Veon ecologists came upon this elevated feeding platform which is being used by red squirrels. Red squirrels prefer to dine off the ground on elevated feeding platforms for several reasons related to their natural behaviours, habitat preferences, and survival strategies. Dining off the ground helps the squirrels avoid predators such as foxes, cats, and certain … Read more
Veon ecologists captured this very cute badger in a family setting scratching his tummy in Co. Westmeath recently. 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). … Read more
Veon Ecology conducted a Peatland Condition Assessment and an Herbivore Impact Assessment on a large estate in Scotland last week. They also undertook some of the pre-works surveys required to enable the delivery of a project to restore degraded peat in the estate which covers an area in excess of 500 hectares. A peatland condition … Read more
Veon foresters encountered this juvenile Buzzard in County Tipperary this week. 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, … Read more
Veon is looking to recruit an Ecologist with experience in Ornithology to join our growing team throughout Ireland. As a company providing ecology services to a wide range of sectors, the successful candidate must demonstrate a knowledge of Irish ecology while also being committed to providing practical solutions for our clients. Veon offers a wide … Read more
Veon ecologists were busy last week when they undertook upland heath and peatland habitat surveys. Upland heath and peatland habitats are critical ecosystems that provide significant ecological, hydrological, and climatic benefits. Conducting regular surveys of these habitats is essential for their conservation, effective management, and the maintenance of their vital functions. Upland heaths are rich … Read more
In Ireland, over 90% of harvested timber comes from Sitka spruce forests, which produce a wide range of products including pallets, packaging, timber fencing, and construction timber. These products store carbon, and their lifespan determines how long this carbon remains sequestered. Products with a short lifespan will decompose quickly, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere, … Read more
Veon foresters encountered this badger crossing a river in Co. Donegal. Badgers usually walk or trot, but they can also run when the need arises. They are good at climbing and will readily climb trees to get to ripe fruit. Badger habitats are generally found in areas of deciduous or mixed woodlands which are near … 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 where they … Read more
VEON finished constructing a solid and well-designed forest road for timber harvesting operations in a client’s forest in Co. Mayo. A solid forest road is important for timber harvesting as it provides a reliable and stable surface for transporting harvested timber from the forest to roadside. This efficiency is essential for minimizing costs and maximising … Read more
Tree assessment always requires thoroughness. For example, the crown of this mature common lime (Tilia x europaea), on the boundary of residences, seems generally healthy. However, minor dead wood development on one side of the crown promoted a Veon arboriculturist to investigate further. The result – extensive decay of the lower trunk and structural roots. … Read more
First thinning refers to the practice of selectively harvesting trees in a forest during its early stages of growth when the trees are still relatively young. Forwarding prevents damage to forest roads, ensuring they remain accessible for forest management activities, emergency response, and recreational use. It minimizes soil erosion, sedimentation, and runoff into nearby waterways, … Read more
