Applied conservation projects
This page exhibits my involvement in several vital wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, and species recovery initiatives from across Ireland. From protecting ground-nesting seabirds to conserving red-listed upland species, explore my practical conservation work delivering measurable outcomes.
Kilcoole Little Tern conservation project
Serving as a warden with BirdWatch Ireland on this flagship scheme, my work was focused on safeguarding Ireland's rarest breeding seabird. Protecting vulnerable ground-nesting colonies from recreational disturbance along the Wicklow coastline involved extensive community consultation, education, and predator control. Through systematic population monitoring, biometric assessments, and bird-ringing, this long-running effort continues to stabilise and improve the breeding status of little terns in Ireland. During my time as a warden on this project I curated a regular blog, outlining the challenges and outcomes of this fascinating project.
Boleybrack Mountain Red Grouse conservation project
In County Leitrim, I carried out extensive upland transect surveys and ecological monitoring in support of red grouse conservation. In depth investigation of the pressures arising from habitat fragmentation highlighted the threat of genetic isolation within this sedentary red-listed Bird of Conservation Concern in Ireland. Due to our island biogeography Ireland's red grouse are in fact an endemic sub-species, magnifying the importance of their conservation. Read my investigative article below. (2-pages)
EU LIFE on Machair breeding waders project
Working as conservation ranger and principal bird surveyor, my involvement with this important high-profile project targeted declining coastal wader populations across unique machair dune grassland systems in Co. Mayo. Alongside these surveys, continuous monitoring reinforced baseline population metrics to guide national policy and habitat protection. Collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders meant that conservation was prioritised using the best available combination of skills and expertise. Vulnerable breeding birds are holding on in these delicately balanced habitats and it is our duty to support them. Find out about the project at the link below.