Concerns have been raised after a recent fire broke out on a mountain in the Sliabh Beagh area.
While the full circumstances are still unclear, local conservationists are concerned that the fire may have been deliberately set.
Donal Beaggan is a member of the recently formed Sliabh Beagh Curlew Conservation Trust.
In a landscape where so much care and effort goes into protecting vulnerable wildlife, Donal said this recent incident was “incredibly hard to see.”
Although the fire service was able to stop the fire, the disturbance level was just too much and the curlew in the area abandoned their nest.
According to Donal, weeks of monitoring, protection, and hope went into this nest and too lose it in such a way is “deeply upsetting for everyone involved.”
Speaking to Northern Sound, Donal warned that losses like this do not just affect the present moment but can contribute to the long-term decline of the species in this area for future generations.
He appealed to visitors who are out on the hills to please remain mindful of fire risk and report anything concerning.