National Parks and Wildlife Service

21/04/2026

We thought it might be useful to show this image for all the dog walkers out there. This is a nest of a curlew. Maybe this is not the smartest place to nest but let’s face it the term bird brain might have relevance. The curlew is a precarious bird of high conservation concern. A vulnerable ground nester and prone to disturbance especially during incubation (around 30 days). Then when the chicks hatch they cannot fly until they’re five weeks old. Plenty of time to be disturbed, scared or eaten by a predator including Fido off his lead or Fido on one of those long flexi leads. Please keep your canine pals on a short lead at this time of year in the Dales. Yes it’s a pain in the posterior but it’s only for a few weeks and it will save the lives of ground nesters.

21/04/2026

09/04/2026

He's on his way!

Irish Cuckoo Cuach Cores appears to be on the move again, having been missing in action for several months.

Cores was one of three Irish Cuckoos tagged at Killarney National Park in 2023 as part of the Cuckoo Tracking Project with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). The project aims to follow the migration patterns of these most elusive birds, often associated with the summer months. Satellite tagging gives a clear picture of their epic journey each year, which can see them travelling distances of 9,000 km!

When they lost contact with his satellite tag last October, the team almost gave up hope. However, signals started to reappear in March, indicating that he has been making his way from Ghana across the Sahara and onto western Algeria.

Our fingers and claws are all crossed for him to complete what will be his third tracked migration from Ireland to Africa and back. 🤞

02/04/2026

A Yellow Fire Warning is now in place until September 🔥

Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service are urging the public to take extra care outdoors as dry vegetation and upland conditions mean forest fires can ignite and spread quickly – often due to human activity
Since 2021, there have been over 300 fires on Coillte lands, damaging more than 2,500 hectares of forests and wildlife habitats.

✅ Please avoid lighting any outdoor fires

✅Stay vigilant and report any signs of fire immediately

✅ Call 112 or 999

Forest fires in Ireland almost never occur naturally. By acting responsibly, we can help protect our forests, wildlife and communities this season.

Dublin Fire Brigade Wicklow County Council

For more information please visit: https://www.coillte.ie/coillte-and-npws-expand-use-of-drone-technology-to-support-faster-fire-detection-and-emergency-response-as-forest-fire-season-begins/

27/03/2026

🆕New Guidance - Asian Hornet Nest Identification : https://shorturl.at/cKRGD

📷📝If you spot an Asian hornet embryo nest, please report it with a photo to our online recording form: www.invasives.ie/asianhornetreporter

⚠️ Important: Not all small nests belong to Asian hornets. Only report nests where you have seen an Asian hornet. Observe from a safe distance and watch for returning insects.

Why it matters:
Asian hornets are not currently known to be in Ireland. If they establish here, they could pose a serious threat to honeybees and other pollinators. Between March and April, mated queens could be expected to build their embryo nests.

How to identify an embryo nest:
✅ Small and spherical like a tennis ball (5–10 cm in diameter)
✅ Single entrance hole at the base
✅ Built in spring by a lone queen

Some places you might spot an embryo nest:
🌳 Brambles and hedgerows
🛖 Garden sheds

🚫 DO NOT destroy nests: they may belong to native wasps, which are essential for pest control and pollination.

Asian hornets are often mistaken for these look-alike species in Ireland:
🐝 Greater horntail wasps
🐝 Common wasps
🐝 Other wood wasps

Learn more about Asian hornet: www.invasives.ie/asianhornet

For honeybee hive concerns email: [email protected]

19/03/2026

Nature restoration driven by people and communities. That’s exactly what Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin and the rest of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration have given us the opportunity to do.
Today Aoibhinn handed me the final report which comprises a set of recommendations to inform the development of Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan. The report was developed over the last 15 months by a multi-disciplinary group of independent representatives from a range of sectors, including farming, fishing, forestry, local government, academia, statutory agencies and non-governmental organisations.
This is the biggest opportunity we have ever had to change the dial on nature loss. It’s a chance to bring habitats and species back from the brink. As Minister I won’t waste this chance.

17/03/2026

15/03/2026

Over the coming months many of Ireland’s birds will be nesting, laying eggs, and raising their chicks.

Not all birds nest in trees. Ground-nesting birds include some of Ireland’s most iconic species such as Curlew, Hen Harrier, Lapwing, and seabird species such as Puffin.

Many of these species have experienced severe declines in their populations and breeding activity. All of us can play our part in protecting them at this critical time for their survival.

🐦While enjoying the outdoors, you can help to protect them by keeping the following in mind:

✅Stay on designated roads and footpaths during the breeding season

✅Do not approach nesting birds or chicks

✅Keep all dogs on a lead at all times in high nature areas

✅Avoid driving off road

✅Keep disturbance to a minimum

Conservation groups across the island of Ireland are working tirelessly to keep nests safe. Your cooperation can make a real difference to the success of the 2026 breeding season.

📣 Please share this message with anyone who enjoys nature or outdoor recreation.

Let’s all enjoy Ireland’s landscapes responsibly, while giving wildlife the space it needs to thrive.

Do your part – Every Nest Counts!

06/03/2026

🌟 The team at Wild Nephin National Park - Páirc Náisiúnta Néifinne Fiáine works day and night! As their slogan goes, half the park is after dark, and when the sun sets, it becomes Mayo Dark Sky Park. There you will find some of the most pristine and darkest skies in the world.

The Mayo Dark Sky Festival is held each November, and this community event includes walks, talks and exhibitions to encourage understanding of the impact of light pollution on our biodiversity, our wellbeing and our culture.

Congratulations to the Festival team who won best tourism event at the Mayo Cathaoirleach awards last night. We are delighted to be part of this community effort to preserve the beautiful night skies in Mayo!

05/03/2026

🦝 🐿️ 🦜 🐢 🐜 🐞 🦠 🌱 🦀 🦐 🐠

Invasive Species Week 2026 will take place between the 22nd and 28th of June.

🔗 Visit the link to learn more https://shorturl.at/pjI7h


🗓️ If you are planning an event or would like us to highlight any of the work you or your organisation is doing on invasive species, we would be delighted to hear from you.


📧 Email [email protected] and put Invasive Species Week in the subject line.


🔜 Stay tuned for more information!

23/12/2025

🎅✨ BREAKING: CITES CLEARS SANTA FOR IRISH AIRSPACE! ✨🦌

Good news, folks — the big man in red has officially received CITES clearance to enter Irish airspace on December 24th . All nine reindeer have passed their biodiversity checks, their antlers are fully compliant, and we can confirm zero invasive species detected (unless you count glitter).

Rudolph’s nose has also been certified as a low emission navigation device, and Santa has agreed to keep his sleigh at a responsible altitude to avoid disturbing wintering birds. Top lad.

As always, we ask everyone to do their bit for the planet this Christmas:
🌍 Leave out sustainably sourced carrots
🌱 Keep chimneys clear of single use plastics
💡 And remember — LED fairy lights use less energy, so Santa can see your house without harming the environment

Wishing you all a magical, nature friendly Christmas from everyone at NPWS.
Now, if you hear hooves on the roof later… don’t worry. It’s just a fully licensed, environmentally responsible visitor passing through.

🎄🦌✨