Laois people discovered the great outdoors during National Biodiversity Week
All smiles at Laois County Councils Bio Diversity Water Sampling Workshop by Nore Vision were Ceile and Rian Dowling
FROM bats, moths, birds and squirrels to pearl mussels and meadows, they all came under the spotlight during various activities that took place in Laois throughout National Biodiversity Week.
From dusk choruses and bat walks to moth traps and riverside discoveries, Laois celebrated its natural heritage with some fantastic immersive events from 16-25 May.
A vibrant programme of events celebrated the county’s wild beauty and ecological diversity. Organised by Laois County Council along with the Heritage Council, local groups, businesses and individuals, the week offered accessible, family-friendly opportunities to explore, observe and understand the natural world.
The week opened with a dusk chorus walk in Abbeyleix Bog, which was hosted by naturalists Des and Hugh. More than 40 people attended, tuning into the rich evening birdsong while learning about the diverse habitats and species supported by the bog. A special moment happened when the distinctive call of the cuckoo was heard.
In Ballyfin, a nature photography session proved to be a standout event. Wildlife watchers and photographers were delighted by up-close sightings of some of Ireland’s more elusive woodland species such as a pine marten, a greater spotted woodpecker, a red squirrel and a number of striking jays.
A twilight bat walk in Portlaoise offered a fascinating glimpse into the world of pipistrelle bats. Participants used bat detectors to pick up the bats’ echolocation calls and learned about the ecological importance of these nocturnal mammals.
In Ballyfin, early morning risers were treated to the soothing sounds of a dawn chorus and immersed themselves in the symphony of birds greeting the day.
At the River Erkina, which forms part of the River Nore catchment, participants engaged in hands-on water-quality sampling. They discovered that the river currently holds a good status in environmental health – an encouraging sign of its biodiversity.
In Ballykilcavan, an outstanding moth trapping session was held with an impressive variety of species, including the spectacular hawk moth, showcasing the hidden diversity of Ireland’s nocturnal wildlife.
A guided exploration of the grassland succession of wild flowers took place in the grounds of Glamping Under the Stars in Ballyroan, which demonstrated how natural meadows evolve and flourish over time.
Lisa Doyle, biodiversity officer at Laois County Council, said: “The week’s events are not just about appreciating nature; they’re about understanding our responsibility to protect it.
“The community’s enthusiasm and curiosity have been inspiring. These events show how everyday actions, from creating ponds to letting meadows grow, can play a huge role in enhancing local biodiversity.”
