Donal Hickey

Could it be that the survival of so many whitethorn trees and bushes may somehow be due to an old superstition that it could be unlucky to damage them, or cut them down?

Bats are being increasingly kept out of tightly-sealed buildings where they would like to roost, but other accommodation can be found for them.

Getting farmers and other private landowners in mountainous areas involved in maintaining visitor paths is seen as key to the success of various restoration projects.

Young deer, born in May and June, now look pretty and photogenic and provide yet another indication of continuing growth in the deer population.

A drive is underway to increase the use of timber in the construction industry, both as a means of speeding up our supply of new homes and creating more carbon storage.

Anyone visiting a city, or built-up urban area, from the countryside during the recent heatwave must have noticed a marked rise in temperature.

There's a danger that the debate surrounding the easing of planning restrictions on one-off housing in rural areas could distract attention from other aspects of this critical issue.

A mixture of heat and rain has created ideal conditions for our wild plants which are growing in glorious profusion across the country this summer.

Everybody seems to be complaining about huge numbers of pesky insects, seen and felt day and night, during the heatwave.