Liffey highlight in local events for National Biodiversity Week

In case you missed it mentioned at Friday's launch of Kilcullen in Bloom, the now-annual 'show and tell' event in Kilcullen about life in the Liffey will happen this year on Saturday 19 May, writes Brian Byrne.

Once again, local resident and river life expert Dr Jan Baars will delight children and adults alike with living examples of Kilcullen's underwater denizens (gather at 2pm behind the Heritage Centre).

It is one of two Kilcullen events for National Biodiversity Week, the other being the Swifts Walk and Talk on Tuesday 22 May, conducted by Wild Kildare.

The regular arrival of swifts to their only known nesting place in town, the parish church, will be the main focus … though the walk will bring participants to Scoil Bhride too, where nesting boxes have been installed by Wild Kildare with the hope that they will eventually attract residents.

During the national week from 17-27 May, there are a number of other events within reach of Kilcullen for those interested in curlews, bats, and more.

On 20 May there's a 'Wonder of Waders' walk at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore, beginning at 12 noon.

After a talk describing the decline in some of Ireland's iconic breeding waders over the past 25 years, there will be a walk to Lodge bog where participants will observe waders, such as curlews and lapwings, in their natural breeding habitats. An event the following day at the same time will be specific to curlews, for World Curlew Day.

A Bat Walk along the canal in Naas on 23 May will begin at Naas Library at 9.30pm. All are welcome, however, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and a torch should be brought. Some parts of walk may not be accessible to wheelchairs or buggies.

Also at Lullymore there will be a presentation about butterflies on 27 May, from 12 noon. The preliminary talk will discuss how habitat management has saved butterfly species, and how ordinary people can help with monitoring the situation. A guided walk will follow.

For other National Biodiversity Week events, there's an online listing, and a booklet is available in Kilcullen Library or from Kilcullen Community Action.

Check them off on your calendar.