With this Mediterranean like weather, it is a great chance to observe our varied invertebrates. A personal favourite of mine are Dragonflies. Dragonflies are associated with wetland habitats such as bogs, ponds, and lakes. We do not have any wetlands in our garden, however we get commuting Dragonflies resting on our patio and stone walls.
With the brilliant sunshine and warm temperatures, it has been a great period for our pollinators. At home, we have adopted 'No Mow May' which has yielded tall strands of Ragged Robin, Buttercups, and Daisies. We have supplemented our garden species with the planting of flowers to further provide a food source for pollinators.
Now that we are in the summer months, our flora is blooming. It is easy to see just why Hawthorn is also known as Whitethorn, Gorse brings a brilliant yellow as does Yellow Flag Iris, whilst Ragged Robin, Red Valerian, and Foxglove provide beautiful shades of pink. It is also easy to see our non-native invasive species during this time of year.
Our spell of fine weather continues to wash the landscape with colour and life. Summer's paintbrush has glossened the grasslands with pinks and yellows, blues and whites. The early bloomers like Daffodils and Primrose were the first to bring colour after our winter. Now we have brilliant pink from Ragged Robin, deep purple from Early Purple Orchids and wonderful yellows in our Buttercups and impressive Yellow Flag Iris.
We are into the second week of May already and into week three of exceptionally fine weather. The fine weather has brought drought like conditions that have some plant species struggling. The cool evenings and that dew that falls with them appear to offer some respite to our plant species. Some grasslands are awash withg colour as early bloomers like Primrose, Daffodils, and Bluebells give way to Ragged Robin, Cuckoo Flower, Daisies, and Buttercups.
We are glad to report that our rainwater planters are thriving and it was worth waiting for native plant species to become available. Ragged Robin brings a pretty shade of pink, while Yellow Flag Iris beams a bright yellow flower. Water Mint brings a freshness and a hint of colour to the planters. The photo attached illustrates our largest planter to date, at Loughquitane Primary School, Killarney.
The Kerry Biosphere is thrilled to be taking part in an educational awareness programme in Kerry's libraries which is being delivered by Kerry County Council Biodiversity Officer Eleanor Turner. The programme will include the preparation of an "educational table" at each of the nine libraries in the County. The educational pieces will have a biodiversity theme and the Biosphere is delighted to contribute towards the items provided.
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.
Our three rainwater planters at national schools in the Killarney region are looking great. Spring has definitely sprung and our native plants are coming into bloom. As the planters are prone to getting somewhat waterlogged we have chosen hardy species that can withstand wet and dry conditions. Our planters are planted with the likes of Water Mint which brings a beautiful aroma, Cuckoo Flower, Yellow Flag Iris, and Ragged Robin which bring great colour and food sources for pollinators.
Our Creative Ireland funded book 'Our Wild Woodlands' is well underway. Our Biosphere Officer, Brendan Kirwan has written a short story that describes 24 hours in a native oak woodland. The story focusses on the flora and fauna that inhabit the woodland and the interactions with eachother and with humans. The story aims to highlight the importance of our woodlands and the fauna activities that occur in secret in the woodland.
