Discovering Kildare Wildlife

With the inaugural Irish National Biodiversity Week starting today, Sunday 20 May, a new series of workshops begins next Wednesday to celebrate Kildare’s Biodiversity.



Discovering Kildare Wildlife, organised by Kildare County Council and Kildare Leader with the support of the Heritage Council, aims to introduce people to the richness of the wildlife to be found quite literally on our doorsteps, and will be of interest to parents, teachers, community groups and anyone with a curiosity about the natural world and enthusiasm to learn more about it.

Topics to be covered will include flowers and wild plants, trees, birds, bogs, bats and mammals, with a special session in September which will be addressed by well-known broadcaster and wildlife specialist Eanna ní Lamhna.

There will also be two outdoor practical sessions, a bat walk and a canal discovery walk, during which participants can try out their new-found skills in identifying wildlife, and learn practical tips. There is an informal atmosphere to the workshops with a focus on enjoyment and participation.

The new Discovering Kildare Wildlife series starts with an introduction to biodiversity by Billy Flynn, Irish Wildlife Trust. Billy explains what the term bio-diversity means, how we are all part of bio-diversity and why it is important to maintain Kildare's biodiversity.

This series will continue throughout May and June, with three more evening sessions and recommence in September with a further four evening sessions. All the talks will be held at 8pm in Naas Library, with the exception of the talk on Wed 30th, which will be held in Kildare County Council Offices at Áras Chill Dara.

There is no charge for the workshops, but spaces will be limited, so advance booking is recommended. Further details and application forms are available from Bridget Loughlin, Heritage Officer, Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare, phone 045 98079.

These talks are an action in the County Kildare Heritage Plan.

For a full listing of events happening through out the country during Biodiversity Week Sun 20th May – Sat 26th May visit the Notice Nature website.

Bridget Loughlin.