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This is an IWT Dublin Branch Event see the event page here and contact dublinbranch@iwt.ie for further details.
There are brilliant fossil beds next to us in Dublin, and on Saturday 10th at 11:00 Aodhán Ó Gógáin of TCD will lead an outing to see some of them. The meeting place is the Martello Tower in Portmarnock- exactly where we met for the rock pooling. Again, it’s suitable for wild lifers of all ages, but wrap up the smaller ones well, and buggies are not really a good idea. And if you have a magnifying glass – bring it.
This is a Galway Branch event, for further information or booking contact iwtgalway@gmail.com.
The Galway Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust, with special guest Conservation Dogs Ireland, will host a nature talk concerning Invasive Species found in and around Galway County at 7:30 pm on Wednesday 14th November in Room AC215, The Concourse, NUIG Campus, Galway.
Anyone interested in wildlife conservation and biodiversity in the city and wider county is encouraged to come along and find out more.
Each talk lasts approximately 45 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of Q&A after (1 hour in total). There will be a short introduction to the evening at the start and a 15-minute break between the two talks. The entire evening is expected to last for about 2.5 hours, finishing no later than 10pm.
This event is open to IWT Members and the general-public and is free of charge but donations to either The Wildlife Trust (https://iwt.ie) and/or Conservation Dogs Ireland (http://conservationdogsireland.ie) will be accepted.
Places are limited on the night and must be booked by emailing iwtgalway@gmail.com.
There is a talk on Irish Meteorites hosted by the Longford/Westmeath Irish Wildlife Trust Branch. The event will take place from 7.30pm in Ballymahon Community Library, Main street, Ballymahon, Longford.
For further information, contact iwtlongfordwestmeath@gmail.com.
This is a Laois/Offally branch event. See event page here For further information and booking contact Barbara barbara.iwtlaoisoffaly@gmail.com.
Join us for winter themed arts and crafts using natural materials. We will be crafting some seasonal decorations and making bird feeders to help our local wildlife.
Date: Saturday November 24th
Time: 2-4pm
Venue: St. Mary’s Youth Centre, Harbour Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
Cost: €3 per child
Booking essential – places are limited!
Children must be accompanied by their parent/guardian
at all times. Suits primary school age children.
To book please email:
Barbara barbara.iwtlaoisoffaly@gmail.com
Please include a contact phone number, the number and age of children attending.
Allergy warning: please note that we will be using birdseed and peanut butter to make the bird feeders!
Following on from the Extinction Rebellion rally on the 17th November the Dublin branch will host IWT’s Padraic Fogarty for a discussion evening in J.W. Sweetman’s.
Responses to the Extinction Crisis:
In light of the recent report from WWF/ZSL showing how the world has lost 60% of its large animals in the past 40 years, there can be no doubt that we find ourselves at the centre of an extinction crisis. How does it affect Ireland? What is the relationship between the extinction crisis and climate breakdown? What can individuals and communities do to prevent the crisis deepening?
This discussion evening will feature the IWT’s Pádraic Fogarty who will give an overview of the situation and propose solutions. Come along and bring your ideas!
Date: 4th December 2018
Time: 7pm
Location: J.W. Sweetman’s, Burgh Quay – downstairs in the Blue Room.
Join the Dublin Branch for an exciting day out.
The December outing promises to be brilliant. The marvellous people in the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin have very kindly agreed to lead the IWT Dublin branch on a mid-Winter tour of the gardens – “The Bots in Winter”. While the gardens are absolutely gorgeous all year round, the “hidden bits” can be seen at this time of the year. As with all our outings, enthusiasts of all ages are welcome, but be prepared for Irish weather – and, in particular, make sure younger enthusiasts are well wrapped up.
For further information please click the link below.
Join the Dublin branch for a birdwatching event on Bull Island led by John Fox. We will be meeting on the causeway. Remember to dress for the weather!
Contact dublinbranch@iwt.ie for enquiries.
Date: 6th January 2019
Time: 10:30am
Location: Halfway up the Causeway Road
Join the Dublin branch for a talk by Conor O’Brien on Ice Age Ireland. He will focus specifically on the woolly mammoth and the elk and also on attempts to resurrect them. All are welcome to attend!
Contact dublinbranch@iwt.ie for enquiries.
Date: 8th January 2019
Time: 7pm
Location: J.W. Sweetman’s top floor
The IWT Waterford Branch will be leading a guided walk of Tra na mBo in Bunmahon Co Waterford on Sunday 13th January. The walk will be led by Alan Walsh.
Meeting in the main car park by the play ground at 1.30pm. For car pooling from Waterford City meet at Millar’s Marsh at 12.30pm.
Please wear appropriate foot wear and clothing.
All Are Welcome to join us on the day.
For more details please feel free to contact Alan on 086 2066879.
The Laois/Offaly Branch are hosting this event.
Daniel Buckley joins us to offer his insights into this species and its conservation. Often associated with the paintings by the artist John Constable, the black poplar is an enigmatic if relatively unknown tree in Ireland with a controversial history and uncertain future. This talk introduces the audience to the biology and ecology of black poplar, the threats facing this species, current knowledge gaps and what is needed to save it. The meeting point is at the old AIB Bank, main street, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.
For more information please contact the hosting branch of The Irish Wildlife Trust at iwtlaoisoffaly@gmail.com.
This is an Irish Wildlife Trust Badger Club Event
In this family workshop children, together with their parents, will have the opportunity to learn through games and crafts:
Who are pollinators?
Will they sting us?
Why do we need them?
How do we help them?
There will also be advice for gardeners – what plants are better for pollinators than others? What simple changes can we make to better help provide food and shelter for our pollinators?
Date: Saturday, February 9th 2019
Time: 14h
Venue: Mucklagh Community Centre, Co. Offaly
Cost: FREE
Suitable for primary school age children. Children MUST be accompanied by parents at all times. Dress for the weather, there will be an outdoor element to this event.
Booking essential – limited spaces.
Please contact:
Barbara: barbara.iwtlaoisoffaly@gmail.com
Freda: 087-2899899
The Irish Wildlife Trust (Waterford Branch), The February outing of the Waterford Branch of the IWT will be to Dungarvan Bay. Meet at Millar’s Marsh Car Park at 12.30 pm or at the car park between the Shandon Roundabout and the Waterford Council offices at 1.30pm.
Wear warm clothing and footwear suitable for uneven ground.
For more information contact iwtwaterfordbranch@gmail.com
For the February IWT Dublin Branch outing we will be joining the IWT’s Tim Clabon for a guided walk along the Liffey in St Catherine’s park meeting at 10:30 am. We meet at the Lucan end of the park called the Sluice Carpark, opposite McDonald’s. It’s well served by buses – the 25, 25x, 66, 66a, 65b and 67 al stop there. Remember – dress up warmly, particularly younger naturalists, bring snacks and drinks for them, and if you have binoculars please bring them.
Date: Sunday 17th February
Time: 10:30
This is a IWT Dublin Branch event. For more information and to confirm time and location contact dublinbranch@iwt.ie
Readings of excerpts of literature followed by a discussion on heronrys and their locations. This talk was pieced together by Amanda Pedlow (Heritage Officer – Offaly CoCo) having been inspired by a visit to a local Heronry. Amanda has gathered together some of her favorite historical references of the species to share with us all.
Location: Abbyleix, Co Laois
This is a Laois/Offaly branch event. For further information and for information about a meeting point please contact iwtlaoisoffaly@gmail.com or checkout the facebook page here.
The Dublin Branch of The Irish Wildlife Trust are hosting a March Green Drinks event on Tuesday the 5th
This month environmental activist John Gibbons will talk about climate change. The world has been trying to tackle climate change for the last three decades. In that time, global emissions have actually risen by 60% and biodiversity collapses are now sweeping across ecosystems. Despite the abundant evidence of current harms and future dangers, governments, including our own, plough ahead regardless as catastrophe looms ever closer.
As thousands of schoolchildren take to the streets to protest this month, maybe it’s time to take on board the words of teenage activist, Greta Thunberg, when she says: “I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. And then – I want you to act”
John maintains an environmental blog at http://www.thinkorswim.ie/ He has appeared on RTE, the BBC and has written for the Guardian newspaper among others. As usual, we meet in Sweetman’s on O’Connell Bridge at 7pm.
For more information contact dublinbranch@iwt.ie or on facebook here
Ever want to build a wildlife hide to observe local and native wildlife? Kevin McCann did just that and has been rewarded with wonderful photos and experiences. Come see Kevins photos and hear his stories.
This is a Laois/Offaly branch event located in Abbeyleix. For more information and meeting point, please contact iwtlaoisoffaly@gmail.com.
The Dublin Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust are hosting an outing in March
For our outing, Kieran Craven of CHERISH has agreed to bring us on a walk along Killiney Beach on Sunday, March 31st. We meet on the beach, under the DART station, at 11 a.m.
CHERISH (Climate Heritage & Environments of Reefs, Islands and Headlands) will increase cross-border knowledge and understanding of the impacts (past, present and near-future) of climate change, storminess and extreme weather events on the cultural heritage of reefs, islands and headlands of the Irish Sea.
For more information contact dublinbranch@iwt.ie or on facebook here
SAVE THE DATE – JOIN OUR COMMITTEE
The Galway Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust invites you to attend our public Annual General Meeting on Friday April 12th at The Menlo Park Hotel in Galway from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
See updated Facebook event page here
The Irish Wildlife Trust is a charity nature conservation organisation. We rely on the support of our members and the public to work to conserve Ireland’s wildlife and habitats. We do this through Citizen Science, Education and Awareness Raising, Advocacy and Campaigning, Communication, and Reserves.
2019 sees The Irish Wildlife Trust celebrating 40 years of conserving our wildlife and the habitats they depend on throughout Ireland, while encouraging a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world and the need to protect it. We want to ensure that future generations benefit from the wonderful services that biodiversity delivers, enjoy its wonders, and that Ireland has a sustainable future.
One of the ways in which you can help us celebrate Ireland’s amazing natural heritage and highlight its importance in our daily lives and the economy is to support your local county branches.
Here in Galway, as well as increasing the frequency and variety of our regular Nature Walks and Talks, we have spent the last year actively working in the background on some new and exciting biodiversity campaigns and wildlife conservation initiatives that we plan to launch through Galway County over the next coming months – both as a IWT branch and in local co-operation with other Galway-based Environmental NGOs.
To deliver on our campaigns, a strong and committed local IWT Committee is essential, and to that end we cordially invite you to attend the AGM to learn more about our current and future wildlife campaigns in Galway and for the opportunity to join our growing branch committee from mid-April onwards.
Due to the scope of some of our upcoming projects, this year we have created two new crucial roles on the committee – those of Biodiversity Officer and Campaign Co-ordinator – alongside the traditional (but still essential) administration roles. Details on these new posts, and all other roles in which you could potential help support our branch committee are as follows:
IWTG Officer Committee Positions available in April 2019
Chairperson – responsibilities include:
• Chairing all Public and Committee meetings of the IWTG
• Setting time and venue of all meetings
• Team building
• Delegation and people management skills
• Being impartial and objective
• Drawing up and circulating Agenda (via Secretary) in advance of all meetings
• Providing branch ‘operational over-sight’ (i.e. ensure all Officer Committee Members are performing their allocated roles efficiently; taking responsibility and/or reallocating important tasks if any Officer Committee Members cannot perform them for any reason, and/or they are unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances at the time a decision needs to be made)
• Co-signing with Treasurer on Bank Account (as a Card holder)
• Acting as a spokesperson for IWTG alongside the Public Relations Officer, Campaign Co-ordinator, and Biodiversity Officer, as appropriate
• Inter-branch and HQ communication/liaison alongside the Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Campaign Co-ordinator, and Biodiversity Officer, as appropriate
Would suit: Someone with previous experience of chairing an environmental NGO committee. Committed and pro-active when it comes to helping achieve Galway branch and National IWT goals. Excellent interpersonal and time-management skills. Strong public speaking abilities, with the capability to network efficiently with members of the public and with partnered ENGOs.
Secretary – responsibilities include:
• Correspondence
• Membership Contacts Database
• Internal IWTG communication – i.e. formulating and circulating Agenda alongside Chairperson in advance of all committee meetings; taking minutes – typing up as a Word document and circulating to all Committee Members within one working week of meeting (or sooner, if necessary); announcing Committee Members’ apologies at meetings if they are unable to attend; maintaining calendar and G-drive; administrator for WhatsApp group
• Word and Microsoft Office proficiency
• Inter-branch and HQ communication/liaison alongside the Chairperson, Public Relations Officer, Campaign Co-ordinator, Treasurer, and Biodiversity Officer, as appropriate
Would suit: Someone with strong IT and Literacy skills. Committed and pro-active when it comes to helping achieve branch goals and maintaining communications both in-branch and between other IWT branches and Head Office, respectively. Highly organised and with excellent interpersonal and time-management skills.
Public Relations Officer – responsibilities include:
• External IWTG communication – emails and social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), including photo editing
• Acting as a spokesperson for IWTG alongside the Chairperson, Campaign Co-ordinator, and Biodiversity Officer, as appropriate
• Point of Contact for linkage with other groups and sub-groups
• Liaison with community organisations and services, including Galway City PPN and Galway County PPN
• Liaison with Galway Environmental Network and its respective member ENGOs
• Event booking and co-ordination alongside Chairman, Campaign Co-ordinator, and/or Biodiversity Officer, as appropriate
• Writing articles and features for Wildlife Magazine (point of contact for HQ) and/or allocating articles to interested Committee Members
• Inter-branch and HQ communication/liaison alongside the Chairperson, Secretary, Campaign Co-ordinator, Treasurer, and Biodiversity Officer, as appropriate
• Merchandise and Membership forms
• Emailing official IWT campaign statements (in coordination with HQ and Campaign Co-ordinator)
• Media Relations and Networking
• Public Relations and ensuring Branch adheres to good governance
Would suit: Someone with previous experience in Public Relations, particularly with promoting Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity Awareness. Strong public speaking abilities, with the ability to network efficiently with members of the public and with partnered ENGOs. Committed and pro-active when it comes to helping achieve Galway branch and National IWT goals. Previous experience in writing for publication and a knowledge of photography would be an advantage.
Treasurer – responsibilities include:
• Responsible for all financial matters
• Official cardholder for Branch Bank Account (with Chairperson and one other Committee Member as Co-Signers)
• Grants and Fundraising
• Quarterly and Annual accounts
• Double-entry Bookkeeping
• Expenses and Petty-cash
• Cash handling
• Inter-branch and HQ communication/liaison alongside the Chairperson, Public Relations Officer, Campaign Co-ordinator, Secretary, and Biodiversity Officer, as appropriate
• IT Skills, Excel Spreadsheets, and good numeracy skills
Would suit: Someone with previous experience in accounting, spreadsheet management, double-entry bookkeeping, budget control and money handling. Excellent numeracy skills, attention to detail and strong record-keeping skills are essential. Committed and pro-active when it comes to helping achieve Galway branch and National IWT goals.
(NEW POST) Campaign Co-ordinator – responsibilities include:
• Liaise directly with HQ IWT Campaign Officer (Pádraic Fogarty (@whittledaway))
• Implement selected IWT campaign strategies applicable to Branch (local and nationally)
• Communicate current campaigns to committee via Chairman, Public Relations Officer, Secretary, Biodiversity Officer, Treasurer, as appropriate
• Public Events Management
• Media Relations
• Social Media Skills
• Inter-branch and HQ communication/liaison alongside the Chairperson, Public Relations Officer, Treasurer, Secretary, and Biodiversity Officer, as appropriate
Would suit: Someone with previous experience in environmental campaign management, particularly with promoting Habitat Conservation and Biodiversity Awareness. A strong knowledge of current national IWT campaigns would be a distinct advantage. Taking direction from IWT Campaign Officer, you will need to have excellent public speaking skills, with the confidence and ability to network efficiently with members of the public, our partnered ENGOs and local community action groups. Committed and pro-active when communicating both National IWT and IWTG campaigns to the general public. You must be passionate about raising local and national awareness of biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental conservation in a positive and optimistic manner.
(NEW POST) Biodiversity Officer – responsibilities include:
• Leading biodiversity and habitat surveys; both Galway Branch and ENGO Partnership Projects
• Leading/co-leading Nature Walks & Talks with Committee-approved guest speakers/guides
• Organising Citizen Science Initiatives in line with current outline supplied by Campaign Co-ordinator
• Point of Contact for any reported wildlife sightings, or biodiversity related queries from local and national IWT members or General Public via Facebook, Twitter and/or email
• Co-ordinating with HQ Conservation officer (Kieran Flood); arranging educational activities in schools and colleges; advising on local biodiversity concerns
• Organising and leading effective branch training of committee members – guided walks, survey techniques, and habitat mapping methods
• Inter-branch and HQ communication/liaison alongside the Chairperson, Public Relations Officer, Treasurer, Secretary, and Campaign Co-ordinator, as appropriate
Would suit: Someone with previous experience and qualifications in ecology. A proven track record in leading or co-managing biodiversity and habitat surveys is desirable. A wide understanding and knowledge of terrestrial and marine native, non-native, and invasive species would be a distinct advantage – mammals, insects, and birds especially, although botanical knowledge would also be a huge plus. You must be passionate about raising local and national awareness of biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental conservation. You will need to have excellent public speaking skills, with the confidence to represent and communicate IWTG’s proficiency in ecology-related activities to members of the public, our partnered ENGOs and local community action groups.
Ordinary Committee Members – responsibilities include:
• Attending Committee meetings regularly and taking an active part in branch activities
• Supporting Officer Committee Members to make joint decisions and work towards current Branch and National goals
• Be part of the team but also independent in views and voting
• Actively support decisions of the committee as a whole
Would suit: Someone passionate about raising local and national awareness of biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental conservation. Previous ecology and/or conservation experience are not essential, but a commitment to taking a proactive role in assisting Committee Officers on local initiatives and activities, and the desire to actively participate in the effective operation and delivery of both National IWT and IWTG campaigns is expected of all OCMs.
Non-Voting Members and Volunteers –
There is always important environmental conservation needed to be done in Galway and we would welcome any assistance you can offer. There are plenty of ways you can contribution towards biodiversity conservation by donating your skills and time to look after our native wildlife!
Would suit: Students and members of the public with an interest in wildlife willing and able to volunteer their spare time at weekends and at special promotional events to help IWTG raise local and national awareness of biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental conservation. Previous ecology and/or conservation experience are not essential, but you will be representing IWTG to members of the public, so the ability to communicate and work professionally with people at all levels is required.
Opportunities include species surveying, plant identification, and supporting us at public events such as World Ocean Day, Heritage Week, and other Green Festivals locally.
Please speak with one of the Committee members at the AGM or contact us on iwtgalway@gmail.com and/or via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
All Officer Committee positions are open to active members of the Irish Wildlife Trust who have joined on or before 30th April 2019. If you wish to nominate someone who is not currently a member of the Irish Wildlife Trust, please ensure they join IWT before the cut-off date.
Membership can be attained via this link: https://iwt.ie/support-us/become-a-member/
Active IWT members who do not wish to be responsible for any Officer role, but still wish to be on the committee can automatically join as Ordinary Committee Members (OCMs). Non-members of IWT can also become OCMs. OCMs do not need to be voted in, so you will not need to prepare a short speech.
IWT Members and the General Public can also choose to become registered volunteers for IWTG, if they prefer. Volunteers can still attend committee events – but are not eligible to vote on any branch decisions, other than at the public AGM held in April each year.
If necessary or prudent, Officer Committee Member positions can be shared, for example Co-Chair or Second Treasurer. This situation may arise when either two people of equal merit for the role are available and willing to co-operatively carry out the role and/or no majority vote is reached during the AGM vote for a certain Officer position.
You can nominate someone (or yourself) for a position at the AGM or ideally in advance by emailing iwtgalway@gmail.com. All nominations must be seconded.
If you wish to run for an Officer position, please prepare approximately 200 words (to be read aloud) introducing yourself and outlining why you would be suited to the role.
All positions will be decided by a majority vote of all AGM attendees.
***Please note: For clarification, the cut off date of 30th April 2019 is to allow for people who are non-members at the time of the AGM (on 12th) to sign up for active membership within two weeks, should they successfully take on an Officer Role.
IWT People for Bees Programme
Venue: Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre / Time 14:00 – 17:00
Date 13th April
This workshop will provide training in bee habitat creation. You will learn about the habitat needs if Irish wild bees and how we can help them. It will consist of an indoor presentation and an outdoor session to see local bee habitat creation. It is a beginner’s level workshop. It will introduce you to the fascinating world of bees and the importance of bee conservation in Ireland. The workshop is ideal for community groups and interested individuals.
This workshop is free of charge. Please book in advance at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creating-bee-habitats-workshop-with-irish-wildlife-trust-and-tralee-bee-highway-tickets-57878414897?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
If you have any queries please email: conservation@iwt.ie
Hosted by Tralee Bee Highway & Tralee Bay Wetland Centre
Funded by Kerry County Council
Mark McCorry is a Botanist and joint Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) vice-recorder for Laois. Mark will talk about some of the interesting wild flowers (and other plants, weeds and grasses etc) found while tramping around the county.
This is a Laois/Offaly branch event held in Abbeyleix. For more information, please contact iwtlaoisoffaly@gmail.com.
Hosted by Irish Wildlife Trust – Galway Branch and Irish Wildlife Trust
The Galway branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust will host a guided walk at Derryclare Wood in Connemara. The walk will be led by local National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger Dermot Breen.
*** Please Note: Pre-bookings have been carried forward from our earlier walk at Derryclare in October 2018. As such, only 2 places are currently available. Numbers are restricted due to availability of parking space and general health & safety***
If you would like to reserve one of more of the remaining places for this trip, please email the branch in advance on iwtgalway@gmail.com, with the subject ‘Derryclare’.
The event is free, and all IWT members and the general-public are welcome to attend. **Special Notice: Because red deer and sheep can be found in the wood, it is advised that dogs be tightly leashed at all times or left at home**
The walk is expected to last between 2-3 hours and features stunning woodland with deciduous and coniferous trees, lakes and great views of the 12 Bens.
Distance is about 10km, with only about 150m of climbing. The terrain is a mix of forest track, rough woodland and wet open hill so those attending are advised to bring rain gear and comfortable walking footwear with strong ankle support.
The wood is located about 20 km (12 mi) east of Clifden, Connemara, on the shores of Derryclare Lough in the Inagh Valley, near Recess on the N59 Galway Road. Leaving Galway, take the N59 towards Clifden. After Recess turn right towards Letterfrack on to the R344. The entrance to the wood is about 2.5km up on the left-hand side.
Date & Time: 14:00 pm start – 19:00 pm finish, Sunday 5th May
Location: Derryclare Wood, Connemara
This month Bob Salisbury will tell how he and his wife Rosemary transformed a barren corner of County Tyrone into a wildlife haven.
Their renowned wildlife garden is now home to hares, owls, hawks, otters, woodcock, bats and many other species that hadn’t been seen in the area for years.
It has become what Bob calls his FoD – ‘Field of Dreams’ and he has published a book about his experience https://blackstaffpress.com/product/field-of-dreams-how-we-transformed-a-rural-desert-into-a-thriving-wildlife-garden-by-bob-salisbury/
Date & Time: 19:00 pm start – 21:00 pm finish, Tuesday 7th May
Location: J. W. Sweetman, 1-2 Burgh Quay, Dublin. How to find us: Top floor of Sweetman’s Pub
Hosted by Irish Wildlife Trust – Kerry Branch
Join us for our annual outing to see Ireland’s rarest amphibian and only toad species the Natterjack Toad. Found only in a few locations in this part of the country, these beautiful little nocturnal creatures are readily seen and heard at this time of year on the dunes in Castlegregory as they sing in search of a mate.
Date & Time: 9:30 pm start – 11:00 pm finish, Thursday 9th May
Location: Castlegregory Golf and Fishing Club (Meet at the car park at Castlegregory Golf and Fishing Club at 9.30 pm)
Warm clothing and suitable footwear as well as torches are essential. Suitable for kids, not suitable for dogs.
The event is free for IWT members – for non-members tickets are €5.
If the weather turns cold or very wet, we may reschedule the event at short notice – the toads will not be singing if conditions are bad, so keep an eye on the page just in case.
As part of our People for Bees programme the Irish Wildlife Trust is delighted to be hosted by Ardpatrick Tidy Towns to run a wild bee monitoring workshop.
At this event you will learn the basics of bumblebee identification and wild bee monitoring as well as some pollinator friendly actions you can take in your garden. It will involve an indoor presentation and outdoor practical session. Please note this training day does not cover beekeeping.
Date & Time: 11:00 am start, Saturday 11th May
Location: Ardpatrick, Co Limerick
Booking is essential – Book on here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iwt-people-for-bees-bee-identification-workshop-limerick-tickets-60756377962
This workshop is funded by Limerick City & County Council
What happens when nature returns to an industrially exploited bog?
Join the IWT and Bord na Mona on a visit to Baunmore Bog in Co. Tipperary to hear about restoration efforts there. It will be led by Bord na Mona ecologist Dr Mark McCory who will talk about their work in bringing life back to these former industrial sites.
This is a 2-3 hour looped walk across the cutaway bog staying on the high peat fields. Wellies are advised as there will be at least one point where the path will be wet and boggy.
This is a great opportunity to see rewilding in action and a glimpse of the potential which awaits were we to return all of the industrial cutaway bogs to nature.
Date & Time: 10:00 am start – 13:00 pm finish, Sunday 12th May
Location: Baunmore Bog – Derryfadda, Co. Tipperary https://goo.gl/maps/FDsiipxNiNm
Parking available at the site. Meeting at 10am.
Registration essential as space is limited – Book here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-happens-when-nature-returns-to-an-industrially-exploited-bog-tickets-60621670047
Hosted by Irish Wildlife Trust Laois/Offaly Branch, Laois Heritage Forum, Irish Environmental Network, Irish Wildlife Trust and National Biodiversity Week 2019
To celebrate Biodiversity Week 2019, Catherine Kelly will kindly host us in her wonderful biodiversity friendly gardens in Stradbally.
There will be:
– a guided walk and talk exploring the gardens with tips and tricks to inspire you with strategies to attract wildlife into your gardens, no matter what size it may be.
– for children, there will be nature games and crafts exploring the wildlife living on Catherine’s grounds; led by the volunteers of the IWT (Laois/Offaly Badger Club).
Date & Time: 11:00 am start – 13:00 pm finish, Saturday 18th May
Location: Stradbally
Free event. BOOKING ESSENTIAL – LIMITED SPACES.
To book or for more info email barbara.iwtlaoisoffaly@gmail.com
Meeting point will be confirmed upon booking confirmation. Please note there will be a short walk from the parking area to the gardens.
Suitable for adults and families of children aged 6-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Hosted by Irish Wildlife Trust Laois/Offaly Branch and Irish Environmental Network, Irish Wildlife Trust, National Biodiversity Week 2019
Join us on a wildlife filled morning where we’ll be partnering with the local community to install bird and bat boxes.
There will also be lots of fun for the family with a range of wildlife events planned.
Date & Time: 11:00 am start – 13:00 pm finish, Saturday 18th May
Location: Kilminchy, Portlaoise, County Laois, Ireland
More details to follow shortly.
THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED – PLEASE CHECK BACK TO SEE IF MORE PLACE BECOME AVAILABLE
We will take a closer look at rocky shore biodiversity with Marie Power, aka The Sea Gardener. Come and explore the flora and fauna of the rocky shore, including identifying edible seaweeds. Experience the food eaten by our ancestors – that native Irish superfood – seaweed! We finish with a quick beach clean.
Suitable for all age groups with average fitness. We will be walking on the beach and rocks, so waterproof and slip-proof footwear essential. Young children can be excellent amateur ecologists and foragers and are most welcome. The child needs to be at a stage where they have the attention span to listen to some explanation / demonstration.
Date & Time: 11:00 am start – 12:30 pm finish, Saturday 18th May
Location: Garrus Beach 52.135312, -7.201223 Caher Graigue Little, Co. Waterford
This National Biodiveristy Week event is free of charge.
To book on and for more details contact conservation@iwt.ie
This is a National Biodiversity Week event supported by the Irish Environmental Network & National Parks and Wildlife Service.
THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED – PLEASE CHECK BACK TO SEE IF MORE PLACE BECOME AVAILABLE
Bees play an essential part in the biodiversity of our food supply. At this event, we will start with a talk in the Nature Room on “Irish wild bees and how to identify them”. Then we will head out to the walled garden to find some bees and practice our new ID skills. Bring outdoor clothes.
This event is open to all. No prior knowledge of bees is needed. The event begins with a 50min talk. The talk is aimed at an adult audience, but children are very welcome to attended. Please note this in not a bee keeping talk.
Date & Time: 14:00 pm start – 16:00 pm finish, Saturday 18th May
Location: The Nature Room – PEARSE MUSEUM, THE HERMITAGE – SAINT ENDA’S PARK – D16 Y7Y5 GRANGE ROAD, Rathfarnham
To book on and for more details contact conservation@iwt.ie
Meeting point: The Nature Room at Pearse Museum, St Enda’s Park, Grange Road, Rathfarmham, Co Dublin
THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED – PLEASE CHECK BACK TO SEE IF MORE PLACE BECOME AVAILABLE
IWT People for Bees 2019: Donegal
As part of our People for Bees programme the Irish Wildlife Trust is delighted to be hosted by Letterkenny Institute of Technology to run a wild bee monitoring workshop. At this event you will learn the basics of bumblebee identification and wild bee monitoring as well as some pollinator friendly actions you can take in your garden. It will involve an indoor presentation and outdoor practical session. Please note this training day does not cover beekeeping.
Date & Time: 10:00 am start – 14:00 pm finish, Sunday 19th May
Location: Letterkenny Institute of Technology
To book on and for more details contact conservation@iwt.ie
This workshop is funded by Donegal County Council and hosted by the Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Hosted by Irish Wildlife Trust – Galway Branch and Irish Environmental Network, Irish Wildlife Trust, National Biodiversity Week 2019
As part of National Biodiversity Week 2019, The Irish Wildlife Trust Galway Branch will lead a Biodiversity Walk starting 10:30am at Clonbur Woods on 19th May 2019.
The Nature Walk will follow the Clonbur Wood Loop Trail. (7.5Km, 3hrs max, easy). This loop walk takes you through mixed woodland and along by the shore of Lough Mask, following forest road and track.
The loop walk goes through mixed woodland with a wide variety of both native and exotic tree species such as beech, ash, hazel, birch, willow, yew, Scots pine and larch. Along the route you can enjoy views of Lough Mask, the remains of a shooting lodge, limestone pavement, Clonbur river and turloughs. We plan to highlight and discuss the biodiversity present in these respective habitats.
We will see some of the Lough’s many islands and the striking geology of limestone pavement and cross the Clonbur River, with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
Relatively easy terrain, but strong walking boots are required. Wet weather gear is recommended, subject to weather conditions on the day.
Refreshments are not included. Participants must bring their own lunch and drinks.
Date & Time: 10:30 am start – 13:30 pm finish, Sunday 19th May
Location: Clonbur Woods, Connemara
The free event is open to Irish Wildlife Trust local Members and the General Public. All ages welcome.
Marine Protected Areas in Action
The IWT is delighted to team up with Coastwatch and Seas At Risk to promote the creation of bigger and better Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in Irish waters.
To celebrate National Biodiversity Week the IWT will be holding a talk with SeaLife in Bray, Co. Wicklow. The IWT Campaign Officer, Pádraic Fogarty will talk about the current state of marine protection in Ireland, why MPAs are needed and what needs to be done to meet our conservation obligations.
Date & Time: 19:00 pm – 20:30 pm finish, Wednesday 22nd May
Location: SEA LIFE Bray, Strand Road, Bray
This National Biodiveristy Week event is free of charge.
Booking is essential via the Eventbrite page. Book on here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marine-protected-areas-in-action-national-biodiversity-week-tickets-60861735088
This is a National Biodiversity Week event supported by the Irish Environmental Network & National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Hosted by Irish Wildlife Trust – Kerry Branch, Kerry Biodiversity Week 2019 and Tralee Bay Wetlands
Bat Walk, Tralee Bay Wetlands/Ballyseedy Woods
Join us at Tralee Bay Wetlands to learn about bats and then go to Ballyseedy Woods to see them at dusk.
Date & Time: 20:00 pm start – 22:00 pm finish, Thursday 23rd May
Location: Tralee Bay Wetlands (followed by visit to Ballyseedy Woods)
Contact name/FB page/Website: Irish Wildlife Trust – Kerry Branch
Additional information: Bring along a torch and a bat detector if you have one. Wear appropriate outdoor clothes and footwear.
Credit Photo: Faith Wilson
Hosted by Irish Wildlife Trust – Kerry Branch and Kerry Biodiversity Week 2019
Biodiversity Activities in Annascaul
Fun Filled Free Activities – see Annascaul Adventures on FB for more details.
Butterflies/Moths/Birds/Bumblebees; Kerry Branch Irish Wildlife Trust, Native Mammals; Freshwater pearl mussel; Life on Marram Grass; Life Cycles by Aisling O Connor; Competition’s; Wildlife Photos; Flowers/Insects/Mammals 18+years; Making a scarecrows for primary school age children;
Miniature Garden-Biodiversity 18+years;
Bee/Butterflies Friendly Flower pot Children
Date & Time: 14:00 pm start – 16:00 pm finish, Sunday 26th May
Location: Community Care Centre, Annascaul
Contact name/FB page/Website:
Elizabeth 086-2663186
Annascaul Adventures on Facebook
Additional information: Child Friendly, dress warmly with hats, coats, and gloves. All children must be accompanied by an adult
Photo Credit: Liam Enright
Hosted by Irish Wildlife Trust – Dublin Branch
Our “May outing” will be Saturday, 1st June, when composting expert Craig Benton will lead a workshop on the best way to compost.
Known as ‘Doctor Compost’, Craig is part of the Stop Food Waste initiative https://stopfoodwaste.ie/which works with local authorities and communities to reduce food waste and promote composting.
