Within seconds of handing it over to an expert, it was clear quartz discovery was very special

Absence of real political leadership leaves Ireland at risk of becoming hostile to wildlife

A Co Mayo community has achieved results that are both visually striking and ecologically responsible

Ella McSweeney: A small encouraging sign these waters might hold value to such rare magnificent creatures

If 14 countries can come together to understand the Danube, surely Ireland can do the same for a far shorter river?

Ella McSweeney: Is a once-common species returning to the Irish Sea thanks to overspill from marine protected areas elsewhere?

Ella McSweeney: Golden plovers have begun arriving from Iceland, home to a third of the world’s breeding population

My garden snails, Cornu aspersum, are still active and show no signs of hibernating anytime soon

Lough Derg has been so reshaped by pollution that its original character is almost impossible to discern

The process by which trees co-ordinate their efforts across hundreds of miles on what are known as ‘mast years’ is quite an enigma

The fishing industry is killing these big ladies before they’re able to do the thing they do best: endlessly reproduce

Success stories including the leaf-toed gecko in the Galápagos, the wood white butterfuly in Wales and the corncrake in Ireland give hope

Ella McSweeney: Grey seals will try to drive away other species that share their liking for fish

If we follow advice to treat pets continuously, whether or not fleas are present, we inadvertently contribute to significant water pollution

Public records about North Cork Creameries’ operations paint a disquieting picture of how regulators are performing