Wildlife Surveys in the Mournes

Here we are setting up a linear quadrat (25x1m) alongside the Glen River, which flows down Slieve Donard toward Newcastle © Marc Vinas

Wildlife Surveys in the Mournes

It was very useful to share the surveying experience with National Trust rangers and fellow volunteers. Talking about different plant species and what their presence indicates was a great way to learn more about the local ecosystems © Marc Vinas

Wildlife Surveys in the Mournes

Today, we're very lucky to have powerful devices in our pockets that can help us identify plants that we don't recognise © Patrick Bracelli

Wildlife Surveys in the Mournes

The beautiful surroundings are definitely one of the main perks of this work, and clambering along the slopes is a great way to stay in shape! © Patrick Bracelli

Wildlife Surveys in the Mournes

This is a good example of what a healthy heathland ecosystem would look like, with a mixture of bell heather (pink flowers), ling heather (whitish flowers), tormentil (yellow flowers), and grasses © Patrick Bracelli

Wildlife Surveys in the Mournes

Taking pictures of plants is a good way to remember them and can help to identify species back in the office, using a plant identification guide. This is a rare specimen of starry saxifrage (Saxifraga stellaris), found in very few places on the mountain © Patrick Bracelli

Wildlife Surveys in the Mournes

Starry saxifrage (Saxifraga stellaris) © Patrick Bracelli

Wildlife Surveys in the Mournes

Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). This is a carnivorous plant, often found on wetter ground © Patrick Bracelli

Wildlife Surveys in the Mournes

Common cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense) © Patrick Bracelli

Wildlife Surveys in the Mournes

When carrying out bumblebee or butterfly surveys, a small plastic container can be used to help identify the animal. The bee in this picture is a common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum) © Patrick Bracelli