During a Habitat survey this week in Co. Waterford, Veon ecologists spotted Europe’s smallest bird species – the Goldcrest (Regulus regulus). It measures around 9 cm (3.5 inches) in length and weighs only 5–6 grams, making it one of the tiniest birds not only in Europe but in the world. The closely related Firecrest (Regulus … Read more
While some new forests are inefficient carbon sinks, because they are made up of young trees with little biomass, the key consideration in the case of methane is not how mature a forest is but how much bark it has to interact with the atmosphere. “It doesn’t matter if the trees are young; as long … Read more
Many terrestrial mammal species are protected by both national and EU level legislation. Veon Ecology provides a range of terrestrial mammal survey, assessment and mitigation works for all species of conservation importance in Ireland and protected species that may be resident within the area of a proposed development. Our ecologists are qualified to carry out … Read more
Congratulations to our three interdisciplinary expert divisions who provide our clients with professional land-use management solutions: Veon Ecology Veon Arboriculture and Veon Forestry
Veon Arboriculture examined this mature black pine (Pinus nigra) which lost one of its co-dominant stems, resulting in a large tear wound down to its base, leaving it exposed to dysfunction. Subsequently, Dyer’s mazegill (Phaeolous scweinzii) has developed, causing an extensive brown rot through the stem. Even with circa 60% the circumference of the vascular system … 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
It is not all that surprising to see instances of complete ignorance of arboricultural knowledge and practice even on County Council-owned land and public amenity spaces. The first image of this Beech Tree, Fagus sylvatica, is indicative of a large interior cavity, likely due to a poor pruning wound or other damage that hasn’t been … 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
