Biodiversity Week launched
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Linda Gilsenan takes a closer look at the fauna on Turbet Island during the launch of National Biodiversity week in Belturbet, Co. Cavan. LORRAINE TEEVANImage 2 of 2
The launch of National Biodiversity Week took place in Belturbet on Sunday afternoon, with a large crowd in attendance for the talks, followed by some workshops and walks on Turbet Island. LORRAINE TEEVANThe wonderful habitats of Turbet Island provided the stunning backdrop for environmental volunteers to polish up their biodiversity recording skills last weekend.
The day of practical workshops provided a host of eager participants with a primer on citizen science and proved a fitting event at which to host the national launch of Biodiversity Week, which runs for 10 days from Friday to Sunday, May 16-25.
Organised by the Irish Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the week provides opportunity to connect with nature and learn from local experts and groups actively working to protect our natural heritage.
At last Sunday's launch in Belturbet, ecologist Linda Gilsenan led a wildflower walk, marvelling at specimens which only reveal their true splendour with the aid of a little time, attentiveness, and a petite fold-out magnifying glass. Most walkers would simply stroll past the old railway stone wall, or the shaded spot under a beech tree, or the stretch of nettles which captivated Linda. The Meath woman in turn inspired participants to share in her sense of wonder and pay more attention to the native plantlife in their own areas.
Ben Huddleston of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark then gave a demo of how to conduct a Flower-Insect Timed (FIT) count. Using an app, the simple but effective contribution to citizen science saw the results automatically retrieved by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. The participants then gave a go at using the app to first identify the wildflowers in a 50x50cm patch, and then count the number of pollinators to visit within a 10 minute window.
Lastly, Cavan ecologist Heather Bothwell helped people to use reference books and field guides to identify the moths and caddisflies which had flown into traps left out the night before. Among the scores of moths caught and later released was a May Highflier, a species seldom recorded in Cavan.
Earlier that morning at Belturbet Civic Centre, Linda Gilsenan had given a rundown of how she compiles biodiversity plans. She further explained how community groups can draft simple versions themselves or apply for funding through Community Foundation Ireland to engage a professional ecologists.
One of the first steps of a biodiversity plan is to compile a survey of existing flora and fauna in a habitat, and Daniel Downey, Resource Worker with Cavan PPN and an environmental volunteer, gave a step by step guide to uploading records of specimens to Biodiversity.ie
Amongst the other speakers were Trevor Seery of Leitrim Environmental Network, Candice Moen of the Monaghan Environmental Group, and Cavan County Council's newly appointed Biodiversity Officer, Cathal Flood, who also aims to host events this Biodiversity Week.
Sunday's event was co-hosted by Cavan PPN, and it gave Damian McCarney of the newly established network group Environmental Cavan the chance to invite all individuals and groups interested in protecting and enhancing nature in the county to get in contact: 086 4027 184.
The next meeting of Environmental Cavan will be held in person on Thursday, June 19 at 7.30pm at the offices of Cavan Local Community Development, Corlurgan. There will also be an opportunity to dial in and participate remotely.