Author: Dara McAnulty

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Breathtakingly Beautiful – Big Dog Forest! 

We are incredibly lucky here in Fermanagh to have huge areas of forest – ancient woodland and planted forestry. Both are great habitats (although native woodland is arguably more superior!) for birds, invertebrates, mammals, plants and fungi. I’ve been lucky enough to regularly feel the moss, soil, grass and rocks of one of my favourite forests in Co Fermanagh- ‘Big Dog Forest’!   …

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The ‘State of Nature’!!

Today, I had to go home early from school as I was sick  (eek), after a while I started to feel better, got any school-work and homework completed and then I read some newspaper articles…about the launch of a report called ‘The State of Nature’. …

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Gorgeously graceful – the Black-tailed Godwit

A few weeks ago, after my mums hawk eyes spotted something different on the mudflat near Narrow Water Castle, Warrenpoint, we were completely delighted to spot more then twenty Black-tailed Godwits (Limosa limosa) – which translates as muddy) probing in the mud! …

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Back to school blues…garden therapy!

Hey everyone, on Friday I went back to school after a really phenomenal summer. It’s been such a fantastic experience, writing my blog, sharing my findings, connecting with other naturalists and most of all; spending hours outside, at one with nature. …

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Swirling Skydancers -a dream come true!

 

As I write this blog, I am still pinching myself and wondering if I dreamt it all. I am still a little stunned, but mostly… I am insanely, deliriously happy!!!

Yesterday, whilst we were picnicking and looking for nothing in particular, I saw two Hen Harriers. …

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Marvellous Murlough Nature Reserve!

Imagine, a wide expanse of moutains and heather, masses of Devil’s Scabious, an incredible ancient dune scape, the breeze of a beach, sunshine, birdsong and wildlife galore then you can visualise the absolute wonder and diversity that is Murlough Nature Reserve. …

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Wasteland? I don’t think so!

Pieces of ‘unused’ land are beautiful places that a lot of people disregard. I know and pass many urban areas that look desolate and barren with supposedly no life whatsoever, but, if you delve further in, it’s a wondrous world. Brimming with life, such grasshoppers, hoverflies, bees, butterflies and birdsong: it is where I can explore and discover, even beside a busy suburban roadside. …

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Unlikely Activist – Hen Harrier Day 2016

I awoke this morning with many thoughts swimming around my head, today was more than Hen Harrier Day for me; I had the realisation that I, at 12 years old, am a vocal activist. Before I started my blog, I was vocal in class, especially religion and science (the annoying kid who always raises his hand, unfortunately), but never once did I think I would become so involved in wildlife  activism in such a public way and I have to say, it has been empowering in a humble way (if that’s possible). …

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Urban Beauty – RSPB WOW!

Just ten minutes from the busy centre of Belfast City, there lies a peaceful oasis of calm. A haven for wildlife, a window on a world that otherwise, in an urban landscape, city dwellers just would not see. I am talking about the beautiful RSPB Window on Wildlife, where urban meets wild! …

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Nocturnal mysteries -moth-trapping adventure!

I love the idea, that when I sleep, a whole other world awakes. I’m not talking hemispheres here, but the amazing world of the nocturnal natural world. I usually read until quite late and sometimes I hear a curlew flying over our house or the magnificent, haunting scream of a distant fox. …

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Hen Harrier Day 2016 – Skydancer awareness!

Yesterday, I was greeted by Chris Packham and he told me to join the Hen Harrier campaign, I wasn’t really sure what he meant, so I took him literally (as someone with Asperger’s might). I decided to do my homework, research and then….start …

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Gortmaconnel Rock and the Painted Lady

Today dawned so bright and sunny and we were treated to a lovely sunny morning in the garden while mum and dad tidied everything up after the many days away we have been having. I photographed some visitors to our garden, counted lots of meadow brown butterflies in our garden and just enjoyed watching nature fly and buzz around. …

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