Michael Viney answers a selection of queries on nature
My garden pond needs to be re-lined after several years. As frogs breed in it every year, when is the best time of year to undertake this job? Perhaps in spring after the frogs have spawned, but before the tadpoles are developed (with the frog spawn temporarily moved into buckets).
Thomas Erbsloh, Thomastown, Co.Kilkenny
After spawning would be the best time.
My family has a small farmhouse in Co Kerry. For the past three summers, long-eared brown bats have roosted in the attic, usually about eight of them. We didn't mind, as the house is vacant most of the time and we enjoyed watching them flying about when we're home.
However, this December I found one of them fluttering around the kitchen. I always believed they flew off in winter to hibernate in caves or other dark places.
Stephen Sheehan, Rathmore, Co Kerry.
It probably got into the kitchen and couldn't get out again. I hope you put it back in the attic where it might hibernate on its own or follow the others.