Dear IWT member,
We are delighted to announce that furthering our aim of increasing the knowledge and awareness of wildlife in Ireland the Irish Wildlife Trust is running our National Newt Survey once again this year.
The National Newt Survey is a volunteer based survey of the smooth newt – a native amphibian species. Wetland species such as the smooth newt have come under pressure due to the destruction of wetlands in Ireland over the past two decades. This survey aims to determine the current distribution of this species, to examine the state of Irish amphibian habitats and to raise awareness of wetland conservation issues in Ireland.
The National Newt Survey is a volunteer based survey of the smooth newt – a native amphibian species. Wetland species such as the smooth newt have come under pressure due to the destruction of wetlands in Ireland over the past two decades. This survey aims to determine the current distribution of this species, to examine the state of Irish amphibian habitats and to raise awareness of wetland conservation issues in Ireland.
A vital strand of the survey program is the public participation and training. The survey program has been designed to engage non-expert members of public with surveying thus developing much-needed biological recording skills in Ireland and building a network of active wildlife recorders. We would love our members to be part of this network so please get involved by becoming a volunteer surveyor or by helping out to spread the word. Your support is much appreciated.
Volunteer surveyors will be trained by the IWT in newt surveying techniques as well as field recording skills, after which they will be allocated a survey site in their locality to visit a number of times from now until autumn. This is an opportunity for people to engage firsthand in the national conservation effort and learn practical wildlife biology skills.
Training days are taking place around the country in March and April and are free for IWT members.
Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
To register as a surveyor or for more information contact Kieran at newts@iwt.ie or on 01 8602839 or check out the website www.iwt.ie
Thanks you for your support.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Kieran
Kieran Flood
Newt Survey Coordinator
Irish Wildlife Trust
Sigmund Business Centre
93A Lagan Road
Glasnevin
Dublin 11
Ph: 01-8602839
email: newts@iwt.ie
web: www.iwt.ie
Training day information;
Waterford: 12th March, National Biodiversity Data Centre
Dublin: 13th March, Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park
Tipperary: 19th March, Cabragh Wetlands Centre
Cork: 20th March, Fota Wildlife Park
Galway: 26th March, Brigits Garden, Roscahill
Monaghan: 02nd April, Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre, Dartry
Longford: 09th April, Ballymahon Library, Ballymahon
Sligo: 16th April, Institute of Technology Sligo
See the map link below for training a hub near you:
http://maps.google.ie/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=216779956876363126291.00049cf923fe554261451&ll=54.310114,-7.789307&spn=4.583508,8.569336&z=7 
