Notes by Nourish

Did you know 63% of Ireland’s bird species are currently threatened with extinction. This month, we have partnered with BirdWatch Ireland to highlight the dwindling bird populations across the country and raise money to support their conservation. We are donating €1 from every Viridian Hero Supplement sold in Nourish stores to BirdWatch Ireland between 5 April and 2 May 2023.

Birdwatch Ireland is the largest independent conservation organisation in Ireland. Established in 1968, its primary objective is the protection of wild birds and their habitats in Ireland. 

Did you know?

• There are over 450 bird species currently in Ireland.
• 63% of Ireland’s bird species are currently threatened with extinction.
• Ireland’s Curlews have suffered a 98% decline in breeding numbers since the 1980s.
• Ireland’s farmland birds are the most threatened in all of Europe.

BirdWatch Ireland is fighting hard to save our country’s dwindling bird populations through the following initiatives:

• Managing a growing network of nature reserves.
• Carrying out extensive scientific research and survey work into Ireland’s birds.
• Operating applied conservation projects.
• Preparing and advocating policies to protect and conserve Irish birds and their habitats.
• Promoting the importance of wild birds and biodiversity through field education with children and teachers
• Building on existing partnerships with NGOs, with Government departments, the European Commission and farming organisations, and to establish new partnerships with other sectors.

Want to do some birdwatching?

• Cape Clear Bird Observatory, nestled in North Harbour of Cape Clear Island in West Cork is one of Ireland’s best known bird watching destinations.
• Nature Reserves: BirdWatch Ireland maintains a growing network of bird reserves around the country, all located in areas of conservation importance to birds. The map to check them out is here >>
• Our gardens: Our gardens are a haven for wildlife throughout the year. In winter, a variety of bird species are attracted to feeders and bird tables and can be watched from the comfort of our own homes. During the spring and summer, as well as availing of the food you put out, many birds will nest in nestboxes, trees, shrubs and even garden sheds. BirdWatch Ireland even do surveys for your garden birds each winter where you can help them count the species in your garden.

With your help they are able to:

• Continue to raise awareness and provide information about the importance of conservation for Ireland’s birds.
• Undertake management work and surveys to help protect Ireland’s most endangered species.
• Provide the best possible platform for members and the public to access information and get involved with events through their website.
• Support conservation at local level by continuing to work with their network of 25 branches nationwide.

BirdWatch Ireland works tirelessly in all of these and many other areas to protect and enhance key species such as curlew, roseate tern, corncrake and yellowhammer. By supporting our Viridian charity initiative this April for them, we can ensure that they carry on the important work for the protection of birds and biodiversity in Ireland, to have voices heard in the corridors of power, to monitor and maintain healthy bird populations and to deliver comprehensive environmental education to the next generation.

Found a sick or injured bird? Find out what to do here >>