Grasslands

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Grasslands

Welcome to the magical world of grassland habitats and view this habitat through Isabelle's experiences!

Our lush meadows, fields and machair plains are full of surprises. Explore ancient grasslands, uncovering a hidden world of life – from underground fungi to buzzing bees and butterflies. Discover the intricate web of creatures that depend on each other to create their happy grassland home. Keep an eye out for our garden helpers, the pollinators, whose hard work not only keeps the grasslands thriving but also helps our food grow!

Grasslands

Dandelion

A dandelion is a yellow-flowered plant that grows in both fields and gardens. It's like a tiny sun with a fluffy, white ball of seeds on top. When the wind blows, these seeds float away, helping dandelions spread and grow in new places. Dandelions are important in nature because their flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. Their leaves are eaten by grazing animals and also make a great salad ingredient!

Bumblebee

Ireland is home to 21 bumblebee species, four of which are endangered! The Great yellow bumblebee is especially at risk of disappearing. Like the honeybee, bumblebees are social bees. They live in colonies with a queen, many female workers, and some males. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees don't make honey but store a little nectar in wax pots for emergencies. These buzzing friends help plants make seeds by spreading pollen, making sure we have lots of flowers, fruits, and veggies in our gardens and fields.

Pygmy shrew

Meet the pygmy shrew, Ireland's smallest mammal! These tiny creatures, measuring only 4.5 to 6 cm, are active day and night, scuttling through grasslands, heaths, and sand dunes. They have poor eyesight, but very well developed senses of smell, hearing, and touch - which they use to hunt insects, eating up to 250 prey items per day! Pygmy shrews build nests in vegetation, and despite their small size, they are formidable predators.

Meet the characters

Click on the character to learn more about them

Oona

Oona is a young, adventurous Atlantic puffin who loves exploring the many habitats and wonders of Puffin Rock with her little brother Baba by her side.
Baba

Baba is a curious and playful puffin chick, always ready for exciting adventures with his big sister Oona and their friends.
Silky

Silky is a fun-loving and wise seal who shares her vast knowledge of the ocean with her puffin pals on Puffin Rock.
Bernie

Bernie is a funny and intelligent hermit crab, who knows all about the sea shore and understands the worlds of both land and water.
Marvin

Marvin is a shy and agile otter who enjoys splashing around in the water, collecting natural treasures and playing with his friends on Puffin Rock.
Isabelle

Isabelle is a strong and kind tufted puffin who adds a lot of joy and learning within her community of new friends and family.