Aodhan O'Hara

Aodhan O’Hara is from Limavady, County Derry.

What is it that excites, motivates and inspires Aodhan to record?

“My main motivation for wildlife recording is the opportunity to record and log a wide range of species, helping to build a better understanding of the wildlife found across the surrounding area. This is why I enjoy taking part in a variety of projects and carrying out different surveys, ranging from water quality monitoring to bat and mammal surveys. I believe this knowledge can play an important role in identifying areas where biodiversity can be conserved and restored, while also highlighting species that may be under-recorded or previously unreported within the Binevenagh AONB.

Although my main focus has been identifying the presence and abundance of native red squirrels and pine martens through the Binevenagh Red Squirrel Group, I have also had the opportunity to witness the colonisation and development of these amazing mammals across different parts of the area. Spending so much time outdoors carrying out surveys has also allowed me to discover other hidden gems, including smooth newts and a Green Hairstreak butterfly on the mountain. These experiences are what make wildlife recording so rewarding for me, as every survey brings the possibility of discovering something new while contributing to a greater understanding and protection of the biodiversity around us.”

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