Blog Archives

Celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22) with a natural history tour of Wexford

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The United Nations has designated May 22 as International Day for Biological Diversity. The purpose of the day is to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues with the theme this year “Water and Biodiversity”. This, of course, is music to the ears of our friends at the Wexford Naturalists Field Club the aim of which is to promote, enjoy and celebrate all aspects of the county’s rich natural heritage. To honour the occasion WNFC has lined up Dave Daly, Zoë Devlin, Alan McGuire and Chris Wilson to lead a guided walk exploring the natural history of Wexford Town. Meet 7pm at Rowe Street Church car park. To take part one must be a member of WNFC (join now!) or a guest.

Alan and Chris are part of the team, along with Don Conroy, behind WildSide, an independent group devoted to observing, celebrating, and promoting, our natural world and wildlife. Zoë Devlin is the published of ‘Wildflowers of Ireland – A personal Record’ (www.wildflowersofireland.net). Dave Daly is a celebrated wildlife artist who has just been elected to the prestigious Water Colour Society of Ireland (www.davedalyartist.com). Both Alan and Dave are members of our own Biodiversity Committee.

Posted in Biodiversity, Events

Enjoy National Dawn Chorus Day at Tintern Abbey

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DawnChorusRobin X3 (Clive Timmons) 180BirdWatch Ireland’s National Dawn Chorus Day takes place on Sunday next, May 19th. Those in Co Wexford prepared to make the early start are guaranteed one of the best choral works they will ever hear at historic Tintern Abbey, near Saltmills. Meet at the barrier at the entrance to the abbey at 4.30am. The walk will be led by Chris Wilson, Alan McGuire and Don Conroy with breakfast afterwards at the Wheelhouse Cafe, Fethard-on-Sea. While the “show” is free you pay for your breakfast! This event is held in conjunction with the South Australia Branch of Birds Australia who will be holding their own Dawn Chorus event on the same day in Caroline Forest. There is also a “Dusk Chorus” event on Forth Mountain at 8pm that evening.

Posted in Events

National Biodiversity Week, May 18-26

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biodiversityweekNational Biodiversity Week takes place this year May 18-26, with the UN International Day of Biodiversity being celebrated on 22nd May. This year the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has designated a theme of Water & Biodiversity for 2013.

This will be Ireland’s 7th annual celebration of National Biodiversity week and its aim is to create awareness of the importance of biodiversity and to better understand its value to the local, national and international community.

While you should look out for events happening in your area you might also get it out there and do it for yourself! Next time you bring the kids for a walk take binoculars and a notebook to record sightings of birds/butterflies. And, on your walk, take note of any of the “dirty dozen” invasive species you can spot.

There are other little things you can do such as letting a part of your lawn go wild (cut grass only in Spring and Autumn); putting a “bee inn” or “insect hotel” at the bottom of your garden.
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Posted in Biodiversity, Events

“Pocket Park” opens on 1798 Street

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pocketpark A beautifully designed new landscaped “garden” on Wexford’s 1798 Street has its official opening on Thursday, April 25 at 11.30am. The project, a collaborative effort involving Wexford Tidy Towns and Wexford Borough Council, transforms what was a very unloved space into something altogether different. Two spaces, on either side of the road, have been transformed, in a simple but effective way, with meandering pathways, carefully stocked flower-beds, shrubs, trees and wall trellises. Attractive seating will be installed shortly. The designers have given a serious nod to biodiversity in the choice of plants and the decision to leave wild strips along walls. The birds, bees and butterflies will be happy here! Overall, this is a clever use of a relatively small area. The hope is that this oasis of calm will be embraced by the local community and become a place to meet, chat and simply relax.

Posted in Biodiversity, Events, Tidy Towns Competition, Tidy Towns News

Double-header: Waste Prevention and Invasive Species

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We are delighted to present a lecture/workshop on the themes of waste prevention and invasive species at Wexford Library on Thursday next (May 2) at 7pm. The speakers are Brídin Mulhall and John Michael O’Mahony of An Taisce.

Brídin presents a Waste Prevention Workshop looking at raising awareness of waste and litter, its causes and consequences and how to deal with it. John Michael presents a seminar on Invasive Species. He looks at how to use information collected about Invasive Species in an area to map that area. Invasive species are a growing problem in communities as some species are aggressively acquiring land and taking over areas.

This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Posted in Events

Invitation to Fettit’s Lane Public Art Project, Thurs. 7th March 2013

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departuresevent Wexford Tidy Towns would like to cordially invite you to the opening of “Departures”, a Public Art Project presented by 3rd Year Fine Art, Wexford Campus, IT Carlow. The artists will be transforming the Fettit’s Lane environment, which has been highlighted as a ‘blackspot’ in previous years’ Tidy Towns adjudication reports, using street and wall art.

The theme being used is “Departures” – a topical subject in times when so many are emigrating – using migrating birds extensively in the project to instill a sense of hopefulness for the return of our emigrants.

The project is sponsored by Westgate Design, Centenary Stores, Marlowe Cleaners, Salon Diva, Sharky’s, Hynes’ Jewellers and Green Acres. See the images below for more details.

The official opening of the Project will be at 7pm on Thursday 7th March in Fettit’s Lane, all are welcome to attend.

Posted in Events