Step into nature during National Biodiversity Week
Mullagh More, Burren National Park, The Burren, Co Clare. Discover the natural beauty of Ireland during National Biodiversity Week from 15th to 24th May.
Ireland’s nature and wildlife will take centre stage from 15th to 24th May, with hundreds of free events across the country for National Biodiversity Week.
Organised by the Irish Environmental Network and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), National Biodiversity Week brings opportunities to connect with nature and learn from local experts and groups actively working to protect our natural heritage. Events are run by community groups, Local Authority Biodiversity Officers, and in National Parks and Nature Reserves.
Events include everything from whale watching, farm walks, bat walks, biodiversity cycle tours, field trips, nature walks, to wildlife watching and woodland workshops.
National Biodiversity Week is also about experiencing the fun, enjoyment and spectacle of the nature that surrounds us.
Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: “Each year National Biodiversity Week gets bigger and better – and reflects a growing public appetite and interest in nature. I’m also encouraging everyone to take this opportunity to visit a National Park or Nature Reserve, to experience the full variety of incredible species and habitats that we are working to protect. From the coastal habitats of Kerry where you’ll find Natterjack Toads, up to the ancient oak woodlands at Glenveagh, to hearing birdsong at dawn along the banks of the River Boyne, this year’s programme gives us all the chance to get out and appreciate the beauty around us.”
We all benefit from spending time in nature, so I’d encourage everyone to sign up for an activity or event.”
Karen Ciesielski, chief executive officer of the Irish Environmental Network, said: “The beauty of National Biodiversity Week is that it not only educates but brings the fun and wonder of nature back into our lives. With nearly 400 events planned all around the country, there is so much for all of the family to see and enjoy. I’d advise people to get outside and see what’s happening in their communities.”
National Biodiversity Week is supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Niall Ó Donnchú, director general with the NPWS, says: “Nature protection thrives when communities feel ownership of place. National Biodiversity Week can inspire long-term nature conservation initiatives, stronger local participation, intergenerational learning, and renewed respect for the delicate balance that sustains all life in busy lives, it asks us to pause long enough to remember that clean air, fertile soil, birdsong, insects, native plants, rivers, oceans, and seasons are not background scenery. They are the systems that make life possible. This week reconnects people with the understanding that protecting nature is not an occasional act, but part of the cycle of everyday living.”
NPWS has responsibility for the management and presentation of Irelands National Parks and many Nature Reserves. During National Biodiversity Week, over one hundred events are taking place in our eight National Parks, in Nature Reserves and other NPWS sites around the country.
Events organised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service include:
- Bioblitzes at Killarney National Park and Connemara National Park. Bioblitzes are events where communities come together to find and record as many species as they can in a particular area.
- Wild Nephin National Park is organising a native trees workshop, talks about Ireland’s Birds of Prey and a nature treasure hunt for families.
- Wicklow Mountains National Park See and hear more about the restoration work underway, or join a Dawn Chorus at Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve.
- Enhance Biodiversity in your garden - Join NPWS staff for a guided tour of the National Park at Dowth with tips to boost the variety of plants and wildlife in your garden, or learn about the secret life of bats on a bat walk in the Park.
- Join a butterfly walk at the Burren National Park or spend a morning wildlife watching at Coole Park Nature Reserve.
- The hugely successful Biodiversity Week Festival, ‘Le Chéile don Dúlra’ is set to return to Glenveagh National Park in Donegal for a second year. The programme of events will celebrate The National Park’s unique landscape, history, people, nature and conservation work, with a special emphasis on communication via the arts.
- Hear more about the species found around the coastal habitats of Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí, including waders, wildfowl, sharks and rays and the Natterjack Toad.
National Biodiversity Week is also an opportunity to learn about nature and reflect on how simple changes in our own behaviour can have an impact on nature. The week comes at an important time for nature, with nesting season now well underway. From the beginning of March until the end of August birds are busy building nests, laying eggs and fledging their chicks. It is an important time of renewal and growth for nature. Vegetation such as hedgerows, trees and shrubs provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife, especially during this time.
The survival of many species depends on successful breeding activity over the coming months. Some of our most iconic and rare birds, such as the Curlew and Corncrake are ground nesting birds, which makes them especially vulnerable to predators and to human activity. Seabirds such as Puffins nest in areas which can be easily disturbed.
Legislation is in place to protect wildlife during this time when they are most vulnerable, and conservation sites are also designated across the European Union. Special Areas of Protection (SPAs) protect vulnerable bird species under the EU Birds Directive while Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) protect rare and important habitats and species under the EU Habitats Directive.
This year, Friday May 22nd is UN International Day for Biological Diversity. This year’s theme calls on us to ‘act local for global impact.’ It is an opportunity for us to make small simple changes to our own behaviour in the outdoors to protect the natural world.
As the weather improves and the evenings grow longer, we all love to spend time outdoors, enjoying nature, but it is important to do this with respect.
Uncontrolled fires present one of the biggest threats to nature and wildlife, as they destroy precious species and habitats, damage the health and wellbeing of local communities, and place firefighters, NPWS staff and emergency crews at great personal risk when responding to these incidents.
You can help protect nature, when you are out and about in our National Parks, Nature Reserves and other high nature value places.
- Stay on designated roads and footpaths, particularly because birds are nesting and nurturing their young.
- Mind your step and take care to avoid disturbing ground nesting birds and sensitive habitats.
- Give wildlife space. Keep your distance from nesting birds.
- Be responsible for your dog. Keep your dog on a lead in areas where birds are nesting and where signage asks you to do so.
- Pick up your litter — leave no trace.
- Do not light fires in the outdoors. If you see signs of a fire, report it immediately, follow all safety advice and cooperate fully with emergency services.
National Biodiversity Week runs from 15th to 24th of May. To find an event near you, visit www.biodiversityweek.ie for more info.
Visit a National Park during Biodiversity Week – www.nationalparks.ie
