This, the first programme in the new Wexford’s Wild Heritage series, introduces the listener to what is intended during the twenty-five half-hour programmes being broadcast on South East Radio on 95.6 – 96.4FM, every fortnight on ‘The Saturday Show’ between 12.15pm and 12.45pm. These programmes are produced with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

Goodness, isn’t spring just so slow! Our temperatures are depressed, those northerly winds are a complete pain and the advances that our plants, invertebrates, birds and mammals were making in March, have all dissipated with the opposite now taking place – in fact good numbers of breeding birds are already failing if not delaying their breeding attempts. And as for those butterfly and dragonfly records – again they seem to be really late, certainly here in the south-east. When you think that the Met Office broadly class spring as March, April and May, with summer being June, July and August – what happened to our spring? And speaking of spring, this next few weeks is normally that time of the year when not only are our wild flowers at their flowering best, but it is also that time for those most special plants – our wild orchids. During the week, The Irish National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig, had an excellent showing of Early Purple Orchids dotted about in the shaded woodland and there were Early Purple Orchids on the roadside in Murrintown a couple of days ago – just delightful plants. Another week and we should be finding Bee Orchids closely followed by Pyramidal, Fragrant, Butterfly and the various Spotted species – do we really appreciate just how lucky we are with these delicate, and highly susceptible to any changes in environmental and soil conditions, species of plant….

Some reminders for you – remember this coming Saturday is the MINI BIOBLITZ AT THE IRISH NATIONAL HERITAGE PARK: YES this coming Saturday 12^th May, between 10am and 4pm, the Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club (WNFC) are hosting the Mini BioBlitz at the Irish National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig, Wexford. The intent is to record as many wildlife species as possible, in and adjacent to the grounds of the Park. This event IS SUITABLE for adults and children and all are very welcome. There are at least three (3) organised ‘Wildlife Walks’ taking place during the course of the day and Pond Dipping will also be taking place. Normal entry fees are applicable for those entering the Park, though entrance to the shop and restaurant are free. WNFC Members must remember to bring along their Membership Cards to avail of free entry to assist with the BioBlitz, and with a reduced fee for Members who wish to avail of the Park Tour.