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HAVE you an interest in the unique wildlife and biodiversity of Kerry? Would you like to learn more about the different types of bird, animals, insects and other creatures, great and small, that live with us in the Kingdom? Biodiversity Week is just around the corner and offers a range of family friendly, fun events that celebrate Kerry’s wildlife. From May 20 until May 28, Kerry County Council, in association with several local groups, is running a number of short workshops, days out, walks and talks on the many wonderful aspects of Kerry’s wildlife.

The series kicks off with an introduction to coastal life in Tralee Bay followed by wildlife gardening in Gortbrack Organic Farm, Ballyseedy. There are boat trips, talks, sea safaris and rock pool dipping not to mention a jellyfish workshop in Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium. This year, music and film will form part of the week thanks to events organised by the Fenit Development Association. Waterville will host a sea safari by marine biologist Lucy Hunt and there will be the ever-popular nocturnal ramble in Killarney National Park. Kayaking with Wild Water Adventures and coastal walks in Fenit and the Maharees will allow participants experience the beautiful coast.

Other events are supported by Clean Coast (An Taisce), Team Bramble, Tralee Wetlands Centre, Annascaul Adventures, Swift Conservation Ireland, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Killorglin Tidy Towns, the Kerry Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust, the Community Water Officer, Maharees Conservation Association and many more.

So if you have an interest in learning more about Kerry’s biodiversity come along and take part. Most of the events are free, open to everyone and several are suitable for children. Booking of some events is necessary as is transport to get to the various field trips. Further details can be obtained from Cathy Fisher, Kerry County Council on 066 7183521 or cathy.fisher@kerrycoco.ie/www.kerryheritage.ie or check out your local library for a leaflet with further details.
 

 
Above: Launching details of Biodiversity Week 2017, were Ian McGrigor, Gortbrack Organic Farm; Cathy Fisher, Biodiversity Officer, Kerry County Council; Dr David McCormick, Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre; Niamh Ni Dhuill, Natural Kitchen Gardens; John Edwards, Wild Water Adventures; and Nanette Moore, Fenit Development Association.