Photo: Tony Conaghy presenting at launch event
A new Boyne biodiversity study documenting the marshes, wetlands and woodlands along the river has been launched in Drogheda as part of Heritage Week.
The 34-page publication, Other Nations 3: Biodiversity at the Marsh & Alluvial Woodland of the Boyne SAC, is the latest work by local beekeeper, environmentalist and author Tony Conaghy.
Commissioned by Drogheda Tidy Towns, the project was supported through a community engagement scheme involving the National Parks & Wildlife Service.
The publication was launched at Highlanes Gallery on Sunday, 23rd August, where Tony was joined by archaeologist Dr Geraldine Stout for a talk exploring the natural and cultural importance of the Boyne Special Area of Conservation.
The event formed part of Highlanes Gallery’s Climate Policy and Action Plan, with the gallery describing the project as an opportunity to explore the natural and human histories of the Boyne and Blackwater Special Area of Conservation.
Dr Geraldine Stout presenting at the event
Documenting the Boyne’s habitats
Tony’s fieldwork for the Boyne biodiversity study involved surveying areas along the river corridor, mapping habitats, recording species and documenting the ecological importance of the wetlands and woodlands.
Among the habitats highlighted is alluvial woodland, which the publication describes as “one of the rarest native woodland types in Ireland”.
The study also examines the role played by wetlands along the Boyne.
According to the publication, these areas “store floodwaters and act like natural sponges”, while also helping to improve water quality, reduce flood risk and support climate resilience.
Dr Geraldine Stout brought a historical perspective to the Heritage Week event, looking at how centuries of human activity have helped shape the landscapes documented in the study.
Third publication in Other Nations series
The new study is the third publication in Tony’s Other Nations series.
It follows Other Nations: Biodiversity at the Old Cement Quarry and Other Nations 2: Biodiversity along the Boyne Greenway, Drogheda.
Together, the publications document biodiversity across several areas in Drogheda and along the Boyne.
Drogheda Life previously covered Tony’s biodiversity study of the Boyne Greenway, which explored a 2.5km section of the river between the Mary McAleese Bridge and the Bridge of Peace and recorded habitats including woodland, grassland, marshland and the tidal river.
His earlier work at the Old Cement Quarry also documented how wildlife had returned to the former industrial site, recording species including butterflies, peregrine falcons, frogs, newts and wildflowers.
New biodiversity map for schools and young people
A new Biodiversity Map of the Boyne Estuary has also been produced as part of the latest project.
The map identifies biodiversity areas including marshes, reed beds, wet woodlands, nesting sites, wildflower corridors and habitats along the river.
It has been designed particularly with schools and youth groups in mind, providing a local resource to help young people learn more about the natural environment along the Boyne.
The contribution of Matt Stout, who provided support and expertise in the production of the book and map, was also acknowledged at the launch.
Copies of the new publication and Biodiversity Map are currently available at Highlanes Gallery.
Further information on how people can obtain copies, including online versions, is expected to be announced shortly.
Gerry Leydon, Eamonn Clinton of Drogheda Tidy Towns, with Tony Conaghy and Dr Stout at the book launch
