3 / 8
Grassroots
Countryside Alliance Ireland
the closed season. The report highlights a 30% decline in
such permits during 2014, which suggests there are less deer
and fewer land owners suffering crop damage from deer.
The NPWS report does not include deer killed illegally by
poachers, which is believed to be at unprecedented levels in
recent years.
A further indication of falling deer numbers is consistent
feedback of declining deer numbers from Wild Deer
Association of Ireland members; the national representative
organisation for those involved in deer management. Early
indications from an ongoing national deer survey, is that
deer numbers have been decimated in many areas due to
widespread poaching, while some areas continue to have
healthy deer populations. The significant decline in the deer
cull combined with a significant increase in the number of
hunters, is an indication that deer are being killed at levels
that may threaten their future in some areas. In a new
development we have seen deer hunters self impose an early
close to the hunting season due to lack of deer.
A recent positive development is the government launch of
the Irish Deer Management Forum. The forum is made up
of all key stakeholders and will now form the basis for future
development of a long term national deer management plan.
The forum also creates an opportunity to ensure deer are
managed at sustainable levels with regard for all land users.
- Damien Hannigan
,
Wild Deer Association of Ireland
Our rivers and streams often form the picturesque focal
point of our towns and villages. They provide a peaceful
retreat from the stresses of a frantic modern lifestyle and are
a haven for wildlife in a world of rapidly shrinking wetland
habitat.
Anglers treasure their streams for the sport they provide
and the chance to share their time with dippers, kingfishers,
otters, etc. Unfortunately there are many pressures on our
waterways including pollution, development and drainage.
Alone, the angling community cannot hope to overcome
these problems but by forming a River Trust and working
with other stakeholders we can get the attention of councils,
government agencies and MLAs; in fact everyone who is in a
position to make serious improvement.
Every river has a potential for recreation, sustainable
tourism, biodiversity and conservation. A river is a great
asset to any community; by working together anglers,
ramblers, bird watchers, canoeists, community groups
and riparian owners can improve water quality, recreation
facilities, habitat and biodiversity.
Take the opportunity to browse the internet for the
Association of River Trusts or the Wild Trout Trust to
see what the possibilities are for improving your river.
Ballinderry River Trust is the largest in Northern Ireland;
visit their website and see the range of projects and initiatives
which are improving local rivers.
You will be surprised at the support available from NIEA,
Rivers Agency, NI Water, local councils and you can adopt a
holistic approach to improve the various aspects of your river
from source to sea. Take the initiative now, while we still
have our beautiful rivers to protect! Pollution Hotline 0800
807060.
-Michael Martin,
Six Mile Water Trust
Protect Your River
Irish Coursing Club - Founded 1916
Join us for our Centenary celebrations
National Coursing Meeting 2016
Powerstown Park, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Friday 29th January - Saturday 30th January - Sunday 31st January
Coursing starts 11am each day
Admission: Friday €20 - Saturday / Sunday €25 (incl programme)
Children U17 Free
www.irishcoursingclub.ie