Kilkenny’s Programme of Events for International Biodiversity Year 2010

2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. Kilkenny Local Authorities have organised events to mark this important year and celebrate Kilkenny’s biodiversity.

“Biodiversity is another word for nature, and means all living things on earth”, says Dearbhala Ledwidge, Heritage Officer with Kilkenny County Council. “To celebrate International Year of Biodiversity, and to raise awareness about our own Kilkenny habitats and wildlife, we have put together a programme of events including walks, talks and outdoor classroom sessions”.

Events will include guided wildlife walks; “Bugs under the microscope” – an outdoor classroom session; a guided tour of the wild plants of Kilkenny City Walls; a workshop on identifying butterflies; and a talk on the habitats of Kilkenny.

“The events are a great opportunity for everyone to discover more about the wild spaces, plants and animals of the county”, according to Dearbhala Ledwidge.

Cllr. Malcolm Noonan, Mayor, has also organised for well known naturalist and broadcaster Eanna Ní Lamhna to give a guided walk and talk of the wildlife of Kilkenny city on Saturday 22nd May. “Saturday 22nd May is National Biodiversity Day so I’m delighted that Eanna has agreed to do this event – it promises to be a great day” says Cllr. Malcolm Noonan. The walk will start at 11.30am and 2.30pm at Canal Square. To book a place on this free event please call 056-7794921 or email maura.hickey@kilkennycoco.ie.

Further details of all events will be advertised in the local press over the coming months and will be posted on the heritage section of the Kilkenny County Council website www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/Services/Heritage. All events are free, but booking is required.

This initiative is co-funded by the Notice Nature campaign of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

If you would like further information about any of the events please contact Dearbhala Ledwidge, Heritage Officer. Tel: 056-7794925, or email dearbhala.ledwidge@kilkennycoco.ie