About Kilcullen's biodiversity

Walking along the Bridge Nature Trail over the weekend I was reminded of some of the tiny beautiful gems of biodiversity we have along the Liffey banks in the town, writes Brian Byrne. Also how fortunate we are to have it all well documented.

It's just three years since the 'Biodiversity Survey of Liffey and Environs in Kilcullen', by Dr Mary Tubridy and Associates, was launched here. Among the many bits of fascinating information was how the picture above represents a now scarce representation of typical Ireland riverscape in pre-history times. It's a microcosm of wild wet jungle where you can just imagine a dinosaur or two plunking around in the mud ...

That Survey was undertaken at the behest of Kilcullen Community Action, with support from Kildare Leader, and during its preparation in 2012 there were several 'Wild Weekend' events to involve the public, adults and children, in the exercise. Remember the 'Bat Night'? And the 'Bird Walk'? Super events. Maybe it's time to repeat them?

There are a number of stories I wrote from various segments of the Survey Report, which those of you not familiar with how Kilcullen was and is in geological, flora and wildlife terms might like to look back at.

In the meantime, for those who want to delve into the source material, the documents relating to the Survey are available for download at the link on the Kilcullen Community Action website here.