Shandon Gardens Residents’ Association commissioned a report on local ecology in 2004. It was researched and produced by ecologist Cóilín MacLochlainn. He surveyed birds, butterflies and other fauna between February-May 2004 to catalogue species supported across the Shandon area. It’s a valuable baseline and contains a lot of information as well as photographs and recommendations.
He found over over 38 resident bird species plus five migratory species, five butterfly species and six mammal species. For example, there were large numbers of Greenfinches behind Mt Bernard Park, in canal hedges and alongside Coke Oven Cottages. Birds of prey were noted — Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and a Peregrine Falcon. A large emergence of Holly Blue Butterflies were seen. Also reported were Hedgehog and Badger sightings plus bat species such as Daubenton’s and Soprano Pippistrelle.
Some recommendations include how to increase habitats for birds in private gardens by allowing hedge and tree growth in corners, preferably adjoining a neighbour’s similarly hedged corner to provide roost, nest and feeding sites. Native species are preferred, including Hawthorn and Ivy and steering clear of Leylandii/Leyland Cypress. Also to avoid the use of slug pellets — which not only kill slugs — but the animals that feed on them, such as Song Thrushes.
It is fantastic that this report is available for future reference and a huge thanks to Shandon Gardens Residents’ Association for commissioning it.
The full report is available to view and an alternative download accessible below:
Shandon Residents Association 