Host of free events in Offaly for National Biodiversity Week

There is a strong line-up once again in Offaly with a host of family friendly and free events running throughout the week.

Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council said “Offaly has a rich diversity of wildlife and habitats and Biodiversity Week gives us a great opportunity to celebrate and showcase Offaly’s native flora and fauna. We have loads of excellent events planned across the county.”

The first event of the week “Dark Skies of Offaly” took place on Friday last.

The guides at Clara Bog Visitor Cantre will host a number of events throughout the week starting on Monday 20th with a Biodiversity Walk of the bog starting at 3pm, Tuesday 21st sees a Bioblitz on the bog with visitors welcome at the boardwalk any time between 12 noon and 4pm. Finally, there will be a Dusk Chorus Walk on the bog from 9pm on Wednesday the 22^nd. For more information about all the Clara Bog events check in on their Facebook page.

Further to all the events above on Tuesday morning, May 21^st from 11am, Offaly County Council Climate Action Team together with the Biodiversity Officer will lead a guided walk at Tullamore Wetland a wildlife oasis in the middle of the town. Meet at the Fire Station at 11am.

A short walk takes place along the Camcor River in Birr on Wednesday 22^nd at 7pm to observe the charismatic Dipper bird and other wildlife that resides along the river in the town. Meeting at the weir in the Camcor River Park.

Another chance to hear the Dusk Chorus takes place on Thursday 23^rd in Ballycumber, meeting outside Gussies Bar at 7:30pm. Biodiversity Officer Ricky Whelan will lead a short walk around the village and surrounds to enjoy the evening bird song.

Bord Na Mona host a tour of Boora West, one of their many rehabilitated bogs sites on Saturday 25^th. This 2-hour walk will explore the interventions made to help restore the peatland habitats and its benefits for biodiversity as a result. Event kicks off at 11am, meeting at the carpark (R437) at the Bord Na Mona rail crossing.

Finally, later that day and to cap off a great week of events, Bracknagh Heritage Society will host an illustrated talk entitled “Biodiversity Close-Up” by celebrated photographer Tina Claffey at 2:30pm in the Bracknagh Community Centre (located in St Bronhans Park).

For more information on all events taking place, you can visit biodiversityweek.ie. There you will also find information on how to get involved in the Backyard Bioblitz in your own garden or download the Biodiversity Scavenger Hunt challenge cards.