Explore what’s on during Biodiversity Week below!
Use the tags to filter by county, or the categories to browse by topic.
Featured image credit: Lining the Nest, by Colette Gemmell
Are you are a keen amateur photographer that loves to capture striking landscapes, migration spectacles, fabulous flora, or dramatic close-up images of birds, mammals and insects? Would you like to win up to €500 in cash prizes? Then we have the competition for you.
Take a photo during May 2023 and enter for the title of Biodiversity Photographer of the Year!
More info here.
There are lots of things living in your garden and local parks or wild areas. Take part in the scavenger hunt to see what you can find. Will you be able to complete the hunt?
Our Scavenger Hunt and activity sheets ensure that the whole family can take part in the weekend fun, and have some time away from screens. Head outside to see what you can find!
This year our sheets focus on habitats. Learn about what lives On Solid Ground or In Watery Places. See how many you can find, and solve the puzzles on the back of the sheet.
Both sheets are for all ages, so you can choose which would suit you best. ‘On Solid Ground’ is designed to be a little easier, while ‘In Watery Places’ presents more of a challenge.
You can complete the Hunt or Challenges at any time, but be sure to share them with us during the month of May to be in with a chance to win a prize!
Download your sheets here: https://biodiversityweek.ie/biodiversity-scavenger-hunt/
Dragonfly Dash with the Biodiversity Data Centre
From 19th to the 28th May we are asking YOU to join in the fun and photograph and record as many Dragonflies and Damselflies as you can in your local river, stream, pond, lake, bog or other wetland.
How many Dragonflies and Damselflies can you record in just one week?
Upload your records for our Dragonfly Dash! using our Dragonfly Spotter form or try our Dragonfly Recorder Survey?
Track our Dragonfly Dash! via the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. Also check this page daily to see how we are progressing and see the total records recorded and total species recorded, Also find out which county is leading the way in terms of Dragonfly and Damselfly recording.
And there’s a prize!! – one lucky recorder who submits records for our Dragonfly Dash! will win a copy of Dragonflies and Damselflies of Ireland by Robert Thompson and Brian Nelson.
Event page: https://biodiversityireland.ie/surveys/dragonfly-ireland/dragonfly-dash-biodiversity-week-2023/
Seashore Splash! with the Biodiversity Data Centre
Welcome to our Explore Your Shore! Seashore Splash! for Biodiversity Week 2023.
From 19th to the 28th May we are asking YOU to join in the fun and photograph and record as many marine species as you can on your local shore. How many marine species can you record in 30 minutes?… how many can you record in one week?
Upload your records for our Seashore Splash! using our Seashore Spotter form, do a Big Beach Biodiversity Survey or try out one of our brand new surveys for 2023… The Great Rocky Shore Bioblitz and Adopt-a-Rockpool!
Track our Seashore Splash! via the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s Twitter account and our Explore Your Shore! Facebook account. Also check this page daily to see how we are progressing and see the total records recorded and total species recorded, and find out which coastal county is leading the way in terms of marine biodiversity recording.
Share your Seashore Splash action pics on our Explore Your Shore! Facebook page.
And there’s a prize!! – two lucky recorders who submit records for our Seashore Splash! will win a copy of our brand identification swatch on Ireland’s Intertidal Fish and Invertebrates which will soon be available from the National Biodiversity Data Centre online shop!
Event page: https://exploreyourshore.ie/seashore-splash-biodiversity-week-2023/
20 photographs of Starling Murmurations over Lough Ennell taken by John McCauley and Rodney Cleary. This exhibition can be viewed during Library opening hours. This exhibition will be officially launched on Thurs 25th May at 6pm by Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland – regular contributor to Mooney Goes Wild on RTÉ Radio One and co-presenter of the In Your Nature Podcast series.
Wondering what that plant is? Who that insect is visiting your flowers? Maybe you’ve seen an unknown bird at your feeder, or strange creatures at your local waterway or park. Explore your local area to discover fabulous flora and fauna! Our ecologists and wildlife experts will identify it for you!
Ask Our Experts from the Irish Environmental Network
Ask our ecologists and experts to identify what you’ve found! They will be on hand to ID your finds throughout the weekend.
Simply share your photo on Twitter or Instagram at any stage over the weekend, with #BackyardBioblitz, and tag us on Twitter @IrishEnvNet or Instagram @national.biodiversity.week
Please contact smcquaid@monaghancoco.ie to book your place
Meeting at Rise at the Cove, A63 V406, this family friendly beach clean takes place on the last Sunday of every month. All are welcome, equipment provided. You can keep track on all their activities here: https://www.facebook.com/CleanCoastsNW
Join Wicklow County Council and Astrid Adler at Kindlestown Woods for this immersive walk through the woods and learn all about the lives of the plants around us. Full details and reservations here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hedge-bothering-tickets-631622769707
To celebrate Biodiversity Week 2023, there is no admission charge and entry to the certified organic garden and beautiful nature trail forest walk along the River Nanny is free. The Eco Centre is located in the Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath and is 10 minutes walk from Laytown train station. An Eco Shop, zero waste refill station, 2nd hand shop, Bee museum and a vegetarian / vegan cafe are on site so it would make a lovely biodiversity friendly day out for all the family. We are open every Friday to Sunday and will have a range of events and activities throughout Biodiversity week, please see https://sonairte.ie/events
One day gardening course covering gardening organically, planting for pollinators, taking cuttings and much more.
Tipperary County Council are delighted to announce this FREE Sustainable Gardening Course to celebrate National Biodiversity Week. This course will be run by horticulturist and environmentalist, Aoife Munn and will cover many topics including:
– New thinking in planting plans
– Pond Building
– Working with peat free compost
– Pruning
– Grow your own vegetables
– Taking cuttings and much more…
The course will be run on Sunday 28th of May from 10am to 4pm in Cabragh Wetlands.
This course is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their area for biodiversity but is particularly of interest to Tidy Towns Groups, residents groups and green schools coordinators.
Please note that all information you provide will be shared with Aoife Munn and Tipperary County Council for the purposes or administrating and running the course.
Reserve you spot: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/sustainable-gardening-course-sponsored-by-tipperary-county-council-tickets-627986854587
The general public is invited for a talk and entertainment to honor the deep connection between the Lakota people, ourselves as Irish and the soil. The aim will be to raise awareness of the threat of soil degradation due to overconsumption and industrial land use changes, of mining, of fossil fuel industry which threatens us all. Indigenous people have a deep appreciation for working with the land, organic ways, and Mother Earth. There is a connection for many here too of the importance of the soil and the need to protect it. The aim of the event is to make those connections and highlight that we are all guardians of the soil and need to take care of it for all our futures. The event organizers invite the public to come and join the event, action and entertainment and support the message of unity in protecting our earth and its resources.
Link to related article: https://atmos.earth/soil-degradation-worsens-climate-change/
*Car pooling-Meet at the Castle 9.30am for those in need of transport.
Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/640079835017
The Organic Centre: Celebrating connections with Lakota water protectors
28th May: 10am-12pm.
Wheelchair accessible – Accessible pathways and toilets.
A hands-on, family-friendly look at what’s living in Lough Gill!
Join Parkes Castle guide, Dara, for a look at the wonderful and wiggly creatures living in Lough Gill.
For further information please email parkescastle@opw.ie
Location: Parkes Castle F91 FP71 Fivemilebourne
Reserve a spot: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/biodiversity-of-lough-gill-tickets-635828850207
Join us for an exciting Talk about Trees session with Ger Clarke. Ger has recently helped us to establish a Native tree nursery here in Sonairte and he will explain how and why this is so important.
Ger Clarke has a background in the Earth sciences. Having studied zoology, botany and geology in UCG. He also studied for a Masters in Ecology and Theology. He worked with the Columban missionaries for over 25 years as an education officer in ecology. He was chairman and board member of Crann, the largest tree charity in Ireland. He was involved in the establishment of the Meath Natural History Field Club. Has been a participant in the Meath Environmental Network, (part of the PPN group). Ger loves writing, art, hiking, swimming and history/archaeology.
Location: Sonairte Visitor Eco Centre and Gardens, The Ninch, Laytown, Meath
Join us for a family-friendly exploration of our historic, 300-year-old woodland to learn about the importance of forestry in preserving Ireland’s biodiversity for future generations, and how these woodlands are threatened by invasive species and deforestation. Combining folklore with ecology, this easy-going and interactive walk through the woods is suitable for children and families of all ages.
Places are limited, please register your place by contacting us on 0719633013 or email info@strokestownpark.ie
Our final event is a beautiful botanical art workshop with Debbie who collaborates closely with Friends of Merlin Woods and the community immersed and aware of our local biodiversity .All participants will go home with a beautiful piece of artwork .
Booking will be needed for Botanical Art through Eventbrite as spaces are limited and for more info on any event email eventsmerlinwoods@gmail.com .
Meeting point: at Merlin Woods Community Garden.
Please wear appropriate footwear and outdoor clothing . Please leave dogs at home unless essential for your needs .
In support of National Biodiversity Week, on Sunday 28th May, CELT, in association with Abhainn Dá Loilíoch Woodland Group, will provide a FREE guided walk through the scenic woodlands and riverside at Lahardaun. Meeting at 1.45pm at Chevy Chase forestry entrance (1km north of eircode H62 PD82). The area is being studied as part of a Citizen Science project to monitor biodiversity with a view to enhancing it by creating a wildlife habitat corridor linking ancient woodland sites and also ultimately to improve water quality. Group members will explain some of the finds of visiting ecologists and how we are gradually developing the project with the cooperation of local landowners and support of the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) and Galway County Council. The walk will take approximately 2 hours. Please register by email to coordinatorcelt@gmail.com
Cork Nature Network is delighted to celebrate Biodiversity Week with the talk ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Insect Identification.’
Our speaker John O’Sullivan will outline what characteristics to look for when identifying insects, where to look, and how insects benefit the biodiversity of our local ecosystems. The talk will be held indoors at the Glen Resource Centre followed by an opportunity to walk through the Glen Park and apply what we’ve learned and do some insect spotting!
For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/608460320197
Queries: eventscnn@gmail.com
“Bird and Bat Box Building” with Donna Mullen. This is taking place at Castle Lake, Bailieborough, County Cavan. You can find out more on our website here and book here or through our website.
To celebrate National Biodiversity Week 2023 which runs from the 19th – 28th of May, we’re excited to announce the 1st Annual River Nore Biodiversity Survey!
We we will be looking for keen Citizen Scientists to help us search the beautiful banks of the river and see what animals and plants we can spot!
Meeting Point: Ossory Bridge, Kilkenny End point: Bennettsbridge
Meeting point: Near the Waterfall.
The event is free and open to all ages.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pond-dipping-in-father-collins-park-tickets-639232500617
Event is:
– Family friendly
– Registration not required
– Disability accessible – no, but we will be close to paths in the park and could accommodate wheelchair users.
What does the presence, or absence, of Salmon in a Catchment indicate? How can we conserve this precious & iconic species? (With free copies of ‘Salmon Sanctuaries’ booklet provided to all participants). Mark Boyden, Stephanie O’Toole, & Rauri Maguire take us into the World of the wild Atlantic Salmon.
Location: ‘The StreamSchool’, Coomhola, Bantry, Co. Cork P75 TY47
As numbers attending are restricted please book in advance on 027 50453 or at streamscapes1@gmail.com
Join Alex from Understory supported by Delgany Tidy Towns in this outdoor workshop to explore what biodiversity means through tactile learning. We start with a short walk to find natural materials and then incorporate them to make our very own biodiversity inspired sculpture. This event is perfect for families; all ages from preschool to students, parents, and grandparents.
Meeting at Archers Wood tennis courts, A63 A2K1, to take part.
Wheelchair accessible with care and assistance.
Ponds are great for biodiversity but if you’re not sure where to start, this demonstration workshop is just for you. Rob will explain how to build your own wildlife pond, including suitable depth and materials to use.
We also have a pond dipping event in the park from 2pm, so do come early if that suits. The event if free.
Meeting point: Near the Waterfall.
Photo: Little frog in our garden pond by Eirian Evans, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Event is:
– Family friendly
– Registration not required
– Disability accessible – demonstration will be along pathways in the park.
Strokestown Park General Manager John O’Driscoll began his career in Strokestown Park as the Head Gardener almost 25 years ago and has a degree in horticulture from the National Botanic Gardens. He has lead the continued restoration and development of the estates Victorian Walled Garden & Woodlands, along with the establishment of the parks substantial meadow located at the front of the estate. This is a unique opportunity to take a guided tour with John and discover the rich and varied biodiversity that exists in these spaces thanks to his passionate vision.
Places are limited, please register your place by contacting us on 0719633013 or email info@strokestownpark.ie
Join Coastwatch & Waterford Tidy Towns to discover life on the beach, citizen science and hear music and spoken word.
Join us for this Biodiversity Week fieldtrip hosted jointly by Coastwatch and Waterford Tidy Towns. Meet at the Stand Hotel to explore the beach and discover the life in sandflat, pool and reef habitats. Briefing on citizen science and local authority stream work.
We will hear music from Martyn Simpson and stories/ poetry of the coast from others.
Refreshments and some presentations at the hotel.
We wish to thank the Irish Environmental Network for their support for this event.
Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/3-sisters-estuary-riches-strand-hotel-dunmore-east-co-waterford-tickets-636486386917
Coastwatch is piloting a new theme – Cool Biodiverse Blue Carbon (CBBC) into its 2023 Biodiversity fieldtrips and events around UN World Biodiversity Day May 22nd
From May 18th to 28th we will be exploring the coastal rim from barely land through intertidal to shallow sublittoral. It includes our beautifully flowering saltmarshes and rare coastal wet woodlands and bogs, intertidal mudflats and peat, mussel and seagrass beds and meadows, kelp forests.
Join us for a free fieldtrip near you to identify these habitats, look into their biodiversity and carbon storage value, share observations on habitat health and historic presence, consider pressures, protection and restoration. Results from fieldtrips will be pooled to draft a first CBBC leaflet for Irish shores. Participant local and traditional knowledge on wise use and protection is particularly welcome.
Join the guardian of Ireland’s oldest food forest Astrid Adler, youth activist Orla Murphy, and Wicklow’s new Biodiversity Officer Laura Kehoe, as we chat about our role in this world, how we can transform society and the ground beneath us, and how we find joy along the way.
May 28th, 7pm, The Happy Pear, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riders-on-the-storm-honest-chats-about-a-world-on-fire-tickets-635293057637
Join Gordon Elliott of Christchurch Parish and Keith Scanlon, of Delgany Tidy Towns at the Old School House A63F858 to hear what works, what doesn’t work, and share your experiences of sustainable fashion.
For Biodiversity Week, we will specifically discuss the impact on Irish Biodiversity (and Irish wool & sheep farming, and impact of sheep on the uplands, and dumping and recycling and pollution etc.)
PS. This is a monthly meet up. Join us next month for a talk on Forests & mini forests.
Bat Rehabilitation Ireland and Limerick bat group will be holding a bat talk and walk in Patrickswell, Co. Limerick, as part of Biodiversity Week 2023.
Meeting point is yet to be confirmed.
This talk and walk will begin at 8.30pm on 28 May 2023 and will be led by Albert Nolan of Limerick Bat Group and Susan Kerwin of Bat Rehabilitation Ireland.
Details: – Please wear appropriate footwear and warm outdoor clothing, wear a hi viz vest and bring a torch.
– Children welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
– Unfortunately dogs are not allowed at this event.
– All Events are weather dependent.
Please check Limerick Bat Group’s Facebook Page for any updates: Limerick Bat Group | Facebook Queries through Facebook page or limerickbatgroup@gmail.com.
To learn more about Limerick Bat Group, please visit their Facebook page for further information: Limerick Bat Group | Facebook and to learn more about Bat Rehabilitation Ireland, please visit their website: https://batrehabilitationireland.ie/ This event is free and open to all. It is being held as part of Biodiversity Week 2023.
