Busy line-up for Biodiversity Week in Offaly
Biodiversity Week gets underway in Offaly this weekend, with a diverse programme of walks, talks, and family-friendly activities arranged to celebrate the county's wildlife and natural heritage.
The events, being organised by Offaly County Council, Offaly Libraries, and local groups, will include opportunities to learn about birds, bats, wetlands, swifts and local biodiversity projects.
Among the events is a 'walk and talk' about urban trees, which is taking place at Lloyd Town Park in Tullamore this Saturday, May 16.
PJ Fitzpatrick and Diarmuid McAree, directors of the Crann ‘Trees for Ireland’ group, will lead the walk in the park at 2.30pm, which will be followed by an indoor talk in Tullamore Library.
Saturday's family-friendly event is being organised by Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group and Tullamore Tidy Towns Association.
"It is a great way for people of all ages to learn about the variety of trees in our town park," said Gaelan Elliffe of Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group. "The event is free and all are welcome to attend. Bookings can be made on Eventbrite."
The local group has been active in recent weeks, participating in events such as Textile Reuse Roadshow in Esker Arts last Saturday, which focused on upcycling and preventing textile waste.
Upcoming events as part of Biodivesity Week also include an Irish Forest Owners Family Forestry Day, at Derrybeg, Killeigh from 9am to 4.30pm this Saturday (booking required).
Next Wednesday, May 20, there will be a talk on 'The Peregrine Falcons of Tullamore' by Offaly biodiversity officer Ricky Whelan at Tullamore Parish Centre from 6pm to 7pm (booking required).
On Thursday, May 21, the ribbon will be cut on the new Blundell Bat House at Blundell Park, Edenderry. This will take place from 1.30pm to 3pm (RSVP via: biodiversity@offalycoco.ie)
Next Friday, May 22, a 'Dancing Dippers Walk' with Alex Copland will be held along the Camcor River in Birr at 7pm, while the programme will be rounded off with a 'Welcome Back the Swifts' gathering, with Ricky Whelan and Therese Kelly, in Banagher from 6pm–8pm on Sunday, May 24.
Offaly County Council said the programme aims to encourage communities to connect with nature and to better understand the importance of protecting biodiversity in Offaly.
Biodiversity includes all living things - from birds and bats to wildflowers, hedgerows and pollinators - and plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting human wellbeing.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend events, learn new skills, and discover the wildlife on their doorstep. Events are free of charge, though some require advance booking due to limited capacity.
Full event details can be found by searching for 'Offaly' on the BiodiversityWeek.ie website.