microWild
Biodiversity Meadow Project
microWild is the brainchild of Irish naturalist and entomologist Brian Murray. Started in the autumn of 2023, the project has four key goals:
Convert an area of previously sheep-grazed grassland into a species-rich, native wildflower meadow.
Enhance the area's biodiversity with many invertebrate microhabitats (e.g., hoverfly lagoons, cavity nests for bees and wasps, and wood piles).
Use social media to share the considerable diversity of insects and invertebrates on the site.
Provide educational workshops and courses onsite.
The land, approximately two acres, and the education centre sit on the stunning and peaceful Baltyboys House estate in west Wicklow and have been very kindly offered for use by the estate owner, Brian Kingham, a keen naturalist himself.
Although it is only in its first year, the native wildflower meadow has already provided great returns from the natural seed bank. Currently, it plays host to hundreds of invertebrate species, each of which will eventually be recorded, documented, and shared with the public.
"By showing the beauty of these usually-unseen insects and invertebrates up close and personal, I can introduce people to the absolute wonder of the micro world that exists all around us. And if they are seen, they are more likely to be acknowledged and advocated for."
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Dream it.
Our primary goal is to transform an acre of land, formerly grazed by sheep, into a thriving native wildflower meadow. This ambitious endeavor will require time, patience, and dedicated management over several years. We are optimistic about the potential of a rich, dormant seed bank already present in the soil. However, to ensure diversity and robustness, we may also gather and sow additional local native wildflower species.
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Build it.
The second goal of our project is to enrich the native wildflower meadow by establishing it as a sanctuary for invertebrates. Our approach includes creating a variety of purpose-built microhabitats, each tailored to support different invertebrate species. Key features will include hoverfly lagoons, nesting boxes for bumblebees and solitary bees, habitats for saproxylic insects, among others. These initiatives aim to foster a thriving invertebrate community, integral to the ecosystem's health and diversity.
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Share it.
We are passionate about sharing the wonder and diversity of Irish invertebrates with a wider audience. We plan to capture and share high-quality photos and videos of the fauna encountered during our site surveys. Through an ongoing blog, various informational materials, and a comprehensive species list, we will showcase the beauty and importance of these creatures. Our objective is not just to inform but to inspire awe and appreciation for the rich biodiversity present in our native wildflower meadow.
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Teach it.
Finally, we want to make access to education about Irish fauna and flora available to all at a reasonable cost. We are lucky enough to have a fully-equipped education centre on-site for our use and we have already provided a whole series of courses covering harvestmen, bees and hoverflies. We will continue to expand the curriculum and breadth of courses we offer.
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In addition to the above main goals, there are lots of other things to be achieved and undertaken:
A reference project, which others can use to highlight the level of biodiversity that can be supported using small amounts of land.
To encourage the flourishing of insect and invertebrate life, with a view to positively affecting other fauna in turn (e.g., birds and mammals).
To produce educational collateral through field guides, posters, identification keys, photographs and video resources where suitable.
Ba mhaith liom roinnt de na físeáin, treoracha agus na cáipéisí eile a chruthú ní amháin as Béarla ach as Gaeilge freisin.
To produce a website and multi-platform social media presence supporting the ongoing activities.
To work with interested parties to make the project the absolute best to support the other project goals.