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
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/
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
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
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
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.
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 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.
