May 13, 2022
A ten-day celebration of nature in Ireland kicks off today! Welcome to National Biodiversity Week 2022!
Biodiversity refers to the variety of species in a particular area. Whether it’s the entire planet or your garden pond, healthy biodiversity will have a wide variety of plants and animals that support each other in a balanced ecosystem. This is essential for maintaining the systems that we, and all animals, rely on for our survival.
As many of us know, biodiversity is not doing well in Ireland. Habitats are fragmented and destroyed, which means many animals and plants are in trouble.
However, there is something that can be done, and events taking place throughout Biodiversity Week highlight the steps that can be taken, as well as showcasing some of the most critical species and habitats. interesting and most modest in the country!
From our ocean habitat to our highlands, and across 20 counties, there’s something for everyone. Events range from guided tours to spot whales and bats, to hands-on workshops for building community wildlife gardens. At dawn and dusk, it is possible to bask in the chirping of birds on guided walks through Ireland. Get to know your weeds or learn how to increase life in one of our most essential habitats, the soil, at composting workshops.
The webinars will cover the importance of biodiversity to human health, well-being and Irish culture, as well as cross-sectoral economic actions that can be taken to help the vital nature around us.
The Irish Environmental Network coordinates this week and is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). There are over 130 events listed on the calendarbut here are our top picks for the next ten days.
Top IEN Event Picks
Friday 13and
Twilight Chorus – 8 p.m., Wicklow
Experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles! Join Birdwatch Ireland Wicklow for a sunset walk through the East Coast Nature Reserve. May is the peak of bird breeding season, when birds are most active in mating and defending their territories.
The importance of a community seed bank – online consultation
Saving and sharing seeds has a profound impact on the biological diversity that is essential to the long-term vitality of all ecosystems. Maintaining this genetic diversity ensures the resilience of wild and cultivated environments. A community seed bank ensures that as seeds are shared without restrictions, they also remain in the public domain.
Video created by Cloughjordan Ecovillage and available from Friday the 13th
saturday 14and
Quilty Beach Seagrass Discovery Tour – 9:40am, Clare
Discover an underwater herbarium! Wade among the shallows and see what life this seagrass supports!
How to Identify Life by the Sea – 10:30 a.m., Mayo
Join Padraic Creedon from Leave No Trace on Bertra Beach. Learn to identify the different animal and plant species found on the shore and how this information can be used to help these wonderful habitats.
A day of action on Lullymore West Bog – 11am, Kildare
Join the Irish Peatland Conservation Council this Biodiversity Week at the Bog of Allen Nature Center for a walk, talk and day of action on Lullymore West Bog, a butterfly nature reserve in County Kildare.
Learn about the butterflies and bumblebees that call Lullymore West home, how to identify them and how the site is managed for wildlife.
Introduction to river biodiversity – 11am, Cork
the Salmon is the symbol and proof of wise landscape management, as it depends on crystal clear waters and an equally sensitive retinue of life forms. From the Coomhola Salmon Trust, learn about the diversity of river life with conservationist and teacher Jessica Mason.
Walk in the woods at Belvedere House – 2pm, Westmeath
Woodland Walk at Belvedere House Gardens and Park, led by Diarmuid McAree of Crann – Trees for Ireland. A guided forest walk covering ecology, biodiversity, tree identification and more.
sunday 15and
Dawn Chorus – 4:30, Kilkenny
The Kilkenny branch of BirdWatch Ireland is holding a Dawn Chorus on the 15thand May at Jenkinstown Wood. Meet at 4:30 a.m. at the wood parking lot.
Biodiversity walk and picnic – 11am, Westmeath
Native Woodland Trust will host a plant and tree identification walk, then sit down for a lovely picnic afterwards!
Guided Herbalism Walk – 1pm, Meath
Join herbalist John Maher in Sonairte for a walk and talk about herbs on May 15 where John will talk about the herbs encountered in Sonairte’s garden and nature trail and the role of plants and herbs in promoting and maintaining your health and their many other uses.
Dark Sky Stargazing & Lunar Eclipse – 8:45pm, Tipperary
At the Cloughjordan Ecovillage there will be a short presentation on the impact of lighting on biodiversity and short videos on the constellations.
After the conference, interested people are invited to the market place of the ecovillage to observe the stars with telescopes.
The event continues at the Amphitheater’s Sky Bowl to view the lunar eclipse and, for those who wish, await a chorus of spring dawn.
Monday 16and
Webinar: Human Nature – Human Nature. – 7 p.m., online
This online Global Action Plan public event will highlight the importance of biodiversity to a healthy natural world. We will explore the relationship between biodiversity and human health and well-being, as well as the deep connections between biodiversity and Irish culture.
Dusk Bat Walk – 9pm, Kilkenny
For the chance to experience the acoustic world of Irish bat species, Bat Conservation Ireland will be hosting a Bat Walk at Kilkenny Castle.
Bat marches are held throughout the week across the country. See all bat walking events on our schedule under the category “bats”.
tuesday 17and
Wisdom of Place, Medicinal Tree Walk – 11am, Tipperary
Local herbalist Rachel Hussey of Cloughjordan Ecovillage will introduce you to the fascinating health benefits of some of the common trees we come across every day. You will learn about their medicinal and nutritional benefits, when to harvest them and how to prepare them.
Why Pollinators Matter – 7 p.m., online
Green Foundation Ireland invites you to participate in an evening of online discussion with a guest speaker, Mary Montaut of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations
wednesday 18and
Walk with us through the Leitrim Way – 2pm, Leitrim
Good Energies Alliance Ireland is launching the Ballinaglera Biodiversity Project today! Walk with them on the Leitrim Way to discover the essential species that live there!
Cross-sectoral economic measures to support biodiversity in Ireland – 7:30 p.m., online
This event will be an online discussion on general economic measures (applying to the whole economy, rather than just the agricultural sector) that could make it easier for farmers to regenerate biodiversity on Irish farmland. Organized by FESTA.
thursday 19and
Farmland wetlands: a multifunctional refuge for local wildlife – 12pm, Limerick
Join the An Taisce EULIFE team and learn how freshwater wetlands can benefit farmers while providing important habitats for wildlife.
Composting 101 – 7:30 p.m., online
Composting is a fantastic way to reuse waste and create nutrient-rich, peat-free compost for growing. This biodiversity week, take action and learn how to compost at home. Held by An Taisce’s.
friday 20and
Nature for Health Walk – 10am, Galway
Step into nature with Friends of Merlin Woods. Nature walk for health. Bringing communities together to enjoy nature together.
Bat Walk at the National Botanic Gardens – 9:15 p.m., Dublin
Wander the gardens at night looking for beautiful bats. Join the Irish Wildlife Trust for a free National Biodiversity Week event hosted by the National Botanic Gardens.
saturday 21st
Whale Watching Ashore – 10am, Antrim, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Mayo
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group will run several land-based whale watching events across the country. Visit some of the best whale watching sites in the country and learn how to spot them from the shore!
Build Your Own Swift Box, Parent & Child – 10:30 am, Dublin
Nessa Doran O’Reilly, Program Manager at Rediscover Furniture (Rediscovery Centre), will help you and your child put together a Swift box.
Biodiversity, your health and well-being – 12 p.m., Leitrim
Discover the importance of biodiversity for your health and well-being with Caitriona Kelly. Caitriona runs the accredited Therapeutic Horticulture course at the Biological Center.
Salmon Sanctuaries – 1pm, Cork
Salmon is one of our most iconic species! This Coomhola Salmon Trust event includes a presentation, discussion, field trip, viewing of the short film “Salmon Sanctuaries” and free distribution of the Salmon Sanctuaries booklet.
sunday 22n/a
It’s the last day of the celebration, and it’s the International Day for Biological Diversity! A great day to conclude the celebrations, with fantastic events!
Community Action Day – 11am, Meath
Join Sonairte for a fun day with free lunch and free 3rd program invasive species training, followed by direct community action to implement some of the actions in our biodiversity action plan.
Ponds and Farmland Biodiversity – 11am, Cork
Visit Donal Sheehan’s farm and see what he is doing to increase biodiversity in farming practices. As part of the BRIDE agriculture with nature project. Organized by BRIDE and Cork Environmental Forum.
Biodiversity insects with Anna – 12 p.m., Leitrim
Family Fun craft workshop for Biodiversity Day with art therapist and usual favorite Anna Mulvihill.
Native Tree Workshop – 3pm, Monaghan
Do you want to create a small nursery? Or do you just want to grow a few of your favorite native trees? Join John McKeon and Irish Wildlife Trust to find out how!
National Biodiversity Week is funded by CPAWS. Thanks to the Heritage Council for their support.
