What wonderful weather we had recently! This past week I have been at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve helping with road maintenance and mowing the grass. 

It’s not all good news from Bog Meadows. We were very sad to find that the fencing of the cattle field had been cut.  The way some people treat our nature reserves makes me really sad. Luckily, we realised in time and were able to repair the damage before the cattle could escape.   

After work, we went to check the beach where the last day of our Bog Meadows Summer Scheme will take place.  

During the day the children will enjoy a ShoreNI survey managed by Luisa, one of our ESC volunteers. They will also take part on a Shark Egg Case Hunt with Erin, the Sea Deep Project Officer. Just having a quick look at the shore we were able to find a lot of wildlife. I hope to find the same amount on the day of the event! 

This week, we have been near the sea most days. The other day, I joined the Living Seas team and we did a Shore NI survey in Ballintoy. I had never been to that beach before – what a place to work at!  

What did we find? A lot of different seaweeds and hundreds of beadlet anemones everywhere! I really want to find a sea slug, but we had no luck that day. 

At the weekend, we also helped with Ulster Wildlife events. I helped the Living Seas team with the Big Rockpool Ramble launch event in Ballycastle. I love participating in an event like this; it is very enriching to see how children and families discover what’s hiding under rocks.  

That day I found a dahlia anemone, a first for me. 

Want to take part in Ulster Widlife's Big Rockpool Ramble? Sign up now to get your FREE guides with everything you need to get started, including the best local spots, tide times, spotter sheets and more!

On Saturday evening we had the opportunity to enjoy Campfire Stories by Eamon Keenan at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve. I don’t know who enjoyed this event more, the children, their families or myself.  I enjoyed every story that Eamon told us. 

As you can see, events are back at Ulster Wildlife! Visit the What's On page to find out more!

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) scheme offers young volunteers from European countries the opportunity to work with Ulster Wildlife for 12 months, with placements within our Nature Reserves, Living Landscapes and Fundraising and Communications teams.