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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Pine martens are typically found in woodland. Once common, popns declined due to deforestation These omnivores have been slowly recovering, this has aided red squirrel conservation in NI as greys aren't adapted to evade them Contribute to the All-Ireland survey: www2.habitas.org.uk/records/uw-s...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The sea pen is a colony of polyps working together. The one pictured is covered in bacterial mats, likely caused by pollution, that get in the way of stinging cells that catch prey as it floats past. //sea pens are able to recover & adapted to relocate to better environments. #nienvironmentweek

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BSBI Ireland @bsbiireland.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Bookings open for the Irish Autumn Meeting & AGM, 3 Oct in Enniskillen! Highlights incl. talks & workshops on Sorbus; Irish ferns; Fermanagh flora; beginners' recording & our BSBI database: an exciting day! Book at bsbi.org/take-part/ev... @bsbibotany.bsky.social @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social #Botany

Irish Whitebeam (Sorbus hibernica) in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Riverflies are a fundamental part of freshwater food chains, with many fishing flies based on them Ahead of #WorldRiversDay this Sunday, make sure you've downloaded the iRecord app so you can share your catch photos & contribute to the #nifishrecordingproject ! #flyfishing

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

We're hiring a temporary Data Validation Officer. If you'd like to join the team, head to the link to find out more: www.mcsgroup.jobs/job/data-val...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

As the leaves change & the temperatures cool, new signs of local wildlife pop up all around us! 🍁 Discover autumn species & how to record them in this slow-paced walk around the grounds of the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra. 🍄 🎫https://www.ulsterfolkmuseum.org/whats-on/wildlife-walk-autumn

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Fairy trees stand alone in fields as in Irish Folklore they guard a portal to the fairy world. Commonly hawthorn, but also blackthorn - these trees are food producing plants for a variety of species. Let us know if you spot one by recording on iRecord or CEDaR Online Recording!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

It’s national fox day! Enjoy some footage of foxes pottering about the woodland & don’t forget to submit your records on iRecord or CEDaR Online Recording.

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

In honour of World Dolphin Day tomorrow, we've put together a fact file - number 9 will shock you 🫣 Don't forget to record your cetacean sightings on CEDaR Online Recording or the iRecord app to contribute to the NI Mammal Recording Project! #WorldDolphinDay

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

These arachnids, with 1 body segment & 2 eyes aren't spiders. Our under-recorded sp (group) of the month is harvestmen, also called "daddy-longlegs" They ambush prey, scavenge & eat decaying plant material so are natural pest control & nutrient recyclers Record on iRecord or CEDaR Online Recording

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Calling all recreational anglers! Share your catch photos with us on CEDaR Online Recording or iRecord & help us find out more about the health of our fish populations!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Our latest newsletter is here: mailchi.mp/38faf4feebbf...

mailchi.mp

For The Record: Issue 4

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

In mid-August we headed out for our Twilight Bat Walk @ulsterfolkmuseum.org 17 visitors with bat detectors headed into the dark in search of Common & Soprano Pipistrelles & Leisler' Bats. We found quite a few sheep in the rural museum as well!🦇🐑 1/2🧵

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

In 2026 we’ve received 45 sightings of otters! This mustelid is a top predator in our freshwater & coastal ecosystems & so they give us insight into the health of our wider environment. Our NI Mammal Recording Project is still ongoing, so get your records in on iRecord or CEDaR Online Recording!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

What exactly is a cardinal point & how can trees help us navigate? 🧭Cardinal points are the main 4 on a compass (N S E W) 🌱Trees will lean/grow branches towards the sun, in NI this means they lean South ⚠️This post is just for interest, always bring a map & compass for navigation

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

There are just 3 tickets left for our microscopy course on spiders with Dr Grant Brown. Grab your spot: nationalmuseumsni.digitickets.co.uk/event-ticket...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

The DiveNI spotlight this month is the breadcrumb sponge! Common on NI shores, we have 1281 records of this sponge on our database, it can be tricky to identify as it comes in a number of forms. Very much alive, sponges are thought to be one of the oldest animal phyla on earth!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Hoverflies are under-recorded in NI. These pollinators are active even on colder & shadier days when you might not find any bees. Here's a list of the key ID features you need to contribute to our NI Hoverfly Recording Project, using iRecord or CEDaR Online Recording.

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

We were delighted to support @librariesni.bsky.social with the Big Summer Read in 3 Belfast libraries. Kids got hands on with objects from our collection, including aptly named “mermaid’s purses” & “witches’ broom”🧜🧙 Comment if you know any other magical common names for local wildlife!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

The bank vole (Myodes glareolus) & field vole (Microtus agrestis) aren't native in NI. Their effects on our ecosystem are yet to be completely understood @QUBbioscience & @UlsterWildlife are gathering more info & welcome sightings of both species: www2.habitas.org.uk/records/voles

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

To close out July, we held our first Teen Nature Recorders Workshop. Mindful recording with the FIT count app, sweep netting, insect collecting, submitting records on iRecord & dissecting owl pellets 📲🌾🦉 @ulsterfolkmuseum.org

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

This #NationalMarineWeek we're proud to share the second edition of our 2020 publication, Marine Invasive Species in Northern Ireland, now with additional species pages & up to date maps. Check it out on the Dive NI website: dive-ni.org/wp-content/u...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Caught out 🎣 These 4 fish are lying to you about their names. #NationalMarineWeek #nifishrecordingproject

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Yes! Jellyfish are cnidarians & all have stinging organelles (nematocysts). HOWEVER, many species are harmless to humans. Only some jellyfish stings cause us pain.

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Introducing Fun Fact Friday: we’re asking “Do all jellyfish sting?” 🪼Choose yes/no Answer on Monday!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Celebrate #nationalmarineweek with us by looking out for sea life. This month the Dive NI Species Spotlight is on jellyfish! Interested in all-things diving in Northern Ireland? Head over to our Dive NI website & Facebook page. dive-ni.org

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

In 2026, scientists are predicting a strong El Niño, the warming phase of the Pacific Ocean's ENSO climate cycle. This could mean stormier winter weather. Keep an eye out for our #StormWatch project, & as always, pay close attention to weather warnings! #nationalmarineweek

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026-2030 launched this month & we at National Museums NI (of which CEDaR is part) are delighted to be strengthening our commitment as a Partner! We look forward to continuing to play our part, for more info head to: pollinators.ie

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Kicking off #nationalmarineweek we received an unusual sighting - a sunfish. We have 33 records of Mola mola on our database. They swim in temperate oceans, following warm water & food (zooplankton & jellyfish). You’ll find them here in summer, when ocean temp reaches over 10*C.

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Join Dr Grant Brown, Curator of Entomology at National Museums NI, for an engaging indoor microscopy session designed to build confidence in identifying these extraordinary arachnids🕷️ 🕸️Tickets at the link: nationalmuseumsni.digitickets.co.uk/event-ticket...

nationalmuseumsni.digitickets.co.uk

Buy Introduction to Spider Identification Tickets online - National Museums NI

View Introduction to Spider Identification from National Museums NI.

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

We receive records via the Big Butterfly Count! Get recording this summer 🦋

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

ID Footballer hoverflies (Helophilus pendulus) by their stripey jersey-like thoraxes. Don’t confuse with H.trivittatus/H.hybridus, see markings on the end of the abdomen. Found around puddles or ponds, or along roadsides & field margins, numbers peak in July. Let us know if you spot one!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

So how do you know what fish you’ve caught? Check fins, lateral line, eye, mouth, shape Take a photo & #shareyourcatch on the iRecord app. Always try to take fish out of water as little as possible. www2.habitas.org.uk/records/angl...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

1 of the most common hoverflies in NI, Marmalades are seen in gardens, hedges, parks & woods. They have a unique pattern: 2 dark bands separated by 2 orange bands. No.s rise in spring & peak in July. These flies hibernate so adults can appear on a sunny day at any time of year!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Grab your dive gear & read the DiveNI blog to find out how to get involved with the Great Shark Snapshot, 18-26 July 2026: dive-ni.org/the-great-sh...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Our bees & wasps training course at White Park Bay was a success! Thanks to all who came along & to Owen (NBDC) for leading the session & @nationaltrust.org.uk for hosting!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Still spaces for teens on this workshop:

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

For Invasive Species Week, in collaboration with @ulsterwildlife.bsky.social we hosted two recording workshops with citizen scientists in Cultra & Carrickfergus! Among the many native species recorded, were several invasive species, including those pictured. Submit INNS records on iRecord!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

As the summer days stretch long into the evening, you can hear the hum of life all around us as butterflies float past & bees (& their copycats) buzz. Join us for our Summer Wildlife Walk at the @ulsterfolkmuseum & get hands on experience with iRecord! www.ulsterfolkmuseum.org/whats-on/wil...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Can a recording app tell you what that insect in your garden is? Short answer - yes! This insect week, get recording on iRecord - maybe you'll even learn something new! This photo is the larvae of the 7-spot ladybird🐞 Always check AI suggestions as they aren't always accurate. #insectweek

"Ever wondered... what on earth is that? Find out how to ID unknown species" Photograph of small black and orange larvae with 6 legs on buttercup flower, pinched between 3 fingers.

Screen shots of the iRecord App, demonstrating how it's used.

Screenshots of the iRecord suggested species. The larvae is identified as 7-spot ladybird.

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Invasive Species week update: We've produced "A Diver's guide to identifying and recording 10 of Northern Ireland's marine invasive species." with the Invasive Species NI team at NIEA. You'll find a link to the guide on the Dive NI website: dive-ni.org/wp-content/u... Get recording on iRecord!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

#insectweek update: Early this month, training kickstarted the Invertebrate Condition Assessment of Murlough ASSI (@nationaltrust.org.uk). Part of a CEDaR & DAERA funded 6 year contract to assess all ASSI sites with invertebrate features, undertaken by Allen & Mellon Ltd. #standtallforthesmall

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

It's Invasive Species Week, but what does that actually mean? This week, take the time to learn about the invasive species that threaten our wildlife at the link: invasivespeciesni.co.uk/species-acco... As always, keep recording! #INNSweek

Image: wasp leaving pink flower of Himalayan Balsam.
Text: What exactly is an invasive species?

Image: 2 yellow daffodils.
Text: What is an introduced species?
Many plants & animals have been introduced to NI from all over the world Some of these non-native species bring benefits to our economy.

Image: Bispira, Rory Wilson
Text: What is an Invasive Species?
A small proportion of these introduced species can have dramatic effects on local wildlife. Invasive species are those that outcompete native plants & animals, alter habitats or introduce disease.

Image: White snowberry with pink bell-shaped flowers.
Text: What can you do?
Stop the spread: use check clean dry principles when out & about. For more info head to invasivespeciesni.co.uk. Don't forget to record invasive species on the iRecord app.

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Biological Recording Company @biologicalrecording.co.uk · 18/06/2026

Learn how to use iRecord to submit wildlife records that support conservation, research and biodiversity monitoring. A practical introduction to biological recording, data quality, verification and species recording in the UK 🌎 🧪 Enrol here: 🔗 courses.biologicalrecording.co.uk/courses/iRec...

courses.biologicalrecording.co.uk

Biological Recording & iRecord Online Training UK

Learn biological recording and how to use iRecord to submit, verify, and share wildlife data. Gain practical skills in species recording, data quality, apps, and conservation impact with expert-led on...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Calling all anglers🎣 SHARE YOUR CATCH! Participate in the NI Fish Recording Project & tell us what you're finding in your local fishing spots! Share pictures of your catch on the iRecord app or our website: www2.habitas.org.uk/records/angl...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

We’re delighted to be part of Museums for Nature - a programme by @nhm-london.bsky.social, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We look forward to collaborating with partners to restore pond habitats at the @ulsterfolkmuseum.org. Read more: www.museumsassociation.org/museums-jour...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

There's still spaces for our upcoming bees & wasps training course! nationalmuseumsni.digitickets.co.uk/event-ticket...

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

On Tuesday, we spent a morning in the sunshine looking for hoverflies at Oxford Island. This was the first ID course for our Hoverfly Recording Project! Thanks to Anna Hart for teaching us about this under-recorded species group. Seen a hoverfly? Get recording on the iRecord app!

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

This common species is often 1st to emerge in spring. Freshwater insects found in wetlands, feed on smaller invertebrates. They have 2yr lifecycles, adults lasting just weeks. Males are large & red w/ black legs. Females have yellow markings, colour forms vary from mostly red to mostly black.

Species of the month: Large Red Damselfly. Mating pair.

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CEDaR @cedarrecordsni.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

New recording project by QUB - MosquitoNI! 🦟 🔎 Studying which mosquito species are living here & what viruses they might carry. 📸 Seen a mosquito? Report it using their online form: mosquitoni.com/citizen-scie... ❗Note - recording project not hosted on CEDaR Online Recording/iRecord.

mosquitoni.com

Report a Mosquito

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