National Biodiversity Week got into full swing last Friday and in Kilkenny there’s been lots of event including bat walks, pollinator gardening library talks, a dusk bird chorus, a citizen science water quality assessment of the river Breagagh and a moth trap and release event and there’s lots more happening over the weekend in Kilkenny.
Organised by the Irish Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Biodiversity Week runs until Sunday, the 26th of May and provides opportunities for the public to connect with nature and learn from local experts and groups actively working to protect our natural heritage.
Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan T.D said:
“It’s really encouraging to see the range of events happening over the course of National Biodiversity Week this year, and to see such strong engagement from partners in government, local authorities and communities all around the country.
Our biodiversity is in crisis, but I do believe that we are at a turning point. Everyone needs to play a part if we are to turn the tide, and that’s why these events are so important. There’s something there for everyone this year – opportunities to learn about our species and habitats, to experience the joy of the dawn chorus, or just to take a walk in our National Parks and Nature Reserves and appreciate the nature that surrounds us.”
Welcoming the launch of National Biodiversity Week, Karen Ciesielski, Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Environmental Network, said: “National Biodiversity Week is an opportunity to explore Ireland’s natural heritage and connect us all with nature. The beauty of National Biodiversity Week is that it not only educates but brings back the fun and wonder of nature but it’s also a call to action to help address the alarming decline in our natural habitats. We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis and Ireland is suffering widespread habitat destruction and nature loss.
Nature is not just something that is nice to have or to look at – we need healthy ecosystems, clean water, fresh and unpolluted air and sustainable food for our health and well-being. National Biodiversity Week not only celebrates nature but inspires people to protect and enhance it.”
There are a host of opportunities to go and explore different aspects of nature over the weekend. On Saturday join the “Leave the Long Grass Grow” workshops and talks in Freshford (www.acornproject.ie) or in Callan, join Etaoin Holahan on walk to explain their “Til Now” Future Town Planting project, leaving from Fennelly’s at 11.30am. On Sunday you have a chance to become a master of composting, by joining a workshop with Craig Benton in the Loop Café, Freshford at 11am and he will provide a tour of the different composting systems which are in operation around Freshford, established last year as part of a community composting training programme to help Freshford be more sustainable. Or alternatively, go join Keep Kilkenny Beautiful on a Bee Walk, meeting at 12noon at the Bishop Meadows entrance of the Linear Walk in Kilkenny City.
Bernadette Moloney, Biodiversity Officer with Kilkenny County Council commented, it’s brilliant to have such a diverse number of events running in Kilkenny, while Kilkenny County Council organised some events, the number of events or themed activities around biodiversity organised by others to compliment the week is fabulous, the interest in biodiversity is terrific. Kilkenny County Council hopes to further support efforts to record, protect, conserve and restore biodiversity though the County’s Biodiversity Action Plan, a discussion paper is currently open for comment via https://consult.kilkenny.ie/ or simply email biodiversity@kilkennycoco.ie with any comments or suggestions.
