Findings of biodiversity study for Clonea Power
A beautifully illustrated booklet was distributed on the day
The launch of the biodiversity report in Clonea Power compiled by ecologist Kevin Collins featuring his survey and findings of fauna and flora species in a 1 square km by the River Clodiagh catchment area of the village over one year, took place on 11th June.
On the day Willie Corcoran from Mayfield Birds of Prey, gave an insightful talk on a long-eared owl, an Irish barn owl and a white-faced scops owl. He introduced these three beautiful owls to the many visitors on the day taking time to feed and show them to everyone gathered around him. Carrick-on-Suir Men’s Shed members also attended on the day with a selection of bird boxes and gave practical demonstrations on how to make them.
Dr. Catherine Keena, Countryside Management Specialist of Teagasc delivered an interesting talk on biodiversity and hedgerow management, and Cúan Cusack held a solar printing workshop with wildflowers. Paul Carroll ‘Friends of the River Clodiagh’ who studies the river life with the group presented a Freshwater Pearl Mussel display explaining the conservation of the freshwater pearl mussel population in the river and the ongoing breeding programme to sustain the species.
Ecologist Kevin Collins then gave a wonderful talk and synopsis of his survey to conclude the launch explaining the surrounding landscape, soil and grass and how these habitats attract, nurture, protect and sustain the species that grow and live there. He recorded 54 different species of birds, 14 species of butterflies, 29 species of snail and 170 flowering plants. He also documented many species of animals, and the published version of this important detailed survey will be available online later this year. Kevin will also present findings of his study and give a slideshow of the fauna and flora from the area later this summer at a public meeting.
A wonderful Biodiversity publication compiled by Dr. Catherine Keena and filled with important information and illustrations on managing, conserving and respecting a natural healthy habitat to sustain the huge range of amazing native species, was distributed on the day. Another beautiful booklet detailing some of the species in the region, by the Clonea & Rathgormack Biodiversity Group, a subgroup of the tidy villages was also available for all who attended.