Projects
National Survey of Upland Habitats
The uplands form Ireland’s largest expanses of semi-natural habitats and are of major conservation importance, with fourteen habitat types listed under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive being recorded in these areas. However, drainage, agricultural improvement, extensive afforestation and overstocking of sheep have resulted in the widespread degradation of upland habitats, while wind energy development and climate change are likely to present further threats…
Irish Semi-natural Grasslands Survey
Following on from the 2007 pilot semi-natural grassland survey of Counties Roscommon and Offaly, in 2008 BEC Consultants began the first phase of a nationwide research project into the grasslands of Ireland, surveying 250 semi-natural grassland sites in counties Cork and Waterford. This included collecting botanical and environmental data from 2,773 relevés. The semi-natural grassland habitats within each site were digitally mapped and presented in ArcGIS…
Discover Nature Trails
Discover Nature Trails is a new ecotourism initiative based in Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. We provide guided nature walks through unique landscapes, led by professional ecologists who have studied Ireland’s natural habitats for over 10 years. We’re passionate about nature and about sharing our expert knowledge. Our trails are designed to match the interests of our clients, and all ages and levels of interest are catered for…
Projects
National Survey of Native Woodland in Ireland
BEC Consultants organised this large, multidisciplinary project from February 2003 through to March 2008. The project involved field ecology, GIS technology, soil analysis and statistical data analysis. During the field survey the ecological teams recorded data on trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns, mosses, liverworts and lichens along with important structural and regeneration data. 1,320 woodland sites were surveyed and over 70,000 tree stems were measured…
The Conservation of the Protected Species Irish Fleabane (Inula salicina)
Irish fleabane (Inula salicina) is a rare native plant species which has been reduced to only one small population growing on the shores of Lough Derg, and is therefore threatened with extinction in Ireland. This project aimed to ensure the continued existence of Irish fleabane on the shores of Lough Derg through a conservation project that involved the local community, the National Botanic Gardens, National Parks & Wildlife Service and BEC Consultants…
Mitigation Measures for the Nationally Threatened Triangular Club-rush
This rare and legally protected Club-rush is recorded in Ireland only from the River Shannon and a few of its tributaries (the Maigue and Owenagarney rivers) in counties Limerick and Clare. There has been a dramatic decline of the species in Britain. The development of the Limerick Southern Ring Road, including the Limerick Tunnel, will impact populations of this plant within the Shannon estuary. BEC Consultants developed mitigation measures to minimise the impacts…