National Biodiversity Week: Get Mindful with Nature
April 30th, 2018
Sometimes people just need to stop and look around them. Look at the contrasting plots of gray and green.
There have been many studies over the years that correlate the presence of green spaces with lower symptoms of depression, stress, and increased well-being.
So, why not take a stroll in your neighborhood park or a walk among nature in a native woodland?
Well, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so during National Biodiversity Week 2018 (19-27 May)!
Get lost in nature with these events:
Celebrating Local Trees and Creatures; Balrath Woods, Co. Meath (19 May); Barnaslingan Wood, Co. Dublin (20 May);
Join Crann for this event full of fun and wonder as we play lots of nature connection games, and celebrate the world of local trees and animals.
The event will be in Balrath Woods, Kentstown Road, County Meath for a Nature Connection workshop full of fun and wonder, playing lots of nature connection games, and celebrate the world of local trees and animals.
It will be an inspiring discovery for both children and their parents! Click here for more details.
Deciduous woodland by the Owengarriff River, Co Kerry Photo: Espresso Addict
Guided Nature Walk: Coast and Forest; Creeslough, Co. Donegal; 19 May @ 11am
Join An Taisce – Donegal as they host this guided nature walk!
During the walk, participants will be able to observe the geology, plant, marine and bird life of this spectacular coastal path from the Friary, by Lucky Shell Beach and through the forest.Suitable for all age groups. Parts will be difficult for wheel chair access.
Click here for more details.
A Walk in Raheen Oakwood, Tuamgraney Heritage Centre, Co. Clare; 20 May @ 2pm
This event hosted by the Centre for Environmental Living & Training (CELT) will involve a walk and talk into an ancient oak wood remnant of the Great Forest of Aughty.
Mostly on a level path but we will leave the path to go into the forest for those who wish to enjoy a deeper connection, this will be at the end of the event and is optional.
We will do some tree and plant identification as well as practicing being silent in the forest and look to identify bird species via birdsong, using an interactive digital bird song book.
Strong footwear and pet dogs welcome on leads.
Click here for more details.
Nature Walk on An Taisce Burren Land; Corofin Burren Centre, Maryville, Co. Clare; 27 May @ 2pm
Join An Taisce – Clare Association for an approximate 2km walk with stopping points at different habitats on the land.
An Taisce will be identifying trees in the Burren Woodland, which is our special habitat currently developing on the land.
An Taisce will also be inviting one of our members, who is a geologist, to help us survey a new sink that is in development. Walking boots and rain wear recommended.
Click here for more details.
Green Hairstreak Butterfly Photo: Cathal Forkan
Commons North Woodland Biodiversity and Butterfly Walk; Commons North Woodland Park, Co. Longford; 27 May @ 2pm
Join the Irish Wildlife Trust on this scenic walk through the Commons North Woodland!
Once a site of local industry, the Commons North Woodland is now a beautiful example of a local biodiversity site.
The former lime quarry is now an accessible wildlife walking area, with bats inhabiting the old quarry sites.
On this walk, we will explore the biodiversity of the woodland, which is home to badgers, bats, birds and rare butterflies. This site contains woodland, limestone pavement and quarry ponds.
Our Irish Wildlife Trust guide will help you explore the plants and animals present in all these habitats.
The use of butterfly nets and pond dipping equipment will help us see the resident butterflies, bumblebees and pond life up close.
This is great fun for kids and adults alike, and an excellent way to celebrate 25 year of action for Ireland biodiversity.
Participants should wear outdoor walking clothes and footwear.
Click here for more details.
By Nina Cerda
Nina is a volunteer at the Irish Environmental Network involved in organising National Biodiversity Week. She is a final year student in Animal Science, Pre-Veterinarian Medicine & Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She is passionate about traveling, films, conservation issues & education.
October 4th, 2017 Ireland’s first-ever “bat bridge” has been constructed over Galway’s new motorway in a bid to conserve an Read more
October 5th, 2017 The Government's latest biodiversity action plan released earlier today lacks aspiration, focus and strategy, Ireland's leading environmental Read more
October 11th, 2017 A new study has confirmed that honey across the world has been contaminated by pesticides linked to Read more
October 12th, 2017 The Irish Wildlife Trust has criticised calls from a Westmeath councillor to lift the protective status of Read more
