Nature Notes 31 August 2021

Nature Notes 31 August 2021

Balloo Wetland

Observations from staff, volunteers and members on our Nature Reserves this week.

Nature reserves may look completely wild, but our 19 reserves across Northern Ireland are actually carefully managed by a dedicated team. We protect, restore and create a mix of habitats where wildlife can thrive.

Cuilcagh Mountain

Our volunteers have been installing plastic dams in some old drains on Cuilcagh Mountain for the CANN project. Only a few plastic dams where it’s too steep for peat. Watch the video to see some odd creatures we found in the drains! ⁦⁦~ Simon Gray, Senior Technical Officer. 

Installing plastic dams on Cuilcagh Mountain - CANN project

Balloo Wetland Nature Reserve

We have been collecting seeds in Balloo Wetland Nature Reserve for the next season. There is a massive difference between the wildflower bed back in winter and how it looks now! This is providing seed for birds and attracting pollinators like bees.

During my one year placement I have been able to see the huge changes on the reserve. We have worked on creating a better habitat for wildlife. You can have a look at this video on how the reserve looked back in October and how it is now packed with beautiful and useful flowers! ~ Luisa Lopez, ESC volunteer. 

(c) Luisa Lopez

Slievenacloy Nature Reserve

Cutting the fields at Slievenacloy Nature Reserve with the Robocut. This machine has helped us save lots of time and effort as it's capable of working on steep slopes with restricted access and is more productive. 

Slievenacloy Nature Reserve

Slievenacloy Nature Reserve