My work for nature and the environment: Adithi Raghunath

I recently completed my postgraduate degree in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology, where I had the chance to work with Ulster Wildlife on one of Northern Ireland’s rarest birds — the barn owl. I mainly wanted to study the barn-owl diet by dissecting their pellets (undigested food they cough up). Each pellet was like a little mystery, with tiny bones revealing which prey species they had hunted. I also took up some habitat surveys to see if prey availability differed with changes in habitat type. 

Pellet dissections were my favourite task, as I found the results from each one of them to be unique and interesting. I even made a video about the process, which you can watch here.

The difference I’m seeing 

I think my research contributed to a greater understanding of the barn-owl diet in Northern Ireland, where there is little scientific literature on the subject. With fewer than 30 breeding pairs left in the country, every piece of information is valuable. The findings also highlight how wildlife-friendly farming and good habitat management can directly support these beautiful birds.

Beyond the science, what I really loved was sharing the work with people. Many had not heard of or seen a barn owl before, and, funnily enough, neither have I, despite poking through their pellets for three months! But talking about this species sparked curiosity among people and they received a glimpse into the life of a barn owl and what conservation work could be like. 

My future plans

Right now, I am looking for my next role in conservation, which, as many in this field know, can be a challenging journey. In the meantime, I am deepening my knowledge of birds and taking a course on climate change. My long-term goal is contributing to hands-on conservation projects that bring a positive change for wildlife and inspire communities to connect with nature and support conservation initiatives. 

My work for nature and the environment: Moragaine McParland

I have always had a passion for nature and wildlife from a young age and that is why I volunteered with the Ring of Gullion Partnership while in High School in 2016. I have also done voluntary work with the Clanrye Veterinary Clinic in 2014 and 2019 to learn more about animal and wildlife welfare. 

I was fortunate to work with Ulster Wildlife via job start schemes, firstly helping with their Wild Youth programme, working with young people and then as Nature Reserves Assistant. This gave me the opportunity to learn more about our native species, the challenges our ecosystems are facing, and how to help protect our native wildlife through raising public awareness and practical conservation work. 

The difference I’m seeing 

I run our small holding family farm near Newry with a nature-conscious approach. I carry out citizen science by identifying and recording species I find, both while spending time outdoors and wildlife captured on trail cameras I have set up. I enjoy participating in events, such as The Big Garden Birdwatch with RSPB and The Big Butterfly Count with Butterfly Conservation. 

For the fourth year in a row, I have recently been a leader on Ulster Wildlife’s Binevenagh Youth Residential, giving young people the opportunity to learn about our Umbra Nature Reserve whilst also working towards their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Through this, I have gained Ulster Wildlife’s top Green Wild Youth Award for achieving over 100 hours volunteering for the environment.

My future plans

I am delighted to have just learnt that I am returning to Ulster Wildlife in September to take up a new job co-ordinating their “Naturally Connected Young People” programme!  

This will see me taking groups of young people in to the great outdoors, learning about and connecting with nature. The underlying aim of this work is to also benefit their health and wellbeing and give them a lifelong appreciation of the natural world.  

My work for nature and the environment: Toby Demeuldre

I am a wildlife photographer who loves to capture moments and highlight behaviours of an array of wildlife, from small invertebrates all the way through to big mammals. I am passionate about sharing both my photos and videos in order to share knowledge, interest and respect for wildlife, no matter its form.

Alongside wildlife photography, I enjoy creating various types of habitats both big and small.

I am lucky enough to have a small pocket of ancient woodland full of wildlife that backs onto our garden. As the woodland naturally regenerates every year, I find dozens of trees and shrub saplings growing in the gardens, plant pots and gravel.

Although I feel like I share the same dream as many conservationists, in that I would like to see the woodland spread naturally throughout the landscape, it is unfortunately not quite realistic.

As such, over the past five years, I have begun collecting as many tree saplings as possible that would have otherwise been destroyed, including Scots pine, Pedunculate oak, Ash, Downy birch, Rowan, Hazel, Hawthorn and more. Come winter, I replant the trees elsewhere. Although I do sometimes try to grow from cuttings or from seed, I find more than
enough saplings to keep me going.

By rescuing these native and local trees and replanting them elsewhere I feel I am in some way expanding the woodland, albeit it being in scattered pockets. I first began by guerrilla planting along my neighbourhood green, to then filling gaps in our local farmer’s hedgerow, and recently planting along the River Lagan.

Next to the ancient woodland sits a 1/3-acre forest garden which my parents own. For the past 2 years I have been ‘wilding’ the area while still keeping to the forest garden theme. As well as more native-tree planting, I have dug two ponds, created mini meadows, dead hedges, log/brush piles, rock piles and bee banks.

The difference I’m seeing

Through sharing my photography, I have noticed a positive engagement from people who have never seen photos of a certain animal in such detail or footage showing a certain behaviour.

In my more physical projects, I have noticed a significant increase in invertebrates, birds and mammals both from observation and camera trap footage.

And my tree planting eTorts have for the most part gained good support from people (some donating trees and others just enjoying those newly planted) and the local council.

My future plans

I am always looking for something new to do and expand or improve. However, my current and past projects seem to be never-ending, requiring continuous management.

And, of course, the woodland will never stop giving, so I am also always looking for new land to plant on or for people that I can give trees away to, so that they can plant on their own land or in their own gardens.

Through my photography, rather than only capturing images and footage of pretty and/or majestic wildlife, I aim to both challenge perceptions and to educate a wider audience on what wildlife we have, their behaviours and ecological roles and relationships (while educating myself!).

You can follow Toby on Instagram. Search for @tobydemeuldre

My work for nature and the environment: Amber Jennings

I’ve been a volunteer with Ulster Wildlife since December 2023, and I based at their Bog Meadows nature reserve in Belfast, where I attend on Monday mornings.

Since I’ve been involved, I’ve seen such a transformation! For the past two years, I’ve helped with building no-dig garden beds, gardening, weeding, removal of invasive species, building a pond, litter picks and volunteering for public events (Bog Meadows Solstice Events). There has been such a great effort from Ulster Wildlife staff and volunteers like myself to protect Bog Meadows. Wetlands are incredibly important, and I'm so glad to be involved with the maintenance and protection of a space like Bog Meadows.

Through volunteering at Bog Meadows, I’ve had many other opportunities to get more involved in protecting nature and working with the community. In September last year, Dawn from Bog Meadows sent me over an application to volunteer as a trainee ranger with the Belfast Hills Partnership. The Trainee Ranger Scheme was 15 weeks long and involved practical experience all around the Belfast Hills. This included things such as path maintenance up on Divis, participating in outdoor activities for children, bird ringing at Mullaghglass, surveying at Colin Glen and obtaining a strimming certification. Through this scheme, I have built a great relationship with The Belfast Hills Partnership, and I have been an assistant for Silvia and Tara for organising and helping with outdoor learning activities with children.

I also recently participated in the Belfast Hills Photo Project, which was run by Polly Garnett to bring awareness about the Belfast Hills. I now have a surveying volunteer role with the Belfast Hills Partnership, where I survey a select area of the Cave Hill each month and write a follow-up report after each visit.

The difference I’m seeing 

When it comes to Bog Meadows, I have seen a huge change since joining in 2023.

The garden beds and the pond created have really encouraged species diversity when it comes to plants, insects and small amphibians. The litter picks have been a great help for the species inhabiting Bog Meadows and it has also made the nature reserve a more welcoming place for the public and local community. The removal of invasive species has also allowed more room for planting trees and flower beds.

The public events at Bog Meadows have been an amazing way of highlighting the significance of this site for wildlife to the public and encouraging people to get in touch with nature.

My involvement with outdoor activities with children has been a great opportunity to help children get outside. With mental illness being such an issue among young individuals, it's crucial that we make them aware of mindfulness and get them connected with the outdoors.

My surveys with the Belfast Hills Partnership has been great for keeping the organisation up to date with priority species, invasive species and any issues that may be detrimental to Cave Hill and the species that inhabit it.

My future plans

I plan to continue my volunteer roles and keep doing what I’m doing with both Ulster Wildlife and the Belfast Hills Partnership. I hope I can take on more volunteer roles or possibly (hopefully!) get a job in conservation.

I have discussed with a fellow trainee ranger from the scheme about doing a social-media series where we visit conservation sites and make the public aware of them. This is something I plan on doing in the near future, as I am an artist who often makes social-media content (I really enjoy doing this!) and would love to use the skills I have to create more awareness for conservation sites like Bog Meadows.

You can follow Amber on Instagram. Search for @trippythumper