Summer has well and truly arrived at the Kerry Biosphere. Grassland species are coming into bloom and woodland floors are awash with Bluebells, Wood Anemone, and Wood Sorrell. Colourful native species such as Ragged Robin and Yellow Flag Iris are blooming together with dainty Cuckoo Flowers. Pollinators are making the most of the fine weather where solitary bees, bumblebees and butterflies are flittering busily from plant to plant.
Froglets are becoming frogs and in the evening time, bats dash about, controlling our insect populations and capitalising on the dry, mild weather. The National Park, in our Core Area is exceptionally busy with tourists visiting from around the world enjoying the Park alongside the locals. The Biosphere is on the cusp of summer, we are hoping for a nice summer with plenty of sunshine and blue skies. If you haven't done so already, maybe take a leisurely stroll through the Park, or challenge yourself with a walk on the hills in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Please remember that the lighting of fires, including disposable barbecues is strictly prohibited in the Park. Please also note that dogs are strictly forbidden on the Reeks, and for good reason. The Reeks comprise privately owned land, much of which is actively farmed. Sheep that live on the hill are highly susceptible to stress or even fatalities from dogs. What may seem like a playful time for a family pet, may prove to be incredibly stressful and dangerous to livestock. The hills are also home to sensitive ground nesting birds, another good reason to refrain from bringing your dog, and incentive to stay on the paths and trails. We hope you enjoy the fine weather and make the most of the natural amenities on our doorstep in the Biosphere. Why not take the opportunity to record flora and fauna on your travels and report your sightings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre? You don't need to be an expert, far from it, just record the species you are comfortable with identifying, including nasty non-native invasice species like Rhododendron ponticum and Japanese Knotweed.
