Latest news with #UlsterWildlife
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
Belfast Telegraph
26-06-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
900 oysters now cleaning Carrick Marina's water, councillors told
Mid and East Antrim council's Environment and Economy Committee was given an update at a meeting in The Braid in Ballymena earlier this week. An oyster nursery has also been installed at Glenarm Marina in association with Ulster Wildlife. The report said: 'In addition to supporting the expansion of wild populations, the oysters will help boost biodiversity and improve water quality by filtering pollutants.' Existing oyster reefs have been proven to protect considerable stores of carbon, which can avoid further releases of carbon into the atmosphere. Commenting on the biodiversity project at the meeting, DUP councillor Billy Ashe said: 'I do not see a huge impact of putting them into the marina. We should be putting them closer to where people are swimming in the sea to improve water quality.' An officer replied the project involved working with Ulster Wildlife to identify the best location for the oysters. Mr Ashe remarked: 'People are swimming at Fisherman's Quay, not swimming in the marina. It is against by-laws to swim at the marina.' The Carrick project is the third of its kind in Northern Ireland. There are currently 16 restoration projects in the UK, one of which is an oyster nursery at Bangor Marina. At Glenarm Marina, oysters from Loch Ryan in Scotland have been placed in cages and bags hanging below pontoons. The nursery facility will remain in place for four years with monitoring by Ulster Wildlife. It is understood an oyster nursery can improve water quality at marinas, with one oyster able to filter eight litres of water an hour. Ulster Wildlife says in Northern Ireland, extensive oyster beds are known to have existed in Belfast Lough, Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle for several hundred years and Glenarm has also been home to native oyster beds. Carrickfergus was the heart of Belfast Lough's thriving native oyster industry in the 1850s. However, overfishing and disease led to their disappearance. In March, Dr Nick Baker-Horne, marine conservation manager at Ulster Wildlife, said: 'This is a significant step forward in helping to restore one of our most valuable native species. A growing native oyster population will have far-reaching benefits for the wider marine environment. 'These small but mighty creatures create vital habitat for juvenile fish as their larvae settle on the seabed and dramatically improve water quality. One oyster can filter a bathtub of water per day.'
BreakingNews.ie
19-06-2025
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Living example of traditional farmland safeguarded for nature
An area of farmland in Co Fermanagh has been preserved as a nature reserve. The 90-acre area at Fedian has been described as brimming with wildflower meadows, bird-friendly hedgerows and ancient woodland. Advertisement It has now been purchased by nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife as its newest nature reserve thanks to funding support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wildlife Trusts, and gifts in wills from Ulster Wildlife supporters. Fedian Nature Reserve, located close to Derrygonnelly is termed as a living example of traditional farmland, previously owned by the Nixon family and sympathetically managed by local grazier George Ferguson. It is untouched by modern farming methods such as fertiliser and slurry, and its habitats have become a haven for wildlife, including threatened species such as red squirrels, pine martens and otters as well as woodcocks, marsh fritillary butterflies and a wealth of wildflowers. The red squirrel is one of several threatened species now protected at the ancient woodland of Fedian Nature Reserve. Photo: Ulster Wildlife/Adam Gerrard Peter McEvoy, Director of Land Management at Ulster Wildlife, said it is a special place. Advertisement 'When we first stepped foot on Fedian over eight years ago through our Environmental Farming Scheme Group programme, we knew it was a special place, reminiscent of fields that time had forgotten,' he said. 'It is home to one of the few remaining remnants of species-rich grassland and centuries-old woodland in Northern Ireland – two vanishing landscape types that tell the story of what's been lost, and what we still have time to protect. 'This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a site of exceptional nature value, something that would take tens, if not hundreds, of years to recreate.' Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said it awarded £150,000 (€175,000) to help acquire the grasslands of Fedian. Advertisement 'We're committed to supporting nature recovery, and with Ulster Wildlife securing this haven for nature, it means that this vital habitat and the species found there can thrive,' he said. 'It's a wonderful example of our natural heritage, combining precious, ancient woodland and an intact example of pre-war farmland. 'We're so pleased that people will be able to connect with this untouched landscape, whether through its use as a nature-friendly farming demonstration site or on a guided walk.' Ulster Wildlife said Fedian Nature Reserve will continue to be actively farmed, with low numbers of cattle grazed across the site to maintain the wildflower-rich grasslands awash with orchids in summer, from early purple to yellow bird's nest, to swathes of devil's bit scabious. Advertisement Ireland Windfarm must shut down three turbines and pay €36... Read More They also said grazing is vital to ensure the population of Europe's most threatened butterflies, the marsh fritillary, which thrives there, along with the locally rare dingy skipper butterfly. It will not be open for general public access, but will serve as a model for nature-friendly farming, with the charity hosting demonstration events, knowledge-sharing with local farmers, and annual guided walks for the community and Ulster Wildlife members. Mr McEvoy added: 'This is not just about protecting a unique wildlife haven; it's about demonstrating what farming and nature conservation can look like side by side. 'Our aim is for Fedian Nature Reserve to become a beacon for nature-friendly land management, and we're delighted to have been able to secure its future for generations to come.'
