Some birds seem to belong to a particular season. For many people, the European robin (Erithacus rubecula) is the bird of winter: a small splash of warm colour appearing among bare branches, frosted gardens and quiet woodland paths.

Perhaps that is why robins have become so strongly connected with Christmas traditions. Their bright orange-red breast stands out beautifully against winter landscapes, bringing a little warmth to the coldest months…

In an age of smartphones, digital calendars and productivity apps, paper diaries continue to thrive. At first glance, it may seem surprising. After all, our phones can remind us about meetings, synchronise calendars across devices and store endless notes. Yet many people still choose a beautifully designed diary to organise their lives. Why? Because a diary is far more than a planning tool. It is something we interact with every day. It sits on our desk, travels in our bag…

Today, on World Endangered Species Day, I'm delighted to introduce my wildlife children's book, Remarkable Creatures: A Guide to Some of Ireland's Disappearing Animals.

This illustrated book invites young readers on a journey through Ireland's wildlife, introducing some of the country's most endangered animals and the challenges they face. Along the way, children will discover fascinating facts, explore engaging activities that explain different habitats, and learn…

If someone asked you to name Ireland's most successful hunter, your first thought might be the fox, the peregrine falcon or perhaps even the otter. Surprisingly, one of the country's greatest predators spends most of its life hidden from view, gliding silently over fields after sunset. The barn owl is so quiet that many people never realise one has passed overhead. Yet this graceful bird performs one of the most…

Have you ever imagined what a flying lobster might look like? It sounds like something from a fantasy story, but nature has already created a creature that comes surprisingly close. The thrift clearwing moth is one of those extraordinary little animals that reminds us just how creative evolution can be. This dapper little creature looks like it’s dressed for a special occasion with black or bronze colouring that gives way to tiny transparent gaps on its forewings, so it…

You rarely get a long look at a red squirrel. One moment it's clinging to the trunk of a Scots pine, the next it's racing through the branches with a confidence that makes impossible leaps seem effortless. By the time you've pointed it out to someone walking beside you, it has usually disappeared. Perhaps that's why spotting one feels so memorable.

The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is…