Lets Get Buzzing: Community Action For Biodiversity

Bee on Lavender

Andrea MacDonagh

A one day workshop to support community led actions for biodiversity and climate action in County Wicklow.

The focus is on practical ‘hands on actions’ to improve biodiversity in Wicklow and an opportunity to network and to share knowledge and experience among Tidy Towns groups, interested individuals and other community representatives. Organised by the Environmental Awareness and the Heritage Offices of Wicklow County Council.

FREE One Day Workshop, booking required as there is a limited venue capacity. To book your place e-mail jcallery@wicklowcoco.ie or dburns@wicklowcoco.ie

PROGRAMME

10.00 – 10.45am

1. The County Wicklow Swift Project: Swifts in Wicklow + how you can help? Oran O Sullivan, Project co-ordinator for Wicklow and Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer

Case Study: Swift Recording in Baltinglass and Grangecon

10.45-11.30

2. Biodiversity’s role in Climate Action: Building resilience to Climate Change with Biodiversity in our communities. Jim Callery, Wicklow County Council

Case study : Beekeeping (TBC)

11.30-12.15

3. Getting to Know Your Local River: Information, resources and practical actions Donal O Keeffe, Local Authorities Water Protection Officer (LAWPRO)

Case Study: Introducing the Small Stream Characterisation Course (SSCC) by East Wicklow Rivers Trust

12.15-1.00

4. All Ireland Pollinator Plan: Community Actions, Supports and Opportunities. Juanita Browne, National Biodiversity Data Centre and Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer

Followed by screening of latest NBDC pollinator animation + videos

1.00 LUNCH (provided in the centre)

2-3 pm An outdoor visit and kick sample in the nearby Vartry river at Ashford Playground + tour of local pollinator friendly planting courtesty of EWRT + Ashford Tidy Towns Group (TBC)

FINISH

For further information or any queries please contact: Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer or Jim Callery, Environmental Awareness Office, wicklow County Council on TEL: 0404 20100