Howth Foraging

Bees in big trouble as the lie of the land worsens – The Irish Times

Bees in big trouble as the lie of the land worsens The next five-year National Pollinator Plan will be critical for arresting further decline, driven by threats to habitat

This evening I had an interesting encounter with a crab spider camouflaged in my white roses!
Scroll through for my videos and photos I've taken in the past of other crab spiders.

The first photo was taken in 2023 when a crab spider had grasped a honey bee on a rose in the garden and injected it with it's deadly venom, paralysing it's prey!

There are over 2100 species of crab spiders around the world. Crab spiders are unique in that they have two longer legs, their bodies are typically short, wide, and flat. They have varied Abdomens. The abdomen can range from round or oval to angular and pentagonal. They use their long strong legs to grasp their prey and then inject them with their venom.

They come in many colours mainly white, green to orange! Some change colour depending on what they are residing on. Like the guy today it was camouflaged into the white rose. Waiting to hunt the next poor unfortunate victim.

They are a rose gardens best pal as their preferred food is greenfly.

Have you ever seen a crab spider?

Irelands Eye Foraging & Beach Picnic

We will be running through the Summer, for upcoming dates check our site or this post.

Irelands eye experience, boat to Irelands eye, foraging walk, gourmet foraged picnic and folklore

We still have a few spaces for this Sunday May 31st. You can book www.howthforaging.ie

Dates

May 31st 12.30pm

Next date June 28th, more dates coming online.

Ever dreamed of a foraged picnic on Ireland's Eye? Join us for a memorable adventure that starts with a scenic boat trip from Howth's West Pier with Howth cliff cruises to this stunning island. Led by Nicole, you'll embark on a foraging tour observing the island’s edible & medicinal treasures used by our ancestor's.
This is followed by a delightful beach picnic featuring locally foraged and organically grown produce while exploring the folklore and magic that make Ireland’s Eye so special.

Experience nature's bounty and culinary delights in one unforgettable day! Lunch will be vegetarian please let us know if you have any dietary requirement's.
Dress for the weather, bring a bottle of water, sun cream and small backpack, swimming gear if you like.
Please note as Irelands eye is a Special conservation area, we will be observing only, our wild foraging pals, rely on the unique vegetation that this magical place provides. We will provide photo files of the plants and pollinators after our trip. Can't wait for the next one! Nicole x