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/
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
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 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
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
