Latest news with #DavidLittlejohn
The Independent
08-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
First recorded sighting of rare dragonfly in Belfast hailed by conservationists
The first recorded sighting of a rare type of dragonfly in Belfast has been hailed by conservationists. The black-tailed skimmer dragonfly was spotted by volunteers at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve in the west of the city last week. Nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife say it is the first such recorded sighting in Belfast and only the second sighting in County Antrim. Volunteers David Littlejohn and Ellen Sheridan described how they had been taking a short break from litter picking when they noticed a flurry of dragonfly activity and stopped to observe. They managed to photograph the black-tailed skimmer along with a female emperor dragonfly and a common darter. Ulster Wildlife said the black-tailed skimmer has a very limited distribution in Northern Ireland, particularly in the east of the region, with few records overall, and described its presence at Bog Meadows as a 'significant find, underlining the importance of this urban wildlife haven'. It comes after habitat improvements carried out at the nature reserve in recent years by the charity that manages the 47-acre site. The newly created pond and scrapes provide the ideal open water and bare bank habitat favoured by dragonflies. Mr Littlejohn, who photographed the rare creature, said they had noticed more dragonflies recently than ever before but hadn't expected to spot something so rare. 'It's fantastic to see the nature reserve supporting such a variety of species,' he said. Ms Sheridan added: 'The black-tailed skimmer was a real highlight! It really shows how important it is to protect places like this for wildlife.' Dawn Patterson, community engagement officer at Bog Meadows with Ulster Wildlife, said the discovery is a 'testament to the hard work of our volunteers and the improvements we've made to the habitats here at Bog Meadows'. 'To find the first black-tailed skimmer for Belfast – and only the second for County Antrim – right in the heart of the city shows what's possible when we create the right conditions for nature to thrive,' she said. 'Bog Meadows continues to surprise us with its growing list of wildlife highlights, and we hope this inspires more people to visit and get involved.' Last year, the Bog Meadows Nature Reserve was the scene for an eight-year-old schoolboy discovering a rare water stick insect. Kohen Fitzsimmons made the discovery, which was the first record of the species in Northern Ireland, while pond dipping with classmates from his school. Ulster Wildlife said the 'urban oasis is on the map as a haven for biodiversity'.
BreakingNews.ie
08-07-2025
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
First recorded sighting of rare dragonfly in Belfast hailed by conservationists
The first recorded sighting of a rare type of dragonfly in Belfast has been hailed by conservationists. The black-tailed skimmer dragonfly was spotted by volunteers at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve in the west of the city last week. Advertisement Nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife say it is the first such recorded sighting in Belfast and only the second sighting in Co Antrim. Volunteers David Littlejohn and Ellen Sheridan described how they had been taking a short break from litter picking when they noticed a flurry of dragonfly activity and stopped to observe. They managed to photograph the black-tailed skimmer along with a female emperor dragonfly and a common darter. The rare black-tailed skimmer dragonfly was discovered at Ulster Wildlife's Bog Meadows Nature Reserve by David Littlejohn and Ellen Sheridan (David Littlejohn/UlsterWildlife/PA) Ulster Wildlife said the black-tailed skimmer has a very limited distribution in the North, particularly in the east of the region, with few records overall, and described its presence at Bog Meadows as a 'significant find, underlining the importance of this urban wildlife haven'. Advertisement It comes after habitat improvements carried out at the nature reserve in recent years by the charity that manages the 47-acre site. The newly created pond and scrapes provide the ideal open water and bare bank habitat favoured by dragonflies. Mr Littlejohn, who photographed the rare creature, said they had noticed more dragonflies recently than ever before but hadn't expected to spot something so rare. 'It's fantastic to see the nature reserve supporting such a variety of species,' he said. Ms Sheridan added: 'The black-tailed skimmer was a real highlight! It really shows how important it is to protect places like this for wildlife.' Advertisement Dawn Patterson, community engagement officer at Bog Meadows with Ulster Wildlife, said the discovery is a 'testament to the hard work of our volunteers and the improvements we've made to the habitats here at Bog Meadows'. 'To find the first black-tailed skimmer for Belfast – and only the second for Co Antrim – right in the heart of the city shows what's possible when we create the right conditions for nature to thrive,' she said. 'Bog Meadows continues to surprise us with its growing list of wildlife highlights, and we hope this inspires more people to visit and get involved.' Eight-year-old Kohen Fitzsimmons found the first recorded location of a water stick insect in Northern Ireland in Bog Meadows Nature Reserve (Ulster Wildlife/PA) Lifestyle Living example of traditional farmland safeguarded... Read More Last year, the Bog Meadows Nature Reserve was the scene for an eight-year-old schoolboy discovering a rare water stick insect. Advertisement Kohen Fitzsimmons made the discovery, which was the first record of the species in the North, while pond dipping with classmates from his school. Ulster Wildlife said the 'urban oasis is on the map as a haven for biodiversity'.
Irish Examiner
08-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
First recorded sighting of rare dragonfly in Belfast hailed by conservationists
The first recorded sighting of a rare type of dragonfly in Belfast has been hailed by conservationists. The black-tailed skimmer dragonfly was spotted by volunteers at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve in the west of the city last week. Nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife say it is the first such recorded sighting in Belfast and only the second sighting in Co Antrim. Volunteers David Littlejohn and Ellen Sheridan described how they had been taking a short break from litter picking when they noticed a flurry of dragonfly activity and stopped to observe. They managed to photograph the black-tailed skimmer along with a female emperor dragonfly and a common darter. The rare black-tailed skimmer dragonfly was discovered at Ulster Wildlife's Bog Meadows Nature Reserve by David Littlejohn and Ellen Sheridan (David Littlejohn/UlsterWildlife/PA) Ulster Wildlife said the black-tailed skimmer has a very limited distribution in Northern Ireland, particularly in the east of the region, with few records overall, and described its presence at Bog Meadows as a 'significant find, underlining the importance of this urban wildlife haven'. It comes after habitat improvements carried out at the nature reserve in recent years by the charity that manages the 47-acre site. The newly created pond and scrapes provide the ideal open water and bare bank habitat favoured by dragonflies. Mr Littlejohn, who photographed the rare creature, said they had noticed more dragonflies recently than ever before but hadn't expected to spot something so rare. 'It's fantastic to see the nature reserve supporting such a variety of species,' he said. Ms Sheridan added: 'The black-tailed skimmer was a real highlight! It really shows how important it is to protect places like this for wildlife.' Dawn Patterson, community engagement officer at Bog Meadows with Ulster Wildlife, said the discovery is a 'testament to the hard work of our volunteers and the improvements we've made to the habitats here at Bog Meadows'. 'To find the first black-tailed skimmer for Belfast – and only the second for County Antrim – right in the heart of the city shows what's possible when we create the right conditions for nature to thrive,' she said. 'Bog Meadows continues to surprise us with its growing list of wildlife highlights, and we hope this inspires more people to visit and get involved.' Eight-year-old Kohen Fitzsimmons found the first recorded location of a water stick insect in Northern Ireland in Bog Meadows Nature Reserve (Ulster Wildlife/PA) Last year, the Bog Meadows Nature Reserve was the scene for an eight-year-old schoolboy discovering a rare water stick insect. Kohen Fitzsimmons made the discovery, which was the first record of the species in Northern Ireland, while pond dipping with classmates from his school. Ulster Wildlife said the 'urban oasis is on the map as a haven for biodiversity'. Read More Author of bestselling memoir The Salt Path accused of lying
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Experienced climber who broke his neck and may need both legs amputated sues partner 'who let go of rope and sent him plummeting 56ft into a ravine'
A climber who broke his neck and may need to have both his legs amputated following a terrifying fall blames his partner for his horrific injuries. David Littlejohn, 55, says fellow climber Shane Williams let go of his rope at a crucial moment, sending him plummeting down a 56ft rock face in the Avon Gorge, Bristol. Littlejohn is now suing Williams for £1 million in compensation after he also broke his sternum, pelvis, and feet during the ordeal in May 2023, The Telegraph reported. Mr Littlejohn claimed he was under the impression Mr Williams had a firm hold of the rope when he put his weight on it while taking part in a climb known as the Arms Race. But he said Mr Williams released the rope without informing him, causing him to fall into a deep ravine. Despite the accident happening two years ago, Mr Littlejohn still faces a long road to recovery. He suffers from constant back pain and may have to have both of his legs amputated if reconstructive surgery on his feet is unsuccessful, his orthopaedic surgeon told the court. Mr Littlejohn also claims to have experienced anxiety, depressed mood, irritability, and panic attacks following the fall. He said he believed Mr Williams to be a competent climber as he was a member of The Climbers Club - a climbing association where members have to be proposed and seconded before they can join. In documents lodged with the High Court, Mr Littlejohn alleged Mr Williams negligently failed to have 'due regard for his personal safety' and failed to act in accordance with his experience as a competent amateur climber. The documents claim he is able to walk with a four-wheeled walker, but struggles with stairs and basic daily tasks. The lawsuit comes just weeks after another terrifying rock climbing accident where a man miraculously survived a terrifying 400ft plunge that killed his three friends. Anton Tselykh, 38, had been climbing in Washington's North Cascades mountains when the anchor his group were tethered to gave way, sending them all plummeting down the rock face. Speaking from a hospital bed in Seattle, Tselykh recounted how the men fell for about 200 feet into a slanted gulch and then tumbled another 200 feet before coming to a stop. He described losing consciousness for several hours before waking up in the dark surrounded by a tangle of ropes and gear. Despite sustaining serious injuries, he fought for eight hours to free himself before working his way down the rough terrain of rock and snow to his car. He then drove to a nearby town to call for help, he told Cristina Woodworth, who leads the sheriff's search and rescue team. The four climbers were friends, some of whom had climbed together before and appeared fairly experienced, Woodworth said, adding that Tselykh was 'obviously very much affected by this.' The climbers killed were Vishnu Irigireddy, 48, Tim Nguyen, 63, and Oleksander Martynenko, 36, the Okanogan County coroner said.
