Connect with Wicklow's Biodiversity 13- 22nd May 2022

Birds Foot trefoil on the Wicklow coast
Deirdre Burns

 

National Biodiversity Week takes place 13th – 22nd May with a programme of activities and events focussed on connecting people and nature; communicating the importance of biodiversity and motivating people to play their part in protecting it.  This year sees a welcome return to in- person events and the Heritage Office of Wicklow County Council  is pleased promote  a varied and family friendly programme in county Wicklow with activities to suit most interests  from Bees and Barn Owls, to swifts, wetlands, and coastal dunes.

Fri 13th : Dusk Chorus Bird Walk @ Newcastle 8pm

Experience one of nature’s greatest performances! Join the Birdwatch Ireland Wicklow Branch for an evening Dusk Chorus Walk at East Coast Nature Reserve (ECNR). May is the height of the bird-breeding season when birds are most active pairing up and defending territories. We will be listening to and observing the array of bird species present on the reserve. Meet at main Sea Road entrance to ECNR at 8 pm

Sat 14th: Irish Bees for Beginners @ Blessington Library 3 pm

An introduction to 100 species of bee in Ireland with local west Wicklow enthusiast Brian Murray.  All welcome.

Sun  15th  @ 4:30 am Dawn Chorus Walks @ Glendalough

Learn to identify some of our birds by their song in Glendalough. Free, but booking essential.To book, email wickloweducationcentre@housing.gov.ie

 

Tues 17th : Barn Owls in Wicklow – Talk in Arklow Library 7pm

A talk by John Lusby, Birdwatch Ireland on the ecology of barn owls in Ireland. Hear more about the Wicklow Barn Owl project and how you can get involved to help these iconic birds. Venue: Arklow Library, Main St Arklow, 7- 8 pm.  In- person event. No booking needed.

May 17 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm- Altidore Woodland Walk @ Altidore Organic Farm

Come take a tour of the native woodland and grassland on an Organic farm in Wicklow including our newly planted forests. Guided tour with some uphill walking, numbers limited to 35 people. Tour will last approximately 90 minutes.To register please call 0877601369 or email E4altidore@gmail.com.Location: Altidore Organic Farm, Kilpedder, Co Wicklow, A63 X227

 

May 18th @ 4:30 am Dawn Chorus Walks @ Glendalough

Learn to identify some of our birds by their song in Glendalough. Free, but booking essential.To book, email wickloweducationcentre@housing.gov.ie

 

Thurs May 19th Wildflower ramble @ Glendalough11:00 am

Discover our spring wildflowers and their associated folklore in Glendalough. Free, but booking essential. To book email wickloweducationcentre@housing.gov.ie

Thurs 19th: Swift Walk – Rathdrum 7 pm

Oran O Sullivan leads this outing to observe swifts in flight, find out more about the fascinating life cycle of this summer migrant, and learn how you can help by creating and maintaining suitable habitats and submitting sightings. Meet outside Rathdrum Library building for a gentle looped walk around the town. No booking needed

Thurs 19th  Bat Walk, Kilcoole – @ 9:15 pm

Join Wicklow Bat Group at Upper Green, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, where you will be walking the Mass Path looking for bats! Join Justin Ivory, as he shares his knowledge of Irish bat species and their life cycle with you.You will need to book to attend this walk.  Please contact Wicklow Bat Group through their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Wicklow-Bat-Group-457335341455955/

 

Fri 20th May Bumblebee Identification Walk @ Glendalough  – 11 am

Find out more about these fascinating insects on World Bee Day in Glendalough. Free, but booking essential. To book, email wickloweducationcentre@housing.gov.ie

 

Sat 21st: Love Your Wetlands – an Tairseach, Wicklow Town 10.30am-1 pm

Join the An Taisce EU-LIFE Team to discover how freshwater ponds act as reservoirs for local biodiversity. Event includes a brief talk followed by a visit to the wildlife pond on the organic farm. Great opportunities to see the diversity of wildlife that the pond supports while learning how to use aquatic wildlife to classify your own pond. Register to attend at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/love-your-wetlands-tickets-329839668327

 

Sun 22ndDawn at the Dunes – Brittas Bay 5 am

Arise with the birds on this early morning walk to welcome the sunrise at Brittas Bay, immerse in bird song, visit coastal habitats and learn more about conservation efforts underway as part of the Brittas Bay Conservation Project, supported by NPWS and Wicklow County Council. Led by Alan Lauder ecologist. Meet @ 5 am in South Beach Car Park for a gentle walk and talk, duration c. 1.5 hours.

Sun 22nd : Conservation Hike @ Glendalough – 10.00 am

Take a hike with a National Park guide discussing conservation issues in Glendalough. Free, but booking essential. To book, email wickloweducationcentre@housing.gov.ie

As well as events, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)  hosts the 10th annual Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition running throughout May,  the Backyard Bioblitz and the Biodiversity Scavenger Hunt as well as links to a host of online resources.  Visit www.biodiversityweek.ie for all details. For more on Wicklow biodiversity events contact Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer on dburns@wicklowcoco.ie

 

 

 

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