200 events planned for National Biodiversity Week
Ireland's nature and wildlife will take centre stage from May 16-25, with over 200 events scheduled across the country for National Biodiversity Week.
As well as highlighting the importance of biodiversity, National Biodiversity Week is also about experiencing the fun, enjoyment and spectacle of the nature and connecting with a wilder world.
The annual 10-day celebration of nature and wildlife offers a variety of free events and activities for the whole family.
Organised by the Irish Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the week will provide opportunities for the public to connect with nature and learn from local experts and groups actively working to protect natural heritage.
Minister of State for nature, heritage and biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan said: 'National Biodiversity Week is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to connect with nature, and to experience first-hand its importance in our lives.
'During the week we can appreciate, and also learn, simple but powerful actions that we can all take which will protect nature.
'The Irish Environmental Network has put together a really impressive programme of events this year, with support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
'It's encouraging to see even more events happening around the country this year, and I'd like to thank all of the organisations, agencies, and NGOs who collectively make the week such a success.'
National Biodiversity Week
The minister of state has also encouraged people to visit a national park, nature reserve or protected area, many of which will be hosting events and activities throughout the week.
Events will reach communities in every corner of Ireland, showcasing coasts, rivers and estuaries, hedgerows, wetlands, native woodlands and the marine environment.
Guided nature walks and field trips for children will introduce participants to pollinators and other biodiversity in local greenspaces.
Hands-on workshops will cover topics ranging from composting and willow weaving to bat box building and pond creation.
The public is encouraged to discover wildlife with whale watching, farm walks, bat walks, biodiversity cycle tours and art workshops.
Amateur nature photographers are invited to submit photos for the 13th annual Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition, happening throughout May.
As people gather to celebrate biodiversity across Ireland, there will also be discussion on how to protect and restore biodiversity.
As National Biodiversity Week kicks off, a variety of in-person and virtual events will bring communities together nationwide to be inspired by nature and learn how to pitch in to protect it.
Families and students can even participate in National Biodiversity Week at home through special events like the 'Biodiversity Scavenger Hunt', a self-guided activity to discover wildlife in gardens or local parks.
Welcoming the launch of National Biodiversity Week, chief executive officer of the Irish Environmental Network, Karen Ciesielski said: 'It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Ireland's fascinating wildlife and habitats at free events nationwide.
'People all around the country can learn more about the natural world surrounding them and how to take actions that support wildlife and biodiversity.
'Discovering the wonder of nature is the first step to local dialogue and action to restore biodiversity in Ireland.
'By reconnecting people to a wilder world and the wonders of nature, Biodiversity Week is also a call to action to help address the alarming decline in our natural habitats. National Biodiversity Week not only celebrates nature but inspires people to protect and enhance it.'
Director general of the NPWS, Niall Ó Donnchú added: 'NPWS is delighted to support this important initiative and to see it going from strength to strength.
'This week is about putting it in our nature to protect nature. Enhancing public awareness about nature is key to delivering the National Biodiversity Action Plan, and weeks like this help us to do that.
'It is a fantastic time of year to enjoy the annual awakening of nature in all its vibrant symphony of sounds, sights and scents.'
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