5000 hedgehog sightings in nationwide survey
Researchers from NUI Galway, working with a team of enthusiastic volunteers, with support and co-funding by the Local Authorities (including Kilkenny County Council Heritage Office) have recorded more than 5,000 hedgehog sightings across the island of Ireland, with the small mammals turning up more often in the town and city surveys. The Irish Hedgehog Survey will continue during the summer of 2022 and are looking for more volunteers -workshops will be provided. Further information on the surveys plus details of training events at https://www.irishhedgehogsurvey.com
Cruinniú na nÒg (Free Day of Creativity)
Cruinniú na nÓg is a national free day of creativity for children and young people on Saturday June 11th. The Kilkenny County Council Cruinniú na nÓg programme, co-ordinated by the Culture Team and funded by the Kilkenny creative Ireland Programme, provides a wide range of projects for all youth age groups. https://kilkennyheritage.ie/2022/05/kilkenny-county-council-cruinniu-na-nog-programme-2022/
Dawn and Dusk Chorus – reminder
Just a reminder that the Birdwatch Ireland Kilkenny Branch Dawn Chorus will take place on Sunday 15th May in Jenkinstown. Meet in the carpark @ 4.30am. Warm clothing and rain gear recommended in case of inclement Weather. They will also host a dusk chorus, in conjunction with OPW Kilkenny Castle on Thursday 19th May. Meet at the main gate of Kilkenny Castle @ 7pm.
First sightings
Birdwatch Ireland Kilkenny Branch are asking you to keep an eye out for our first Swallows, Swifts, Cuckoos, Sand Martins and Ringed Plovers and to log your sightings on the Spring Alive website https://birdwatchireland.ie/our-work/surveys-research/research-surveys/12900 2/#:~:text=By%20posting%20your%20first%20sightings,these%20birds%20take%20every%20year.
Edmund Fitzpatrick Weekend & Margaret Allen Day
Féile Lachtain continues with the launch of Ned Kennedy’s booklet, by Lord Bellew, on Freshford born artist and illustrator, Edmund Fitzpatrick, on Fri 6th May @8pm, with a weekend exhibition of Edmund’s paintings and illustrations. A lecture on artist, Margaret Allen, by Derville Murphy, will take place on Sat 7th May @3pm and will trace her life and work, the first female member of the R.I.A., and her connection with North Kilkenny. All events in Ionad Lachtain. https://ionadlachtain.com/mqc/
The transformation of Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden
Kilkenny Castle and grounds have experienced many transformations over the centuries and the OPW Kilkenny Castle will host an outdoor talk on the changes made since the 17th century to the area known today as the Rose Garden, with Marie O’Driscoll OPW, discussing the evolution of the garden. These outdoor events will take place on 5th, 19th & 31st May @3.30pm. Appropriate clothes and footwear as an outdoor event. Free event but registration is required. https://kilkennycastle.ie/event/bealtaine-festival-from-tenement-to-secluded-garden-the-transformation-of-the-kilkenny-castle-rose-garden-from-17th-century-to-21st-century/?instance_id=1591
Nature Hero Awards for schools
Biodiversity in Schools have announced the rollout of the Nature Hero Awards – Ireland’s first, standalone outdoor learning award for schools. It is a mark of excellence for a school that recognises exceptional work to create an educational space that nurtures a love of nature, develops a knowledge of our biodiversity and encourages action to help it locally. One lucky school who demonstrates an outstanding contribution to outdoor learning will win a school garden upgrade worth €10,000 thanks to the sponsor, Glenveagh Homes. Further details at
https://www.biodiversityinschools.com/nature-hero-awards.html
