Sharks, Peatlands, and Pre-Loved Kitchens: Ireland’s Unseen Wonders
Well now, isn’t this delightful? Ireland, a land known for its lush green fields, shamrocks, and the occasional pint of Guinness, is also home to a staggering 71 species of sharks, skates, and rays. I mean, who would have thought behind all that enchanting landscape lies a hidden world of aquatic mischief? But here’s the kicker — out of those 71 species, a whopping 58 are on the Red List of Threatened Species. Talk about being on the wrong side of the food chain!
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Tralee Bay, which is dubbed the “jewel in the crown” of Irish marine life. If that’s not a tempting tourism slogan, I don’t know what is! It’s not just any bay; it’s home to some of these elusive and endangered creatures. So grab your snorkel and prepare for an undersea adventure, or, you know, just stick to watching it on telly — the sharks are in there; they’re just not keen on selfies!
The upcoming series, 10 Things to Know About, airing on RTÉ1 on Monday at 8:30 PM, takes on the mammoth task of tracking and tagging these notorious ocean dwellers. Because if you’re going to study sharks, why not add a touch of drama to it, right? Featuring the vibrant Kathriona Devereux from Cork — who will undoubtedly manage to make everything sound ten times more charming than it really is — this episode promises insights into how we can better understand and ultimately protect these magnificent creatures.
But hold onto your hats, folks, because as we surf into the next segment, we’re hopping from the frothy waves of Tralee Bay to the grassy turf of Wicklow. Here, a band of data scientists is utilizing fancy-schmancy AI and satellites to monitor peatland. It’s like they Googled “how to save a bog,” but with a PhD! The episode even features Fergus McAuliffe whispering sweet nothings about bog butter. Yes, you heard me right — ancient bog butter. Look, if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, we’re probably from different planets!
In the next episode of the series Heated, which airs on Tuesday at 7 PM, the Irish coastline steals the spotlight again. Coastwatch is on a noble mission to map all seagrass meadows — the unsung heroes of our ecosystem. You know, those pesky little plants that clean our water and take out the carbon like a top-tier vacuum cleaner. However, finding and validating these meadows isn’t exactly a stroll in the park; one volunteer off the Clare coast learned that the hard way. It’s all fun and games until you step in a pile of seaweed, right?
Then we delve into a creative twist on sustainability, inspired by a passion for home brewing. Who knew that the remains of your favorite ale could be repurposed into eco-friendly plastic? I can already hear the sound of eco-warriors toasting with their craft beer, proud as peaches. And speaking of saving the planet, there’s a quirky initiative that’s marketing *pre-loved* kitchens and bathrooms. Last year, Habitat For Humanity saved 250 kitchens from certain doom in landfills and found them new homes — as if kitchens develop a sentimental attachment, “I remember when I cooked rats for that one guy!”
So, as we dive into this myriad of marine adventures, sustainable innovations, and peculiar property makeovers, one thing is clear: Ireland is not just a pretty face; it’s got a whole lot going on beneath the surface. And if you can go looking for bog butter while you’re at it, well, you know what they say — once you’ve enjoyed that lovely aroma, who could ever truly resist a good kitchen rescue?
Be sure to tune in, and if you miss it, well, you’ve got the sharks after you anyway! Until next time, let’s keep our seas clean, our kitchens pre-loved, and our bogs well, definitely not buttered!
Tralee Bay stands out as a true “jewel in the crown” of Ireland’s marine ecosystem, serving as a vital habitat for several of these endangered species, making it crucial for both ecological balance and biodiversity.
The premiere episode of the enlightening new series 10 Things To Know About, airing on RTÉ1 this Monday at 8.30pm, features dedicated researchers who are actively tracking and tagging sharks. Their objective is to gather essential data that will enhance our understanding and help in the protection of these magnificent ocean dwellers.
Co-presented by the insightful Cork woman and Echo columnist Kathriona Devereux, the series promises to shed light on fascinating aspects of Irish wildlife and conservation practices.
In addition to the aquatic adventures, the episode takes a departure from the surf as we journey to the scenic landscapes of Wicklow. Here, we meet innovative data scientists employing artificial intelligence and satellite technology to meticulously monitor Ireland’s invaluable peatlands, thus ensuring their preservation for future generations. The segment also features Fergus McAuliffe, who shares intriguing stories about the historical significance of bog butter in Irish culture.
In the following installment of Heated, airing on Tuesday at 7pm on RTÉ1, the focus shifts to the coastal regions of Ireland.
Coastwatch is leading a critical initiative to create a comprehensive map of all seagrass meadows flourishing in our waters. The importance of these ecosystems is monumental, as they play a significant role in carbon sequestration, water purification, and fostering biodiversity. However, the process of accurately locating and validating these meadows poses substantial challenges, as illustrated by one volunteer’s experience off the Clare coast.
Moreover, the show explores an innovative project born from a passion for home brewing, which has led to the development of sustainable plastic materials derived from the by-products of beer and whiskey production, showcasing an inspiring approach to environmental stewardship.
Lastly, with the term “pre-loved” encompassing items that possess tangible secondhand value—like cars and vintage clothing—one enterprising charity has ventured into a unique market, offering pre-loved kitchens and bathrooms. Remarkably, Habitat For Humanity successfully reclaimed 250 kitchens last year from the brink of landfill and provided them with new life in different homes.
**Interview with Kathriona Devereux, Co-Presenter of the New Series “10 Things to Know About”**
**Editor:** Welcome, Kathriona! We’re excited to hear more about your upcoming series, “10 Things to Know About,” particularly the focus on Ireland’s incredible marine life. You’ve got a lot on your plate with the sharks, skates, and rays in Tralee Bay. Can you tell us what drew you to this project?
**Kathriona Devereux:** Thank you for having me! I’ve always been passionate about wildlife conservation, and when I learned about the staggering number of threatened shark species in our waters—58 out of 71—it became clear just how critical our work is. This series allows us to dive deep into issues that are often overlooked, so I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
**Editor:** That’s a shocking statistic. What do you hope viewers will take away from this series, especially regarding the sharks?
**Kathriona Devereux:** Our primary goal is to raise awareness. By tracking and tagging these creatures, we’re not only gathering vital data but also showing viewers how they can get involved in conservation. If we can spark a little enthusiasm and promote understanding of our marine ecosystems, then I’d consider that a huge win.
**Editor:** The show features some surprising elements, like the ancient bog butter you mentioned. How do these diverse topics connect back to the overarching theme of environmental conservation?
**Kathriona Devereux:** That’s one of my favorite parts! Conservation isn’t just about marine life; it encompasses everything from our peatlands to sustainable practices in our daily lives. Each segment highlights different aspects of Ireland’s environment, showcasing how interconnected everything truly is. Whether it’s bogs, seas, or even recycled kitchens, they’re all part of the same ecosystem.
**Editor:** It sounds like each episode is a treasure trove of information! How will viewers be able to engage beyond just watching the show?
**Kathriona Devereux:** We encourage viewers to take action—whether it’s participating in local beach clean-ups or simply spreading the word about conservation efforts. We want to foster a community of informed citizens who are passionate about protecting our natural heritage. There’s also a social media component where people can share their own discoveries and conservation efforts.
**Editor:** That’s inspiring! what’s one thing you wish more people knew about Ireland’s marine life?
**Kathriona Devereux:** It’s fascinating how little is known about our sharks, despite their presence in our waters. Many people think of them as scary creatures, but they’re vital for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Understanding their role can foster greater respect and commitment to their protection.
**Editor:** Thank you, Kathriona! We’re looking forward to the premiere of “10 Things to Know About” on RTÉ1. It sounds like a fantastic journey into the unseen wonders of Ireland.
**Kathriona Devereux:** Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to join us on this adventure!
