Something for all ages for Biodiversity Week

There will be something for all ages to mark Biodiversity Week in Offaly, from Friday, May 16, to Sunday, May 25.

Offaly County Council and Offaly Libraries have invited the public to join the week-long celebration of nature, with a packed schedule of free events planned, from wildflower walks and bird song at dawn, to bat spotting at dusk and engaging family activities at local libraries.

Highlights include:

- Spring Flowers Walk at Tullamore Wetlands on Friday, May 16, at 7pm

- Dusk to Dawn Bird Chorus in Geashill on Tuesday/Wednesday, May 20 and 21, from 9pm until 4.30am

- Geashill Bioblitz on Wednesday, May 21 (Geashill Tidy Towns)

- Bat Walk in Geashill with Offaly Bat Group on Wednesday, May 21, at 9pm (booking essential)

- Gardening for Biodiversity Talk at Clara Library on Thursday, May 22, at 12pm

Offaly libraries are joining the celebrations with Puffin Rock activity books being distributed across branches, which will also be offering prizes for families who excel at the biodiversity scavenger hunt. Library branches in Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore will also host school visits for pupils to learn about and get close to native Irish birds of prey with Raven Haven Aviaries.

Families will also be welcome to enjoy biodiversity-themed story times, craft sessions, and book displays throughout the week. For full details and booking info, visit: https://biodiversityweek.ie/events-calendar/ or on Offaly Heritage and Offaly Libraries social media pages.

All events are hosted with the support of The Heritage Council and The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Creative Ireland, together with partners, including Geashill and Tullamore Tidy Towns Groups, Offaly Bat Group, Bord na Móna, and more.