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22 May - Biodiversity Week Bat Event, Co Kerry
Date: 22 May
Time: 18:30
Meeting Point: Tralee Library, Co Kerry
Event Contact: [email protected]
Event Booking: No booking required
Join us at Tralee Library to learn about bats and then go to Ballyseedy Woods to see them at dusk.
Bring along a torch and a bat detector if you have one. Wear appropriate outdoor clothes and footwear.
Event page link: https://www.facebook.com/events/552288844299753
22 May - Biodiversity of Anne Valley, Co Waterford
Time: 20:30
Meeting Point: Meet at 20.30 at Dunhill end of walkway (the carpark 200m before Dunhill village)
Event Contact: [email protected]
Booking: No booking required
For this IWT Waterford Branch event we will look at the invertebrate life in the steam and ponds along the Anne Valley Walk to Dunhill Castle. As dusk falls we will look for bats with a bat detector. Meet at the carpark 200m before Dunhill village on the road from Waterford/Tramore at 8.30. It is an easy stroll along a well surfaced walkway.
24 May - Citizen Science for your Community, Co Monaghan
Event Name: Citizen Science for your Community
Date: 24th May
Time: 14:00 – 16:30
Meeting Point: Castleblayney Library
Event Contact: [email protected]
Event Booking: Booking is essential for this event. Please use this link to book your place.
Join the Irish Wildlife Trust Monaghan Branch for an event that will explore the benefits of biological recording and citizen science and help you get started with this important action for nature. Everyone can help contribute to nature conservation by recording and monitoring the wildlife in your local community. It’s simple to become a citizen scientist and help contribute to local and national nature conservation. Spending time recording wildlife helps you learn about your local landscape and connect with nature.
The event will begin with a presentation in Castleblayney library followed by a field trip in Lough Muckno Park where we will learn the basics of biological recording and common bumblebee identification.
This event is family friendly. Children attending and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
24 May - The Role of Citizens in Caring for our Marine Environment, Co Cork
Time: 09:30
Meeting Point: Fountainstown Beach, Co. Cork
Discover diverse marine life on and around this Blue flag beach with local and national marine ecologists at low tide.
This event ties in with the EU Maritime Day Conference in Cork, Cork Harbour Festival and Ireland’s National Biodiversity Week. It is a great opportunity to discover shore and marine life with representatives three of Ireland’s leading environmental NGOs. Following a short overview of this coastal zone and estuary, we will break up into 3 groups as follows:
Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch, will demonstrate some citizen science water testing and bioindicator monitoring methods, link these to EU water law and engage you in role play as part of a More4Nature Horizon project.
Grace Carr, Irish Wildlife Trust, will inform on the rays and sharks that inhabit our waters and how well managed Marine Protected Areas can help them and other species, whilst
Bernie Connolly, The Environmental Forum will explore how use of the diverse and delicate intertidal area and rockpools can impact on species and ecosystems.
Wear: Watery swim shoes, wellies or old runners; bring light rain jacket and layers of clothes, include togs in case you feel like going for a quick swim afterwards.
Meet: At Fountainstown Beach beside Angela’s shop (P43 A529)
Getting there: There will be a bus to take people to/ from Cork City & a question will be sent to check if you wish to avail of this service. For EU Maritime Day attendees some of you may like to avail of the option to be dropped at the airport on the way back. We will check with anyone who has booked a place on the bus before the event.
25 May - IWT People for Bees @ the Bots, Co Dublin
Date: 25 May
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Meeting Point: The Visitors Centre, National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin
Event Contact: [email protected]
Join the Irish Wildlife Trust for a biodiversity week event at the National Botanic Gardens exploring Ireland’s wild bees.
This event will consist of a short talk and a walk around the beautiful National Botanic Gardens where we will learn about the biology and importance of wild Irish bees, what we can do to protect them, as well as how to identify Ireland’s common bumblebees. At this event you will learn all about the fascinating biology of bees as well as how to monitor the bees in your own garden or community space.
This free event is run in collaboration between the Irish Wildlife Trust and the National Botanic Gardens.
Booking is essential and numbers are limited – please use the booking form to request a place.
Event Booking: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZM5Ap8gEpViBgtiGGeddJLmtD3-IpxJp7hFXWqDbbpNzZvQ/viewform
25 May - Dublin Branch Bee walk at the National Botanic Gardens, Co Dublin
Time: 14:30 – 16:00
Meeting Point: The Visitors Centre, National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin
Event Contact: [email protected]
Event Booking: Booking not required
For National Biodiversity Week the Dubin Branch will be hosting a walk around the National Botanic Gardens to learn about wild Irish bees. We will explore the gardens stopping to learn about the biology of irish bees and their importance. At this event you will learn how to identify the common Irish bumblebees that you would find in a park or garden.
Children and minors are very welcome but must be supervised by a parent / guardian at all times.
03 June: Green Drinks Dublin, Co. Dublin
Date: Tuesday, June 3rd
Time: 19:00
Location: Chaplin’s Pub, Hawkin’s St, Dublin 2.
Details:
‘How Wild Data is Powering Conservation Online: and how you can take part’
What do AI and birdsong have in common? More than you’d think! This session explores how online tools – websites and apps – allow us to learn about, track & protect Irish nature & wild places – and why your input matters more than ever. Join us for a conversation with John Coveney – lifelong birder, photographer & conservationist.
Event organiser: IWT Dublin Branch
Event contact: [email protected]
For info on more National Biodiversity Week event see https://biodiversityweek.ie/
20 May - Bee Day at Buckroney, Co Wicklow
Date: 20th May
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Meeting Point: Buckroney Dunes Nature Reserve, Co Wicklow
Event Contact: [email protected] or 01 2866610 for more information.
We’re all familiar with the domestic honeybee, but did you know that there are 100 species of wild bee in Ireland? Some are bumblebees, some are solitary, and some we hope to meet at the beautiful Buckroney Dunes Nature Reserve this World Bee Day on a guided evening exploration. Join Irish Wildlife Trust and the National Parks and Wildlife Service for an afternoon excursion to the Buckroney Dunes nature reserve. Where we will learn about the importance and ecology of wild bees as well as how to identify our common bumblebees.
Dogs (excluding guide dogs) are not permitted at this event. Please make sure to dress for the weather.
Finally if you cannot attend, please cancel your tickets as early as possible, so that we may share them with others.
17 May - Curraghchase Biodiversity Event, Co Limerick
Time: 11.30-13.00
Meeting Point: Curraghchase Forest Park Car Park
Event Contact: [email protected]
Event Booking: By email [email protected]
The Limerick Branch of IWT (IWTLB) are hosting two events in Curraghchase Forest Park on Saturday 17th May 2025 from 11.30-13.00 in association with Kilcornan Tidy Towns.
The events includes;
Dragonflies and Butterflies at the Lake
Trees of Curraghchase
Attendance is free but must be booked at [email protected] as places are limited.
17 May - Carlingford Lough Protection, Co Down
Date: 17 May
Time: 11:00
Meeting Point: Rostrevor Yacht Club
Event Contact: [email protected]
Event Booking: No booking required
Join us for a deep dive into Carlingford Lough, exploring the beauty below the surface and what protections are in place on both sides of the border. Irish Wildlife Trusts Marine Advocacy Officer Grace Carr and Ulster Wildlife’s Marine Engagements Officer Tori Moore will give short presentations on marine protections in the north and south of Ireland and discuss what we need to do to better protect the lough as well as the wider waters around our island. Dain Mc Parland, Assistant Instructor Trainer, Extended Range Instructor and owner of Oceanauts Dive Club, will give a presentation showcasing the fascinating life to be found in Carlingford Lough.
There is an option for certified divers to join Oceanauts for a SCUBA dive in the lough afterwards. Please contact Oceanauts to book this as this is not part of the Irish Wildlife Trusts event.
06 May: Green Drinks Dublin, Connecting with Nature
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Time: 19:00
Location: Chaplin’s Pub, Hawkin’s St, Dublin 2.
Details:
Kieran Flood, Irish Wildlife Trust General Manager, will give a short talk entitled Connecting with Nature. We will discuss the importance of re-establishing our connection to the natural world and IWT’s work in this area. A Q&A will follow the brief presentation after which attendees are invited to stay on for further discussion, general chatting, and making connections in a relaxed, informal setting.
Event organiser: IWT Dublin Branch
Event contact: [email protected]
05 May: Waterford Branch Outing to Kilbarry Bog
Date: Monday, May 5th
Time: Meet at Supervalue, Kilbarry Centre at 12
Location: Kibarry bog, Waterford.
Details:
Join the IWT Waterford Branch in a walk to the Kilbarry bog, Waterford and adjoining riparian woodlands on Monday May 5th. The main theme will be tree identification.
Please confirm attendance at [email protected] by Sunday
Event organiser: IWT Waterford Branch
Event contact: [email protected]
Botanical Walk with IWT Limerick Branch
Date: Saturday 26th April 2025
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Botanical Walk will be held in Limerick City featuring the Summer Snowflake and other plants.
Please download the free app Flora Incognita as it is very useful for the id of plants.
Booking is not required. The walk is open to the public so bring along a friend!
Location: Merchants Quay – Map
Event contact: [email protected]
Trees in St Anne's Park with IWT Dublin Branch
Date: Sunday 27th April 2025
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Join Dublin Branch member Niall Mac Coitir on a guided walk to see some of the trees, wild flowers and birds indeed all the biodiversity to be found in St. Anne’s Park, Raheny.
We’ll be mostly on paths – but wear sensible footwear.
Car parking in St Anne’s Park can be problematical. You might be best parking nearby (don’t block driveways) and walking.
Bus 130 leaves you at the gate.
Raheny Dart station is 5ish minutes by bike – and you can bring the bike on the Dart.
Location: Meeting at the Red Stables at 11:00am on Sunday, April 27th
Event contact: [email protected]
Learn to identify Butterflies Bumblebees Damselflies Dragonflies with the National Biodiversity Data Centre
Date: Saturday April 19th
Time: 9.30 – 13.00
Location: Croom Community Centre
Booking essential. Email [email protected] to book!
Webinar: More than a 1000 words: The Power & Pitfalls of Wildlife Images
Date: Thursday, March 20th 2025
Time: 13:00 – 14:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Wildlife images have the power to inspire, educate, and mobilise action for conservation. But can they also mislead, oversimplify, or even undermine conservation goals? In this thought-provoking webinar, Dr. Diogo Veríssimo—Senior Researcher at the University of Oxford, Chair of the IUCN Behaviour Change Taskforce, and National Geographic Explorer—will explore the influence of media in conservation. With over 20 years of experience applying marketing theory and behaviour change strategies to biodiversity conservation, Diogo has worked across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia to tackle challenges such as illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife conflict, and overfishing. Join us as we unpack the power—and pitfalls—of wildlife imagery in shaping conservation narratives. How do we strike the balance between awareness and action, urgency and ethics? Let’s explore the impact of visuals in conservation storytelling and what it means for the future of wildlife protection. This event is open to all interested in conservation, marketing, media, and behavioural science. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from one of the world’s leading experts in behaviour change and biodiversity communication!
To learn more about Diogo’s work, visit his website: https://www.diogoverissimo.com/
Climate Cocktail Club - The birds & the bees: biodiversity for adults
Date: Wedndesday, March 26th
Time: 18:30 – 22:30pm
Location: The Sugar Club, Dublin
Details:
Hosted by broadcaster Anja Murray, you’ll explore the biodiversity crises first hand with leading experts and understand the tapestry of solutions woven by changemakers within fragmented financial, policy and scientific systems. Learn about the bold actions taken in Ireland and beyond, and how they connect and bind with global goals, directives and ambitions, as well as understanding the many challenges to overcome.
Please note: This is not an event run by IWT, however, Grace Carr, IWT Marine Advocacy Officer will speak at the event. Tickets must be purchased to attend, and are purchased via the Climate Cocktail Club.
IWT does not receive any money from this event.
IWT Kerry Branch for a Guided Walk in Ballyseedy Woods
Date: Wednesday, March 5th
Time: 10:30am
Details:
Get outside and explore Ballyseedy Woods with us on a guided walk led by Anthony Dawson and Ger Scollard.
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about the local biodiversity.
Meeting point: Ballygarry Car Park
Time: 10:30 AM
Hedgerows Under Threat: Protecting Ireland’s Living Landscapes
Date: Thursday, February 27th
Time: 7:30pm
Our recent webinar is now available to watch online! Irish Wildlife Trust YouTube Channel
Details:
Together the Irish Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland and Hedgerows Ireland discussed on a webinar the importance of hedgerows for nature as well as how to protect our hedgerow network from wildlife crime and destruction.
In a country with little natural woodland, our hedgerows are a vital habitat for much of our wildlife. Our hedgerow network provides shelter, food, navigation and connectivity for our birds , bats, mammals and wildflowers but they are under attack. We are losing hedgerows all the time to illegal damage and destruction. In this webinar we will learn about the laws protecting hedgerows and how to report wildlife crime.
Aoife Mc Partlin, Education Officer, WRI
Mark McDowell, Public Relations Officer, Hedgerows Ireland
Kieran Flood, General Manager, IWT
IWT Dublin Branch February Outing Foraging with Wild Food Mary
Date: Sunday February 16th
Time: 11:00
Location: Meeting at Killiney Hill car park
What To Bring: Wear sensible shoes, and bring a small container or two for your ‘forage’
With foraging, edible ‘weeds’ we end up taking care and protecting wild pieces of land (even if this is contained within a small piece of derelict land). We form a relationship with land that is otherwise labelled as ‘neglected’ or disused. It is this type of ‘wild’ land that we so desperately need to allow insect life- and therefore bird life, and indeed human life to become sustainable.
In an urban setting, foraging can be a strong practice in community building, while gathering, preparing, preserving wild foods and materials into many various uses. It is an activity than can include all ages and abilities.
Bat Carers-Our Role in Conservation IWT Limerick Branch Public Talk with Susan Kerwin of Bat Rehabilitation Ireland
Date: Wednesday 12th February
Time: 19:30
Location: Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. in Room T117 (Tara building)
IWT Waterford Branch January Outing to Dungarvan Bay Time: 11:30 Date: Sunday January 12th 2025
Location: Dungarvan Bay, Dungarvan, Waterford
Meeting Point: Meet at the carpark between the Council offices and the Park Hotel roundabout at 11.30 a.m. or outside Costa in the Butlerstown retail park at 12,30 p.m.
IWT Dublin Branch January Outing to Bull Island Time: 10:00 Date: Sunday January 26th 2025
Location: Bull Island, at the end of the Causeway, opposite the wonderful carved tree.
Description: We are starting the year with what is, hopefully, now again our January annual – an outing to Bull Island to see the birds, especially the Brent Geese. And we are fortunate again this year to be led by two volunteers from Birdwatch Ireland. It promises to be a great morning.
Bring binoculars and telescopes if you have them, but we should have some to share.
And there will be some clambering – sensible footwear. And remember – it’s January, wrap up well.
Event contact: [email protected]
IWT Dublin Branch "The Bots in Winter" Time: 11am Date: December 8th 2024
Location: National Botanic Gardens
Description: Once again the marvelous National Botanic Gardens have invited us to a tour that we used to call “The Bots in Winter”. With the November temperatures going from +20 to -10, perhaps it’s now “The Bots in a time of Climate Change”. Nonetheless, while the gardens are absolutely gorgeous all year round, the “hidden bits” at this time can be fascinating
Now again we’re back there. We meet at the Bots at 11:00 on Sunday, December 8th for what we suspect will again be a much different ‘Winter’, 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.
And parking at the Bots can be problematic. Your best bet might be to find somewhere safe and legal within walking distance – and walk!
And if you’d like to help on the Committee, approach anyone in an IWT Hi-Viz at the Bots.
Webinar: Irish Willdife On Camera with Crossing The Line Productions Time: 6pm Date: December 4th 2024
Our webinar is now available to watch online! Irish Wildlife Trust YouTube Channel
Description: Join the Irish Wildlife Trust for an engaging webinar exploring the world of wildlife filmmaking in Ireland. This session features leading filmmakers Cepa, Dom, and Eoin, sharing their journeys, challenges, and passion for capturing Ireland’s incredible wildlife on screen.
Cepa Giblin will introduce Crossing the Line’s work and insights into the evolving world of wildlife filmmaking. Domenico Pontillo will share stories of perseverance, luck, and the privilege of filming Irish wildlife, from red deer to stoats. Eoin Warner will discuss his unique path to presenting, the importance of the Irish language in storytelling, and the responsibility of raising conservation awareness.
Expect fascinating clips, behind-the-scenes insights, and a live Q&A session to connect directly with the filmmakers. Don’t miss this celebration of Ireland’s natural world and the stories that bring it to life.
To learn more about Crossing The Line visit their website: http://ctlfilms.com/
IWT Limerick Branch, Barn Owl Talk Date: Wed 13th November 2024 Time: 7:30pm
A talk from John Carrig, Director of the Barn Owl Project!
Venue: Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
Room number: T117 (Tara Building)
To locate T117: follow the signs for the Lime Tree Theatre
IWT Dublin Branch, November Fossil Walk 11:00am - 13:00pm November 17th 2024
With Aodhán, our brilliant palaeontologist, we will explore the fabulous fossil bank at Portmarnock.
Meeting point: Martello Tower, beside the White Sands Hotel
Please note: Wear appropriate footwear – good boots or wellies. And bring paper for rubbings – ordinary A4 sheets and crayons such as Twistables Crayons. And it’s now WINTER! Dress up well.
Webinar: The Nature Restoration Law Series: Marine 11 September 2024, 6pm to 7pm
Join us for a webinar discussing the marine aspects of the new EU Nature Restoration Law and how we can reach the restoration targets here in Ireland.
Our webinar is now available to watch online! Irish Wildlife Trust YouTube Channel
IWT Dublin Branch, Rockpooling Outing 08th September 2024, 11am to 1pm Portmarnock Beach, Co Dublin
Join IWT Dublin branch for a walk along Portmarnock beach exploring the creatures hiding between the rocks. Last year was a great success, so we’re looking forward to revisiting our local rockpool dwellers.
Meeting Point: Martello Tower, beside the White Sands Hotel at 11:00am
Please note: Please bring nets and containers if you have them. And wear suitable footwear for clambering over ( possibly slippy!) rockpools.
Event contact: [email protected]
Heritage Week: Connecting The Dots: Native Woodlands and Your Creative Response 24 August 2024, 1:45pm to 5pm Lisnavagh House, Co. Carlow
Join the Irish Wildlife Trust for a special heritage week event where you will connect with nature in beautiful broadleaf woodland. Led by an Irish Wildlife Trust guide, you will learn about oak, ash, wych elm and more and the complex ecological processes supporting our native trees. Alongside our woodland walk artist and lecturer Gareth Kennedy of NCAD FIELD and the postgraduate diploma in Art and Ecology, will set up a woodland encampment. Here participants will handle, craft and work with woodland materials, exploring their histories, potentials and using them to gently connect their head, their hands and their hearts with the woodland habitat.
This event is open to all ages. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please dress appropriately for an outdoors event in the woods. And please be aware that we will be walking on uneven woodland surfaces. To have less impact on the woodland, dogs and other pets are not permitted at this event.
The Dromore River – Nature’s Corridor 24 August 2024, 2pm - 5pm Ballybay Wetlands Centre, Clones Rd, Co. Monaghan
This event will be the first public presentation of the Dromore Catchment Mapping Project. The aims of the project are to develop an interactive database and 3D model that maps the Dromore catchment, highlighting its potential as a biodiversity corridor. To make visible what is currently an overlooked form of natural heritage and aid restoration and community awareness. The river and streams already form a natural refuge and connected system for biodiversity so, with the development of a database and functional map, we will be able to explore connectivity potential between other key habitats.
The 3D model will be on show and the following presentations will take place:
Presentation 1: Mary Kelly-Quinn, author of Ireland’s Rivers (University College Dublin Press)
Presentation 2: Overview of Dromore River Catchment Mapping Project
Presentation 3: Placenames of the Dromore River & Catchment by Historian Brian MacDomhnaill
An optional bus tour (limited number of tickets) will take place after the event at the Wetlands Centre. To book a spot on the bus tour, please email [email protected]. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis. The bus tour will run from 5-7pm.
This project is a collaboration between the Irish Wildlife Trust Monaghan Branch & the Friends of the Dromore. The project is supported by the Heritage Council and Monaghan County Council and funded by the Community Heritage Grant and the National Parks & Wildlife Service (National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030).
Lough Muckno Water Heritage - A Guided Walk led by Ecologist Billy Flynn 25 August 2024, 3pm - 4:30pm Assemble at Hope Castle, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan
The event focuses on the history, habitats and wonderful wildlife of Lough Muckno as well as its connection to people.
The event is being organised by the Monaghan Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust.
This project was funded by LAWPRO under the Community Water Development Fund 2024.
Barnagh Tunnel Nature Walk 17 August 2024, 11am to 1pm Barnagh Greenway Hub, Co.Limerick, V94 X206, Co. Limerick
A Nature Walk on West Limerick Greenway, including Barnagh Tunnel. There are around 100 species of wild plants in the area, with a particular abundance of liverworts, mosses, and ferns.
This tunnel is one of the more evocative features of the now closed Limerick-Tralee Railway. It was opened in 1880 and is 115m long. It is situated at nearly 170m above sea level and was excavated with explosives and pickaxes. The rock cuttings on either side of the tunnel have reverted to nature and are an impressive sight.
Bring raingear and take care of children as it is an active cycleway.
Numbers are limited to 25 and places must be booked at [email protected].
Bat Walk 18 August 2024, 9pm - 10:30pm St Anne's Park, Clontarf East, Raheny, Co. Dublin
Take a walk with us to discover the hidden world of Ireland’s bats in Dublin!
As dusk descends, we will quietly explore a section of St. Anne’s Park (exact location will be shared after booking) and hopefully see and hear some of these fascinating native flying mammals.
You’ll learn about these incredible creatures and their vital role in our ecosystem. From the Common Pipistrelle to Leisler’s bat, we’ll be keeping our ears peeled for these swift, silent creatures.
Numbers are strictly limited to 35 for this event. If the event is booked out, you will be added to a waiting list and notified if a place becomes available.
If you book a place and can no longer attend, please let us know so that others can take your place.
Once you’re place is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email plus another email closer to the time with details on where to meet.
Materials will be provided including some species information and bat detectors to be shared amongst the group.
This is an outdoor, night time event so please dress appropriately. And dogs are not permitted.
We look forward to seeing you!