Ecology

Spotted by Veon ornithologists in the woodlands of County Kerry today – the bold and beautiful Great Tit!  This little songbird, Ireland’s largest tit species, is a year-round resident, brightening up gardens, parks, and forests with its striking black cap, white cheeks, and vibrant yellow chest. A lively and intelligent bird, the Great Tit is … Read more

This Grey Heron was encountered by Veon ornithologists in Co. Tipperary during a Winter Bird Survey. Standing tall and motionless by the water’s edge, the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is one of Ireland’s most striking and graceful birds. With its long legs, sharp beak, and slow, deliberate movements, it’s the ultimate patient hunter—waiting silently before … Read more

Veon arboriculturists encountered Eiffel Tower fungus (Inonotus dryadeus) that had colonised the base of this veteran oak (Quercus robur), prompting the buttress formation that resembles the base of the Eiffel Tower, hence the name. This selective white rot fungus decays the compressively strong wood, leaving the cellulose and hemicellulose. It is mainly found on oak … Read more

Veon’s sponsorship of the second year of the “folly tales and treasure trails” heritage week event was deemed to be a great success by all the participants. This year, for the younger attendees, we had a foraging walk along the bank of the river Brosna where all of the edible plants were identified and sampled. … Read more

One of the challenges facing Veon foresters managing Sitka spruce plantations is protecting the trees from pests like the large pine weevil, which can damage young trees and reduce plantation productivity. Sitka spruce is central to Ireland’s reforestation and afforestation strategies including the mixed planting of native tree species within forest plots which enhances biodiversity. … Read more

In July and August, Veon Ecology conducted a mammal survey at three sites in County Longford on behalf of Longford County Councils Biodiversity Officer, Adam Mulvihill. Head of Veon Ecology Division, Pascal Mc Kenna gave a talk on the diversity of tree species present at Derrycassin Woods to those who attended the Heritage Week talk. … Read more

Veon ecologists encountered this beautiful Coprinellus micaceus, from the Psathyrellaceae family, in an Ash plantation in County Longford. This is a common species which grows on dead and decaying wood, and is usually found in clumps. Coprinellus micaceus is easily recognized by the yellow-brown caps, clustered fruiting habit, deliquescing gills, and fine, mica-like granules that … Read more

Veon ecologists were in the Slieve Blooms in County Laois where they managed to take some striking images of small mammals during the course of their habitat surveys last week. Camera traps are used to monitor and record smaller species, including mice, frogs and shrews. Our client instructed Veon Ecology to conduct this habitat survey … Read more

The buzzard is a medium sized raptor with a short, hooked bill suitable for eating meat. It is now seen widely throughout the country with populations spreading to western counties. Often seen sitting on fences and telegraph posts or soaring high in the sky, where they display their fan-shaped tail and spread their outer wing … Read more

Veon ornithologists and ecologists are currently overseeing the monitoring of Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) in Longford this week to assess any potential disturbance. The Whooper Swan, designated as an Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive, is one of two migratory swan species that visit Ireland during winter. The other is the Bewick’s Swan … Read more

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is a comprehensive document designed to evaluate the potential impacts of human activities on Natura 2000 sites. Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas across the European Union, established to conserve Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats. The NIS aims to assess how proposed projects or activities … Read more