Laois went wild for Biodiversity Week
Lisa Doyle, Lisa Weir and Karena Flynn Thai enjoying the Teddy Bears' Picnic in Portlaoise during Biodiversity Week. Photo: Denis Byrne
CELEBRATION of biodiversity brought communities together across the county, through immersive events exploring wildlife, conservation, creativity and connection to nature.
Organisers said that Biodiversity Week in Laois was an outstanding success from 15-24 May, thanks to the remarkable collaboration between community groups, educators, environmental organisations, local venues and passionate individuals throughout the county.
From woodland walks and wildlife talks to practical conservation projects and creative workshops, Biodiversity Week encouraged people to slow down, observe and appreciate the ecosystems that surround them every day.
Through a diverse programme of in-person events, people of all ages were invited to connect more deeply with nature while exploring the biodiversity.
The week featured engaging walks, talks and hands-on activities focused on bats, birds, owls, seeds, crayfish, insects, trees and moths, offering participants an educational and inspiring journey into the natural world.
More than simply a series of events, Biodiversity Week became a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities work together with a shared vision of environmental awareness and appreciation.
A strong spirit of partnership was at the heart of the programme, thanks to the array of collaborators: Coillte, Ballykilcavan Brewery, Birdwatch Ireland Laois, Carla Jack, Abbeyleix Bog, Nore Vision, LAWPRO, Historic Houses of Ireland, Stradbally Hall, LOETB, Aghnaharna Residents Association, PPN and the Men’s Shed in Mountmellick, all of whom played an important role in hosting and supporting events.
Community collaboration and creativity were especially evident in projects involving the creation of Barn Owl boxes, reviewing water bugs for reading water quality, moth identification and recording, listening to dusk chorus and bats. Highlights included hearing a long-eared owl and discovering a white-clawed crayfish in the River Triogue.
Participants described the week as immersive, educational and uplifting, with many speaking about the immediate sense of connection to nature they experienced through the events.
Laois Co Council’s biodiversity officer Lisa Doyle said: “Everybody has a part to play in protecting biodiversity and the week showed what is possible when communities, organisations and individuals come together to share and nurture knowledge, creativity and passion for nature.”
