Beaumont Quarry

Hollzy

The forum has been a little dead recently so here's another thread to get things going. Are any of you aware of the Cork branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust's efforts to protect Beaumont Quarry?

http://iwt.ie/2012/02/iwt-cork-needs-your-support-to-save-city-wildlife-oasis/

The letter mentioned had to be submitted by February but this issue is ongoing, and currently they are trying to get more publicity. Thoughts on this?

OpenYourEyes

I'm not familiar with the area but seems like a good idea - and integrating the local schools and community should add to its value and long term viability. Any idea what species are there?

Hollzy

It's important for bats such as the common and soprano pipistrelles and Leisler's bat. It's likely that there are brown long-eared bats there too. It's good for lots of bird species too; wrens, robins, dunnocks, mistle thrush, collared doves, common snipes, sparrowhawks, starlings etc..

There are currently a lot of species that are likely to be there but not fully confirmed yet - another reason it needs to be conserved. Like the Irish stoat, pygmy shrew and hedgehogs.

steddyeddy

I love the IWT and their right to preserve this.

Hollzy

They're a great organisation.

steddyeddy

How is Zoology treating you anyway Hollzys?

Hollzy

Good, good! I have one year of general science down. I was the Junior Rep of the zoology society this year and will be doing it again in second year. So it's all going well so far

mini5476

The only small mammals there really are wood mice and rats which are of no real conservation value. It has a very diverse range of plants but much of it is covered in invasive knotweeds.

OpenYourEyes

mini5476 wrote: »

The only small mammals there really are wood mice and rats which are of no real conservation value. It has a very diverse range of plants but much of it is covered in invasive knotweeds.

That depends on what else is there! If there's raptors or owls in the area then those rodents are very important!

Hollzy

Exactly. There are raptors there.

The IWT has made a proposal to the Cork City Council about maintaining and protecting the site. If they win this, they'll organise the removal of invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed. They'll also construct a pond which should increase the biodiversity significantly. The site has a lot of potential.