Ecology

Veon Ecology was commissioned to conduct an inspection on a solar farm site to ensure that all the fencing and mitigation recommendations were correctly implemented. Solar farms have dramatically increased in number in recent years as Ireland seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuel-derived energy.  The government has committed to reduce overall greenhouse gas … Read more

This line of Himalayan birch (Betula utilis subsp. Jacquemontii) trees make a fine landscape feature in this public park in Co. Dublin. Unfortunately, many of them have been vandalised and snapped (circled in red) using the crossbar that was installed to support them. When planting trees in areas where there is the possibility of vandalism, … Read more

Veon Ecology was commissioned to conduct a bat survey on a bridge in Co. Meath. This involved investigating crevices and joints for roosting bats and to assess their suitability as bat roosts. This work is normally undertaken during the daytime. Bat surveys are instigated when there is a risk that the bat’s natural habitat may … Read more

Hedgerows are essential wildlife corridors and of great ecological importance. County Limerick’s hedgerow network is an asset to the county, being valuable in terms of agriculture, landscape, wild flora and fauna, water quality and carbon sequestration. Removal of hedgerows at key locations can lead to habitat fragmentation, thereby threatening the coherence of this important ecological … Read more

Veon ecologists recorded Himalayan Balsam while conducting surveys for the Hedgerow Appraisal Scheme in Limerick city, right on the banks of the river Shannon. Himalayan balsam is a Third Schedule Invasive species. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an invasive annual plant species which is native to the western Himalayas. It was first introduced to Europe … Read more

The badger often resides in a social group referred to as a cete or clan. Each clan shares a territory that includes feeding areas and one or more setts. The size of the clan and the territory depends on the availability of food resources. Badgers are predominantly active at night. They do not hibernate during … Read more

Secretive and principally nocturnal, badgers are seldom encountered in the wild. Unlike their mustelid cousins (otters, stoats and pine martens), the badger is a highly social animal, living in small groups (in burrow systems known as setts. Veon ecologists captured this night-vision image of a badger on a trail camera on a site in Co. … Read more

One of Ireland’s commonest and most readily seen bumblebees is Bombus terrestris which frequents urban areas, parks and gardens. Its distribution in Ireland is widespread but less frequent in upland areas. It is not an endangered species and is one of the most numerous bumblebee species in Europe and Northern Africa. This bumblebee was feasting … Read more

Veon ecologists were busy in Co. Carlow this week undertaking a full range of surveys and reports including Natura Impact Statement (NIS), Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), Biodiversity Management Plans BMP and breeding bird surveys. The barley crop field forms part off the site which was being surveyed and is a beautiful photo.     #naturaimpactstatement … Read more

Commercial Forests – Much More Than WD4 In keeping with the principles of sustainable forest management, Veon Ecology has been working with our private forestry clients in the area of Biodiversity Net Gain. The first step in this process commonly being the formulation of Natural Capital Assessment Reports (NCARs), which in turn form the basis … Read more

The savage war being waged by Russia in Ukraine has added greater impetus to reduce our economy’s dependence on fossil fuels towards a more sustainable, biological-based economy. Forestry will become even more important in the medium term as a major producer of sustainable and renewable timber and bio-fuel for Ireland. Forests and trees provide many … Read more