuable areas are strongholds of the Irish natural landscape and so are crucial for protecting our shared heritage and wildlife. When a national park is not being properly maintained then its effectiveness is severely diminished. Leading to a
- [Wildlife & Communities](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/wildlife-communities/) - Wildlife & Communities Engaging community members in wildlife awareness and action. ‘Make it Wild’ is the IWT’s national program inspiring people to take action for wildlife in their local area. It is about improving areas like gardens, green spaces, and derelict areas through an IWT certified system to create wildlife habitats. Habitat loss is one
- [Otter Surveys](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/citizen-science/otter-surveys/) - The Dublin and Galway branches of the Irish Wildlife Trust conducted otter surveys in 2016. Contact the Galway branch to find further up to date information on otter surveys. Email: iwtgalway@gmail.com
- [Smooth Newt Survey](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/citizen-science/smooth-newt-survey/) - Smooth Newt Survey Starting with a pilot project in 2010 the IWT newt survey came to an end in 2013 is was the first comprehensive attempt to study the distribution of this native amphibian in Ireland. Ireland has only three species of native amphibian: the common frog, the Natterjack toad (confined to sand dunes in
- [Primary School](https://iwt.ie/primary-school/) - Primary School Wild for Nature Badger School
- [Stripe Individual Member](https://iwt.ie/support-us/stripe-individual-member/) - [s2Member-Pro-Stripe-Form level="1" ccaps="Ind" desc="Individual Membership €35 EUR / Yearly" cc="EUR" cc="EUR" custom="iwt.ie" ta="0" tp="0" tt="D" ra="1" rp="1" rt="Y" rr="1" coupon="" accept_coupons="0" default_country_code="US" captcha="0" /]
- [Stripe Concession Member](https://iwt.ie/support-us/stripe-concession-member/) - [s2Member-Pro-Stripe-Form level="4" ccaps="concession" desc="Concession Membership €25 p.a." cc="EUR" custom="iwt.ie" ta="0" tp="0" tt="D" ra="1" rp="1" rt="Y" rr="1" coupon="" accept_coupons="0" default_country_code="US" captcha="0" /]
- [Stripe Corporate Member](https://iwt.ie/support-us/stripe-corporate-member/) - [s2Member-Pro-Stripe-Form level="6" ccaps="corporate" desc="Corporate Membership €700 p.a." cc="EUR" custom="iwt.ie" ta="0" tp="0" tt="D" ra="1" rp="1" rt="Y" rr="1" coupon="" accept_coupons="0" default_country_code="US" captcha="0" /]
- [Stripe Family Member](https://iwt.ie/support-us/stripe-family-member/) - [s2Member-Pro-Stripe-Form level="3" ccaps="family" desc="Family Membership €50 EUR p.a." cc="EUR" custom="iwt.ie" ta="0" tp="0" tt="D" ra="1" rp="1" rt="Y" rr="1" coupon="" accept_coupons="0" default_country_code="US" captcha="0" /]
- [Stripe Joint Member](https://iwt.ie/support-us/stripe-joint-member/) - [s2Member-Pro-Stripe-Form level="2" ccaps="joint" desc="Joint Membership €40 p.a." cc="EUR" custom="iwt.ie" ta="0" tp="0" tt="D" ra="1" rp="1" rt="Y" rr="1" coupon="" accept_coupons="0" default_country_code="US" captcha="0" /]
- [Stripe Junior Member](https://iwt.ie/support-us/stripe-junior-member/) - [s2Member-Pro-Stripe-Form level="5" ccaps="junior" desc="Junior Membership €15 p.a." cc="EUR" custom="iwt.ie" ta="0" tp="0" tt="D" ra="1" rp="1" rt="Y" rr="1" coupon="" accept_coupons="0" default_country_code="US" captcha="0" /]
- [Support Us](https://iwt.ie/support-us/) - Support Us The Irish Wildlife Trust is a charity nature conservation organisation. We rely on the support of our members and the public to work to conserve Ireland's wildlife and habitats. We do this through education and awareness raising, advocacy and campaigning. Help us celebrate Ireland's amazing natural heritage and highlight its importance in our
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- [Longford/Westmeath](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/our-branches/longfordwestmeath/) - Longford/Westmeath The Branch was established in June 2011 with the partnership of the two Midland counties Longford and Westmeath. With the Lake County and Longfords’ array of unspoilt habitats the two to Midland counties have much to offer and be explored. The branch hopes to make people aware of these vast areas of natural beauty
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- [Our Shop](https://iwt.ie/our-shop/)
- [Links](https://iwt.ie/links/) - Links Injured Wildlife For information on how to help wildlife that have been injured or are in need of rescue, please consult www.irishwildlifematters.ie for information on what best to do and they provide a list of animal rescue / veterinary providers that deal with wildlife. Conservation & Wildlife Enforcement The National Parks and Wildlife Service
- [Galway Branch](https://iwt.ie/get-involved/our-branches/galway-branch/) - The IWT Galway Branch is celebrating Galway's natural heritage. We are dedicated to conserving and educating the public about County Galway's wildlife. Our natural heritage is more likely to be protected if people love it. Our mission is to spread the word about the amazing resource we have right under our nose. If you are
- [Practical Conservation](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/practical-conservation/) - Practical Conservation The Irish Wildlife Trust performs practical conservation via our network of branches and partnerships with other conservation groups. Notifications of workgroups where you can come along and get involved are listed below:
- [In Memory Giving](https://iwt.ie/support-us/in-memory-giving/) - In Memory Giving Please accept our sincere condolences if you have recently lost someone. The Irish Wildlife Trust is extremely grateful that you would consider us at this time of great personal sadness and grief. Making a donation in memory of a loved one is a great way to pay tribute to them by
- [Leave a Legacy](https://iwt.ie/support-us/leave-a-legacy/) - Leave a Legacy Leave a legacy to the IWT and your gift will help enrich the lives of future generations For over 30 years the IWT has worked to protect and enhance Ireland’s habitats and species. Our aim is the conservation of all plants and animals from deepwater corals to mountaintop lichens, from the smallest
- [Lough Boora Nature Reserve, Co. Offaly](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/reserves/lough-boora-nature-reserve-co-offaly/) - Lough Boora Nature Reserve, Co. Offaly Lough Boora Co Offaly is the site of a vanished ancient lake whose shore was once inhabited by prehistoric man. A smaller modern lake called Lough Boora was drained in the 1950’s by Bord na Mona but never put into peat production and it was subsequently bought by the
- [Wetlands](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/wetlands/) - Wetlands Wetlands are marshes, fens, bogs, and swamps. Once disregarded as wastelands our wetlands are places of great beauty and wildness. These unique habitats are host to a great diversity of plants and animals. In the summer, the wetlands hum with the beating of insect wings, and on a still November day the lonely call
- [Protecting Freshwater](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/protecting-freshwater/) - Protecting Freshwater Water is life, we need to protect it. Water is essential for the survival of all known forms of life, this includes humans! Ireland’s rivers, lakes & coastal areas are under serious threat. Businesses, domestic, leisure & development activities all have impacts on the water in our environment. A change in the way
- [Climate Change](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/climate-change/) - Climate Change There is a strong link between biodiversity and climate change: climate change is one of the causes of biodiversity loss since many species cannot adapt to changing temperatures by moving across our highly modified landscapes. At the same time, biodiversity loss will exacerbate the impacts of climate change by taking away the means
- [Rare Plants](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/rare-plants/) - Rare Plant Ireland has a relatively small number of native species of flowering plants (850). Over the recent past, many of these species have declined in numbers and have even disappeared in parts of the country. There are various reasons for this, including changing agricultural practices, mowing of roadside verges, drainage schemes, overgrazing, housing developments
- [Social Partnership](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/social-partnership/) - Social Partnership Environmental Pillar of Social Partnership The IWT provides a voice for wildlife and pushes the biodiversity agenda at government level with our colleagues in the Environmental Pillar. What is the Environmental Pillar? Social Partnership is a mechanism for agreeing on social policy that involves the government and a number of ‘pillars’. The environmental
- [Turf Cutting](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/turf-cutting/) - Turf Cutting The drama over the end of turf-cutting has resulted in misunderstanding, acrimony and lost trust. In the Autumn 2011 issue of Peatland News, the bulletin of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Dr. Catherine O’Connell gives her synopsis of the whole sorry tale. The IPCC works to promote the conservation of Irish bogs through
- [IWT Submission to Draft National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017](https://iwt.ie/what-we-do/campaigns/policy/iwt-submission-draft-national-biodiversity-action-plan-2017/) - IWT Submission to Draft National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) wishes to make a submission to the 3rd NBAP. It is unfortunate that the consultation period for this important plan was truncated to only one month and issued just prior to the Christmas break. This is contrary to the spirit

## Products

- [2026 IWT Calendar](https://iwt.ie/product/2026-iwt-calendar/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Pre-order now to guarantee yours. We will start posting it from 17th November. Our A4 double calendar features images from our Photo of the Month Facebook Competition and award-winning photographer Mike Brown. It also includes a Wildlife Tracker page and fun facts about wildlife you can look out for throughout the year. The Irish Wildlife Trust is a membership-based charity dedicated to promoting and protecting Irish wildlife. Our vital services, projects, and campaigns rely on the generosity of our members and donors. By becoming a member, you can help us make a real difference. Become a member today and make a difference. Click here to view membership details https://iwt.ie/support-us/become-a-member/
- [Whittled Away](https://iwt.ie/product/whittled-away/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Whittled away – Ireland’s Vanishing Nature By Pádraic Fogarty Published by the Collins Press Pádraic Fogarty has been Campaign Officer for the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) since 2013 and was its chairman from 2009 to 2013. During this time he has also been editor of the IWT’s quarterly ‘Irish Wildlife’ magazine. In his new book Whittled Away – Ireland’s Vanishing Nature, Fogarty issues a provocative call to arms and presents an alternative path that could lead us all to a brighter future.
- [Insects of Ireland](https://iwt.ie/product/insects-of-ireland/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* An illustrated introduction to Ireland's Common Insect Groups. This comprehensive compact guide to over 120 of Ireland's most popular insects includes all Irish species of butterflies, dragonflies, ladybirds, grasshoppers and shield bugs. All are illustrated in colour with clear descriptions enabling accurate identification.
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5) - Blackbird](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-pack-of-5-blackbird/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with the new range of beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT features images from award-winning photographer Mike Brown. All profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5) - Robin](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-pack-of-5-robin/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with the new range of beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT features images from award-winning photographer Mike Brown. All profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5) - Badger](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-pack-of-5-badger/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with the new range of beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT features images from award-winning photographer Mike Brown. All profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5) - Foxes](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-pack-of-5-foxes/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with the new range of beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT features images from award-winning photographer Mike Brown. All profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5) - Irish Hare](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-pack-of-5-irishhare/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with the new range of beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT features images from award-winning photographer Mike Brown. All profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [The Great Big Book of Irish Wildlife Through the Season](https://iwt.ie/product/the-great-big-book-of-irish-wildlife-through-the-season/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* A beautifully illustrated book that guides the reader through the seasons in Ireland. Explore nature in your back garden as well as in mountains, rivers, forests and sea.
- [Ireland's Seashore](https://iwt.ie/product/irelands-seashore/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* A Field Guide By Lucy Taylor and Emma Nickelsen Published by the Collins Press Ireland’s seashores are famous for their spectacular beauty, ranging from exposed rocky headlands that receive the full power of the Atlantic to enclosed sea loughs and sheltered mudflats. Our northern latitude means that some Arctic species find a home here, but the warm currents that flow up from the Gulf of Mexico also make Irish shores habitable for species found in southern Europe, the Canaries and the Mediterranean. Providing habitats like no other, our coasts are teeming with plant and animal life. Whether you visit on a sunny summer day or for a wild walk in winter, there is always something interesting to see, either living on the shore or washed up from the sea. Beginning with clear background information on types of shore, tides, waves, coastal habitats and conservation, this highly accessible guide has everything you need to understand the wildlife on our coastline. A helpful identification guide uses simple questions (e.g. ‘Does it have a shell?’) to guide you to the correct section (e.g. ‘Snails, mussels and their relatives’), where you will find an introduction to the species, followed by detailed entries on the most common shoreline inhabitants: Irish and Latin names, size, distribution and memorable nuggets of information (did you know banded wedge shells can leap if disturbed?). Written by qualified marine biologists with a passion for their subject, this is the ideal companion on any seashore ramble, whether you are a beginner or an experienced naturalist.
- [Under Summer Pastures](https://iwt.ie/product/under-summer-pastures/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Under Summer Pastures: Explorations and Essays from Ireland's Temperate Rainforests Edited By Matt Smith and Ray O Foghlu Published by Hometree publications Our most ancient rainforests are still here, living amongst us, but not often revealing themselves, hiding out in valleys and cliffsides. Globally, these woodlands are rare. In Ireland, they are rarer still, but fragments of a once-great Temperate Rainforest persist, clinging on in our western uplands. Under Summer Pastures invites you on an adventure into their wonders, it’s a chance to walk in these unique landscapes with Ray Ó Foghlú as your passionate and informative guide. Woven through Ray’s woodland visits are contributions from some of Ireland's leading environmental thinkers, offering a blend of practical, magical, and personal responses to the rainforest. Stories and essays from Mark Boyle, Dr Catherine Farrell, Pádraic Fogerty, Trevor Halpin, Clare Heardman, Rory Hodd, Paul Kingsnorth, James Rainey and Grace Wells, and with a foreword by Manchán Magan, make Under Summer Pastures a timely exposé of the challenges our endangered woodlands face and the prevailing philosophies that will determine their future. It’s both a call for action and a breath of moss-filled air, a book that wants you to get out in the wilderness, and maybe do everything in your power to protect it.
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5) - Bluetit](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-bluetit/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with these beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT with the kind permission of the photographers and all profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5) - Squirrel](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-squirrel/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with these beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT with the kind permission of the photographers and all profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5) - Deer](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-deer/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with these beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT with the kind permission of the photographers and all profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5) - Fox MB](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-fox-mb/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with these beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT with the kind permission of the photographers and all profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [Total Boar T-Shirt](https://iwt.ie/product/total-boar-t-shirt/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Check out our latest t-shirt design celebrating one of our lost iconic creatures that figured heavily in our past, in art, stories and legend. Total Boar!
- [My First Book of Irish Animals](https://iwt.ie/product/first-book-irish-animals/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* By Juanita Browne and illustrated by Aoife Quinn. Published by Juanita Browne, Browne Books Now at €9.99!! For larger orders and international orders, postage and packaging will be extra. My First Book of Irish Animals is the first children’s picture book aimed at introducing young children to the wonderful world of Irish wildlife. Filled with fascinating facts and beautiful illustrations by Irish artist, Aoife Quinn, this book will capture the imagination of young children. The book includes a range of Irish species, such as the: red squirrel, hedgehog, pygmy shrew, rabbit, Irish mountain hare, Irish stoat, pine marten, red fox, and the various species of deer, bats, seals, whales and dolphins. There is also a section on tips to help wildlife to help your child or student connect with nature. Plus your sale helps Irish wildlife. For each copy sold, the Irish Wildlife Trust will receive a commission from the author.
- [The Great Irish Biodiversity Book](https://iwt.ie/product/the-great-irish-biodiversity-book/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Join much-loved wildlife expert Éanna Ní Lamhna as she takes us on a trip through Irish wildlife habitats – from bogs to beaches and woodland to grassland. Discover how habitats work and which creatures and plants to look out for in each one, from the very rare to the most common, all brought to life with amazing illustrations by Barry Falls. The latest book in the bestselling and award-winning Gill Books series of big topics tackled by experts, this beautifully illustrated guide introduces Ireland’s plants, animals, trees and insects to readers of all ages (Gill Books).
- [The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Irish Seashore](https://iwt.ie/product/the-illustrated-encyclopedia-of-the-irish-seashore/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* By Lucy Taylor Illustrated by Linda Fährlin Ireland’s seashores are not just sandcastles and picnics – they are also full of fascinating plants and animals to discover. Packed with colourful illustrations, this book takes young readers on a journey through tidal rock pools, along sandy beaches and over rocky cliffs to discover the amazing creatures that live in our seas and along our shores, from playful dolphins to tiny crabs and mysterious shells. Curious kids will learn about the plants, habitats and ecosystems that make the Irish seashore so special, while exploring the science behind waves and tides. The second book in the Gill Illustrated Encyclopedia series effortlessly engages with topics such as biodiversity, biology and geography – delighting children and adults alike! (O'Brien Books).
- [My Naturama Nature Journal](https://iwt.ie/product/my-naturama-nature-journal/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Following the bestselling Naturama, Michael Fewer and Melissa Doran return with an activity book that encourages young readers to discover for themselves the magic of nature right on their doorstep. Season by season, the book is packed with outdoor projects that include making a nest box for birds, adopting a tree, making an insect hotel and moon gazing. But it is perhaps the field guide sections, which encourage observation, collecting and the creation of their very own nature journal, that will be most loved by children in years to come. The charming My Naturama Nature Journal will provide hours of entertainment for budding naturalists everywhere - whatever the season.
- [Wonders of The Wild](https://iwt.ie/product/wonders-of-the-wild/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* By Éanna Ní Lamhna, Illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald From rabbits eating their own poo to what feeds on humans and how caterpillars burst! Discover animal-eating plants, what rises from the dead, sea life that glows in the dark and lots of other weird and wonderful surprises from nature (O'Brien Books).
- [Ireland's Birds](https://iwt.ie/product/irelands-birds/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Birds have been important symbols in our art and culture for thousands of years. They have inspired poets and painters, and feature in many place names and legends. In this book, Niall Mac Coitir draws together the mythology, legends and folklore of Ireland's birds, both wild and domestic. The birds are presented in seasonal order based on their migratory habits (the cuckoo and summer) or on their cultural associations (the robin with Christmas). He also explores how birds are often powerful symbols of various virtues and qualities, such as the goose, which is a symbol of watchfulness and bravery. This challenges us to look at birds in a different way, as dynamic creatures that have influenced our society over the millennia. Written with imagination and enthusiasm, this mix of natural history, mythology and folklore will delight and enlighten all interested in the birds of Ireland (Gill books).
- [Wild Waters](https://iwt.ie/product/wild-waters/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wild Waters: A Nature Journey from Shore to Peak By Richard Nairn Published by Gill Life Rivers and lakes are the arteries and beating heart of Ireland. To our ancestors these wetlands were their highways, providing valuable sources of food including fish and wildfowl as well as vital materials such as reeds for thatching and willows for basket-making. Today they supply us with drinking water and cleanse our waste, their energy is harnessed to provide power, they are vital habitats for many freshwater species, and they are treasured places for tranquility and recreation. Here, in a unique mix of nature, history and personal experience, ecologist Richard Nairn explores and celebrates the rivers and lakes of Ireland. Beginning with the Avonmore River system which flows through some of the most picturesque parts of Co. Wicklow, Wild Waters reveals the magic of Ireland’s rivers and lakes and contemplates the consequences for them as the rapid deterioration of our natural environment continues.
- [Ireland's trees](https://iwt.ie/product/irelands-trees/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Niall Mac Coitir brings to life the myths, legends and folklore associated with native Irish trees, much of which persists to this day. Two main themes emerge: the tree as a marker of important places such as royal sites or holy wells, and the role of trees as sources of magical power in folk customs and traditions, such as carrying a blackthorn sta. when out walking at night to ward off evil spirits. Beautifully illustrated and imaginatively written, this mix of natural history, mythology and folklore will entertain and enlighten all interested in Ireland's trees (Gill books).
- [The Wildflowers of Ireland 2nd edition](https://iwt.ie/product/the-wildflowers-of-ireland-2/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* A Field Guide By Zoe Devlin Published by the Collins Press This is a must for enthusiasts of all ages and experience. Discover the fascinating world of Ireland’s diverse and astonishing collection of native wildflowers. This fresh edition mirrors the numerous developments in our botanical understanding since the initial publication of "The Wildflowers of Ireland" in 2014. There’s updated information on the distribution of native wildflowers, along with more than 90 additional species, all beautifully photographed by the author. For ease of identification, the species are divided into colour categories and within each category the species are grouped by, for example, the number of petals in the flower or whether the species carries its flowers in a cluster or a spike. In easily understood terminology, focus is put on the main identifying features of each plant, by colour, size, shape of flower, leaf, habitat, flowering season, and where in Ireland it might be found. This is a must for enthusiasts of all ages and levels of experience (Gill Books).
- [Wild Ireland](https://iwt.ie/product/wild-ireland/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wild Ireland: A Nature Journey from Shore to Peak By Carsten Krieger Published by The O'Brien Press A journey across Ireland, in words and dazzling images, exploring the nature we pass every day. Go deep in the bog, high in the mountains and under crashing waves. Discover alpine flowers blooming in the Burren, meet ferocious anemones on our shorelines, and visit the Shannon Dolphins, who have had a place in local legend for centuries. Awards Thejournal.ie best Irish-published book of the year - 2023 An Post Irish Book Awards - Short-listed
- [Ireland's animals](https://iwt.ie/product/irelands-animals/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Niall Mac Coitir provides a comprehensive look at the folklore, legends and history of animals in Ireland, and describes their relations with people, being hunted for food, fur, sport, or as vermin, and their position today. A final section, inspired by stories of animal transformation, looks at twelve animals and how we can enrich our lives by visualising ourselves with their special qualities. This fascinating and beautifully illustrated compilation of folklore, legends and natural history will delight all with an interest in Ireland’s animals.
- [Ireland's Wild Plants](https://iwt.ie/product/irelands-wild-plants/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Ireland's wild plants have been part of our culture and folklore from the earliest times, featuring in the Brehon Laws, early Irish poetry and herbal medicine. Plants are described in seasonal order and different aspects are examined: their roles in magical protection, charms and spells, emblems in children's games, Irish place names and folklore. This beautifully illustrated and comprehensive compilation of natural history, mythology and folklore will entertain and enlighten all interested in the wild plants of Ireland. (Gill books).
- [Wild Embrace](https://iwt.ie/product/wild-embrace/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wild Embrace: Connecting to the Wonder of Ireland's Natural World By Anja Murray Published by Hachette Books Ireland 'Gorgeous ... a joyful reminder that there are still wonders to be found in Ireland wherever we give nature an inch to flourish' IRISH INDEPENDENT 'From moss to moths, Anja Murray has conjured up an ebullient paean to our surrounding ecosystem - a sensuous celebration of nature.' MANCHÁN MAGAN 'A hugely important, and simply delightful, book.' EOGHAN DALTUN, author of An Irish Atlantic Rainforest OPEN UP TO A NOURISHING NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH IRELAND'S WILD WORLD. Wild Embrace is about cultivating curiosity and awe in nature, in a time of eco-anxiety and overwhelm. As ecologist Anja Murray opens our eyes to the hidden bounty of the land, sea and sky around us, we head out on a unique journey through the Irish landscape. She explores the joy of foraging, the marvels of Irish birds, the roles of our native trees in environmental regeneration, nature at night and in the city, and much more - including fascinating insights into our ecological past. With beautiful illustrations by Jane Carkill (@lamblittle), Wild Embrace awakens our senses to the everyday environmental wonders within reach, as we set out on a path to empowered change into the future (Amazon.co.uk).
- [An Irish Atlantic Rainforest](https://iwt.ie/product/an-irish-atlantic-rainforest/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* An Irish Atlantic Rainforest - A Personal Journey into the Magic of Rewilding By Eoghan Daltun Published by Hachette Books Ireland An Post Irish Book Award winner, 2022 'The stories are absorbing, the writing charismatic and the ideas thought-provoking' Irish Independent 'Fascinating ... a manifesto for saving our own corner of the planet through letting things be' Irish Times, The Gloss 'Daltun writes with passion and purpose of the way we should live now' RTÉ Guide On the Beara peninsula in West Cork, a temperate rainforest flourishes. It is the life work of Eoghan Daltun, who had a vision to rewild a 73-acre farm he bought, moving there from Dublin with his family in 2009. An Irish Atlantic Rainforest charts that remarkable journey. Part memoir, part environmental treatise, as a wild forest bursts into life before our eyes, we're invited to consider the burning issues of our time: climate breakdown, ecological collapse, and why our very survival as a species requires that we urgently and radically transform our relationship with nature. This is a story as much about doing nothing as taking action - allowing natural ecosystems to return and thrive without interference, and in doing so heal an ailing planet. Powerfully descriptive, lovingly told, An Irish Atlantic Rainforest presents an enduring picture of the regenerative force of nature, and how one Irishman let it happen (Amazon.co.uk).
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5)- Fox](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-fox/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with these beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT with the kind permission of the photographers and all profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [Not Guilty T-Shirt](https://iwt.ie/product/not-guilty-t-shirt/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* A must have gift for every wildlife lover and those against badger culling in Ireland and abroad. Order your 'Not Guilty' T-Shirt today! Size Chart: Inches (Chest) S 34-36 M 38-40 L 42-44* - Out of stock XL 46-48* - Out of stock XXL* 50-52 - Out of stock Delivery is by Standard Post.
- [Wild Wonders](https://iwt.ie/product/wild-wonders/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wild Wonders is a gorgeous collection of short stories about nature by some of Ireland’s best children’s authors with illustrations by some extremely talented illustrators. Each story is a reminder to us to keep our eyes open to the beauty of the nature that surrounds us no matter where we live (Children's books Ireland).
- [IWT Christmas Cards (Pack of 5)- Robin](https://iwt.ie/product/iwt-christmas-cards-robin/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Wish someone seasons greetings with these beautiful IWT Christmas Cards. Each pack contains five cards and envelopes. These cards have been produced by the IWT with the kind permission of the photographers and all profits will go towards funding the IWT's activities. Pack of 5, Card size A6, inside of cards is blank for you to write your own greeting.
- [Remarkable Creatures: a guide to some of Ireland's disappearing animals](https://iwt.ie/product/remarkable-creatures/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* "Ireland is home to thousands of amazing animals, but things are changing in our environment and some of our remarkable creatures are struggling to survive. This illustrated book will take your child on a journey of discovery, sharing fascinating facts about Ireland’s most endangered species, activities to help your child understand more about the species’ habitats and tips on how to help protect them. The future of our animals depends on our actions today – so let’s play our part and do the best we can."
- [Nature's Secret Adventures](https://iwt.ie/product/natures-secret-adventures/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* by Shane Casey and illustrated by Vincent Killowry The book contains three stories: The Amazing Tale of Sheridan, Orla’s Big Day, and The Fairy’s Foxtrot. It also includes a short fact-file about pygmy shrews, otters, and mayflies. Paperback, 56 pages, 210mmx210mm, Age group: 6+, Suitable for dyslexic readers.
- [Nature's Incredible Adventures](https://iwt.ie/product/natures-incredible-adventures/) - by Shane Casey and illustrated by Vincent Killowry The book contains three stories: “A Fox called Fintan”, “The Song Thrush who couldn’t sing” and “Chasing Dragons” Paperback, 56 pages, 210mm*210mm, Age group: 6+, Suitable for dyslexic readers.
- [Nature's Marvellous Adventures](https://iwt.ie/product/natures-marvellous-adventures/) - by Shane Casey and illustrated by Vincent Killowry The book contains three stories: “Mother Knows Best”, “A Salmons Tale” and “The Bird with the Big Beak” Paperback, 56 pages, 210mm*210mm, Age group: 6+, Suitable for dyslexic readers.
- [Nature's Hidden Adventures](https://iwt.ie/product/natures-hidden-adventures/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* by Shane Casey and illustrated by Vincent Killowry The book contains three stories: The Tale of Two Hedgehogs, Senan’s Story, and The Life of Bombus Reilly. It also includes a short fact-file about hedgehogs, swifts, and bumblebees. Paperback, 56 pages, 210mm*210mm, Age group: 6+, Suitable for dyslexic readers.
- [Wild Flowers](https://iwt.ie/product/wild-flowers/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* This full-colour photographic guide to over 350 species of wild flower found in Europe arranges flowers by colour for easy identification. Individual descriptions include facts on appearance, size, flowering season, habitat and distribution.
- [Garden Wildlife](https://iwt.ie/product/garden-wildlife/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* Nearly 400 species are featured including mammals, birds, amphibians, spiders, beetles, butterflies and moths, flies, worms, molluscs, woodlice and flowering plants. Each species is illustrated with a full-colour photograph and sections are colour-coded for easy reference. Practical advice is included on attracting wildlife to your garden.
- [Pond Life](https://iwt.ie/product/pond-life/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* This full-colour illustrated guide to the wide variety of species found in ponds and streams in northern Europe features plants, insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Covers the complete habitat of ponds and streams, including over 300 species of plant and animal that are visible with the naked eye.
- [Dr Hibernica Finch's Compelling Compendium of Irish Animals](https://iwt.ie/product/dr-hibernica-finchs-compelling-compendium-of-irish-animals/) - *** Our IWT shop is operating on reduced summer hours from 11/07 to 04/08. Postage of orders will be delayed by up to 3 weeks. *** *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address*
- [Our Wetlands Heritage](https://iwt.ie/product/our-wetlands-heritage/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* An illustration of the wonderful Wetlands to be enjoyed in Ireland.
- [Seashore](https://iwt.ie/product/seashore/) - *Postage for the order will be added to the cost at the checkout upon entry of address* This full-colour photographic guide includes detailed information on 240 of the most common animals and plants found on the coasts of Northern Europe. Individual descriptions include information on distribution, habitat and reproduction, advice on where a species may be found, hints on how to identify it and the months in which it is likely to be spotted.

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## Categories

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- [Shaping New Mountains](https://iwt.ie/category/shaping-new-mountains/) - Shaping New Mountains gets to the heart of our biodiversity emergency in Ireland by examining our values and the myth of our separation from nature. It looks at six big ideas for bringing nature back to our towns, countryside, seas, and lives. It urges us to see the connections that bind everything together and argues for a new understanding of our place in the natural world.
- [Submissions](https://iwt.ie/category/submissions/)
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- [Places to Connect](https://iwt.ie/category/communities-for-nature/places-to-connect/)
- [Places to Connect](https://iwt.ie/category/places-to-connect-2/)

## Tags

- [IWT](https://iwt.ie/tag/iwt/)
- [Irish Wildlife Trust](https://iwt.ie/tag/irish-wildlife-trust/)
- [Pair Trawling](https://iwt.ie/tag/pair-trawling/)
- [Ban](https://iwt.ie/tag/ban/)
- [Sprat](https://iwt.ie/tag/sprat/)
- ["electric pulse fishing"](https://iwt.ie/tag/electric-pulse-fishing/)
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- [electrofishing](https://iwt.ie/tag/electrofishing/)
- [overfishing](https://iwt.ie/tag/overfishing/)
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- [national](https://iwt.ie/tag/national/)
- [park](https://iwt.ie/tag/park/)
- [josepha](https://iwt.ie/tag/josepha/)
- [madigan](https://iwt.ie/tag/madigan/)
- [irish](https://iwt.ie/tag/irish/)
- [wildlife](https://iwt.ie/tag/wildlife/)
- [trust](https://iwt.ie/tag/trust/)
- [Marine](https://iwt.ie/tag/marine/)
- [Blue Planet](https://iwt.ie/tag/blue-planet/)
- [CFP](https://iwt.ie/tag/cfp/)
- [Trawling](https://iwt.ie/tag/trawling/)
- [rhododendron](https://iwt.ie/tag/rhododendron/)
- [ponticum](https://iwt.ie/tag/ponticum/)
- [killarney](https://iwt.ie/tag/killarney/)
- [groundwork](https://iwt.ie/tag/groundwork/)
- [removal](https://iwt.ie/tag/removal/)
- [badger](https://iwt.ie/tag/badger/)
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- [DAFM](https://iwt.ie/tag/dafm/)
- [Michael Creed](https://iwt.ie/tag/michael-creed/)
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- [culling](https://iwt.ie/tag/culling/)
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- [Agriculture](https://iwt.ie/tag/agriculture/)
- [origen green](https://iwt.ie/tag/origen-green/)
- [save our seas](https://iwt.ie/tag/save-our-seas/)
- [Submission](https://iwt.ie/tag/submission/)
- [Marine Protected Areas](https://iwt.ie/tag/marine-protected-areas/)
- [Climate Change](https://iwt.ie/tag/climate-change/)
- [Climate Action](https://iwt.ie/tag/climate-action/)
- [Ecologicaly Collapse](https://iwt.ie/tag/ecologicaly-collapse/)
- [Padraic Fogarty](https://iwt.ie/tag/padraic-fogarty/)
- [Bogs](https://iwt.ie/tag/bogs/)
- [Peatlands](https://iwt.ie/tag/peatlands/)
- [frogs](https://iwt.ie/tag/frogs/)
- [nature](https://iwt.ie/tag/nature/)
- [species](https://iwt.ie/tag/species/)
- [biodiversity](https://iwt.ie/tag/biodiversity/)
- [citizens' assembly](https://iwt.ie/tag/citizens-assembly/)
- [COP15](https://iwt.ie/tag/cop15/)
- [SAC](https://iwt.ie/tag/sac/)
- [MPAs](https://iwt.ie/tag/mpas/)
- [protected](https://iwt.ie/tag/protected/)
- [areas](https://iwt.ie/tag/areas/)
- [sea](https://iwt.ie/tag/sea/)
- [bees](https://iwt.ie/tag/bees/)
- [bee](https://iwt.ie/tag/bee/)
- [white tailed bumblebee](https://iwt.ie/tag/white-tailed-bumblebee/)
- [bumblebee](https://iwt.ie/tag/bumblebee/)
- [honey bee](https://iwt.ie/tag/honey-bee/)
- [northern dark honey bee](https://iwt.ie/tag/northern-dark-honey-bee/)
- [European honeybee](https://iwt.ie/tag/european-honeybee/)
- [honeybee](https://iwt.ie/tag/honeybee/)
- [bee knowledge](https://iwt.ie/tag/bee-knowledge/)
- [solitary bee](https://iwt.ie/tag/solitary-bee/)
- [ashy mining bee](https://iwt.ie/tag/ashy-mining-bee/)
- [ash mining bee](https://iwt.ie/tag/ash-mining-bee/)
- [2022](https://iwt.ie/tag/2022/)
- [2023](https://iwt.ie/tag/2023/)
- [2024](https://iwt.ie/tag/2024/)

## Product categories

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## Product tags

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