Books about wetlands launched for children

ACTIVITY books about a wetlands habitat in East Cork that show children the beauty of nature and wildlife have been launched by the Mayor of County Cork, councillor Frank O’Flynn.

The books are based around Harper’s Island Wetlands Nature Reserve and its wildlife. Owned and maintained by Cork County Council, the habitat, in the Glounthane estuary, is a refuge to many wildlife species, as well as providing people with the opportunity to watch and learn about wildlife from a state-of-the-art establishment.

The books, illustrated and written by renowned local author and educator Jim Wilson, are aimed at primary school-aged children and include activities that can be done at home, in class, or during a visit to the nature reserve. They include guidance notes for teachers, parents, and guardians.

Mr O’Flynn paid tribute to the author of the books, which he said would provide school children with “the opportunity to enrich their lives with knowledge of bird and biodiversity, as well as further enhancing their appreciation and fascination with nature”.

“I am certain the children are excited to use these wonderful new books.

“I would like to thank all the groups involved in the Harper’s Island Steering Group, which includes Cork County Council, the Cork Branch of Birdwatch Ireland, Glounthaune Community Association, Glounthaune Tidy Towns, and Glounthaune Men’s Shed.

“Their dedication to the management and maintenance of this wonderful amenity is greatly appreciated.”

At the launch of the books, two local secondary school students Éadaoin and Ciarán Farrell, pupils at St Peter’s Community School, in Passage West, were recognised for winning their category at the BT Young Scientist Awards earlier this year, with a project based on research in Harper’s Island Wetlands.

Representatives from Glounthaune National School and Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil received workbooks at the launch event. Books will also be sent to schools across Cobh, Carrigtwohill, and Glounthaune. The books are now available to download free from the resources section of the Birdwatch Ireland Cork Branch website, www.birdwatchcork.com