DNFC Events & Outings 

Met Éireann - met.ie - The Irish Meteorological Service Online

 

EVENTS PROGRAMME MARCH TO JULY 2013 

EVENTS PROGRAMME March 2013

Report and photos March 2nd 2013_Bryophyte Microscope Techniques_Mosses & Liverworts

EVENTS PROGRAMME April 2013

EVENTS PROGRAMME May 2013

Federation of Irish Field Clubs Field Trip to Co Fermanagh and locality, SATURDAY 31 May to 3rd June  2013

EVENTS PROGRAMME June 2013

EVENTS PROGRAMME July 2013

 

EVENTS PROGRAMME April 2013     

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SATURDAY 6th APRIL  2013                                                         PRAEGER CENTRE, NBG

General discussion lead by members, also Slugs and other Invertebrates

Our previous attempts to tackle slugs have been twarthed by lack of material. Despite the daily devastation these pests cause to fruit, garden vegetables and decorative plants, their ability to quickly ‘dive for cover’ in cold, hot, dry, or frosty weather makes it difficult to ensure that fresh material is available, and preserved specimens are unsatisfactory and difficult to work with for people more used to field material. There is no guarantee that this session will be in ideal conditions either, so if slugs are scarce, we will take a close-up look at whatever other creatures we have on the day, i.e. we will go straight into the member-lead second part of the agenda.

Bring:  Lunch, (or Lunch in the gardens’ restaurant). A x8 or x10 Hand-lens is a big help to see features on most invertebrates and plants, and is essential for some groups.

Members are reminded that these sessions are intended to be a ‘club’ activity in every sense, so sharing all members’ knowledge and experience is an important element. Members are requested to bring photographs or specimens that they would like to demonstrate to other members, or discuss with more experienced naturalists. The material you bring does not have to be anything to do with the group or ‘target species’ of the session.

Leaders:  Gerry Sharkey and other DNFC members

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SATURDAY 13th APRIL 2013                                DONABATE, THE ISLAND SANDSPLIT

Sand dune Flora

We will walk along the split to see early sand dune flora. Among the species we hope to see are:  Hairy Violet (Viola hirta), Early Forget-me-not (Myosotis ramosissima), and Spring Vetch (Vicia lathyroides).

Leader:   Con Breen / David Nash

Bring:  Wellies, Warm Clothes, Identification Guides and a Hand-lens.

Report and photos April 13th 2013

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SATURDAY 20th APRIL 2013                                                 ULSTER MUSEUM, BELFAST

Irish Field Clubs: Past present and Future

If you hope to attend, please email secretary@bnfc.org before 1 March 2013.


                        

                           

SATURDAY 27th APRIL 2013                                      TURVEY NATURE RESERVE

Biodiversity

Turvey Nature Reserve is an area of land on the southern shore of Rogerstown Estuary including the site of the old Allotments and the old Rogerstown Bird Hide. This outing, led by Fingal’s Biodiversity Officer, will consider the management strategy for the Reserve, and provide the opportunity of seeing a number of native Irish cattle breeds.

Leader:  Hans Visser

Bring:  Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Warm Clothes, Gloves, and Lunch.  

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Events

 

EVENTS PROGRAMME May & early june 2013

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SATURDAY 4th May 2013                                                  PRAEGER CENTRE, NBGs

An Introduction to Ground Beetle Identification

Nessa will describe how to identify the Carabidae, an attractive, useful and manageable group of beetles. It will be a chance to share and discuss knowledge on their distribution and ecology. Specimens from Turvey Park and mainland Europe will be available for examination. Attendees are encouraged to bring specimens for identification - alive or dead, or just to show them off!

Lunch

 Irish “Bird Books” and their Authors 

In this session, Pat will review and display the major books published on Irish birds from 1849 to the early 1980s. In addition, the life and work of some of the authors, such as Thompson, Barrington, Ussher and Ruttledge, will be discussed.

Leaders:       Nessa Darcy and Pat Lenihan.

Bring:            Hand lens, specimens (see above), identification books and lunch, or have lunch in the Gardens’ restaurant.

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SATURDAY 11th MAY 2013                       WAR MEMORIAL PARK, ISLANDBRIDGE

Flora and Fauna

Our National War Memorial Park has at last emerged from the shadows after the splendid pageantry surrounding the recent Royal visit, and is now perhaps better known to Dubliners. We will examine the flora and fauna of the Park and the adjacent banks of the River Liffey in a walk from the Memorial Park at Islandbridge towards Chapelizod.

Leaders:       Pat Kearney, Gerry Sharkey and Pat Lenihan.

By Car:         Heading west on Conyngham Road, turn left onto South Circular Road at Islandbridge. 
                      Immediately over the Liffey bridge watch out for a small brown road sign on the right-hand side. 
                      Follow this sign towards and through large gates. Turn immediately right for the road to the car-park.

By Bus:         Routes 68 and 69 from Aston Quay to SCR, Islandbridge, or routes 25, 26, 66 and 67 from Pearse St. to 
                      Conyngham Road.

Bring:            Walking boots, binoculars, hand lens, and lunch. 

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SATURDAY 18th MAY 2013                                               TURVEY NATURE RESERVE

“Bugs and Beetles” I 

We hope to collect and identify Shieldbugs, Ladybirds, Grasshoppers, Harvestmen and Spiders. Please bring photographs or live specimens for identification. Shieldbugs and Ladybirds, for example, can be kept safely in a plastic box in a fridge for a few days with a couple of leaves and a slightly damp tissue. You are also very welcome to contribute to the outing and to further work on the distribution of a particular group of your choice in County Dublin.

Leaders:       Dorothy Lyle, Deirdre Hardiman, Declan Doogue, and David Nash.

Directions:   From the M1 heading north take Exit 4. At the double roundabout, follow signs for the R132. Continue along the R132 and go straight through the first roundabout. At the second roundabout, opposite the prominent Great Gas filling station, take the right exit L2136 (R126) to Donabate. After 1 km you will see a large concealed entrance gateway on your left. This entrance leads to the car park.

Bring:            Keys or identification books, hand lens and lunch.

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SUNDAY 19th MAY 2013                                        JUNIOR MEMBERS’ OUTING, NEWCASTLE

Pond Dipping and Fen Beast Hunting in the East Coast Reserve

The reserve is located in the Murrough Wetlands, which consist of a wide range of coastal and freshwater habitats, stretching from Kilcoole to Wicklow. The visit is aimed at our younger members accompanied by an adult, but adults are also very welcome. The visit will be hands on, with pond dipping and mini-bug hunting for fen creatures.

Leader        Catherine Dempsey.

Diirections:   

By Bus: Take number 84 to Newcastle from Corn Exchange Place in Dublin. Alight in Newcastle, near the Castle Inn, where the bus terminates. Take the road (Sea Road) opposite the bus stop signposted to the beach. The reserve is about one mile away on the south side of this road.

By Car: Leave the N11 at the Kilcoole/Greystones exit, which is just to the south of the R762 turning to Delgany, and follow the signs to Kilcoole. Drive through Kilcoole to Newcastle. Turn left after the Castle Inn and bridge, and follow the road down to the coast where parking is available.

Bring:             Wellies, warm and waterproof clothing, identification books, pencil, clipboard and snacks.

Note:              ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT AND NO DOGS ALLOWED.

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SATURDAY 25th MAY 2013                                                                HOWTH

Geology, Soils and Flora

We will visit some interesting areas around the Howth Peninsula to examine the relationship between vegetation, soils and the underlying bedrock.  The areas will include; Sutton – Claremont beach and Bottle Quay; the Summit of Howth; and possibly other areas depending on weather and time.

Leaders:       Declan Doogue and Peter Coxon.

Directions:   From Dublin take the Clontarf road along the coast; go past Bull Island and at Sutton Cross bear right onto Greenfield Road. St. Fintan’s Church is on the left hand side about 500m further on. Park in front of the church.

Bring:            Boots, rain wear, hand lenses and lunch.

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SATURDAY 31 May to 3rd June  2013                                      DERRYGONNELLY

Federation of Irish Field Clubs Field Trip to Co Fermanagh and locality

In the late 19th century, R.L. Praeger established an Irish Field Club Union which met between 1895 and 1910. One hundred years later, following the decision to reinstate a Federation of Irish Field Clubs, the Inaugural Field Meeting will be held in County Fermanagh to which members of all Irish Field Clubs and similar organisations are invited to attend.

Derrygonnelly Field Studies Centre, Co. Fermanagh, in Derrygonnelly village which is about 10 miles west of Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, will be used as a base for the weekend.

Friday 31st May. There will be an evening meal, an informal get-together, an opportunity to view exhibitions, and moth-traps will be set-up.

Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd June. There will be field trips to the following locations: Marble Arch and Cuilcagh Geopark; Correl Glen; Monawilkin National Nature Reserve; Lough Navar Forest Park; and Devenish Island Monastic Site

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Friday 31st May evening

Evening meal, informal get-together, exhibitions, Moth-traps set-up. 

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Saturday 1st June  - Moth-traps opening 

Whole day visit to Marble Arch and Cuilcagh Geopark. This Global and European UNESCO Geopark covers parts of Counties Fermanagh and Cavan. The Nature Reserves at Killykeeghan and Crossmurrin are the best examples of limestone karst areas in Northern Ireland and the Burren area of County Cavan is noted botanically and archaeologically. We will tour, partly by boat, the extensive Marble Arch caves, one of Europe's finest show caves.

Evening lecture on the archaeology and history of the area by Claire Foley (NIEA)

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Sunday 2nd June

Visit to Correl Glen, opposite the entrance to Lough Navar Forest Park, led by Robert Northridge, co-author of the recently published The Flora of County Fermanagh, and Monawilkin National Nature Reserve. Correl Glen is noted for ferns, including filmy ferns, Equisetum hyemale and Monotropa hypopitys. Monawilkin has many dragonflies, butterflies and nesting curlews and meadow pipits.

Picnic lunch and visit to Lough Navar Forest Park for more botany, zoology, geology and scenic views.

In the evening, a Mini-conversazione – members share their discoveries, pictures and ideas about the weekend.

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Monday 3rd June

Boat trip from Enniskillen to Devenish Island Monastic Site on Lower Lough Erne, led by Claire Foley.

Devenish is one of the most important Early Christian sites in Ulster, founded by St.Molaise in the 6th century; it has a Round Tower, old churches and monastic buildings. 

 

Members to book with Mrs Joan Semple, excursion@bnfc.org.uk 

Details and booking form being issued with DNFC AGM notice.

 

EVENTS PROGRAMME June 2013     

SATURDAY 8th JUNE 2013                                                                 GLENMALURE VALLEY

How to Grow a Forest: Restoring Native Woodland on Conifer Clearfell

We will visit sites in Glenmalure Valley where there is an experiment in native woodland restoration on conifer clearfell. Different management techniques will be seen, such as the use of fencing to exclude herbivores. We will see the vegetation that is present 10 years after its restoration and its significance for the future plant community

Leaders:       Karen Moore.

Directions:   At Laragh turn left at Lynham’s pub (R755). After 1 km turn right for Glenmalure (L2083). After about 8 km, at the cross-roads at the bottom of a hill (signposted left for Glenmalure Lodge), turn right and drive alongside the Avonbeg River to the car park at the end of this road.

Bring:            Lunch and walking boots, identification books for plants and/or bryophytes, and a hand lens.

Note:           In the afternoon we may explore this beautiful valley in more general terms including its geology, rare bryophytes and human                      history.

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SATURDAY 15th JUNE 2013                                                                    KILLINEY BEACH

A Geological Walk

All the major rock types make an appearance along this short stretch of coastline. We will look at the glacial cliffs near Killiney Station before making our way back along the beach towards the granite intrusion at White Rock where igneous and metamorphic rocks are on display. Along the way, we will see how modern processes are operating and shaping the geological formations.

Leader:         Kieran Craven.

Bring:            Strong footwear, warm clothes, lunch, and a hand lens.

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SATURDAY 22nd JUNE 2013                                                                   GLENDALOUGH

Ferns for Beginners

This is an opportunity to “get to grips” with ferns. Glendalough has a great variety of them making it easy to compare and contrast different species.

Leader:          Catriona Brady.

Bring:            Lunch, walking shoes, and hand lens.

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SATURDAY 29th JUNE 2013                                                                    CORKAGH PARK

Nature Walk

We will take a gentle walk through Corkagh Park, on the flood plain of the Camac river, and will look at the trees of the Famine Arboretum as well as the native and exotic trees of the old estate. Snippets of the abundant local history of this South Dublin County Council Park will also be mentioned. A small rose garden, wetland area, and pet farm are added attractions. 

Leader:         Fridolin Kerr.

Directions:   By Car: From Dublin on the N7 take a right turn at Newlands Cross onto the Fonthill road. Drive through 3 sets of traffic lights (Bewleys Hotel and a Topaz garage will be on your left) and turn left after the 3rd set of lights (pedestrian). The entrance to Corkagh Park is at a small roundabout at the end of this small road.

By Bus: Number 13 from Dame Street will take you to the Fonthill Road. It is a 10 – 15 minute walk from the bus stop to the car park.       

Bring:            Wet weather clothing.
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EVENTS PROGRAMME July 2013     

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SATURDAY 6th JULY 2013                                                                      PRAEGER CENTRE, NBG

 An Introduction to the Identification of Plants

Richard will give an introduction to the identification of ‘wild’ flowering plants. The initial part of the workshop will elucidate features and terms needed for the ID of plants and how to recognise some plant families. You will have the opportunity to learn how to use a plant key – not a difficult task when you have a basic understanding of the above.

Plants will be supplied, but please bring along samples for ID, preferably fresh whole plants including any basal leaves. (You need a licence to collect protected species).


 Lunch

The Use of Databases for Storing Records

The afternoon session will be flexible with the plant identification workshop continuing for a period. 

If there is demand, David will give a short session on the use of databases for storing biological records with an introduction to MapMate. 
If you already have MapMate installed on your laptop and want some assistance please bring it along.

Leaders:               Richard McMullen and David Nash.

Bring:     Hand lens, or you can purchase one at the event, specimens (see above), identification books and lunch, or have lunch in the   Gardens’ restaurant.

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SATURDAY 13th JULY 2013                                                                                EDENDERRY

 Bryophytes: A JOINT DNFC/BRITISH BRYOLOGICAL SOCIETY (DUBLIN GROUP) OUTING

We will be looking at mosses and liverworts along the Grand Canal, which will provide a range of aquatic, man-made and scrub habitats.  It may be possible to access cutover raised bog from the canal walk.  If the flora proves to be dull, we might move to another bog or to woodland habitats nearby.

Leaders: George Smith and Joanne Denyer.

Directions:          Take the M4 motorway towards Galway. Leave the motorway at Exit 9 (Enfield), signposted for Edenderry.  At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (sign posted Edenderry) on to the R402. Stay on this road until you reach Edenderry, but make sure you make the right turn after Carbury rather than taking the R403 towards Prosperous & Naas. Once in Edenderry, follow the road around to the right, and the square will be on your right.

Bring:    Wellies, warm clothes, rain gear, hand lenses, ID books and lunch.

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SUNDAY 21st JULY 2013                                                                                 DONABATE/PORTRANE

Bugs and Beetles II (See Bugs and Beetles I, 18th May 2013, for details).

Leaders:               Dorothy Lyle, Deirdre Hardiman, Declan Doogue and David Nash

Bring:                    Keys or identification books, hand lens and lunch.

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SUNDAY 21st JULY 2013                                 JUNIOR MEMBERS’ OUTING, SANDYCOVE

Rockpool Outing

This “Rockpool Outing” is especially for younger members but adults not accompanied by a child are also very welcome. The rockpools are situated along a stretch of coast which provides both sheltered and exposed habitats teeming with life. 

Leaders              Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball

        

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SUNDAY 28th JULY 2013                                                                          ABBEYLEIX BOG

Raised Bog Habitats

Abbeyleix Bog south of the town was traversed by the Portlaoise-Kilkenny railway until 1962. The bog was acquired by Bord na Móna, but development did not proceed beyond initial drainage. In an effort to restore the habitat to an ‘active raised bog’, some 3,500 peat dams were inserted in 2009 to raise the water level in the internal drains.

This outing will offer members an opportunity to test their Sphagnum identification skills in the field. We will be examining the following habitats: degraded raised bog under regeneration; hand cutover peatland areas; former railway bed with imported calcareous materials; minerotrophic and ombrotrophic wet woodland. The central rail-bed gives easy access to the middle of the bog, but the bog surface will be WET!

Leaders:       Charles Shier & Katharine Duff.

By Car:          From Dublin take the N7/M7, exit at Junction 17 and take the N77 for Abbeyleix. 

Bring:            Floras, lunch, wellingtons, or waterproof hiking boots.

 

 

EVENTS PROGRAMME march 2013     

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SATURDAY 2nd MARCH 2013                                                        PRAEGER CENTRE, NBG

Bryophyte Microscope Techniques

We have had many recent outings to look at bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and hornworts) in the field.  However, many species cannot be identified without the use of a microscope.  In this workshop we will look at techniques to help you use a microscope for bryophyte identification.  You don’t need to have any prior experience of bryophytes or micrscopes, so all are welcome!

Leader:    Dr Joanne Denyer

Bring:   

Report and photos March 2nd 2013_Bryophyte Microscope Techniques_Mosses & Liverworts

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SATURDAY 9th MARCH 2013                             JUNIOR MEMBER’S OUTING, LEIXLIP

Scavenger Hunt, St. Catherine’s Park

Please come and join us and see what you can find in St. Catherine's Park this spring on a plant and animal scavenger hunt. This Outing is especially for younger members accompanied by an adult, but adults not accompanied by a child are also very welcome.

Leaders:  Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball

Bring:  Wellies, Warm Clothing, Identification Books, Pencil, Clipboard, and a Snack

Note:   ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT AND NO DOGS ALLOWED

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SATURDAY 16th MARCH 2013                                                           NORTH BULL ISLAND

Bird Watching

This is an opportunity to see a wide range of waders, ducks, geese, raptors and even some land birds that feed around Bull Island and in the estuarine mud close to the road between Bull Island and St. Anne’s Park, Raheny. The outing will also be used to give participants the chance to improve their wader identification skills.

Leader:   Sean Hogan

Bring:   Binoculars, Telescopes, Bird Books, Warm Clothes, Gloves, and Lunch.

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SATURDAY 23rd MARCH  2013       LIFFEY VALLEY PALMERSTOWN    

   
Woodland Flora
Cancelled
A walk through woodland along the banks of the River Liffey to Wren's Nest Weir.  The woodland consists of both native and non-native trees with a well developed ground flora and we hope to find some early woodland plants. Springs along the side of the valley give rise to interesting tufa deposits.  Please note that it may be quite wet and muddy underfoot.

Access is by kind permission of The King's Hospital School.

Leader:    Melinda Lyons

Bring:     Lunch, and Hiking or Wellington boots. 

      

 

EVENTS PROGRAMME FEBRUARY 2013  

 

SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2013                                    ST. CATHERINE’S WOOD, LEIXLIP

Woodland and Grassland Management

St. Catherine’s Demesne has mixed woodland of predominantly native broadleaves that is designated an Area of Scientific Interest. The development of an open canopy within the woodland promotes a diverse herb layer which is a valuable botanical resource.

During the visit the main topic will be the new grassland management systems that have been introduced for the site by the County Council.  Grazing is provided by a herd of Highland Cattle.

Leader:           Shane Lombard

Bring:             Wellies, Warm Clothes, and Lunch.

 

SATURDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2013                                  A WALK IN THE DUBLIN HILLS

Flora

This is a lovely walk in the Dublin hills which is not too taxing as there is a track most of the way. From the car park we will head to Tibradden, from there we will follow a well worn track with a gradual incline to Fairy Castle, Two Rock and Three Rock returning via the Wicklow Way.

Given the time of year and habitat we will be limited in what plants we can expect to see. We should see three heathers, Ling (Calluna vulgaris), Bell (Erica cinerea) and Cross leaved (Erica tetralix).  Perhaps we will see some Autumn Gorse (Ulex gallii), Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), Heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile) and the remains of Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) and Common butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris). We will also see some widespread ferns such as Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) Hard fern (Blechnum spicant) Hart’s tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) Rusty back fern (Ceterach officinarum) and Polypodium (Polypodium vulgare).

 

Leader:           Rosaleen Fitzgerald

Bring:             Strong Shoes or Hiking boots, Warm Clothes, Raingear, Lunch / Hot drink.

 

SATURDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2013                                                    RIVER SHANNON CALLOWS

Bird Watching

During this time of year, the level of flooding of the Callows is unpredictable but we are hopeful of seeing a wide variety of ducks, geese, waders, and swans. We will also visit a bird hide in the locality to see some White Fronted Geese.

Leader:           Brian Caffrey

Bring:             Wellies, Binoculars, Warm Clothes, and Lunch.

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Saturday february 2nd, 2013                                                The Praeger Centre, NBG

Soil and Leaf-litter Invertebrtes

Leaders: Declan Doogue 

© D Hardiman   What's inside the Buckyball? © D Hardiman

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Report and photos February 2nd 2013_Soil & Leaf litter Invertebrates

 

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EVENTS PROGRAMME January 2013     

 

Saturday January 12th, 2013                                                  The Praeger Centre, NBG

Bog mosses

We will look at some of the main Sphagnum species that are found on  Raised Bogs - in the pools, hummocks and hollows and examine the characters that help you recognize them in the field. 

We will use the BBS Field Guide to Mosses and Liveworts of Britain and Ireland (2010) to key out some of the species.

Leader: Katharine Duff

Bring hand lens, and a microscope, if you have oneLunch, or have lunch in the Garden's restaurant.

Sphagnum cuspidatum © K Duff

 

Thursday 17th January, 2013                                                                     Bird Habitats

Evening Talk: Bird Habitats in Ireland

Time: 8.00 pm

Venue: National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre

Speaker: Richard Nairn

Richard Nairn – writer, and director of Natura Consultants will talk on the subject of his latest book "Bird habitats in Ireland" which was published in 2012.  This beautifully illustrated publication, with contributions from 25 skilled authors, describes the importance of our habitats for  various  bird  species in Ireland, including both breeding and wintering species.

Bird Habitats in Ireland front cover

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Sunday 20th January 2013                                                       Wexford Wildfowl Reserve

Birds  (Geese,Swans Ducks and other Birdslife) in Wexford Wildfowl Reserve and on the Raven (if we have time).

Leader: Kevin Dooney

Bring binoculars are essential.Bring a Telescope if you have one.

Strictly No Dogs allowed.

If time allows we will visit the Raven Nature reserve in the afternoon for a walk in the Pine afforested Sand Dunes for winter Finches and the chance of Crossbills.

The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve consists of 500 acres of improved farmland and brackish channels which is grazed by wildfowl in Winter.The Reserve can hold up to 10 thousand Greenland White Fronted Geese amongst other Geese,Swans and Duck species.

NOTE

 

EVENTS PROGRAMME November 2012 & December 2012

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Saturday 3rd November 2012                                                       Annual Members’ Day

For details of Members’ day 2012 see separate Invitation

Report and photos November 3rd

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Saturday 17th November 2012                                                   Kilcoole, Co, Wicklow

Bird Watching:- A Walk on The Murrough

During this time of year, there are usually large numbers of waders,ducks, geese,swans and sea birds present.

Leader: Pat Lenihan

By Bus: Kilcoole can be reached by the No 84 bus which departs from Belfield,destination Newcastle,Co Wicklow.The journey takes an hour & 10 minutes.The Railway station is a 20 minute walk from the village.

By Car: From Dublin take N11 & about a mile south of the Glen of the Downs take the slip road to Kilcoole.At the end of the main street in the village at the sunken roundabout turn left towards the railway station.Continue to the Railway gates and turn left into car park.  

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Sunday, 25th November 2012                                       St. Catherine’s Wood, Leixlip

Woodland Snails and Slugs

Leaders: Gerry Sharkey and Declan Doogue

The dull wet season has been of benefit to snails and slugs – animals that thrive in shaded moist environments, especially on limestone soils. The woods at Saint Catherine’s on the borders of Counties Dublin and Kildare have a well-recorded woodland flora and are likely to have a number of mollusc species typical of old forest habitats.The leaf-litter layer here is well developed and there are various wet areas within the woods associated with the smaller tributaries of the River Liffey.

The outing will explore the molluscan fauna using conventional hand-searching of living trees, fallen logs and sorting through leaf litter with garden sieves.  If time and weather permit we will also sample flood debris nearby.

Copies of the 84-page Field Studies Council illustrated guide “Land Snails in the British Isles” by Robert Cameron will be on sale at cost (10 euro each).

This outing is intended to dovetail with the event planned for the Praeger Centre on the following weekend, when some of the smaller material collected on the trip will be examined under the microscope.

Bring lunch, and members should bring hand lenses, identification guides and small collecting tubes. Conventional garden sieves and some brightly-coloured plastic basins or bags will also be found useful.

 

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Saturday 1st December 2012                     Grounds of Royal Hospital, Kilmainham

Winter Landscape: Trees, old walls and their inhabitants

There is extensive Parkland, 2 Cemeteries and a formal Walled Garden. 
In case of really bad weather, we can retire to the buildings.

The Cafe and Bookshop will be open and while the Main Galleries are closed for renovation, there will be an exhibition in the new gallery nearby

Leader: Mary Carson

Duration:  We plan to be out for about 2 hours, depending on the conditions.

 Luas: Take the Red Luas Line to Heuston, turn right along St John's Road West and take first left turn on Military Road to the Main Gate.

If members wish they can collect any snails and slugs encountered and bring them to tomorrow’s Praeger Centre event (yes, on a Sunday) to have them identified. Use a plastic container like a margarine / butter container to hold them, put some absorbent paper in to soak up excess moisture and a slice of apple or carrot to keep them busy.

Report and photos December 1st

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Grounds RHK, DHardiman

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Sunday 2nd December 2012                                                       The Praeger Centre, NBG

Land and Freshwater Snails

Leaders:  Gerry Sharkey, Declan Doogue and Maria Long

Please note that this event takes place on SUNDAY.

We will be concerned mainly with the identification of land and freshwater snails. Members may wish to bring along gatherings of shell-rich flood debris from riverbanks or lakeshores, where there is often an abundance of material for examination.  The morning session will concentrate on land snails and in the afternoon we will work on freshwater material. 

Bring lunch or eat in the Botanic Gardens restaurant.

Copies of Cameron’s guide (see 25th Nov.) will be available for purchase at €10 (cost).

Report and photos December 2nd

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EVENTS PROGRAMME August to October 2012

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DSCN8115b_Essex_Skipper_05_08_2012_DHardiman.jpg

 

SATURDAY AUGUST 4th                        National Botanic Gardens, Praeger Centre

Catching, preserving and preparing Insects for identification

None of us actually like killing small creatures, and in general we prefer to identify them in the field. However for many invertebrate groups it is impossible to make a positive identification without using a microscope or preserving the specimen for confirmation by an expert, and more important captures should be preserved in a museum collection for future workers to see 

This session will demonstrate how to do so while causing least distress to yourself and your captives.  

Leader: Colm Ronayne

Bring:  your hand-lens and lunch, (or lunch in the gardens’ restaurant)

If you have any samples or photos of things you would like us to confirm or identify, or records to tell us about, please bring them along or send. photos and records in advance to:  company.secretary at dnfc dot net

Report and photos August 4th

 

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August.

Docks and Willowherbs

Geoffrey Kitchener

The DNFC special expert guest this year is Geoffrey Kitchener, the BSBI referee for Epilobium (Willowherbs) and Rumex (Docks).  Geoffrey has made major contributions to the study of Rumex and Epilobium and his interpretation of Epilobium and its included hybrids forms the basis for the recent account of that genus in Sell and Murnell’s treatment of that genus in the standard work on the British and Irish Flora.

Geoffrey has agreed to lead a number of identification workshops on the Saturday and Sunday and has also prepared a presentation of his work with these groups.  In addition we will visit a number of sites to see some of the species and their hybrids in situ.  Arising out of the visit, we hope to have formed a clearer view of the range of variation within each species and to be able to recognise some of the more clear-cut hybrids.

In order to get the greatest value from this important event, members are invited to bring along specimens for examination. It is usually easier to deal with freshly collected material, but well-pressed specimens from either genus are also welcome.

If you would like further guidance on collecting or further details of the field trips, please contact Declan Doogue.

 

Saturday 11th AUGUST                                       National Botanic Gardens, Praeger Centre

 i) Epilobium and Rumex Identification Workshops. 

ii) Lecture / Presentation

This will be followed by a field trip to some nearby sites to examine urban Epilobium

 

Sunday 12th August                                      National Botanic Gardens, Praeger Centre

 Epilobium and Rumex Identification Workshops. 

These will be followed by a field trip to sites in the Barrow Valley in Cos.  Kildare and Carlow, mainly to study Rumex and wet-ground Epilobium species and hybrids.

 

SATURDAY AUGUST 25th                            LOUISA BRIDGE, LEIXLIP, Co. KILDARE.

Flora and Hydrogeology

The vegetation at Louisa Bridge is of particular interest for the range of plant species, which occur there and for well-developed examples of habitats, which are becoming increasingly rare due to intensification of land use and changing agricultural practices.  Springs emerging on the hillside give rise to an intricate mosaic of wetland habitats while drier parts of the site have species-rich calcareous grassland.  We will look at the ecological influences and the resulting flora including orchids, grasses, sedges and mosses.

Leader:  Melinda Lyons  

Report and photos August 25th

 

SUNDAY AUGUST 26th                                                                                       Booterstown

 Invertebrate Recording in Booterstown Marsh

This is a morning trip to explore the areas around the Marsh. It is intended mainly to follow up on the work initiated within the Praeger Centre. We will therefore concentrate on collecting and recording invertebrates- especially the groups that have already come to our attention- Ladybirds, Shieldbugs, but also Spiders and Harvestmen. We will also examine some of the Land Snail species that live on the walls nearby and on the recently developing sand-dune system on the outer side of the sea wall in advance of the October Praeger Centre identification workshops

Leader:  Declan Doogue

...

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 1st             The Praeger Centre, National Botanic Gardens

Ferns, Fern Allies and Horsetails

These sessions will consist of identification workshops to examine at close quarters the Ferns, Fern-allies such as Huperzia and Lycopodium and some of the Horsetails (Equisetum).The last session dealt with the larger fern species and was well-supported and we hope to use this event to cover many of the species that were not mature earlier in the year.

Bring:  lunch, (or have lunch in the gardens’ restaurant)

Bring lenses and if possible microscopes,  as the spores of some of the some of the more difficult-to-identify species possess useful diagnostic features.

Although the day is built around ferns, members may wish to bring along specimens of various other group, either  to demonstrate or for identification.

Leaders:  Pat Lenihan and Declan Doogue 

Ferns and Fern allies

Horsetails

   

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 9th.                                                       Turvey Park and environs

Plants, invertebrates and Birds

An area of land on the southern shore of Rogerstown Estuary including the site of the old Allotments and the old Rogerstown Bird Hide are now called Turvey Park. There has been a lot of work carried out on the park, resulting in disturbed conditions favourable to insect life.

Leaders:  Dorothy Lyle and Gerry Sharkey

Bring: nets and hand lens etc for insects and binoculars for birds, also bring whatever identification aids you like to use

Lunch and strong footwear   

...

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd                            Russborough and Russelstown area

We intend to walk from the Russborough car park along the reservoir lakeshore to the old Russelstown quarry and back. It will be a less than challenging walk, but extra care and strong footwear are advised. There are unstable steep loose-soil banks and scrub growing in the wet basin. Members are reminded that neither DNFC nor the owners are liable for members’ personal risk on this private property.

Long-eared Owls, and Common Buzzard roost about the quarry, with Newts and bats including Daubenton’s, The many micro-habitats support a varied invertebrate fauna and flora.    

Leaders:  Colm Ronayne and Gerry Sharkey

Report and photos September 22nd

 

SATURDAY OCTOBER 6th                  The Praeger Centre, National Botanic Gardens

An Introduction to Land and Freshwater Molluscs

The land and freshwater molluscs (land snails, slugs, freshwater snails and bivalves) form a fascinating group, which will repay further study at a local level. Different habitats have different species-groupings and very few areas are devoid of at least some species.  This year has been particularly good for molluscs – especially slugs – because of the extended periods of wet weather.  However, even in dry seasons the empty shells of the various species can be found.

The day is intended to give members an introduction to the group, learning some of the basic collecting techniques and becoming familiar with the standard works of identification and distribution.  You are invited to bring along specimens for examination – dead shells are usually suitable for identification.  Slugs are more easily examined live and should be brought along in plastic containers.  They can be kept alive in a cool place, feeding them with carrot or potato slices.

Bring: your hand-lens and lunch, (or lunch in the gardens’ restaurant)

Land Snails              Leader:  Maria Long

Slugs                         Leader:  Gerry Sharkey

Freshwater Molluscs (recent and sub-fossil)     Leader: Declan Doogue

....followed by a field trip to the Botanic Gardens ponds.

Report and photos October 6th

...

SATURDAY OCTOBER 13th                                                               Rockpools in Howth  

Young Members’ Outing

The Rockpools in Balscadden, Howth contain a fascinating array of small animals. Last year we found the following: Prawns, Red Beadlet, Anemones, Porcelaine Crabs, Tube Worms, Chitons, Dog Whelks and their eggs, Hermit Crabs etc.

This outing is especially for younger members, but adults and children alike have enjoyed it in previous years and everyone is welcome to come along

ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.   

NO DOGS ALLOWED.

Leaders: Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball

Bring:  Nets or Sieves, plastic containers, identification books (if you have them), wellies or old runners that won't be slippery on wet rocks, change of clothes.

   

SATURDAY OCTOBER 20th                                                                              Cabinteely Park

Autumnal Walk in the 45 acre estate around Cabinteely House which includes mature woodland, hedgerow and parkland. The Shanagarry River flows through it.

Leaders:   Bob Aldwell and Katy Duff

Bring: Rain gear

Hand Lens and I.D books useful but not essential.

Report and photos October 20th

...

..........

          Gentians, Co Clare. May 2008 © D Hardiman

 

 

EVENTS PROGRAMME May to July2012

 

Saturday 12 May 2012                                        National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

Irish Plants on Irish Stamps

10.00am            John Lennon, philatelist, will speak about stamps.

11.30am            Members of the DNFC including Katy Duff, Declan Doogue, Pat Lenihan and Gerry Sharkey will talk 
                            about the species of plants on the stamps, their ecology and distribution. 

2.30pm             Illustrated talk by Susan Sex, botanical artist, who created the delicate watercolours of Irish orchids  for 
                          An Post.

Report and photos May 12th

..........

Saturday 26 May 2012                                        The Murrough, Wicklow town

Investigation of the plants of the beach and shingle ridge

Leader:  Catriona Brady

Report and photos May 26th

...

SATURDAY JUNE 2nd                                        The Praeger Centre, National Botanic Gardens  

Biological Recording and allied subjects

Bring:  yourselves, your hand-lens and lunch, (or lunch in the gardens’ restaurant)

Session A Leader:  Declan Doogue

Identifying and recording Ladybirds

Please bring along digital photos of ladybirds for identification

Session B Leader:  Colm Ronayne

Solitary Bees and other insects  

14-spot Ladybird_Propylea 14-punctata, Turvey, Dublin © D Hardiman  Eyed Ladybird__Anatis ocellata © D Hardiman 

 Common Carder-bee © D Hardiman

..........

SATURDAY JUNE 9th                                        The Grand Canal

Sedges                                               

We will look at a variety of Sedges on the Grand Canal, in pools and on dry banks. Emphasis will be on identification of the Sedges from the roots up..

Leader:  Con Breen

By                  Car: Take the N4 going westwards towards Lucan. At Exit 4 take the R120 to Newcastle and Adamstown. Travel 1 Mile (approx) and just before the Maxol Station (on right side) the Irish Wheelchair Association have a premises. The IWA have very kindly said that we can use their Car park.

   

SATURDAY JUNE 23rd                                        Howth  

Joint Outing with Belfast Naturalists' Field Club

The Howth peninsula is well known as an important area for several nationally important rare species and habitat types. We may sometimes forget the significance of the area, because of its general familiarity and accessibility. However it continues to fascinate botanists in much the same way as it stimulated H.C Hart, the Donegal and Dublin botanist to write the Flora of Howth in 1887 shortly after the foundation of the Dublin Club and some years after the formation of the senior society in Belfast. The DNFC is currently revising Hart's Flora. In the course of the day we will visit a number of sites on the peninsula from saltmarsh to coastal heathland. However the main interest will be centred on the flora and vegetation on the areas adjoining the cliff path. Of particular note are species such as Inula crithmoides, Artemisia maritima, Rubia peregrina, Geranium sanguineum, and Erodium maritimum, all of which have nationally interesting geographical distributions and exhibit significant affiliation to various vegetation communities.

This is a joint excursion of the BNFC and DNFC and we look forward to meeting up again with the many friends we have made through the field club network.

Leader:  Declan Doogue

The morning session will concentrate on coastal sites near Howth village.   

In the afternoon session we will visit a number of sites along the cliff path.  

Ornithopus perpusillus - Bird's-foot © D Hardiman

Howth

...

SUNDAY JUNE 24th                                        Orwell Bridge, Rathgar

Young Person’s Meeting

We have visited the pond in Airfield (in Dundrum) in recent years to look at small fresh-

water animals. As Airfield is closed this year (due to reopen in 2013) we are going to

look at the small fresh water animals that live in a river – the Dodder..

We might find different kinds of Shrimps, Snails, Insect larvae (in other words young.

insects), Beetles, worms, what ever – keep your eyes open!

Leaders:       Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball

Bring:  If possible bring a white plastic box, fishing net or sieve, identification book for what you might find in fresh water. Wear waterproof clothing-especially wellies.                       

Please note: All children must be accompanied by an adult  

Vietnamese pot bellied pig, Airfield © D Hardiman 23/08/09
  Airfield is currently closed for renovations until 2013

...

  Heron at Dodder River,  (near Orwell bridge/ Waldron's Bridge), © D Hardiman 06/06/12
The Dodder River

 2012_06_10   Black bean aphid nymphs (blackfly), Dodder Park ©DHardiman

  DSCN1531b.jpg (362169 bytes)  ©DHardimans
Slug, Dodder park,  ©DHardiman 10/06/12
Slug, Dodder park,  ©DHardiman 10/06/12  

...

 

SATURDAY JULY 7th                                        The Praeger Centre, National Botanic Gardens

Biological Recording and allied subjects

See Secretions for more information  

Meet:  at the Visitor Centre in the National Botanic Gardens.

Bring:  yourselves, your hand-lens and lunch, (or lunch in the gardens’ restaurant)  
 

Session A Leader:  Gerry Sharkey

Introduction to some Hoverfly groups.  
 

Session B Leader:  Declan Doogue

Identifying Ferns. Some ferns are easy to identify, others can on occasion be difficult There will be an exhibit of examples of some commoner ferns and in discussion we will concentrate on the finer points of identification.  

...

Hoverfly, Syrphus ribesii © D Hardiman

  Ferns, Ballyman Glen, Dublin/Wicklow © DHardiman

 

Report and photos July 7th

...

..........

...SATURDAY JULY 14th                                        Avondale Forest Park, Rathdrum

Avondale covers an area of 214 hectares. This outing will concentrate on the Avonmore River Walk in search of some rare sedges and grasses..

Leader:  Catriona Brady

The park is open from 8.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Bring: Lunch, walking shoes, lenses, and identification books.

..........

SUNDAY JULY 22nd                                        Lullymore and Timahoe Bogs

In the morning we'll visit part of Lullymore Bog, a former milled peat production area. We will examine a degraded raised bog remnant and early stage re-colonisation of a cutaway peat land area. In the afternoon we'll revisit Timahoe Bog, an area formerly used for sod turf production, which has been left to re-vegetate for 20 years. 

A Skipper butterfly was photographed here at this time last year, we hope to re-locate the colony and ascertain which species of Skipper occurs on the site.  

Leader:  Charles Shier  

By Car:  Take the N7 from Dublin, exit at Naas and take the R407 to Sallins and Clane and then the R403 through Prosperous to Allenwood.

Bring:  Outdoor clothing, hiking or rubber boots, packed lunch, flora and fauna Information books.

.

Report and photos July 22nd

.........

SATURDAY JULY 28th                                        Robertstown Area

Boglands and Wetlands in the Robertstown / Ballynafagh Area, County Kildare

The low-lying areas around Prosperous and Robertstown are still of some botanical interest, enhanced to a great extent by the presence of the Grand Canal which forks in this area to form the Barrow Navigation. We will visit the Grand Canal banks, some surviving raised bogs and Ballynafagh.

 Leader:  Declan Doogue

 Bring:   Lunch, hand Lenses and botanical Identification books.  

2010_03_17 Balinafagh lake, Kildare © D Hardiman

...

Report and photos July 28th

 

...

...

EVENTS PROGRAMME FEBRUARY - APRIL 2012

...

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9th                                                                    National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

Talk: Balancing in the Burren - Conservation in a Living Landscape

The Burren is one of Ireland’s best-loved landscapes. It is a treasure trove for visiting botanists, entomologists, and archaeologists. 
This talk looks at some of the Burren’s habitats and biodiversity, the problems they face and the role of farming in their conservation.

Speaker: Dr. Sharon Parr  

Sharon is the Project Scientist for The Burren Farming for Conservation Programme

Venue:  8:00 p.m. sharp! National Botanic Gardens Visitor and Education Centre

..........

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11th                                                                    Bird watching at Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow

A walk on the Murrough. During this time of year there are usually large numbers of waders, ducks, geese, swans and sea birds present

Leader: Pat Lenihan   

Bring: Warm waterproof clothes, binoculars and lunch.

..........

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18th                                                                     North Bull Island  

Estuary Birds at the Bull Island

This is Good chance to see a range of waders including redshank, curlew, various duck, Brent geese and many other bird species that feed around 
Bull Island, and in estuarine mud fairly close to the road between Bull Island and St. Anne's Park, Raheny. 

Leader: Peter Craven

..........

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25th                                                                       MARLAY PARK

"Trees in early Spring”

Find out how to recognise our native trees and shrubs without their leaves on!

On a walk in Marlay Park, we will look at features such as tree shape, branching pattern, bark and buds to identify woody plants at this time of year.

Leader:  Katy Duff 

Bring:  Hand lens if you have one, but not essential 

..........

SATURDAY MARCH 3rd                                                            Powerscourt Waterfall

Epiphytic plants including Lichens, Fungi and Bryophytes

Leaders:  Howard Fox and Maria Cullen

Howard and Maria’s combined expertise in the so-called ‘lower’ plants is unsurpassed, and they have been monitoring the lichen, fungus and bryophyte flora of the Powerscourt Demesne for many years. Many species will be easily seen (even at a user-friendly height!) growing on the branches of trees and in other places in the general area of the Waterfall.

Wicklow’s generally warm and moist climate and the high humidity maintained by features like the Waterfall provide excellent conditions for a varied flora.

Many guide-books and web-pages offer pictorial aids towards identification of these plants,, but reliable identification to species level is usually a job for an experienced botanist using a microscope.

There is an entrance fee of €5.50 each adult payable by all, with reductions for OAPs and children, see http://www.powerscourt.ie/waterfall.

Bring:  a good hand-lens (x10 or higher) will greatly add to your enjoyment of these usually rather small plants.

..........

THURSDAY MARCH 15th                                                     National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

Talk: Ireland’s Butterflies – A Review

Speaker:  Dr. David Nash

Venue: Visitor and Education Centre, National Botanic Gardens

Time:  8:00 p.m.

Dr David Nash’s talk will mark the publication of  “Ireland’s Butterflies – a Review”, the new, informative and beautifully illustrated book co-authored by David with Deirdre Hardiman and the late Trevor Boyd, The book, which covers all 34 species of butterfly in Ireland, is the result of the Butterfly Ireland fifteen year survey (1995-2009), conducted by several hundred recorders throughout Ireland ‘under the wings’ of the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club and Butterfly Conservation’s Northern Ireland branch. The book contains the only up-to-date detail on the distribution of native and migrant Irish butterflies, and describes them, their habitats, life cycles, and when and where they may be seen, as well as considering biodiversity and conservation issues.

David Nash has a longstanding interest in the environment and natural history. He has contributed greatly to DNFC’s recent development, serving the Club in many ‘invisible’ roles as well as Treasurer and President and has been available to the Board for much-valued advice and support at all times. DNFC congratulate David on the publication of  ‘Irish Butterflies – a Review’, it  is a publication David and his co-authors can be very proud of, and DNFC are equally proud of our support of, and involvement with, the project.

Deirdre Hardiman is a photographer with a medical background and has done a lot of valuable work for DNFC in connection with our websites, our membership application leaflet, and our membership card and where ever a design artists’ input is required.

Trevor Boyd, MBE, FRMets was founding chairman of Butterfly Conservation and, B C’s Recorder for Northern Ireland, he was a leading member of the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club. In tribute to him and his work, the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club hosted the official launch of the book on February 18th in Trevor’s hometown, Helen’s Bay, Co Down,

The Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club wish to thank the family of the late Trevor for their help towards the publication of ‘Ireland’s Butterflies – A Review’

After the talk copies of the book will be available for sale @ €18 each. David and Deirdre will also be available to sign some copies.

..........

SATURDAY MARCH 17th                                                                                    Tymon Park

St Patrick’s Day Walk

Tymon Park is situated on both sides of the M50.The River Poddle flows through it. There are natural and artificial ponds and planted groves of trees which provide habitat for insects and birds. Wild flower meadows are being developed and some hedgerows are preserved.

Leader:  Mary Carson

Bring:  Lunch, Lenses, Binoculars and Flower and Bird Identification books

..........

SATURDAY MARCH 24th                                           Trinity College Geology Museum

This is a great opportunity to learn about Rocks, Minerals and Fossils.

Leader: Patrick Wyse Jackson 

Bring: any speciments of your own that you want identified.

..........

SATURDAY APRIL 7th                   The Praeger Centre, National Botanic Gardens

Biological Recording and Allied Subjects at the National Botanic Gardens  

Leaders:  Declan Doogue & Gerry Sharkey

Maps and mapping, their historical and current use in biological recording.

Grid references and different grids currently in use for biological recording.

The Global Positioning system and portable GPS equipment.

                                                                     and

 Introducing Bumblebees: Identification of our most valuable wild pollinators

Weather will decide the nature of any outside activity and meeting’s duration

Bring:  yourselves, your hand-lens and lunch, (or lunch in the gardens’ restaurant)

..........

SATURDAY APRIL 14th                                                             Knocksink Nature Reserve

Snails – an under-appreciated group!

This event will include a snail-hunting field trip, a presentation on some of the weird and wonderful snails we have in Ireland, and there may be a workshop also, allowing people to learn some identification skills and put them into practice

Leader: Maria Long   

Bring: Lunch, warm clothes, plastic butter or margarine tubs, and specimen tubes to store collected snails Hand lens or magnifying glass.

..........

SATURDAY   APRIL 21st                                                                      Rockpools at Sandycove

This meeting is specially for our younger members, though all are welcome.

As usual, all children must be accompanied by an adult,.

Leaders:  Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball

Wear:  wellies or old runners that won't slip on wet rocks, warm waterproof clothing.  A change of clothing might be useful.

Bring: a white plastic box, fishing net or a sieve, identification book.

..........

SATURDAY APRIL 28th                                        Tullynally Castle, County Westmeath

Leader: Jonathan Shackleton

The Castle is surrounded by magnificent parkland dotted with ancient oaks and the extensive gardens contain a remarkable collection of specimen
trees still being added to by Thomas Pakenham who has collected seed from China. We will visit an untouched bog in the demesne and also some 
woodland areas for spring flowers.

Bring: Warm waterproof clothes and Wellies are advisable, as is Lunch, Hand lens, identification books:

,,,

..........

NOVEMBER 2011 - JANUARY 2012

 

SATURDAY 5th NOVEMBER 2011                                              St Anne’s Park, Clontarf

 

At Snail’s Pace – A Beginners’ Guide to identifying Land Snails.

This event will include a presentation giving a broad and entertaining introduction to Land Snails in Ireland, along with information on what features to note for identification. We will then go snail-hunting in St. Anne's Park, and weather and time permitting, we may venture out onto nearby North Bull Island.

Leader: Maria Long

Directions: turn left from Clontarf Road onto Mount Prospect Avenue (this is the left turn when you just start to hit the park, on the way out of the city centre along the coast road) and take the first right into the car park (may be signposted “Red Stables Market”).

Bring: Warm clothes, lunch (though lunch may be available in the Stables Cafe) tubs/containers/tubes to store your collected snails in. Hand lens/magnifying glasses.

 

SATURDAY 12th NOVEMBER 2011                                                                                  Howth

We'll be looking at late insects, late flowers, birds etc. Exact route will be decided on the day as it will depend on the weather

Leaders: Bob Aldwell and Frank Smyth

Bring: Hand lens, suitable clothing, lunch and identification books or charts

Transport: Dart to Howth

 

SATURDAY 19th NOVEMBER 2011                              National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

Annual Members’ Day

 

SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2011                                                            Birds at Rogerstown

The South (‘old’) Bird Hide at Rogerstown is one of a very few relatively weather-proof venues regularly used by DNFC. At this time of year it is particularly attractive because of this, but also because of the variety of birds usually to be seen roosting and feeding at the narrow end of the estuary, which is overlooked by the hide, and in the nearby woods and fields.

Many species of wader including the now-ubiquitous Little Egret can be expected, as can predator species like Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon and Merlin. In recent years Buzzard have nested nearby and are usually about, while woodland and rough pasture in the surrounding area, some of which is managed for bird life, encourage mixed flocks of finches including Brambling. Less predictable but likely to be showing are many Duck species, and the ‘usual suspect’ Gulls which on a lucky day might contain a rarity or two!

A programme introducing young Red Kites caught in Wales includes plans to release about 40 birds in Fingal during 2011, including about 20 in Newbridge Estate, which borders the Rogerstown Estuary. Releases began during July. Whatever one thinks about re-introductions, it will be interesting to see how the birds get on, and whether we get to see any today!

Leaders: Pat Kearney, Brendan Black and Gerry Sharkey.

Bring: (Tele)scope and Bin(ocular)s and whatever identification books you like to use.

The ‘Collins Bird Guide’, (black cover) is currently favoured by many birdersThere will be no formal break for lunch, but bring a sandwich / drink if you feel like it!

Don’t be afraid to turn up because you don’t know your birds, we will try to help anyone who is interested, and we promise not to shout at learners nor talk in latin!

Unfortunately, as with most trail heads / parking areas in the country, there have been thefts from cars in this area, so lock up, keep your scope, bins and cameras to hand, and leave anything else you care about at home, even the locked boot is not safe

.....  

DECEMBER 25th  CHRISTMAS DAY 2011

President Katharine Duff and your Board of Directors wish all a happy and peaceful Holiday.

 

MONDAY 26th DECEMBER 2011                                     Saint Stephen’s Day Ramble

Hoping we don't have a repeat of the 2010 *Arctic conditions, we will head across

Irishtown Nature Park in the direction of the South Wall

Leader: Katy Duff

Bring: Hand Warmers and Good Cheer!!

 
William Butler Yeats

Horace there by Homer stands,
Plato stands below,
And here is Tully's open page.
How many years ago
Were you and I unlettered lads
*Mad as the mist and snow?


 

January 1st  2012

Happy New Year!!

Do consider cheering up Fridolin by sending her your 2012 membership fee, which becomes due now! Do it now before you forget or discover how much you spent on Christmas!

Officially, our 125th year ends on January 11th but we will continue with some celebratory events during the first part of  2012.

 

SATURDAY 14th JANUARY 2012                                              River Shannon Callows

Following on from our lovely visit to the Shannon Callows in June 2011 we will revisit it under winter conditions. The level of flood is unpredictable but as the peak of winter bird activity is in January we are hopeful of seeing Ducks, Geese, Waders and Swans. We hope to visit Ashton's Callow, which is a walk of about a mile. It has a Bird Hide. We also hope to revisit Bullock Island.

N.B. Check for any change or cancellation on www.dnfc.net (members’ note, first page) in case weather or road conditions between Dublin and Banagher prove too difficult for safe travel.

Leader: Brian Caffrey

Please park in Crank House car park- take first left 150 yards past Supervalu and the car park is on your right.

Bring:  Wellies, Binoculars, Warm clothes and Lunch.  

In Banagher there is a Supermarket near the car park, toilets will be available in Crank House. There is also a cafe in Crank House.

 

SATURDAY 21st JANUARY 2012                                  National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

Bryophyte Identification Workshop

A repeat of the 2011 bryophyte workshop, as requested by members

This workshop is open to members who would like to find out more about how to identify mosses and liverworts. We have run a number of successful bryophyte field outings over recent t years but identification in the field is not always easy and the number of species encountered can be overwhelming for those of us who are new to the subject. This workshop will provide an opportunity to look at the general structure of mosses and liverworts in more detail and to learn about the characteristics that are useful for identification.

Leader:  Jo Denyer

Bring:  Microscopes (compound and dissecting), slides, cover slips, forceps , blades, socket boards etc. identification books, mosses and liverworts to identify.

You are also welcome to come along without any of the above

 

 

 

EVENTS PROGRAMME AUGUST 2011 - OCTOBER 2011

 

SATURDAY AUGUST 6                                                    POND DIPPING IN AIRFIELD

This annual event is a great favourite of Junior Members of the DNFC, but everyone is welcome to come along. The small pond is usually teeming with life at this time of the year. Airfield have built another pond in recent years, which we will also visit. It is much bigger and has a boardwalk going over it.  

Leaders: Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball.

Bus: 48A (from Parnell Square), 44 or 44C (from Townsend Street). Get off the bus opposite the Catholic church on Main Street, Dundrum. Walk up Kilmacud Road. for approx. 1 mile and Airfield House, Farm and Gardens is on the right.

Luas: Balally Station and walk up Overend Way to Airfield.

Bring:  wellies and old clothes, nets or sieves and plastic containers.

Note:  There is an admission charge of €6 for adults, no charge for children.

ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.

  No Dogs Please

 

SUNDAY AUGUST 7                         NEWBRIDGE HOUSE and TURVEY, DONABATE

Study of ladybirds, harvestmen and any other creature we find in the sweepnet

This outing is suitable to people who are new to the subject and Declan will have copies of the Field Studies Council (FSC) guide to ladybirds for sale at 3 euro each

Leaders:  Declan Doogue and Denis Lynch

By Car:   exit M1 motorway at Junction 4 for Newbridge House / Donabate  

Bring:  Sweepnet, collecting jars, lenses, umbrellas (for use as collecting trays) and lunch.

 

SATURDAY  AUGUST 13                           UPPER DODDER GORGE, GLENASMOLE

The areas we intend to visit include some interesting flushes and a steep gorge with rich Bryophyte communities and Dublin's only site for Hymenophyllum wilsonii, Wilson's Filmy Fern. Most of the terrain will be rough, so strong footwear with good ankle support will be essential, and members are requested to follow any safety instructions issued by the leader.

Descent into the gorge is 'tricky' and the less athletic and sure-of-foot might prefer to stay at a higher level, where natural flushes contain scarce vascular plants like Pinguicula lusitanica, Pale Butterwort.


Leader:  Con Breen

Bus: 15c, 16,16a

Bring:  Lunch

Wear:  Strong ankle-supporting walking boots for rough ground

Note: DNFC's traditional 'no dogs' rule will be strictly enforced at this meeting.

SUNDAY AUGUST 28                                                                         NORTH BULL ISLAND

Finding, identifying and recording Butterflies and Beetles

This DNFC event also forms part of the National Heritage Week Programme and will be listed as Butterfly Identification and Recording for the National Database (Butterfly Ireland)

Activity of butterflies is especially weather and season dependent

Leaders:  David Nash and Declan Doogue

Meet: 11:00 a.m. at the Interpretive Centre on North Bull Island, Dollymount, Dublin 3.

The meeting is expected to end at about 16:00 p.m., weather dependent

We may visit other nearby locations such as St. Anne’s Park

Bring:  Hand lens, identification books, suitable clothing, netsand lunch/snack

   Female Meadow Brown  © D Hardiman
    Meadow Brown © Deirdre Hardiman

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3                            AUTUMN FRUITS IN COUNTY KILDARE

By now the fruits of most of the native Irish shrubs will have matured. Fruits (hips) are particularly useful in Rosa identification. We will visit a number of sites in County Kildare and expect to see a wide range of Rosa species and hybrids. Members who have copies of the BSBI Handbook “Roses of Great Britain and Ireland” by G.G.Graham and A.L. Primavesi should bring them along

Leader:  Declan Doogue

A number of sites in County Kildare will be visited

Bring: Lunch and BSBI Rosa handbook.

   

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10                     ROCKPOOLS AT BALSCADDEN, HOWTH

The rock pools in Balscadden contain a fascinating array of animals such as crabs, fish, anemones, starfish, and winkles,

Leaders: Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball

Bring: Nets  or sieves, containers, any identification books you might have, wellies or old runners that won't be slippy on wet rocks, change of clothes.

No Dogs please

   

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24                            NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY WOODS

The district has many woods, public (Coillte) and private. At this time of year, fungi might be expected in the leaf litter, and mosses grow thickly on trees and old walls.

Leader:  Mary Carson

By Car: N11 from Dublin watch out for signs to Newtownmountkennedy. Allow 40 minutes approx. from city centre.  As you enter the village, take the sharp turn right after Fishers shop/cafe and continue up the hill past the church of Ireland for a few hundred metres.   As the road swings left, you will see a faded map of the woods and room for cars to park there. 

Bring:  Lunch, rubber boots and baskets for collecting fungi

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25                                                                                    DONABATE

Coastal Ecology of North Dublin

We will visit a number of sites on the Dublin coast, concentrating on the Rogerstown Estuary and examine salt marsh, shingle and sandy areas at the tip of the Portrane peninsula.

Leader: Declan Doogue

Bring: Lunch

   

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29                              National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

A joint event with the Irish Garden Plant Society.

Talk:  “Cotoneasters throughout the year”

Speaker:  Jeanette Fryer

Jeanette has studied Cotoneasters for many years and holds the national collection.

Venue:  8:00 p.m. sharp! National Botanic Gardens Visitor and Education Centre  

SATURDAY OCTOBER 1                                 NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS, GLASNEVIN

Jeanette Fryer has kindly agreed to run a workshop for members on Cotoneaster identification, in the Botanic Gardens

Various botanical recorders have become very aware that several species of Cotoneaster have become established in the wild. Some of these have now become seriously invasive especially on rocky ground in areas of high conservation importance. The identification workshop is intended to help members to identify the various species that are increasingly encountered in the wild

Venue:  Visitor and Education Centre, National Botanic Gardens  

 National Botanic Gardens © DHardiman 

Members are invited to bring material from the wild, pressed or freshly-collected, to the workshop session. Ideally both flowering and fruiting material from the same bush should be submitted on the day.  Close-up digital images may also be helpful. There is an excellent guide to the species titled Cotoneasters - A comprehensive Guide to Shrubs for Flowers, Fruit and Foliage, written by Jeanette in conjunction with Bertil Hylmo.  If you are interested in contributing to the event, please contact Declan Doogue.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 15                                                                   DALKEY / KILLINEY

An Autumn Walk

From Dalkey Dart station we will head towards Dalkey quarry, Killiney Hill and down along Vico Road.  We will examine and identify any plants and insects of interest at this time in the woodland, coastal and rocky habitats 

Leaders:  Bob Aldwell and Katharine Duff

Bring:  Suitable clothing and hand lens

   

SUNDAY OCTOBER 23                                                           DONADEA FOREST PARK

This site includes broadleaved and conifer woodland and lakeshore in an old estate.  We will look for bryophytes and other plants in these habitats. We will do some recording for the British Bryological Society Atlas project.

Leader: Jo Denyer

Meet: Donadea Forest car park.  Directions (from Coillte website):  Donadea Forest Park is located 8 km south of Kilcock on the R407 to Naas and is also accessible via the R407 about 13 km north of Naas on the Kilcock road. It can be found on discovery map number 49, grid reference N-838 332.  There is a charge of €4 for the car park.

Bring:  lunch, hand lens and British Bryological Society Field Guide.

 

ADVANCE NOTICES FOR YOUR DIARY

Full details of the following two events will be on your next programme, out in October

 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5                                   National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin

Ireland’s Wildflower Stamps – The Plants and the Art.

Venue:  Auditorium

Contributions from: Susan Sex – the Artist who painted flowers for the stamps and John Lennon from the Irish Philatelic Society who will talk about the stamps. Speakers will also include Declan Doogue and Pat Lenihan from the DNFC. They will discuss the featured Plants and their ecology

 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19                               National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin 

125th anniversary of The DNFC

1886 - 2011

After discussions during late 1885, the first meeting of the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club took place on January 11th 1886.

So 2011 will be a very special year, being our 125th anniversary.

We plan to mark the year with many celebratory events throughout, starting January 11th 2011 

 

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NOTE

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SUNDAY 15th MAY 2011                                                                  SANDYCOVE ROCKPOOLS

This meeting is specially for our younger members. We will visit rockpools in Sandycove.  This stretch of coast provides both sheltered and more exposed habitats teeming with life. 
As usual, all children must be accompanied by an adult, and no dogs are allowed.

Leaders: Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball

Meet: at James Joyce Tower in Sandycove, close to the "40 foot" bathing place.

Dart: to Sandycove/Glasthule station.  Cross the road when you come out of the station.  Turn right and then left down Islington Avenue to the sea coast and go right until you get to James Joyce Tower.

Wear: wellies or old runners that won't slip on wet rocks, warm waterproof clothing.

Bring: a white plastic box, fishing net or a sieve, identification book.

   

SUNDAY 22nd  MAY 2011                                                                        BIODIVERSITY DAY

Many naturalists including DNFC members and friends will be involved in leading events to mark The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), as declared by the United Nations.

All over Dublin and the rest of Ireland, local authorities, parks, schools etc. will be holding events designed to encourage interest in the natural environment. These events will be mainly taking place on Sunday 22 but events are planned for Friday and Saturday as well. Look out for local events, and try to encourage your friends and neighbours to participate.

   

SATURDAY  28th  MAY 2011                 ST. CATHARINE’S WOODS  / LIFFEY VALLEY

Spring / early summer flora and fauna

This meeting will be held in conjunction with The Liffey Valley Park Alliance

We will start in St Catherine’s Woods and after lunch visit another site in the Liffey Valley

St. Catherine’s Woods is the site of many old records of rare woodland plants, and many of them can still be found there. If the weather is kind we will also expect to see lots of Ladybirds, Butterflies, and other invertebrates.

Declan will demonstrate a variety of insect-catching techniques, including sweep-netting. 

Leader:  Declan Doogue

Meet: at the Fire Station in Leixlip. 

Directions: cross the bridge over the Liffey in Leixlip and turn right.

Bring: insect–catching or sweeping nets if you them, and wellies and lunch

SUNDAY 29 MAY 2011                                                                     GREYSTONES TO BRAY

While we in DNFC are quite proud to be celebrating our 125th anniversary it is sobering to think that the Botany Department in Trinity College Dublin is celebrating their 300th! We are very happy to have continuing close contact with Botany (and other departments) in Trinity, where some of our members make their living, numbering  other DNFC members among their students. Long may this relationship continue!

In their first year, the intrepid DNFC members held a meeting on Bray Head, so it is particularly fitting that Trinity College Botanical Society and DNFC should hold a joint meeting during which we intend to walk from Greystones Dart Station over the Head to Bray, from where drivers can dart back to their cars. Better still leave the cars at home as we will join our Trinity colleagues in  ‘joint celebratory libation’ after the meeting.

Leaders: Joint DNFC / TBS

Meet:  at the Pier in Greystones Harbour

Bring: suitable footware and clothing, (check the weather forecast)

 

SATURDAY 11th JUNE 2011                                                  RIVER SHANNON CALLOWS

Starting from Banagher we will go to Shannon Harbour and  walk along the Grand Canal until we reach lock 36, the last lock gate before the canal meets the mighty Shannon. From here will cross on to Bullock Island, part of which forms the BirdWatch Ireland Shannon Callows Reserve. One of the most beautiful callows along the river, Bullock Island is best known as an important area for breeding Corncrakes, however with a final count of just 2 Corncrakes in the midlands in 2010 the Corncrake population is on a knifeedge here. Other key bird species include breeding Whinchat, Curlew, Skylark, Snipe and occasionally Spotted Crake and Quail. The callows are

renowned for their flora and a walk through Bullock Island will reveal a rich diversity of plant life, including some rare orchids. A sunny day will ensure that Bullock Island is buzzing with butterflies and dragonflies, among the highlights we would hope to see Brown Hawker,

Banded Demoiselle and Common Blue butterfly

Leader: Brian Caffrey 

Meet: at the Crank House, Banagher Co. Offaly. 
Please park in the Crank House car park - take your first left 150 yards past Supervalu supermarket and the car park is on your right.

Bring: wellies, binoculars & lunch

In Banagher there is a supermarket near the carpark, toilets will be available in the Crank House.  There is also a café in the Crank House.

(If bringing your American visitors, reassure them that it is spelled CRANK, with an N)

 

TUESDAY 14th JUNE 2011                                                                   NORTH BULL ISLAND

Habitat ecology of the Dublin Coast: The vegetation and environment of North Bull Island

On Saint Patrick’s Day we visited one of the temporary ‘lakes’ that have appeared in winter in places on North Bull. We promised at the time to come back to see what changes occur in summer, hence this evening meeting 

Leaders:  Declan Doogue and Gerry Sharkey

Meet:  in the car park on the Island end of Bull Wall (not the causeway), beyond the entrance to Royal Dublin Golf Club.

   

SATURDAY 25th JUNE 2011                                                                           IRELAND’S EYE

Weather permitting, a shuttle boat service operates from Howth to the island throughout the day. There is a charge of €15 per adult, €10 per child. Family reductions apply.

Declan has been comparing flora listings for Ireland’s Eye from various sources, and will have prepared a list of species that have not been seen recently, and we will search for these

If visiting the island proves difficult an alternative land-based outing on Howth will take place.

Leader:  Declan Doogue

Meet: at East Pier, Howth near the King Sitric Restaurant.

Bring: suitable clothing for boat ride, strong walking boots and lunch

  

SATURDAY 9th JULY 2011            COASTAL FLORA, NEWCASTLE, CO. WICKLOW 

A walk along the shingle beach to look at sea shore plants.  We hope to see Crambe maritima as well as two species that have not been seen regularly on our littoral outings in North County Dublin: Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) and the Horned Poppy (Glaucium flavum).

Leader:  Pat Lenihan

Meet:  on the beach at Newcastle. The outing will end in early afternoon

Bring:  lunch 

By car:  from Dublin, exit the N11 left at the new Kilcoole/Greystones turning (a little further south of the R762 exit to Delgany at the Glen of the Downs). Follow the signs to Kilcoole and continue through the village to Newcastle. In Newcastle, just past the Castle Inn, take the first turn left (Sea Road) after crossing the bridge. Continue down this road to the coast. Parking is available in front of the level crossing. 
By bus:  
Newcastle can also be reached by the No. 84 bus which departs from Belfield. The journey takes about 75 minutes.

 

SUNDAY  24th JULY 2011                                                                TIMAHOE NORTH BOG

Timahoe Bog lies to the north of Allenwood and east of Carbury. It was developed by Bord na Móna in the 1940s for the mechanised production of sod turf.  We previously visited the southern end of the bog, which was also used for producing milled peat. Recolonisation of this southern area was strongly influenced by minerotrophic conditions, owing to the shallow residual depths of peat.

This time we will visit the northern end of the bog, which was not milled, and where recolonisation has taken place on a more acidic medium.  Areas we will be examining include: degraded raised bog remnants, revegetated wet and dry spreadgrounds, and the former railway bed made with imported calcareous materials.

Leader:  Charles Shier

By Car: from Dublin take the N4/M4, exit the motorway at Enfield and take the R402 to Carbury and then the R403 to Derrinturn;                        
   
                                                                                            OR
Take the N7, exit at Naas and take the R407 to Sallins and Clane, and then the R403 through Prosperous and Allenwood to Derrinturn.

Bring: outdoor clothing, hiking or rubber boots, packed lunch, floras.

 

SATURDAY 6th AUGUST 2011                                              POND DIPPING IN AIRFIELD

This annual event is a great favourite of Junior Members of the DNFC, but everyone is welcome to come along. The small Pond is usually teeming with life at this time of the year. Airfield have built another Pond in recent years. It is much bigger and has a Boardwalk going over it. We'llvisit it also.

Leaders:  Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball.

Meet: at Airfield ticket Kiosk. The outing will last for 2 hours.

Bus: 48A (from Parnell Sq.),44 or 44C (from Townsend St).Get off the bus opposite the Catholic church on Main Street, Dundrum. Walks up Kilmacud Rd. for approx 1 mile and Airfield House, Farm and Gardens is on tdughe right.
Luas:
to Balally Station and walk up Overend Way to Airfield.

Bring:  wellies and old clothes, Nets or sieves and Plastic Containers.

Note:  there is an admission charge of €6 for adults, no charge for children.

ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

NO DOGS PLEASE

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EVENTS PROGRAMME JANUARY 2011 - MAY 2011

      

SUNDAY 15th MAY 2011                                              SANDYCOVE ROCKPOOLS

This meeting is specially for our younger members. We will visit rockpools in Sandycove.  This stretch of coast provides both sheltered and more exposed habitats teeming with life.

As usual, all children must be accompanied by an adult, and no dogs are allowed.

Leaders:       Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball

Contact:       087 263 0020

Meet:            2:30 p.m. at James Joyce Tower in Sandycove, close to the "40 foot" bathing  place.  
                   The outing will finish at 4:30pm.

Dart:            to Sandycove/Glasthule station.  Cross the road when you come out of the
                   station.  Turn right and then left down Islington Avenue to the sea coast and go right
                   until you get to James Joyce Tower.

Wear:           wellies or old runners that won't slip on wet rocks, warm waterproof clothing

Bring:           a white plastic box, fishing net or a sieve, identification book.


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THURSDAY 27th JANUARY                 NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS GLASNEVIN

Lecture:  “Ireland’s vegetation on the move: from the Ice Age to now and beyond“

Speaker:  Professor Fraser Mitchell, Botany Department, TCD

Time:  8:00 p.m.

Venue:  Visitor and education Centre, National Botanic Gardens

Professor Fraser Mitchell is a lecturer in the Botany Department of Trinity College, Dublin. Ireland has a rich and varied flora of native and introduced plants. Where did they come from and how did they get here? At the height of the last glaciation, 20,000 years ago, a thick ice sheet covered Ireland. Few, if any, plants survived, so our flora is relatively recent. Predictions for future climate suggest that a wider range of plants will be able to survive here.

This event is organised by our friends, the Irish Garden Plant Society.

 

SATURDAY 29th JANUARY 2011                                GIRLEY BOG, COUNTY MEATH

The Girley Bog NHA, 7.5 kms from Kells, Co. Meath contains varied habitat including one of the few Raised Bogs in Co. Meath, and one of very few uncut raised bogs anywhere, though drainage associated with peat extraction in other parts of this NHA, and drains cut through the raised bog itself are a cause of damage. The site also has cutover bog and mixed-age commercial forest, including Sitka Spruce, Lodgepole and Scots Pine. The Raised Bog has the full complement of Sphagnum mosses expected on this type of habitat, but rare in the east.

 ‘Girley’ is perhaps less attractive than it sounds, being an anglicised version of an old gaelic word for a swampy place, so be warned!  

 Leader:  Maurice Eakin

 Bring: Lunch, wellies, suitable clothing

Directions:  Starting from the centre of Kells Town, take the N52 following the signs for Mullingar. On the outskirts of the town turn right – following the N52 for Mullingar. Continue to follow the N52 for approximately 7 km. Turn left onto a forestry roadway and follow for approximately 100 m to reach the trailhead.  The trailhead is signposted from Kells (small brown roadsigns).

(directions copied from Meath.ie website)

SUNDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2011                          LADYBIRDS IN THE FAIRVIEW AREA

Ladybirds and other insects in Winter / Early Spring

 Many insects and other invertebrates including some Ladybirds survive the Winter as adults by hiding from predators and sheltering from the worst of the weather, using holes and  crevices in tree-bark or fencing, cones in Conifer woods, or among leaf-litter and grass clumps at ground level.

If you have found any dead ladybirds that did not make it through the long cold spell, bring them along and we will try to identify them for you. 

Leader: Declan Doogue

Bring: Lunch, Hand Lens, small clear plastic bag (for holding specimens without damaging them during examination) small artists’ paint-brushes.

 

 SATURDAY 12th FEBRUARY 2011                                          BIRDS at ROGERSTOWN

 Leaders: Fridolin Kerr and Pat Kearney

 Bring: Binoculars, ‘scopes and bird identification guides.

A wide selection of wading birds and duck feed and roost on the mud and shallow waters of Rogerstown. On recent visits we have seen Buzzard and other birds of prey including Peregrine, Merlin and Kestrel. There are also usually Little Egret about.

 Large mixed flocks of finches including Brambling were to be seen in the surrounding fields thanks to the planting of seed crops to provide suitable food for them, but these have been scarcer since planting stopped. But keep a lookout along the lanes on the way to the hide.

 Finding the Old Rogerstown Hide:  The track to the old hide on the south of Rogerstown Estuary is signposted on the road through Turvey to Donabate past the back of Newbridge House. From the M1 take the first turn to the left for Skerries and Donabate. On the roundabout take the second exit, signed for Donabate. The first left after Jones’ Garden Centre will bring you along the side of the grounds of Newbridge House and past the side exit. Drive on to a T junction and turn left. A short distance (100 m or so) further on the hide is signposted through a gate on your right, follow the track to the right past the allotments and to the left towards the shore. 

 SUNDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2011                                      JUNIOR MEMBERS’ OUTING

 The National Sea Life Centre on the Promonade, Bray, Co Wicklow.

We hope to see lots of Sea Life creatures on our tour today, such as Crabs, Starfish. Anemones, Coral Reef, Sea Horses and lots more, you will also get to touch some if you wish.

 Leaders:  Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball.

                  A member of staff in Sea Life Centre will bring us around and talk to us about some of the tanks.

Meet: at the reception in Centre.
Our tour will last 1 hour (approx). Adults need not come on the tour itself, but we will expect them to be there to collect their children when the tour has ended if they have chosen not to.      

 Bring: a little notebook and a pen/pencil if you wish. As this event takes place indoors, there's no need for wellies etc.

Transport: Dart Train and Bus go to Bray Railway Station. The Sea Life Centre is a 15 min minute walk from  there.

 

SATURDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2011                                         LULLYMORE WETLANDS        

Joint meeting with BBS Dublin regional group

We will look at the regenerating vegetation and bryophytes on this Bord na Mona cutaway bog site.  The vegetation includes wetland and scrub woodland on the cutaway bog and broadleaved woodland on the mineral island.  The wetlands are being colonised by Cladium mariscus, indicating that there is some base-rich influence at this site.

Leader: Jo Denyer

Bring: Lunch, wellies and suitable clothing. (If there has been recent rain then the site could be very wet and wellies will be essential.)

 Directions: From Dublin take the Maynooth exit off the N4, turning at the roundabout onto the road marked Straffan/Clane/Naas. At the roundabout of Barberstown Castle, take the exit for Clane. Drive into Clane. Drive through the traffic lights in the centre of the town. Take the right hand turn in Clane at the Corner Pub (yellow building) onto the R403 to Prosperous and Allenwood. Drive through Allenwood. Less than half a mile outside Allenwood, take the left turn over the skew canal bridge (Shee Bridge) onto the R414. (If you miss this turn you will end up in Carbury.) Drive for three miles. This brings you to the Bog of Allen Nature Centre on the right hand side of the road, to the right at the big green wall. (If you get to Rathangan you have gone too far).

SUNDAY 6th MARCH 2011                                                   MOLLUSCS in BUSHY PARK

In 1904 AW Stelfox (DNFC Vice-president 1924 - 1926) published a paper in the Irish Naturalist containing the results of his survey of the molluscan fauna of Bushy Park in Dublin. With the help of our guests from the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland whom we have invited to take part in this meeting as part of our 125th Anniversary celebrations, we will compare Stelfox’s list with later workers’ listings and with what we can find in 2011.

Leaders:  Gerry Sharkey (DNFC) and Evelyn Moorkins (Conc. Soc)

Meet: at 11:00 a.m. near the bridge over the Dodder forming the entrance to the Park from the parking lay-by on Springfield Avenue. Rathfarnham Shopping Centre is nearby where you may be able to park if the lay-by is full.

Bring: any Field Guide to Slugs and Snails you have. Containers like margarine tubs are useful and plastic gloves for handling molluscs if you are squeamish.

At this meeting, anyone tempted to ask how to kill the slugs and snails in their gardens should be careful, you could find yourselves being force-fed on small blue granules, drowned in a bucket and chucked over the wall. Only kidding (or maybe not!!).  

SATURDAY 12th MARCH 2011            NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS GLASNEVIN

Bees and other early Insects

For several years now rumours of bumblebee hives staying active and even producing young during winter have been the subject of comment on radio programmes and in newspaper articles. In some cases these represent the normal occasional sorties by ‘hibernating’ queens, but workers of Bombus terrestris, the Buff-tailed bumblebee, have been confirmed in December and January from many places over the past three years or so, and as workers generally live no more than a few weeks, workers seen in January are likely to have started life during December. One place where B .terrestris can be seen actively foraging during winter on winter-flowering Mahonia and other species is in the Botanic Gardens, and we will probably see some to-day, together with other Bumblers and Solitary Bees that don’t live in formal communities, as well as other insects.

Leaders: Colm Ronayne and Gerry Sharkey

THURSDAY 17th MARCH 2011   ST PATRICK’S DAY               NORTH BULL ISLAND

Habitat ecology of the Dublin Coast: The vegetation and environment of North Bull Island

Temporary ‘lakes’ have appeared regularly in winter in places on North Bull. We will have a close look at one of these near the old Bull Wall (the wooden bridge) which in the past couple of years is large and deep enough to attract Swans!              

Leaders:  Declan Doogue and Gerry Sharkey

 

SATURDAY 19th and SUNDAY 20th MARCH 2011    CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK

A Joint weekend Bryophyte meeting with the Galway Naturalists’ Field Club and the BBS Dublin Branch, celebrating DNFC’s 125th Anniversary.

The Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, County Galway will be the venue for a weekend in the bryophyte-rich vegetation of the west of Ireland. We will be accompanied by members of the newly formed Dublin Branch of the British Bryological Society and by members of the Galway Naturalists’ Field Club.

Members should organise their own accommodation, there is a good choice available including:

 

SUNDAY 27th MARCH 2011                          KNOCKMAROON GATE, PHOENIX PARK

 A short walk in The Park looking out for signs of Spring among the Flora and Fauna

Leader: Gerry Sharkey

SATURDAY 2nd APRIL 2011                                 VALE of CLARA, COUNTY WICKLOW

Objective: Flora and Fauna in Springtime

Leaders: Colm Ronayne and Gerry Sharkey

Parts of the woodland of Clara Vale have been cleared, leaving Scots Pine, old Oaks and some other native species. We will look out for Bees and other early insects.

 

SUNDAY 10th APRIL                                                          SAINT COLUMBA’S COLLEGE

The Flora of St Columba’s College.

The grounds of St Columba’s College occupy about 117 acres on the north facing slopes of Kilmashogue mountain. In 1964-65 Daniel Kelly, while a pupil at the school, prepared a Flora of the college.  Forty-six years later it might be interesting to look at some of the changes that have taken place.

Leader: Richard McMullen

Directions:     From Dublin, drive past Rathfarnham village. At the Yellow House pub turn right, then left at the Tuning Fork pub, and follow the winding road to Whitechurch (Grange Golf Club on your left). Take the first exit off the roundabout, past Whitechurch National School, then straight on under the fly-over for the Southern Cross motorway and left at the little roundabout. The College is on the left about 50 metres up Kilmashogue Lane. Follow the main drive to the car park just past the Hockey pavilion on the left hand side.

   

SATURDAY 16th APRIL 2011                   BALLYBETAGH WOOD COUNTY WICKLOW

Club Member Hillary Knott, husband Howard and their neighbours have kindly invited DNFC to explore their land including part of Ballybetagh Wood.

Please note that as we will be on farm land dogs are strictly forbidden on this meeting.

Leaders: Hillary and Howard Knott, Gerry Sharkey.

Meet: at 11:00 a.m. at ‘The Cottage’.

Directions: Leave M50 at junction 15, signposted for Kilternan. Follow signs for Kilternan.

You will go round several roundabouts and then up a long straight road, Glenamuck Road At T junction, opposite a Yellow pub called Palmers Golden Ball, take the left turn. Take 1st major turn right, opposite Topaz garage, signposted “Glencullen” we are 1.5 kilometres from this junction. Stay on this road keeping left, go round 2 severe left hand bends, the road begins to climb , you come to a fork signed Glencullen, take the left fork, we are then the first gate on the left.

If you intend to travel by public transport (bus routes 44 / 63) please inform Gerry on or before Friday 15th April, as we will need to make special arrangements to bring you from Kilternan/Glencullen to the site.

Bring: suitable footwear and clothing for a walk in the open, check weather forecast.

The Knotts have also kindly offered to provide us with tea / coffee, but it would be quite unfair to expect them to feed us, so bring along whatever you wish to eat.

   

MONDAY 18th  APRIL 2011           BOTANY LECTURE THEATRE, TRINITY COLLEGE

 Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club Annual General Meeting

 Full details will be posted to members during March in accordance with our legal responsibilities.

   

MONDAY 2nd MAY 2011                                                                                              SUTTON

 In 1886 the first field meeting of the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club was a trip to Sutton, on May 5th. While there are some records of this meeting in the archives, we can not be sure of exactly where they went or what they did. However to commemorate this we will at least have a walk in the coastal area near Sutton cross.

Recent tradition is that DNFC do not hold field meetings over Easter Weekend, nor on the May Bank Holiday Weekend. This year those weekends succeed each other, meaning no meeting for nearly four weeks, so we are making this exception.

Leader: Gerry Sharkey

 

SATURDAY 7th and SUNDAY 8th May 2011     DNFC ANNUAL WEEKEND MEETING

 See details on preliminary booking form sent to members.

 

SUNDAY 15th MAY 2011                                              SANDYCOVE ROCKPOOLS

This meeting is specially for our younger members. We will visit rockpools in Sandycove.  This stretch of coast provides both sheltered and more exposed habitats teeming with life.

As usual, all children must be accompanied by an adult, and no dogs are allowed.

Leaders:       Niamh Lennon and Jennifer Ball

Contact:       087 263 0020

Meet:            2:30 p.m. at James Joyce Tower in Sandycove, close to the "40 foot" bathing  place.  
                   The outing will finish at 4:30pm.

Dart:            to Sandycove/Glasthule station.  Cross the road when you come out of the
                   station.  Turn right and then left down Islington Avenue to the sea coast and go right
                   until you get to James Joyce Tower.

Wear:           wellies or old runners that won't slip on wet rocks, warm waterproof clothing

Bring:           a white plastic box, fishing net or a sieve, identification book.

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NOTE

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                EVENTS PROGRAMME december 2010 - JANUARY 2011

SUNDAY 26th DECEMBER 2010                                                    IRISHTOWN NATURE PARK                               

ST. STEPHEN'S DAY RAMBLE

Leader:  David Nash  

Irishtown Nature Reserve © DHardiman

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~ Happy New Year to all and watch out for special events on your programmes for 2011 ~ 

125th anniversary of The DNFC

1886 - 2011

After discussions during late 1885, the first meeting of the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club took place on January 11th 1886.

So 2011 will be a very special year, being our 125th anniversary.

We plan to mark the year with many celebratory events throughout, starting January 11th 2011

and including a weekend trip to Inis Meáin in early May with Con Breen

 

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SUNDAY 9th JANUARY 2011                                                  NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS  

NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS © DHardiman

BRYOPHYTE IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP

This workshop is open to everyone who would like to find out more about how to identify mosses and liverworts. We have run a number of successful bryophyte field outings over the past year but identification in the field is not always easy and the number of species encountered can be overwhelming for those of us who are new to the subject. This workshop will provide an opportunity to look at the general structure of mosses and liverworts in more detail and to learn about the characteristics that are useful for identification.

Leader: Jo Denyer

Please bring along the following if you have them: microscopes (compound and dissecting, slides, coverslips, forceps, blades, socket boards etc.), identification books, mosses and liverworts to identify. You are welcome to come along without any of the above.

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TUESDAY 11th JANUARY 2011                                                 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM  

Talk:1 pm-1.45 pm

Venue: the Ceramics Room, National Museum of Ireland, Kildare St. Dublin

 

             125th ANNIVERSARY OF INAUGURAL DNFC MEETING             Dr. Declan Doogue

 

This first event marking the formation of DNFC 125 years ago to-day will consist of a couple of talks and a brief tour of the Natural History Museum.

Speaker: Declan Doogue

'The Formation of the Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, the Founders and the Times'

The Natural History Museum is near the houses of the Oireachtas and the National Gallery, Merrion Street (Merrion Square West)

The talks will be followed by a brief tour of the Museum led by Museum Staff

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SATURDAY 29th JANUARY 2011                                                  GIRLEY BOG, CO. MEATH  

The Girley Bog NHA, 7.5 kms from Kells, Co. Meath contains varied habitat including one of the few Raised Bogs in Co. Meath, and one of very few uncut raised bogs anywhere, though drainage associated with peat extraction in other parts of this NHA, and drains cut through the raised bog itself are a cause of damage. The site also has cutover bog and mixed-age commercial forest, including Sitka Spruce, Lodgepole and Scots Pine. The Raised Bog has the full complement of Sphagnum mosses expected on this type of habitat, but rare in the east.

‘Girley’ is perhaps less attractive than it sounds, being an anglicised version of an old gaelic word for a swampy place, so be warned!

Leader: Maurice Eakin

Bring: Lunch, wellies, suitable clothing

Directions:     Starting from the centre of Kells Town, take the N52 following the signs for Mullingar. On the outskirts of the town turn right – following the N52 for Mullingar. Continue to follow the N52 for approximately 7km. Turn left onto a forestry roadway and follow for approximately 100m to reach the trailhead.  The trailhead is signposted from Kells (small brown roadsigns)
(Directions copied from Meath.ie website) 

 

NOTE

Girley Bog July '07    © D Hardiman

 

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Marsh helleborine/Epipactis palustris, Bull Island © D Hardiman '09
Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris

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Photo © DHardiman
BIRDS

Photo © DHardiman

 

   Equisetum telmateia, Bog Meadow, Enniskerry © DHardiman
Equisetum telmateia

 

   

 

Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa) Brigid's Garden, Galway. © DHardiman
Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)



Sea Spleenwort Asplenium marinum © Con Breen
  
Sea Spleenwort (Asplenium marinum)


Ballast Pit Skerries 2008 © DHardiman
Ballast Pit

Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), Ballast Pit Skerries. © DHardiman
   Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria)

Western Clover (Trifolium occidentale) © Con Breen
Western Clover (Trifolium occidentale)

Ferns, Ballyman Glen, Dublin/Wicklow © DHardiman



Fissidens species, Ballyman Glen, Dublin/Wicklow. © DHardiman
Fissidens
species 


   
Rober Lloyd Praeger


Pollardstown Fen © Katharine Duff
Pollardstown Fen

 


Ruins of old mill, Corkagh Demesne ©DHardiman
Corkagh Demesne

Corkagh Park ©DHardiman       Corkagh Park ©DHardiman  
Corkagh Demesne


Taraxacum officinale-Dandelion seed head. © D Hardiman '08
Dandelion







Frogspawn© D Hardiman March '09   Developing tadpoles© D Hardiman March '09
Frogspawn & developing tadpoles


 David Nash, Des Fox & Niamh Lennon at Straffan Butterfly Farm Harry and live Atlas moth at DNFC outing to Straffan Butterfly Farm

Atlas Moth (largest moth in the world) with wingspan of 30cm (above)

Luna Moth (Actias luna) at Straffan Butterfly Farm© D Hardiman '09  

Luna Moth (Actias luna), wingspan approx. 11cm

 

Brent Goose: RSPB

 Dalkey Quarry © D Hardiman '08

Dalkey Quarry

 
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Green-winged Orchid  Orchis morio © D Hardiman 2003
 Orchis (Anacamptis) morio 
Green-winged orchid

Taraxacum officinale-Dandelion seed head. © D Hardiman '08
Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion

 

 

Echium pinana © D Hardiman '08
Echium pinana, Howth

 

Cerastium diffusum/ Sea Mouse-ear © D Hardiman '08
Cerastium diffusum Sea Mouse-ear 
Donabate

 

Ornithopus perpusillus_Bird's-foot, Howth, May '08, © D Hardiman
 Ornithopus perpusillus Bird's-foot
  Howth

 

Euphydryas aurinia-Marsh Fritillary. © D Hardiman
Marsh Fritillary

 

 Trichomanes speciosum-Killarney Fern © D Hardiman
Trichomanes speciosum Killarney Fern
Co Tipperary

                  


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