Colin Guilfoyle

I completed my BSc degree in Zoology at NUI Galway in 2020, followed by an MSc in Conservation Behaviour at ATU Galway City (formally GMIT) in 2021. During my studies, I spent time researching species such as red squirrel and Eurasian lynx. This helped develop my interests in topics such as habitat connectivity, species reintroductions and ecological restoration.

In September 2021, I joined the MFRC as a Cullen Scholar. My current research is part of a 4-year PhD project, funded by the Marine Institute. The project is supervised by Dr Heather Lally, Dr Conor Graham of ATU Galway City and Dr Elvira de Eyto of the Marine Institute.

My research focus is on biodiversity, conservation and habitat restoration in Wild Nephin National Park. Specifically, the research aims to collect baseline data on the vegetation and bird species of the Nephin Forest area within the National Park, prior to restoration actions. While also exploring the potential benefits these actions may have for ecosystem services and habitat connectivity in the landscape.

Project Title
Biodiversity conservation and restoration in Nephin Forest

Projects

This Marine Institute funded research project led by ATU Galway City aims to gather and assess baseline habitat composition and structure, and bird population data in Nephin Forest within Wild Nephin National Park