
‘West Cork Spring Watch’ is an ecology course that was designed and delivered by researcher Breda Moriarty.
The course ran for eight weeks during February and March 2017, and promoted a sense of place and connection to West Cork by using examples in the locality.
The classes covered the following topics (click on the links for more information):
The course helped to build knowledge and skills necessary to identify Irish flora and fauna, understand ecological theories, discern environmental issues and ways in which action can be taken to help sustain a healthy environment.
The course featured in this West Cork Times article.
Making of the Irish Landscape

Presentation
Useful Links
Irish Flora

Presentation
Useful Links
Irish Fauna

Presentation
- Irish Fauna
Further Reading
- Liam Lysaght and Ferdia Marnell, Atlas of Mammals in Ireland (National Biodiversity Data Centre, 2010-15)
Birds and Marine Mammals

Presentation
Useful Links
- Birdwatch Ireland – West Cork branch
- Birdwatch Ireland – Water Birds
- Birdwatch Ireland – West Cork – Surveys
- The Irish Wetland Bird Survey
- Marine Species Identification Portal
- Marine Life Information Network
- Cetacean Vocalisations
- The voices of marine mammals of the Mediterranean Sea
- Whale Watch West Cork
Rocky Shore Ecology

Presentation
Useful Links
Legislation, Conservation and What Can Be Done

Presentation
Useful Links
Deep Maps: West Cork Coastal Cultures

Presentation
Useful Links