National Hedgerow Week returns to Offaly with busy schedule

National Hedgerow Week is back, and it’s blooming bigger than ever!

Now in its fourth year, this nationwide celebration led by Teagasc and the Heritage Council shines a spotlight on Ireland’s hedgerows and the rich biodiversity they support.

In Offaly, the occasion is being marked with a fantastic line-up of free events that invite you to explore the wild wonders of our local landscapes:

Foraging Walk with Wild Food Mary

WHEN: Sunday 31 August from 10am to 12pm

WHERE: Syngefield Demesne, Birr

Join Wild Food Mary for a guided walk through Syngefield Demesne and along the River Camcor. Discover the edible and medicinal plants growing in our hedgerows and riverbanks.

Bat Walk at Tullamore Town Park

WHEN: Wednesday 3 September from 8pm to 10pm

WHERE: Tullamore Town Park

Take a family-friendly evening stroll and learn about our local bat species. See and hear these fascinating nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.

Hedgelaying Demonstration & Discussion

WHEN: Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 September from 11am to 12:30pm

WHERE: Mt Briscoe House, Daingean

Watch professional hedgelayer Richard Markham demonstrate the ancient craft of hedgelaying. Learn how traditional practices help support biodiversity.

Offaly County Council is also proud to support the inaugural HedgeRow Fest at Mt Briscoe Organic Farm, (6–7 September), an initiative by Margaret Edgill. This unique festival celebrates hedgerows through art, poetry, music, and nature-based workshops. Highlights include masterclasses in hedgelaying, forest bathing, foraging, and eco-poetry—headlined by author Richard Negus and spoken word artist Testament.

HedgeRow Fest is supported by Offaly County Council through the Creative Ireland Community Grant Programme and the Heritage Council.

See the full line-up and book your spot at: www.mountbriscoe.ie

For more information on Offaly events, email: biodiversity@offalycoco.ie