The Kerry Biosphere Officer, Brendan Kirwan, was delighted to launch the Kerry Biosphere Reserve booklet in Killarney Library, this week.

Brendan was joined by Matthew Farrell (Municipal District Officer, Killarney Municipal District), Damien Ginty (Senior Planner, Kerry County Council), Mary Sheehan (DCO, Killarney National Park), Patricia Deane (Project Manager, ACRES Kerry and West Cork), and Ger McEnery (Development Officer, Reeks Mountain Access Forum).

The Kerry Biosphere Reserve booklet is a 32-page document which provides useful information on the origins of the Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The booklet provides the reader with an in-depth knowledge of the designation, the extent of its range and the significance of the reserve in national and international context.

The booklet is beautifully illustrated with a range of photos and images from the Killarney National Park and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, and illustrations from renowned local artist Katie O’Donoghue.

The rare and wonderful habitats and species of the biosphere are celebrated in the booklet with insights into the wetlands and uplands that occur within the reserve.

The Biosphere reserve is noted for its rare and important habitats and species, but is also noteworthy for its significant cultural heritage. The reserve is home to a range of field monuments, some as early as the Late Mesolithic (c.5,000 BC). The celebrated cultural history of the reserve is also well represented in the booklet.

Practical information relating to activities and permits required within the reserve, and the concept of Leave No Trace are also presented in the Kerry Biosphere Reserve booklet. For more information about the Kerry Biosphere Reserve please visit www.kerrybiosphere.ie or contact the Biosphere Officer at kerrybiosphere@skdp.net or 087 152 7746.