Eco Notes April 2025
Enjoying the great outdoors
April has started with bright sunshine, with many people flocking outdoors to avail of the great weather in Wickow’s wonderful and varied landscapes. While it is tremendous that outdoor activities attract such large numbers, with all the added health benefits of fresh air, exercise and time away from electronic gadgets, a few points are worth bearing in mind. Firstly, it is important to keep some areas free from human incursions, for the sake of maintaining viable, peaceful habitats for wildlife. Inappropriate behaviour can have disastrous consequences: for example, barbecues and fires should never be lit in dry weather as sparks can cause gorse and forest fires, which can quickly get out of control. Burying barbecue coals in sand can result in barefooted beach visitors suffering severe burns. Discarded broken glass and tin cans are dangerous to humans and wildlife alike. It goes without saying that all litter should be taken home. Many civic-minded people now carry bags with them, to collect some of the litter they come across. Another issue to be really aware of this year is the sad reoccurrence of avian influenza (bird flu). At present, some people are reporting dead and dying seabirds along beaches. If you do find any such birds, please do not pick them up and also ensure that you keep dogs and children well away from them. Identify the species if possible and take a photograph. Report them to Department of Agriculture and the Marine (DAFM) at https://aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/report (you may not hear back from them, but at least their incidence is logged). Best practice would be to keep all dogs on a lead while on the beach. By taking a few simple and sensible steps, everyone can enjoy being outside.
