Life as a FisheriesLife as a FisheriesLife as a FisheriesLife as a FisheriesTraining InstructorTraining InstructorTraining InstructorTraining Instructor
New BeginningsNew BeginningsNew BeginningsNew BeginningsSSSS pring is starting to peek out and
as we wave goodbye to winter,the days are lengthening. Flowers,such as daffodils, tulips andbluebells are appearing through thesoftening ground and birds arebecoming more vocal. Spring is atime of new beginnings with manyanimals giving birth to their young,and others, such as birds, arereturning to our shores from theirwinter holidays in warmer lands.
In this issue we feature frogs, a realsymbol of spring, who go throughan extraordinary journey fromspawn to tadpole to frog. With budsappearing on the trees, ready to“spring” into leaf, we look at thedifference between deciduous andevergreen trees. We also feature themost amazing of displays, thenorthern lights - fantastic andmagical sights which appear in thenight skies around the poles, inspring and autumn. On occasionwe're lucky enough to catch aglimpse of these extraordinarydisplays, so read on to see how andwhy they appear. We also get achance to read about Susan Steele’sbusy life as a Fisheries TrainingInstructor, as well as the wonderfulwork that the children of RathcooleNational School, Co. Cork, aredoing for the environment.
Right: Bluebells enjoying the flickers ofRight: Bluebells enjoying the flickers ofRight: Bluebells enjoying the flickers ofRight: Bluebells enjoying the flickers ofsunlight shining through the trees.sunlight shining through the trees.sunlight shining through the trees.sunlight shining through the trees.
IIII remember the first time I saw the NorthernLights (see page 15). I had been at a night
class on the island and afterwards a friend waswalking with me to the car. Looking skywardswe were astonished when we saw an extremelybright green sky. We had never heard of theNorthern Lights so it was really alien to us. Andyou can imagine that “aliens” was one of thewild ideas going through our heads! My friendusually walked home but I insisted on drivingher just in case! Obviously, nowthat I’m a little older and a littlewiser, I know what causes thelights and that there isnothing to be afraid of. Itmakes me laugh now when Ithink how innocent we were.
Editor’s Page
Dear Reader,
Welcome everyone to thespring issue of Nature’sWeb. This issue we arefocusing on trees, withNational Tree Weekcoming up in March (page14). We’re also highlightingthe Central Fisheries Board’sschool resource pack,“Something Fishy” whichthey are re-launching thisspring and is a greatresource for children (page4). In every issue,something stands out andthis time it has to be theCuckoo (page 3). Wealways knew it laid its eggsin other birds’ nests butnever realised it was quite soselfish! Check out naturenews f rom around theworld on page 11 andenjoy a giggle with thejokes on page 13.
We would love to hear yourviews and comments andsuggestions for futurearticles. Have a good read!
Susan & AudreyEmail:Email:Email:Email:[email protected]: www.naturesweb.ie
What you need:4 x white fish portions - boned1 courgette1 handful of cherry tomatoes1 yellow pepper – all roughly chopped2 cloves of garlicBasil leaves (optional) tornSalt and freshly milled black pepper
What to do:• Place fish on chopped vegetables, in centre
of the foil• Season fish• Make the foil bag by folding the foil in half to
cover the fish and vegetables• Fold the foil on each side twice on each side
of the parcel. Finally fold the remainingopen end
• Place in a preheated oven at 200 ºC/400 ºFGas Mark 6 for 15-18 minutes
• Slit bag and slide the fish and vegetables onto a plate
To ServeServe with baked potato, wedges or salad.
Cook's notes: You can use any vegetables -spinach, leeks, aubergine, red onion, celeryetc along with whatever herbs are available.For summer seafood just pop the fish parcel onthe barbecue and cook for the same amount oftime.
Brought to you by BIM. For more fishrecipes visit www.bim.ie
FFFFISH IN A ISH IN A ISH IN A ISH IN A PPPPARCELARCELARCELARCEL
Close Encounters! YOU WANT TO PLANT A TREE BUT
DON’T HAVE A GARDEN?Each year we areencouraged to planta tree for TreeWeek. Many peopleare lucky enough tohave a garden with thespace to plant a tree but somepeople either don’t have a garden orjust don’t have the room to plantone. So what can they do? Well,there are a number of options.Firstly, you could sponsor a tree.The Tree Council of Ireland havetwo different schemes, one whichassists the cost of planting andmaintaining special Family Treegroves and the other is the Larch HillFamily Tree Scheme which enablesyou to commemorate an importantevent, or to remember a loved one.The Native Woodland Trust also havea sponsorship scheme, where youcan dedicate a tree to someone.Another option is to donate orsponsor the planting of a tree in a
family or friend’s garden or in alocal park. Obviously you wouldfirst have to check that they would
TTTT he sound of the cuckoo is a realsign that spring has arrived.
Returning in April from its winterhome in Africa, the cuckoo is moreoften heard than seen. Both themale and female bird are the samesize, roughly 30cm in length. Theyare similar to sparrowhawks but arebluish grey in colour, with a whiteunderneath. The male's call,"cuckoo" or "cuck-cuckoo", is moreoften heard than the female'sbubbling call.
Cuckoo's don't build their own nests.In May and early June the femalelays her eggs in the nests of otherbirds, particularly Dunnocks,Meadow Pipits, and Reed Warblers.These other birds only discover thatthese chicks are not their own, onlyafter having cared for them.The cuckoo will remove and destroy,
or eat one of the bird's own eggs,replacing it with her own. Becausethe egg of the cuckoo is very smalland varies in colour, these birds donot notice that the egg is not theirown.
When the cuckoo chick hatches, it isblind and naked. When it feels theother chicks in the nest rubbingagainst it, it wriggles about until itpushes the other chicks out of thenest. The foster mother doesn'tnotice the dead chicks outside thenest and continues to look after thecuckoo chick, as her own.
The cuckoo chick grows veryquickly, needing continuous feedingby the foster mothers, and thoughthe chick grows much bigger thaneven the foster mother, no notice istaken of this.
The cuckoo's own parents take nofurther interest in the chick andhaving left its foster mother's nest,the young bird must find its ownway to the wintering habitat inAfrica. This is often in lateSeptember, when the older birdswould have already gone.
Help record the firstsighting of the cuckoo thisspring. Visitwww.springalive.net!
Fact FileColour:Colour:Colour:Colour: Adult has blue-greyhead and back, whiteunderneath with black barsand yellow feet. Wings arespotted.Length: Length: Length: Length: 32-36 cmDiet:Diet:Diet:Diet: Insects and their larvae,with caterpillars being theirfavourite.Habitat: Habitat: Habitat: Habitat: Woodlands,farmland, coastal fields.No. of eggs:No. of eggs:No. of eggs:No. of eggs: 12-13 (each in aseparate nest of “host” birds)
Cuckoos have even inspired clocks! These clocks are usuallymade in the shape of a chalet or little wooden house. On thehour, every hour, a miniature cuckoo comes out through alittle door and makes a “cuckoo” sound to announce thehour. The first cuckoo clocks were made in the Black Forestarea of Germany in the 1700s.
• Reptiles Reptiles Reptiles Reptiles - eg turtles and tortoises withtough shells, meat-eating crocodiles and alligators,snakes and lizards.
• Amphibians Amphibians Amphibians Amphibians - eg frogs and tadpoles.• BirdsBirdsBirdsBirds - eg robins, swans, ostriches and penguins.• ....and FishFishFishFish!
Fish live in waterand breathe withthe use of theirgills. They have fins.They lay eggs inthe water. Theseeggs contain material which will provide nourishmentfor the young fish in the first stages of life.
You can tell the age of a scaly fishby counting the number of ringson its scales. Fish scales are
coloured so that the fish willblend in with its surroundings.This is called camouflage.camouflage.camouflage.camouflage.
Sometimes the rings on scales arewide and sometimes they arenarrow, depending on whether the
fish has had a good supply of food.And speaking of food, fish is an important source ofprotein, vitamins and minerals. To ensure healthybodies and minds, humans should have healthy andbalanced diets, including plenty of fish!
Aquatic Life
www.naturesweb.ie Spring 2007
Fish In The Food ChainFreshwater fish live in rivers and lakes, while saltwater fish live in the seas and oceans. Some fish such as
the salmon and eels can live in both freshwater and salt water.Fish may occupy many levels in the food chain throughout their lives. For example, fish eggs and fry are
an important food for other fish, birds and insects. Fish such as salmon are predators. They live onfreshwater insects and crustaceans in the river and on small fish and crustaceans such as shrimp in the
sea. Salmon also serve as food for other animals such as heron, otter, seals, other fish and humans.
Something Fishy is a resource pack which has been produced by the Central Fisheries Board. It is geared towardsfifth and sixth class pupils and is linked to the curriculum. Working through the pack will help children become
more aware of the importance of good water quality and the dependence of all forms of life on it, particularly fish!For further details contact your regional fisheries board or Mark Corps ([email protected]) at the Central Fisheries Board.
Visit the Something Fishy website at www.somethingfishy.ie and the Central Fisheries Board website at www.cfb.ie
Put your hands on each side of yourhead and pretend they are gills.
Open your mouth - close your gillsClose your mouth - open your gills
An interesting fact isthat freshwater
species are the mostthreatened species onthe planet. They are
dying out 5 timesfaster than animalsthat live on land.
Life Cycle of FrogsA human baby looks very much like a tiny adult, but manyanimals look nothing like their parents when they are babies.They undergo a dramatic change from egg to adult. Thischange in form is called "metamorphosis". One creaturewhich goes through this change, or "metamorphosis" is the
frog. The eggs of the frog are known as spawn. Each egg issurrounded by a transparent, jelly-like substance. This jellyis so slippery that when any predators try to eat the spawn,they cannot hold on to it. The jelly also helps to let the sun'swarmth through to the egg inside.
Frogs pass through three stages of development - egg,tadpole and adult frog. The tadpole grows from the round dotthat can be seen inside each blob of jelly and while they aredeveloping they feed on yolks, also contained in the jelly.Tadpoles have a head and body which is all in one and thesetadpoles feed through gills. They have no legs at first andswim by means of a long tail. Gradually legs begin to sproutand the tail shrinks and is absorbed into the body. They alsolose their gills and develop lungs, until they become tinyfrogs.
Frogs take from three to four years to reach their full sizeand often live as long as 40 years.
Leap Frog!Leap Frog!Leap Frog!Leap Frog!Frogs can jump a distance ofFrogs can jump a distance ofFrogs can jump a distance ofFrogs can jump a distance of10 times their body length.10 times their body length.10 times their body length.10 times their body length.
Fact File:♦ Frogs are amphibians.
♦ Frogs can live in water or on land.
♦ Water is absorbed through their skin, so theymust live in wet or damp places.
♦ They do not have scales.
♦ They range from 1cm to 30cm in length.
♦ They lay 4,000 eggs at one time.
♦ Frogs can change colour to match itssurroundings.
♦ They have four legs.
♦ They have big round ears on the sides oftheir heads.
♦ To make a croaking sound, a frog squeezesits lungs with its nostrils and mouth closed.Air flows over the vocal chords, causing itsvocal sac to inflate like a balloon.
♦ The earliest frog appeared about 190 millionyears ago.
♦ There are around 3,500 species of frogs andtoads in the world.
♦ A group of frogs is known as an army!
Animal Life
AMPHIBIANSAMPHIBIANSAMPHIBIANSAMPHIBIANSAmphibians have four legs,are born from eggs, live in
water as babies and canmove to land when grown.
Join in theJoin in theJoin in theJoin in theHop To ItHop To ItHop To ItHop To It
Frog Survey 2007.Frog Survey 2007.Frog Survey 2007.Frog Survey 2007.For information visitFor information visitFor information visitFor information visit
THE AGE OF A TREEWhen a tree is cut down, or felled,you can tell how old it is by count-
ing the number of rings on itsstump. Each ring records one year
of growth.
Hard softwoods & soft hardwoods!To totally confuse you, not allhardwoods are harder than
softwoods. Some softwoods,such as yew, are really hard!
DECIDUOUS TREESDeciduous trees are generally thought of asbroadleaf trees, meaning that they have broad,flat leaves eg sycamore. They are also consideredto be hardwood trees. Usually these trees takelonger to grow, their wood is harder and has goodpreservative qualities. Their wood generally lastslonger, is harder to work with and more expensive.A deciduous forest is a forest made up of treesthat will drop their leaves in autumn. These leaveswill rot, producing a rich carpet of soil on whichplants can feed. Therefore deciduous forests arefull of plants and animal life.
EVERGREEN TREESWhen we talk about evergreen trees, we usually think of conifers, which are trees that have needle-like leaves egpine trees. However there are also evergreen trees that have broad, flat leaves. The wood of a conifer tree isknown as softwood. Generally, softwood is easy to work with and this is what we mostly use in our houses forflooring, doors etc... Also, conifers grow more quickly and more upright than deciduous trees, which has led to theplanting of plantations of coniferous forests purely to provide wood for our use.
The narrow leaf of the conifer has a small surfacearea and is therefore able to stop water loss. Thishelps it grow in cold climates and poor soils.An evergreen, or coniferous forest, is a forest madeup of pine trees that are always in leaf. They do notshed leaves, except for a few pine needles to makeway for new ones. These fallen needles have very littlenutrients and make very poor soil. Not many plantsgrow in these forests and so fewer animals andplants are found there.
In the Trial Issue (2005) of Nature’s Web, we briefly mentioned the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees.To tie in with the theme of tree conservation on page 14, here’s a little more information on the subject!
Evergreen trees, as their name suggests, keep their leaves all year round. Deciduous trees usually lose theirleaves in autumn, sending out new shoots and leaves in the spring.
A Day in the Life of Susan SteeleA Day in the Life of Susan SteeleA Day in the Life of Susan SteeleA Day in the Life of Susan SteeleHave you always been interested in the sea?Have you always been interested in the sea?Have you always been interested in the sea?Have you always been interested in the sea?I decided at the age of three that all I wantedto be was a marine biologist. I grew up onthe Beara peninsula in West Cork. It is aspectacularly beautiful part of the world andI spent every minute that I could down atthe shore looking at rock pools and in thesea to catch a glimpse of the life that wasthere. I was very lucky to have parents whowere willing to support me and whodidn't mind the drying seaweed,aquariums and the odious smell of fish aroundthe house. When I was 11 years old, I managedto get a job working in a local salmon hatchery.I saved up money from this and went on aMarine Ecology course when they ran them atSherkin Island Marine Station, years ago .
What training did you do to get where you are today?What training did you do to get where you are today?What training did you do to get where you are today?What training did you do to get where you are today?By the time that I was 17, I had worked on mussel farms,oyster farms and in Trinity College Dublin as a researchassistant. I did a degree in Marine Biology in Bangor andlearnt to dive. I won an environmental scientist of the yearand then did a PhD in UCC. I got a postdoctoral position inLondon in the Royal Holloway and then started lecturingand working as a tutor for the Open University. I had amad notion to work on every aspect of Marine Animalsfrom ecology (study of animals in their environment)through microscopes, electron microscopes (to the cell)and molecular biology (to the genes). I did manage towork and write scientific papers on all of these things,which have all helped me get to where I am today!
What is your main aim as a trainer with BIM?What is your main aim as a trainer with BIM?What is your main aim as a trainer with BIM?What is your main aim as a trainer with BIM?In aquaculture training BIM’s logo is 'give a man a fish and
you feed him for a day, train him how to grow a fish andyou feed him for a lifetime'. I firmly believe in this andalso in educating young people about the importance ofprotecting our marine environment.
What is the best thing about your job?What is the best thing about your job?What is the best thing about your job?What is the best thing about your job?I have the privilege of teaching many incredible peoplewho work around our coast most days of the week. I havelearnt so much from them. Working with children is greatas they excite you about the sea. Every day is a greatadventure at work. I also have a small recirculation unit inmy office and get to hatch out dogfish eggs, teachoctopus tricks and learn about feeding different animals.
What is the worst thing about your job?What is the worst thing about your job?What is the worst thing about your job?What is the worst thing about your job?Time! I find it hard to say “No” and I am
always trying to do too much. Still,I do manage to get things done andtry to make a difference.
What is a day in your life like?What is a day in your life like?What is a day in your life like?What is a day in your life like?I have four brilliant children Emma,Lizzie, Martin and Molly. Days startwith the usual chaos of getting readyfor school. I cycle into work withMartin on the back of the bike. It isnearly five miles and we get to argue
about dinosaurs on the way in. Martin is fourand at playschool. He is convinced thatdinosaurs still exist. I arrive in and usually teachfor the day. I have become a “jack of all trades”and teach first aid, personal survival techniques,
boat handling, radio courses, manual handling, and all ofthe marine biology and fish farming courses.Days varyfrom taking 20-30 school children out to the shore andshowing them how life survives to teaching shellfishfarming. Imagine that you can hang rope in our watersand grow mussels! I try and inspire people doing thecourses so we spend a lot of time eating the produce ofthe sea such as seaweed (no wonder, I need to cycle). I gowith my husband and two smallest children to the beachfor our lunch, sometimes collecting seaweed for thegarden. At the end of the day, I cycle home and eat. Myhusband has a farm and we have great vegetables(probably due to the seaweed)! Then I try and fit in timeto study. I believe that we should never stop learning. I amjust finishing a Masters in Business Administration (MBA)and will have finished a Masters in Education by nextOctober as well.
Susan Steele - Fisheries Training InstructorSusan Steele - Fisheries Training InstructorSusan Steele - Fisheries Training InstructorSusan Steele - Fisheries Training Instructor
All in a Day’s Work
www.naturesweb.ie Spring 2007
PROFILEPROFILEPROFILEPROFILESusan Steele works as a trainingexecutive for Bord IascaighMhara (BIM) - the Irish FisheriesBoard, running aquaculture andbusiness training courses aroundthe coast. She also works withprimary and secondary schools aspart of her job and is based inCastletownbere, Co. Cork.
RRRRathcoole National School is a ruralvillage school located in the
Barony of Duhallow in North Cork.The school is a five-teacher schoolwith 99 pupils. It is overlooked by theforested hills of Laught and nestles inthe valley where the Aubane andBlackwater Rivers merge. One of ourclaims to fame is the Rathcooleairfield which can be found if yougoogle it on the internet.
Our pupils are very interested in theenvironment. We proudly boast anorganic school garden which growsvegetables and flowers of allvarieties - from aubergines tosunflowers. The Third, Fourth, Fifthand Sixth classes work very hard inthe school garden. They dig, plant,weed and harvest the crops. Theschool community enjoys dishes fromthe organic produce of the garden atan annual harvest lunch. We havetasted vegetable and pumpkin soupserved in a scooped out pumpkinsaucepan and delicious colcannonmade from potatoes and cabbagegrown in our garden. Our schoolgarden is a great place to conduct amini beast hunt and nature walk –Mrs. Healy's First and Second classand Mrs. Lynch's Infants can tell youall about it.
Near our school vegetable patch are
two compost bins with worms thateat all our uncooked food waste, eggshells and teachers' tea bags. Thesetwo bins provide wonderfulnourishment for our school garden,window boxes and newly plantedfruit trees. Our newly renovatedfront garden patch has bushes toattract butterflies. So we lookforward to the summer and a greatvariety of coloured butterflies.Pupils can already identify birds,which feed regularly at our birdtable.
Aluminium cans are gathered in theschool and collected by the Blue
Dragon Company.Batteries, photocopier toner andcomputer printer cartridges aregathered and taken by one of ourteachers to the excellent recyclingcentre in Millstreet. We recycle milkcartons and paper in the Dry Recyclebin for weekly collection.
The highlight of our year is theSherkin Island Marine StationEnvironmental competition. Weresearch and enter projects on thetheme: "What is important to me inthe Environment". Above is aphotograph of some of last year'sentries.
We studied pigs, hedgehogs, snails,bees, hens, horses and many more.The trip to the Carrigaline CourtHotel to collect our wonderful prizesand view all the other entries is agreat day out. We are alreadyplanning this year's entries. Werecommend that every nationalschool pupil in Munster enter thecompetition and support MattMurphy's marine station in itsexcellent work of promoting care forthe environment.
What you needWhat you needWhat you needWhat you needFour healthy plants,for example busylizzies or potatoes
A black plastic bag
Label the plants 1, 2,3 and 4.
What you doWhat you doWhat you doWhat you do♦ Leave Plant 1 on
a window sillwhere it will getlight. Water itwhenever itneeds it.
♦ Place Plant 2 onthe window sill beside plant 1.Do not water it at all.
♦ Water Plant 3 well. Then put it inthe black plastic bag. Seal the bagtightly.
♦ Leave Plants 1, 2 and 3 for threeweeks.
♦ Use Plant 4 to show that watermoves up the plant from the rootsto the leaves.
♦ Cut the top off Plant 4. Lie the pot on its sideover newspaper.
What happens to the part that has been cut off?What happens to the part that has been cut off?What happens to the part that has been cut off?What happens to the part that has been cut off?___________________________________________
Is there moistureIs there moistureIs there moistureIs there moisturecoming out of it?coming out of it?coming out of it?coming out of it?________________
After three weeks,look at Plants 1, 2 and 3.Place a tick ( ) on the chart to show thecondition of each plant.
Can you explain...
What happened to Plant 1?What happened to Plant 1?What happened to Plant 1?What happened to Plant 1?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Why?Why?Why?Why?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What happened to Plant 2?What happened to Plant 2?What happened to Plant 2?What happened to Plant 2?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Why?Why?Why?Why?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What happened to Plant 3?What happened to Plant 3?What happened to Plant 3?What happened to Plant 3?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Why?Why?Why?Why?
The leaves of the tree make food. They use sunlight as energy for this.Food is only made during the day.The food moves down the tree through the bark to the roots.Like all plants, trees need water to live. Water is taken from the soil by theroots.It moves up the tree to the leaves through the wood of the trunk.
This experiment shows that plants need light and water.
How a Tree LivesHow a Tree LivesHow a Tree LivesHow a Tree Lives
The Tree Council of Ireland produce very useful and informative leaflets for children on their website and have kindly allowed usThe Tree Council of Ireland produce very useful and informative leaflets for children on their website and have kindly allowed usThe Tree Council of Ireland produce very useful and informative leaflets for children on their website and have kindly allowed usThe Tree Council of Ireland produce very useful and informative leaflets for children on their website and have kindly allowed usreproduce one here. Visit their site at www.treecouncil.ie for more....!reproduce one here. Visit their site at www.treecouncil.ie for more....!reproduce one here. Visit their site at www.treecouncil.ie for more....!reproduce one here. Visit their site at www.treecouncil.ie for more....!
Learn MoreA Beginner’s Guide toIreland’s Seashore is apocket-sized guide, suitablefor beginners of all ages.This book will help you toexplore the wonders ofmarine life found on theshores around Ireland.206pp
Only €6.97includingpostage
A collection of photographsof Ireland’s bird life,featuring over 200 colourphotographs taken by one ofEurope’s finest wildlifephotographers, Richard Mills.160pp
€16.00includingpostage
Sea Life DVD!!Sea Life DVD!!Sea Life DVD!!Sea Life DVD!!““““On the Water’s Edge”On the Water’s Edge”On the Water’s Edge”On the Water’s Edge”
Sherkin Island Marine Station haslaunched a new dvd called ‘On theWater’s Edge’. It is made up of a shortfilm on life beside the sea and ispresented by Audrey Murphy. Itincludes 6-10 hours of interactivematerial for children of all ages.Available from: Sherkin Island MarineStation, Sherkin Island, Co. Cork.€16.95 post free.
To order books, send your name andaddress along with a cheque or postalorder made payable to Sherkin IslandMarine Station to:
Matt Murphy,Sherkin Island Marine Station,Sherkin Island,Skibbereen, Co.Cork. Ireland.
Sherkin Island Marine Station has published a range of colouringbooks, guides and activity books for children. Each thirty twopage Colouring & Guide Book gives you the chance to colour,identify and learn about the wildlife around Ireland. My NatureDiary and Safety Sam activity book will keep you busy for hours.
Only €1.75each including
postage or€10.50 for all
seven!32pp each
www.naturesweb.ie Spring 2007
The Cuckoo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Cuckoo
Amazon Rainforests and Dust from the Sahara:http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=17512
Remains of a Dinosaur found in Spain: http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2006/1222sauropod.shtmlhttp://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061221-giant-dinosaur.html
We cannot be responsible for the content of external websites, so please observe due care when accessing any site on the internet.
Useful Web AddressesThere are lots of websites to be found on the internet that will give you furtherinformation on topics we have covered in this newsletter. Here are a few thatmay be of interest:
Michael Ludwig reportson some strangegoings on in the
natural world.
www.naturesweb.ie Spring 2007
TTTTHEHE HE HE AAAAMAZONMAZON MAZON MAZON RRRRAINFORESTSAINFORESTSAINFORESTSAINFORESTSDEPEND ON DUST FROM ONEDEPEND ON DUST FROM ONEDEPEND ON DUST FROM ONEDEPEND ON DUST FROM ONE
SSSSAHARAN VALLEYAHARAN VALLEYAHARAN VALLEYAHARAN VALLEY
Fertilising fields is one way to keep themproductive, and Mother Nature uses the samemethod for her rainforests. But while we usually getthe fertiliser locally She has been reaching across theSouth Atlantic for her supplies! Each year, millions of tonnes of mineral dust are carried bywinds from the Sahara desert in Africa, to the rainforests of South America. This dust helpskeep the soil of the rainforests fertile. Scientists in Israel have discovered that 56% of thedust comes from one place, the Bodele Valley in Chad, Africa. Using satellite images, theyfound that more than 40 million tonnes of Bodele dust is spread over the rainforests. Theprocess is made possible by the topography around the Valley. Two mountain ridges createa wind venturi affect, which lifts the dust high into the atmosphere where it is carried acrossthe Atlantic Ocean.
The World Around Us
Remains of a Dinosaur Found in SpainRemains of a Dinosaur Found in SpainRemains of a Dinosaur Found in SpainRemains of a Dinosaur Found in SpainPalaeontologists (people who study the history and development of life onEarth) have uncovered the remains of the biggest European dinosaur fossilever found. The new species, Turiasaurus riodevensis, measures almost 120feet (37 meters) in length and may have weighed as much as 48 tons(more than 50 cars!) The sauropod dinosaur was a giant plant-eater andhas been named Turiasaurus riodevensis. It takes part of its name fromTuria, the name of region, in Spain, where it was found.The size of its bones suggest that it is among thelargest dinosaurs to walk on Earth. The animal, with
an 11-foot-long (3.5-metre)left forelimb, once roamed all
across Europe and its discoveryhints at future finds of
behemothdinosaurs on thecontinent.
Snakes Predict Earthquakes???Snakes Predict Earthquakes???Snakes Predict Earthquakes???Snakes Predict Earthquakes???Scientists at the earthquake bureau in Nanning, insouthern Guangxi Province, China believe that snakescan predict when an earthquake is about to occur.They are monitoring local snake farms, using internetvideo links after discovering that their “slitheringinstruments” can sense the tiny tremors that precede, by up tofive days, when an earthquake will happen. When a quake isabout to occur, the snakes start moving strangely and if the quake is a bigone, they even start smashing into their cage walls, trying to escape.Scientists said the serpents can sense a quake up to 120km (75 miles) away!I’d rather watch a seismograph, thank you!
Back to KerryBack to KerryBack to KerryBack to KerryGood news for Kerry where, after onehundred years of absence, the White-
tailed Sea Eagle will be re-introduced.Over a five year period starting in thesummer 2007, 15 chicks a year fromNorway will be reintroduced to TheKillarney National Park in County Kerry.The Park appears to be the best place tore-introduce the 2.5 meter wingspanbirds. Experts feel that the rich peninsulasand deep bays of Kerry and West Cork arevery suitable for the White-tailed SeaEagle. The 75 bird relocations shouldcreate a breeding population that willspread out across the rich peninsulas,coast, windswept islands and deep bays ofKerry and West Cork. It is hoped that theproject will be as successful as the re-introduction of the Golden Eagle toDonegal six years ago. Apart from thecultural and tourism benefits of having
eagles back in Kerry, thisproject will helpIreland meet its
Ireland contains hundreds of rivers, ranging from small mountain streamsIreland contains hundreds of rivers, ranging from small mountain streamsIreland contains hundreds of rivers, ranging from small mountain streamsIreland contains hundreds of rivers, ranging from small mountain streamsto big broad rivers such as the Shannon, which is the largest river into big broad rivers such as the Shannon, which is the largest river into big broad rivers such as the Shannon, which is the largest river into big broad rivers such as the Shannon, which is the largest river inIreland and Britain. These rivers often begin high up in the mountains,Ireland and Britain. These rivers often begin high up in the mountains,Ireland and Britain. These rivers often begin high up in the mountains,Ireland and Britain. These rivers often begin high up in the mountains,from where they start their journey to the sea. Most of them contain afrom where they start their journey to the sea. Most of them contain afrom where they start their journey to the sea. Most of them contain afrom where they start their journey to the sea. Most of them contain alarge population of fish of different species. These fish vary in shapes, sizeslarge population of fish of different species. These fish vary in shapes, sizeslarge population of fish of different species. These fish vary in shapes, sizeslarge population of fish of different species. These fish vary in shapes, sizesand colours and often live in different habitats within the river.and colours and often live in different habitats within the river.and colours and often live in different habitats within the river.and colours and often live in different habitats within the river.It is important to protect and conserve Ireland’s fish stocks, as they are aIt is important to protect and conserve Ireland’s fish stocks, as they are aIt is important to protect and conserve Ireland’s fish stocks, as they are aIt is important to protect and conserve Ireland’s fish stocks, as they are avaluable natural resource. Fish are badly affected by pollution, and oftenvaluable natural resource. Fish are badly affected by pollution, and oftenvaluable natural resource. Fish are badly affected by pollution, and oftenvaluable natural resource. Fish are badly affected by pollution, and oftenthe first sign that a river is polluted is when the fish begin to die. This factthe first sign that a river is polluted is when the fish begin to die. This factthe first sign that a river is polluted is when the fish begin to die. This factthe first sign that a river is polluted is when the fish begin to die. This facthelps us to monitor the rivers for water quality and to help ensure ahelps us to monitor the rivers for water quality and to help ensure ahelps us to monitor the rivers for water quality and to help ensure ahelps us to monitor the rivers for water quality and to help ensure acleaner environment. Apart from this, fishing provides an enjoyablecleaner environment. Apart from this, fishing provides an enjoyablecleaner environment. Apart from this, fishing provides an enjoyablecleaner environment. Apart from this, fishing provides an enjoyablehobby for thousands of anglers throughout the country.hobby for thousands of anglers throughout the country.hobby for thousands of anglers throughout the country.hobby for thousands of anglers throughout the country.
Up Close
RRRRIVERIVERIVERIVERFFFFISHISHISHISH
Esox lucius GailliascThe pike is Ireland’s most fearsome predator fish. It lives through eating other smallerfish and it has a huge mouth filled with rows of razor sharp teeth. Once it seizesanother fish, there is little chance of escape, as the teeth point backwards down intothe pike’s mouth. The pike loves to wait in ambush for its prey and its green colour isperfect for hiding in weeds waiting for other fish to pass. The pike’s long strong andslim body is perfect for bursts of speed over short distances, as it shoots out from itslair to engulf it’s prey. The pike normally likes the larger, slower movingareas of the river.
Salmo salar BradánThe Salmon is one of Ireland’s most famous fish because of the long and dangerous journey it takesduring its lifetime. Salmon are born in small streams, high up in the river system. They spend theirearly life in these small streams feeding on tiny insects. Then, the small salmon suddenly feel the urgeto travel to the sea and they begin a journey (sometimes hundreds of miles) down through the riverto the sea. Many salmon are killed by predators on this journey, but those that survive will live andfeed in the sea for a year or more. At sea they become silver in colour and can grow very large. Then,after some time, the salmon again feel an urge, this time to return to the river from which they wereborn. The salmon are able to remember the exact stream from which they came, and they travel backto that stream to lay their eggs and begin the cycle all over again.
SalmonSalmonSalmonSalmon
Salmo trutta Breac DonnThe Brown Trout is one of Ireland’s oldest and most widespread fish. It caninhabit all types of river systems, from small streams to the largest of our rivers.The trout loves fresh clean water that has plenty of oxygen and it is particularlyaffected by pollution. The trout has a brown body and is covered in black andred spots, which help to camouflage it against the stony riverbed. Trout will feedon just about anything, but they can often be seen rising to the surface to sip inflies that have been trapped in the surface of the river. You can tell that trout arefeeding when you see a series of rings in the water which are caused by the troutsipping the flies down.
Brown TroutBrown TroutBrown TroutBrown Trout
Tinca tinca CúramánTench, as with many fish in Ireland, were introduced by monks hundreds of years ago. Themonks kept them in ponds and lakes where they reared them as a source of food. Now, tenchhave become widespread in Ireland and can be found in many of our larger rivers. Tench havea beautiful olive green colour and they are covered in a thick coating of slimy mucous, whichprotects them from disease. In ancient times this mucous was often used in remedies to treathuman illness! The tench feeds by sucking insects up from areas of muddy bottom in rivers.Its mouth is down turned to make this job easier, and it has ‘barbules’ on either side of itsmouth so it can feel its way around the bottom.
What am I saying....?What am I saying....?What am I saying....?What am I saying....?
Fun Page
How much did you learn?How much did you learn?How much did you learn?How much did you learn?The answers to all these questions can be found in theThe answers to all these questions can be found in theThe answers to all these questions can be found in theThe answers to all these questions can be found in the
newsletter...see if you can remember!newsletter...see if you can remember!newsletter...see if you can remember!newsletter...see if you can remember!
1 How long do you cook the Fish in a Parcel?
2 How does Susan Steele get to work?
3 What animals may be able to predict earthquakes?
4 Who produced the “Something Fishy” resource pack?
5 Where do cuckoos go during the winter months?
6 To which recycling centre does Rathcoole NationalSchool bring its material for recycling?
7 Give the dates of National Tree Week in 2007.
8 How far can frogs jump?
9 What important liquid moves up through the wood oftrees to the leaves?
10 Vertebrates have backbones. True or false?
11 Give another name for the Northern Lights.
12 Are deciduous trees usually considered to be softwoodor hardwood?
13 The Amazon rainforests depend on dust from oneSaharan Valley. In which African country can this valleybe found?
14 How old was Susan Steele when she got a job working ina local salmon hatchery?
15 Where were cuckoo clocks first made?
16 What bird is being re-introduced to Kerry?
17 Who introduced Tench into Ireland?
Have fun withyour friendsmaking up atitle for thispicture of a
gorilla.
Answers: (1) 15-18 minutes; (2) She cycles; (3) Snakes; (4) Central FisheriesBoard; (5) Africa; (6) Millstreet; (7) 4-10th March 2007; (8) 10 times their bodylength; (9) Water; (10) True; (11) Aurora borealis; (12) Hardwood; (13) Chad;(14) 11; (15) Black Forest area in Germany; (16) White-tailed Sea Eagle; (17) The monks.
Spot the five differences!Spot the five differences!Spot the five differences!Spot the five differences!
What flowers grow on faces?What flowers grow on faces?What flowers grow on faces?What flowers grow on faces?Tulips (two-lips)!
What is the difference betweenWhat is the difference betweenWhat is the difference betweenWhat is the difference betweena fish and a piano?a fish and a piano?a fish and a piano?a fish and a piano?You can’t tuna fish.
Where do fish sleep?Where do fish sleep?Where do fish sleep?Where do fish sleep?In a river bed.
Why did the spiderWhy did the spiderWhy did the spiderWhy did the spidercross the computer keyboard?cross the computer keyboard?cross the computer keyboard?cross the computer keyboard?
To get on the World Wide Web.
What’s green and loud?What’s green and loud?What’s green and loud?What’s green and loud?A froghorn.
What do you get whenWhat do you get whenWhat do you get whenWhat do you get whenyou cross a pig and a centipede?you cross a pig and a centipede?you cross a pig and a centipede?you cross a pig and a centipede?
Bacon and legs!
What do squirrels give forWhat do squirrels give forWhat do squirrels give forWhat do squirrels give forValentine’s Day?Valentine’s Day?Valentine’s Day?Valentine’s Day?Forget-me-nuts.
www.naturesweb.ie Spring 2007
When do monkey’s fallWhen do monkey’s fallWhen do monkey’s fallWhen do monkey’s fallfrom the sky?from the sky?from the sky?from the sky?
EEEEvery year the Tree Council of Ireland organise a National Tree Week National Tree Week National Tree Week National Tree Week to make us more aware of our naturalenvironment. National Tree Week 2007National Tree Week 2007National Tree Week 2007National Tree Week 2007 runs from 4-10 March and will be launched by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern
T.D. at Farmleigh House, in Dublin. National Tree Week, jointly sponsored by Coillte and O2 Ireland, is in its 23rd yearand this year’s theme, “Trees for energy”“Trees for energy”“Trees for energy”“Trees for energy”,,,, aims to highlight the importance of trees in everyday life.
There are over 300 events organised across the country as part of National Tree WeekNational Tree WeekNational Tree WeekNational Tree Week, including forest walks, seminarsand talks, workshops, tree planting ceremonies and exhibitions. All events organised by sponsors are free of charge andopen to all members of the public. In addition, over 15,000 trees, supplied by Coillte, will be distributed to schools andcommunity groups by every local authority in the country. Free events guides are available from O2 outlets and Coillteoffices.
The advantages of planting more trees are not just confined to the survival of ecosystems or protectionfrom severe weather. The beauty of our trees and woodlands in their own right has given muchinspiration to writers, artists and many others over the years. Equally, forests have enormousrecreational value as places to enjoy walks, nature trails or quite literally "to get away from it all’.
The aim of National Tree Week National Tree Week National Tree Week National Tree Week is to raise awareness about trees and encourage localcommunities to participate in the events, which will take place around the country during theweek. Trees are an essential part of our environment and by doing something as simple asplanting a tree, everyone can play his or her part in helping the environment. TheExecutive Director of the Tree Council of Ireland, Mr. John Mc Loughlin, would like to thankeverybody who has worked hard on the various events coming up in the week ahead andwould ask everyone to either take part in a local event or take five minutes during NationalNationalNationalNationalTree WeekTree WeekTree WeekTree Week to contemplate the important role that trees play in our lives.
Trees are recognised as one of the most essential parts of our environment for therole they play in cleaning air, preventing the build-up of greenhouse gases, providingrenewable energy and materials for building, furniture and all the wooden items that form part ofeveryday life. In addition trees play an essential role in providing habitats forthousands of plants and animals and stabilising soil as well as being a majorcontributor to the economy. With 14,000 farmers now having a forestry enterprise,the forestry industry is currently worth over €550m per annum, in Ireland and providesjobs for over 10,000 people, mainly in rural Ireland.
Further information on National Tree WeekNational Tree WeekNational Tree WeekNational Tree Week and the events taking place around thecountry is available on www.treecouncil.ie
www.naturesweb.ie Spring 2007
Conservation
NATIONAL TREE WEEK4-10 MARCH 20074-10 MARCH 20074-10 MARCH 20074-10 MARCH 2007
National Tree WeekNational Tree WeekNational Tree WeekNational Tree Week is a good time to focus on theimportance of trees in our lives and is also a great time to plant atree, but you might be reading this when National Tree WeekNational Tree WeekNational Tree WeekNational Tree Week is over.Not to worry! The week is designed to focus your attention on trees, butyou can discover them all year round. And if you want to plant a tree atother times of the year, check with your local garden centre and they willadvise you as to the best times.
Too Late for National Tree Week?Too Late for National Tree Week?Too Late for National Tree Week?Too Late for National Tree Week?
TTTT here is a lot of activity in our night sky, from thefull moon to falling stars to eclipses. In the
Northern Hemisphere, one spectacle that sometimesappears on the northern horizon is a light-showknown as the Northern Lights or Aurora borealis. Thislight-show can also be seen in the SouthernHemisphere where it is known as the Southern Lightsor Aurora australis.
These light-shows are caused when particles from thesun, travelling at 1,600km per second, are thrownagainst the Earth by solar wind. When these particlescollide with the Earth's atmosphere, the energy of theparticles turns into colourful light, which appear likedancing lights in the sky.
The particles from the sun are directed north andsouth by the Earth’s magnetic field, toward the twomagnetic poles. There are two areas of aurora activityand these lie about 20 to 25 degrees from each pole.
So the further north you live, the better chance youhave of seeing the Northern Lights. During times ofintense activity, the northern lights have been seen asfar south as Athens and Mexico City, and the southernlights have been seen as far north as Brisbane inAustralia. The best time to view the Northern Lights isfrom September to October and from March to April.Check out www.northern-lights.no www.northern-lights.no www.northern-lights.no www.northern-lights.no for moreinformation and for details of when the lights aremost active.
Special Feature
www.naturesweb.ie Spring 2007
NorthernLights
From space, the aurora is a crown of light that circles eachFrom space, the aurora is a crown of light that circles eachFrom space, the aurora is a crown of light that circles eachFrom space, the aurora is a crown of light that circles eachof Earth’s poles. NASA’s IMAGE satellite captured thisof Earth’s poles. NASA’s IMAGE satellite captured thisof Earth’s poles. NASA’s IMAGE satellite captured thisof Earth’s poles. NASA’s IMAGE satellite captured this
view of the view of the view of the view of the Aurora australisAurora australisAurora australisAurora australis (Southern lights) on(Southern lights) on(Southern lights) on(Southern lights) onSeptember 11, 2005. It appeared four days after a record-September 11, 2005. It appeared four days after a record-September 11, 2005. It appeared four days after a record-September 11, 2005. It appeared four days after a record-setting solar flare sent plasma—an ionised gas of protonssetting solar flare sent plasma—an ionised gas of protonssetting solar flare sent plasma—an ionised gas of protonssetting solar flare sent plasma—an ionised gas of protonsand electrons—flying towards the Earth. From the Earth’sand electrons—flying towards the Earth. From the Earth’sand electrons—flying towards the Earth. From the Earth’sand electrons—flying towards the Earth. From the Earth’s
surface, the ring would appear as a curtain of lightsurface, the ring would appear as a curtain of lightsurface, the ring would appear as a curtain of lightsurface, the ring would appear as a curtain of lightshimmering across the night sky.shimmering across the night sky.shimmering across the night sky.shimmering across the night sky.
Sherkin Island, Co Cork, is far enough north to catch aSherkin Island, Co Cork, is far enough north to catch aSherkin Island, Co Cork, is far enough north to catch aSherkin Island, Co Cork, is far enough north to catch aglimpse of the Northern Lights. This photograph wasglimpse of the Northern Lights. This photograph wasglimpse of the Northern Lights. This photograph wasglimpse of the Northern Lights. This photograph wastaken by Robbie Murphy in November 2003.taken by Robbie Murphy in November 2003.taken by Robbie Murphy in November 2003.taken by Robbie Murphy in November 2003.
Sherkin Island Marine Station would like to thank Sherkin Island Marine Station would like to thank Sherkin Island Marine Station would like to thank Sherkin Island Marine Station would like to thank PharmaChemical IrelandPharmaChemical IrelandPharmaChemical IrelandPharmaChemical Irelandfor their support in making this newsletter possible. We would like to thankfor their support in making this newsletter possible. We would like to thankfor their support in making this newsletter possible. We would like to thankfor their support in making this newsletter possible. We would like to thankthose who have contributed to this newsletter especially Mark Corp, Michaelthose who have contributed to this newsletter especially Mark Corp, Michaelthose who have contributed to this newsletter especially Mark Corp, Michaelthose who have contributed to this newsletter especially Mark Corp, MichaelLudwig, John McLoughlin, Robbie Murphy, Susan O’Connor, Shane O’ReillyLudwig, John McLoughlin, Robbie Murphy, Susan O’Connor, Shane O’ReillyLudwig, John McLoughlin, Robbie Murphy, Susan O’Connor, Shane O’ReillyLudwig, John McLoughlin, Robbie Murphy, Susan O’Connor, Shane O’Reillyand Susan Steele.and Susan Steele.and Susan Steele.and Susan Steele.
CheckCheckCheckCheckout the first signs ofout the first signs ofout the first signs ofout the first signs of
spring atspring atspring atspring atwww.biology.iewww.biology.iewww.biology.iewww.biology.ie
with Nature’s Calendarwith Nature’s Calendarwith Nature’s Calendarwith Nature’s Calendar
Continue toContinue toContinue toContinue toturn off lightsturn off lightsturn off lightsturn off lights
when not in thewhen not in thewhen not in thewhen not in theroom.room.room.room.
When shopping, tryWhen shopping, tryWhen shopping, tryWhen shopping, tryto buy the brand thatto buy the brand thatto buy the brand thatto buy the brand thatuses less packaging.uses less packaging.uses less packaging.uses less packaging.
BuildBuildBuildBuilda small pond ina small pond ina small pond ina small pond inyour garden toyour garden toyour garden toyour garden to
Use yourUse yourUse yourUse yourhomemadehomemadehomemadehomemade
compost to plantcompost to plantcompost to plantcompost to plantup flower boxesup flower boxesup flower boxesup flower boxesand improve theand improve theand improve theand improve the
garden soil.garden soil.garden soil.garden soil.Today,Today,Today,Today, REDUCEREDUCEREDUCEREDUCE thethethetheuse of one thing,use of one thing,use of one thing,use of one thing,REUSEREUSEREUSEREUSE one thing &one thing &one thing &one thing &RECYCLERECYCLERECYCLERECYCLE one thing.one thing.one thing.one thing.
Nature’s Noticeboard!
Spring 2007
www.naturesweb.ie Spring 2007
Plant a tree duringPlant a tree duringPlant a tree duringPlant a tree duringNational Tree WeekNational Tree WeekNational Tree WeekNational Tree Week4th-10th March ‘074th-10th March ‘074th-10th March ‘074th-10th March ‘07
