Welcome to National Biodiversity Week 2022!
Explore the rich variety of life in Ireland this May with a host of wonderful events and activities for the whole family.
National Biodiversity Week 13th – 22nd May 2022 is all about connecting people with nature. It’s about communicating the importance of biodiversity and motivating people to play their part in protecting it.†Join in one of our activities to explore the outdoors and learn about our fantastic biodiversity.
Monday 16th May
Dawn Chorus Castletown House and Parklands @ 4.30am
Join Kildare Birdwatch in Castletown on 14th May at 04.30h to engage in this year’s Kildare Dawn Chorus event. Meeting point Car Park (Exist 6 off M4).
A Day of Action on Lullymore West Bog @ Bog of Allen Nature Centre @11am
Join the Irish Peatland Conservation Council this Biodiversity Week at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre for a walk, talk and day of action on Lullymore West bog, a butterfly nature reserve in Co. Kildare.
Pollinators play a vital role in any ecosystem including peatland habitats. Ireland is home to 35 species of butterflies and 21 species of bumblebees however, they face a great number of threats today including how we manage the land.
Learn about the butterflies and bumblebees that call Lullymore West home, how to identify them and how the site is managed for wildlife. As this is a day of action, you will also have the opportunity to take part in the management of the reserve with a scrub clearance or help to install a temporary electric fence in preparation for the arrival of the local conservation donkeys.
This is a FREE family friendly event, and we encourage members of the public interested in peatland and wildlife conservation and management to come along too. All are welcome. The Bog of Allen Nature Centre will also be open for guided tours of the museum and wildlife gardens. For more information, contact us at bogs@ipcc.ie.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/a-day-of-action-on-lullymore-west-bog-tickets-318709156667
Bat walk and Talk Kilcock @ 9.30pm
Join Kildare Bat Group at Kilcock, for a batty fun-filled evening! The walk will begin at 9.30pm and using bat detectors you can listen in on their ultrasonic calls and watch these elusive creatures in flight. You will also learn about Irish bat species and their life cycle as the walk progresses.
Please wear appropriate footwear and warm outdoor clothing, wear a hi viz vest and bring a torch.
Children under 18 are very welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
No prams or bikes please, as they are not suitable for the terrain. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at this event.
Events are weather dependent. If there is heavy rain on the night, the walk will be cancelled, but an alternate night will be chosen and those who booked a place for the walk will be notified. Places are limited, so please book early.
Booking: kildarebatgroup@gmail.com. This event is free and open to all.
Monday 16th May
Solitary Red Mason Bees at Castletown House and Parklands @ 10.30am
Talk on Solitary Red Mason Bees by Head Gardner Rory Finnegan in the West Courtyard at 10.30am
Parklands of Castletown House and Parklands @ 10.30am
Biodiversity Video Presentation of the Parklands of Castletown in House Keepers Room from 11 -2
Walk on the Wild in Castletown House and Parklands @12pm
Walk on the Wild Side a one hour walk of Castletown Parklands with the focus on the wildlife, biodiversity including a rare glimpse inside Castletown Icehouse and a talk on our cave spiders. 12pm
Biodiversity of Rathangan @7pm
Hosted by Rathangan Tidy Towns, Nuala Madigan from IPCC will give a walk and talk on biodiversity on Monday 16th May at 7pm in Tannery Park, Rathangan (53.2196600, -6.9949584). The focus will be on the river and riparian biodiversity, but we’ll also compare with the canal’s as both as so close. We’ll have some invertebrate species to look at.
Parking available at the secondary school (53.2186392, -6.9943545).
Hosted by Rathangan Tidy Towns.
Contact Vanessa at 0879258226.
Bat walk and Talk Naas Harbour @ 9.30pm
Join Kildare Bat Group at Naas Harbour, for a batty fun-filled evening! The walk will begin at 9.30pm and using bat detectors you can listen in on their ultrasonic calls and watch these elusive creatures in flight. You will also learn about Irish bat species and their life cycle as the walk progresses. Please book a spot by emailing kildarebatgroup@gmail.com
Please wear appropriate footwear and warm outdoor clothing, wear a hi viz vest and bring a torch.
Children under 18 are very welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
No prams or bikes please, as they are not suitable for the terrain. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at this event.
Events are weather dependent. If there is heavy rain on the night, the walk will be cancelled, but an alternate night will be chosen and those who booked a place for the walk will be notified. Places are limited, so please book early.
Booking: kildarebatgroup@gmail.com. This event is free and open to all.
Art in McAuley Place with wildlife artist Aga Grandowicz
Art workshops for both children and adults starting on Monday 16th of May with renowned author, illustrator and wildlife artist Aga Grandowicz will be hosting both workshops.
The adult workshop will comprise of the students learning how to de-stress and expressing oneself through meditative drawing. The children’s workshop will comprise of the students learning how to draw an endangered Irish wildlife animal.
Places are free but very limited. To book your place call us on 045-897833
Tuesday 17th May
Solitary Red Mason Bees at Castletown House and Parklands @ 10.30am
Talk on Solitary Red Mason Bees by Head Gardner Rory Finnegan in the West Courtyard at 10.30am
Parklands of Castletown House and Parklands @ 10.30am
Biodiversity Video Presentation of the Parklands of Castletown in House Keepers Room from 11 -2
Louisa’s Landscape @3pm
Follow in the footsteps of Lady Louisa and see how she designed the parklands. This includes a visit to the Castletown Icehouse which is very rarely open to the public 3pm
Birds of Castletown with Kildare Birdwatch @4pm
Talk on the birds of Castletown by Tom Mc Cormack, Kildare Birdwatch meeting at the front of house. 4pm
Wednesday 18th May
Heart Art MAGIC through nature and wildlife @ 10.30am
In this workshop Marian will guide participants to express their feelings and reactions to local nature and wildlife. Booking in advance essential. Please email marianegan8@gmail.com
Solitary Red Mason Bees at Castletown House and Parklands @ 10.30am
Talk on Solitary Red Mason Bees by Head Gardner Rory Finnegan in the West Courtyard at 10.30am
Parklands of Castletown House and Parklands @ 10.30am
Biodiversity Video Presentation of the Parklands of Castletown in House Keepers Room from 11 -2
Walk on the Wild in Castletown House and Parklands @12pm
Walk on the Wild Side a one hour walk of Castletown Parklands with the focus on the wildlife, biodiversity including a rare glimpse inside Castletown Icehouse and a talk on our cave spiders. 12pm
Campus Tour and Bumblebee hunt on campus ‘hot-spots’ @1pm
Maynooth Green Campus in NUIM Maynooth Biodiversity working group has organised Biodiversity Campus Tour and Bumblebee hunt on campus ‘hot-spots’
Dusk Chorus NUIM Maynooth @ 7.30pm
Join Kildare Birdwatch and Maynooth Green Campus in NUIM Maynooth on Wednesday 18th May at 7.30 pm to engage in this year’s Kildare Dusk Chorus event. Meeting point Car Park NUIM.
Thursday 19th May
Solitary Red Mason Bees at Castletown House and Parklands @ 10.30am
Talk on Solitary Red Mason Bees by Head Gardner Rory Finnegan in the West Courtyard at 10.30am
Parklands of Castletown House and Parklands @ 10.30am
Biodiversity Video Presentation of the Parklands of Castletown in House Keepers Room from 11 -2
Louisa’s Landscape @3pm
Follow in the footsteps of Lady Louisa and see how she designed the parklands. This includes a visit to the Castletown Icehouse which is very rarely open to the public 3pm
Biodiversity in the IWA Clane Resource Centre- @ 11.30am -1.00PM
Ballinagappa Road, Clane, Kildare
Come and visit the IWA resource Centre Wildlife Garden And enjoy a tour of Gardens & discussion on why biodiversity is important for birds. Learn how to make bird feeder balls and learn some native bird’s identification (Booklet from Birdwatch Ireland)
Evening bird walk with BirdWatch Kildare in Sallins- @ 18.50
Join Birdwatch Ireland Kildare Branch, affiliated to Birdwatch Ireland, for an evening walk along the canal to learn about the birds of Sallins. Meet at Canal boat services area in Sallins.
Bat walk and talk at in Rathcoffey @ 9.30pm
Join Kildare Bat Group in Rathcoffey, for a batty fun-filled evening! The walk will begin at 9.30pm and using bat detectors you can listen in on their ultrasonic calls and watch these elusive creatures in flight. You will also learn about Irish bat species and their life cycle as the walk progresses. Please book a spot by emailing kildarebatgroup@gmail.com
Please wear appropriate footwear and warm outdoor clothing, wear a hi viz vest and bring a torch.
Children under 18 are very welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
No prams or bikes please, as they are not suitable for the terrain. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at this event.
Events are weather dependent. If there is heavy rain on the night, the walk will be cancelled, but an alternate night will be chosen and those who booked a place for the walk will be notified. Places are limited, so please book early.
Booking: kildarebatgroup@gmail.com. This event is free and open to all.
Saturday 21st May
Pre-“Bat walk†activity for families with Sallins Tidy Towns @8.30pm
A child-centred event to learn about bats for families who have booked a place on the Bat Walk.
Booking: allinsbiodiversitygroup@gmail.com
This event is free and open to all.
Bat walk and Talk at Sallins Pier @ 9.30pm
Join Kildare Bat Group at Sallins Pier, for a batty fun-filled evening! The walk will begin at 9.30pm and using bat detectors you can listen in on their ultrasonic calls and watch these elusive creatures in flight. You will also learn about Irish bat species and their life cycle as the walk progresses. Please book a spot by emailing kildarebatgroup@gmail.com
Please wear appropriate footwear and warm outdoor clothing, wear a hi viz vest and bring a torch.
Children under 18 are very welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
No prams or bikes please, as they are not suitable for the terrain. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at this event.
Events are weather dependent. If there is heavy rain on the night, the walk will be cancelled, but an alternate night will be chosen and those who booked a place for the walk will be notified. Places are limited, so please book early.
Booking: kildarebatgroup@gmail.com. This event is free and open to all.
All Week
Biodiversity Scavenger Hunt- 20th – 22nd May
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 organised by Irish Environmental Network
The 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!
Details are available from here: https://biodiversityweek.ie/biodiversity-scavenger-hunt/
Biodiversity Photographer of the Year – Month of May
Nothing captures Ireland’s beautiful natural environment better than a photograph. As part of Ireland’s Biodiversity Week 2022 the Irish Environmental Network are hosting our 10th Annual Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition. Explore nature and be in with a chance to win up to €500 cash prizes.
This year we are delighted to announce the Ocean Photography category! Whether by boat, on shore or underwater, they welcome photos of all ocean life for this category! Kindly sponsored by Fair Seas.
Details available from here: https://biodiversityweek.ie/photo-competitions/
Backyard Bioblitz- May 20th – 22nd
Wondering what that plant is? Who’s 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!
Ecologists and wildlife experts from the Irish Wildlife Trust, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, and Native Woodland Trust will be on hand to ID your finds.
Simply share your photo on Twitter or Instagram with #BackyardBioblitz, and tag the Irish Environmental Network on Twitter @IrishEnvNet or Instagram @national.biodiversity.week
Draw for Free Identification Swatches
As a bonus to the weekend, the Irish Environmental Network are giving away an identification swatch from the National Biodiversity Data Centre. All usernames who tag them over the weekend on Twitter or Instagram will be entered into a draw. Two winners will win a swatch of their choice!
Contribute to the National Database
The National Biodiversity Data Centre is the national centre for the collection, collation, management, analysis and dissemination of data on Ireland’s biological diversity. Your photos are important for the creation of a database of information which is freely available to better understand and protect Ireland’s biodiversity.
Help out by adding your photos to the national database. Download the app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nbdc.mobile.biodiversity) to upload photos on the go or upload them from your computer. You can upload them here: www.records.biodiversityireland.ie
Leave a Reply