The cold winter weather has arrived in earnest this January giving many of us thought to feeding the birds that visit our gardens.

As the Irish countryside changes and hedgerows, wild places and the vital food sources these provide are disappearing, gardens are becoming increasingly important havens for many species to help them survive the leaner months.

 A couple of pointers if you plan on feeding garden birds this winter: 

• Because birds congregate in high numbers at bird feeders, there’s potential for the transmission of some bacteria, parasites and other infections. To avoid this, be sure to clean all feeders and water dishes every 1-2 weeks with a veterinary disinfectant or mild bleach (5%) solution.
• Spread feeders around the garden so birds aren’t all coming together at one location.
• Though most of the bacteria and parasites that might affect birds have little impact on humans, it is very important to wash your hands properly after touching and cleaning your feeders.
• There is some excellent information and tips on feeding wild birds on Bird Watch Ireland's website Feeding your Garden Birds - BirdWatch Ireland. BirdWatch Ireland is the largest independent conservation organisation in Ireland. The primary objective of BirdWatch Ireland is the protection of wild birds and their habitats in Ireland  

(Since 2005, some Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches and other finch species have been infected with the Trichomonas parasite, making them noticeably unwell for several days before eventually succumbing to the illness. Hygiene is extremely important in efforts to combat this illness. If you notice a sick finch in your garden, see below for further information and advice Trichomoniasis (sick finches) - BirdWatch Ireland.

Climate Fresk is a way to learn about the climate crisis by playing a game using 42 cards and building a sort of mind-map (Fresk) on a table as a group.

This way of learning allows the group to figure out the causes and consequences themselves and how the parts of a whole interact with each other. This impactful workshop allows for an open and honest conversation about actionable solutions at the individual, community and where applicable the organisational level.

Details of the workshop are as follows:

Date:    Tuesday, 28th January, 2025
Time:    2pm - 5.15pm
Venue:  Wexford Town Library

Places are very limited. Booking is essential – click here

Did You Know... there is a wealth of information about the biodiversity of your local area on 'Biodiversity Maps'?

'Biodiversity Maps' is a national portal that compiles biodiversity data from multiple sources and makes it freely available on-line.

Areas can be viewed from 10km squared down to 100 m squared. A report will be generated which will detail the flora and fauna in the area (where available). This information has been gathered by organisations and individuals, from both the private and public sectors and is continually being added to.  

For further information see Home - Biodiversity Maps

What is "engine idling"? It is any time your car engine is running but you’re not moving, usually for more than 10-20 seconds e.g. waiting outside school, roadworks, etc.

Why should we stop "engine idling"? Running a car without going anywhere just doesn’t make any sense!

Here are four reasons why:

1. Environment: When an engine is running, it emits carbon dioxide (CO2 ), the main greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. By switching off your engine when stopped, you stop these emissions too!
2. Health: Idling makes for worse air quality, which is bad for human health. Young people are at greater risk of the health impacts of air pollution because their lungs are still developing.
3. Money: Idling wastes fuel that you’re paying for - that just burns a hole in your pocket!
4. Safety: When cars and buses are idling outside a school, it is harder for students to hear cars that are actually moving, which might be hidden behind the idling cars