Kfm, in association with Kildare County Council and Biodiversity Week, takes you to some of Kildare’s Unique Natural Habitats: The Curragh, Ballinafagh Lake, Pollardstown Fen, Donadea Forest Park and Kildare Birds and Bats
Tune in during Biodiversity Week, from Friday May 19th, to sample the atmosphere and sounds of “Kildare’s Wild Places”.
The K Documentary series: Kildare’s Wild Places, is produced for Kfm by Juanita Browne, Crossing The Line Films.
Line up:
- Friday 19th
The Curragh: with ecologist Mary O’Connor
Time: 10.10
Location: During Kildare Today on Kfm
Tune in to hear about the ecology of the Curragh Plains which support a variety to species and habitats. A proposed Natural Heritage Area, the Curragh is probably the oldest and certainly the most extensive tract of semi-natural grassland in Ireland. A lowland acidic grassland, the Curragh supports important populations of rare fungi. It is also of national importance for populations of wintering golden plover and lapwing.
- Monday 22nd
Ballynafagh Bog: Conserving our Bogs with Dr Catherine O’Connell, Irish Peatland Conservation Council.
Time: 10.10
Location: During Kildare Today on KFM
Raised bogs are a rare habitat in Europe, and in Ireland continue to be under threat. Ballynafagh Bog, although damaged, is of added interest as the most easterly site with a high proportion of intact raised bog habitat remaining in Ireland. Dr O’Connell will tell us about this intact raised bog habitat.
- Tuesday 23rd
Pollardstown Fen with Michael Jacob.
Time: 10.10
Location: During Kildare Today on KFM
Tune in to hear Michael Jacob take you on a journey through Pollardstown Fen, the largest remaining calcareous spring-fed fen in Ireland. Recognised as an internationally important fen ecosystem with unique and endangered plant communities, it contains a number of rare vegetation types and invertebrates.
- Wednesday 24th
Donadea Forest Park: Native Woodland Trust, Jim Lawlor.
Time: 10.10
Location: During Kildare Today on KFM
Join Jim Lawlor on a journey through Donadea Forest, old demesne woodland. Donadea Castle and estate was the old home of the Aylmer family up until 1935 when the last member of the family Miss Caroline died. It is a National Heritage Area. There are many historical features including the remains of the castle and walled gardens, St. Peter’s church, an ice house and boat house The site is notable for the presence of two rare species of Myxomycete fungus, namely Diderma chondrioderma and Licea testudinacea, the latter in one of only two known Irish sites.
- Thursday 25th
Kildare’s Birds: with Paddy Sheridan.
Time: 10.10
Location: During Kildare Today on KFM
Listen to Paddy Sheridan (now RIP)of Wild Kildare introduce us to the world of birds in Kildare and describe recording programmes he is involved in supporting.
- Friday 26th
Bats: with Anna Collins & Kildare Bat Group.
Time: 10.10
Location: During Kildare Today on KFM
Did you know that Bats are mammals? Did you know that they are not blind? Did you know Ireland we have nine species confirmed as residents.? If you are interested in hearing more interesting batty facts tune in to Kfm Kildare’s Wild Places documentary with Anna Collins form Kildare Bat group.
