|
|
A chara,
I can't quite believe it's February already, but let's get right into it.
Our colleagues working on the Maréire project have recently launched their first report which looks at Identifying knowledge gaps on the impacts of offshore renewable energy on biodiversity at sea. Speaking of marine biodiversity, please save the date for the World Ocean Week Conference in June, organised by Fair Seas.
We've also included a link to a new resource from the Biodiversity Data Centre; an identification guide to invasive alien plant species in Ireland. There's a free online version of this book linked below.
Locally, County Carlow Environmental Network has some upcoming events including their AGM. West Wicklow Environmental Network has shared an article from their previous event, a riveting talk with Anja Murray, but also have events coming up including an AGM. If you would like to hear about their upcoming events please email them on westwicklowen@gmail.com. Don't forget there are local networks nationwide, so if you want to get involved in action and events near you they are a wonderful option.
More events, surveys and announcements below.
Le meas,
Catherine
|
|
Contents
Local News
- Exploring Treasures of Irish Nature …
Community Groups Showcase
- Green Restoration Ireland Cooperative Society (Mayo)
- Louth Barn Owl Project (Louth)
- Sustainable Living Initiative Waterford (Waterford)
- An Taisce
Events
- See 'Quick Guide to Events'
Resources
- Report: Identifying knowledge gaps on the impacts of offshore renewable energy on biodiversity at sea.
- New: Identification Guide to Ireland's Regulated Invasive Alien Plant Species
Announcements
- QQI Level 5 course in Organic Horticulture 2026/7 at the Organic Centre
Public Consultations
- Hop To It National Frog Survey
- The Big Beach Biodiversity Survey
- Public Consultation on Updating Clean Air Strategy 2025
- Muir launches draft Strategy to protect nature for future generations
Footer
- Find out more about IEN member groups
| |  |
Quick Guide to Events
February
-
4th @ 7pm: PPN Environmental Reps Meet & Share - Online
-
9th @ 7.30pm: County Carlow Environmental Network (CCEN) AGM - Carlow
-
19th @ 7pm: Environmental Film Festival - Carlow
March
-
1st @ 12pm: Potato Day - Leitirm
May
-
15th - 24th: National Biodiversity Week
June
-
3rd @ World Ocean Week Conference - 3rd June 2026 - Cork City Hall
-
23rd: Farming for Nature Festival
| | |
Exploring Treasures of Irish Nature …
A West Wicklow Environmental Network (WWEN) event
"Recently on a dark December evening, the Chair of WWEN, Helen Lawless welcomed thirty WWEN members and guests to Valleymount in Wicklow to hear a fascinating talk by Anja Murray, broadcaster, podcaster and writer.
A native of Valleymount, Anja told us she was ‘delighted to be back’ and remembers fondly spending ‘all my pocket money on sweets in the local shop.’ She also developed her love of nature from growing up in the area."
Read the highlights from Anya's talk here, including her insights into some of the plants and animals of Ireland's habitats, her response to eco-anxiety and what we can do to make a real difference.
| |
Helen Lawless drew the evening to a close by exhorting the audience ‘to get involved. You can gain a voice. You have agency. Small actions can lead to bigger.’
Anyone who has heard Anja speak about the natural world will come away with a smile on their face. She speaks with a passion and a knowledge which engages the audience. We were lucky to hear her once again. We were all uplifted.
Anja Murray is a well-known host of Nature File on RTE’s Lyric FM. You can also hear her on the podcasts: Feather & Flock and Root & Branch. She has written two books: Wild Embrace and her latest Frog Routes, Polka-Dot Newt, (Gill Books 2025) is available now in all good bookshops.
For more information about West Wicklow Environmental Network please visit our website westwicklowen.ie
| Community Groups Showcase | | |
Join those who are making a difference for nature and climate in your county! Find people in your area who share your interests and goals for 2026. Below are just three groups out of hundreds in Ireland.
Find more on your PPN's website. Go to their 'members' section and sort by 'Environmental Pillar' to see some of the groups in your area.
Already in a group of your own? Find your PPN online (search 'your county' and 'ppn') to join for free and receive free training, information on local events and funding, and the opportunities to affect local policy creation in your County Council.
| |
Green Restoration Ireland Cooperative Society
Mayo
Working to Innovate Solutions that support farming and community development through actions that restore
our natural heritage.
Green Restoration Ireland Cooperative Society Ltd was established in 2019.
Our goal is to reverse the ecological degradation of the Irish landscape and the erosion of rural communities. We support rural development by taking direct action to restore our natural heritage. By restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services, we help to combat climate change.
Read more here
| |
Louth Barn Owl Project
Louth
Volunteer project to help increase Barn Owl numbers in Co. Louth, Ireland
In association with The Barn Owl Project, guidance from the Louth branch of BirdWatch Ireland, Louth Nature Trust, and initiated by the wildlife rehabilitators of Drogheda Animal Rescue, we hope to find and record existing nesting and roosting sites as well as the hunting grounds used by Barn Owls in our wee county.
We also would like to identify sites that nest boxes could be hung to help the Barn Owl increase their range here.
Read more and get in touch
| |
Sustainable Living Initiative Waterford
Waterford
SLí’s vision is of a global community working together to ensure an equitable and sustainable future for all. We're focused on driving sustainability and we do this through education and inspiring action at a community level.
SLí provides a range of education and awareness raising programmes to schools, youth groups and community organisations to raise the profile of sustainability within our community.
Read more here
| | |
|
IEN Member spotlight
An Taisce
An Taisce, The National Trust For Ireland’s vision is an Ireland where our environment, natural and built, is actively prioritised and a lasting legacy of sustainability and resilience is ensured.
More info and get in touch
See all IEN members here
| | |
|
County Carlow Environmental Network (CCEN) AGM
Feb 9th, 7:30pm
Carlow
The CCEN Carlow AGM is taking place on Monday 9th of February at 7.30pm in the older persons forum behind the siptu building at the top of Barrack Street, in Carlow town. The eircode is R93 YW10.
The building itself doesn't have an eircode, it's behind the building in the garden area. You go through the gates at the side.
Everyone is welcome to attend. We would be delighted to welcome new people to get involved with us.
See our social media and website for events we are organising and involved with.
www.facebook.com/CarlowEnvironmentalNetwork/
Instagram: carlowenvironmentalnetwork
Bluesky: @CCEN1.bsky.social
www.ccen.ie
| | |
Eco Film Series
Feb 19th, 7pm
Carlow
Our 5th and final film of this environmental film series is taking place on Thursday 19th of February in the Visual Carlow at 7pm. We will be showing a number of short films on the topic of wetlands and wetland restoration, and this is being done in collaboration with the Drummin Bog Project.
Short films include
- Saving the Turf: Ireland’s bogs date back to the last ice age and have long provided livelihoods and fuel for local communities.
- The Wetlands: This film explores the vital role wetlands play in our ecosystems. It highlights the importance of wetland restoration and the value of Indigenous knowledge and skills in protecting these landscapes.
- The Bog Song: This film follows the Drummin Bog Project, a voluntary community-led initiative working to restore County Carlow’s only remaining raised bog and other short films.
Thanks to funding from Creative Ireland and the Community Foundation Ireland, tickets are free but please book online, in person or over the phone at Box Office.
https://visualcarlow.ie/whats-on/ccen-energy
Please share with your family, friends and community!
For more information:https://ccen.ie/wetlands-environmental-film-series/
www.drumminbog.com
| | |
Potato Day
March 1st, 12 - 4pm
Leitrim
Potato Day a celebration of the humble spud, is on Sunday March 1st from 12-4pm at the Organic Centre, Rossinver, Leitrim.
There will a focus on all things potato, with seed potatoes for sale, a demonstration of boxty making, exhibitions from the Loy association, and talks on potatoes by the experts. With an onsite craft and food market, all things potato on the menu of our grass roof cafe, craft making and entertainment. Free entry.
More info
| | LATER EVENTS - Dates for the diary | | |
National Biodiversity Week 2026
Save The Date
May 15th - 24th
Nationwide
Explore the rich variety of life in Ireland this May with a host of wonderful events and activities for the whole family.
2026 brings the 14th annual Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition, Scavenger Hunts for school and at home, and free events every day on all things wildlife in Ireland! Events will be both in person and virtual, so everyone can take part.
Keep an eye out for our new website launching soon!
| | |
World Ocean Week Conference - 3rd June 2026 - Cork City Hall
June 3rd, 9:30am
Cork
Join us in Cork for the second Fair Seas Conference in 2026. We will be kicking off World Ocean Week 2026 with a splash in Cork Harbour. We will again bring ocean advocates, the fishing community, government, industry and key stakeholders together to map out Ireland’s next steps for designating and managing a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Learn from best practices from across the world, be part of the conversation and develop an understanding of how Ireland can become a world leader in ocean conservation.
Join us in Cork City Hall on Wednesday, 3rd of June, from 9. 30 am to 4.30 pm.
Book your ticket today
| | |
⭐The Farming for Nature Festival
Save The Date
June 23rd 2026
Laois
We’re delighted to share an early save-the-date with our network.
On Tuesday 23 June 2026, we will gather at Ballykilcavan Brewery, Stradbally, Co. Laois for The Farming for Nature Festival — a full day of farmer-led, practical learning and meaningful exchange.
🌱The festival will focus on nature-based farming, with:
- Technical training sessions
- In-field demonstrations
- Evidence-based, farmer-to-farmer discussions
The event will be preceded by a solstice-inspired dinner, on Tuesday 22nd June 2026 celebrating farmers and farming, setting the tone for a day of learning, reflection, and connection.
We would be delighted if you could be part of the learning, the networking, and the conversations exploring the systems shaping the future of farming and nature in Ireland. For now, please Save the Date.
🎟️ Tickets will go on sale in February 2026, with further details to follow in due course.
We look forward to sharing more soon and hope you and your teams can join us.
Kind regards,
The Farming for Nature Team
| | |
Report: Identifying knowledge gaps on the impacts of offshore renewable energy on biodiversity at sea.
Maréire announces the publication of their first report “Identifying Knowledge Gaps on the Impacts of Offshore Renewable Energy on Biodiversity at Sea”, written by Howell Marine Consultants with contributions from the MAREIRE team and some of our members.
The report was followed and accompanied by a workshop bringing together academics and eNGO members to work together on a prioritisation exercise of the identified knowledge gaps. The workshop was very well received with great feedback, networking and resulting collaborations among attendees. The report from the workshop is also available to read on their website.
|
New: Identification Guide to Ireland's Regulated Invasive Alien Plant Species
A new identification guide has been published by the National Biodiversity Data Centre: Identification Guide to Ireland's Regulated Invasive Alien Plant Species
It is available to view for free here.
Or purchased from their shop here.
| |
QQI Level 5 course in Organic Horticulture 2026/7 at the Organic Centre
The QQI level 5 course in Organic Horticulture will now be delivered on a part time basis, two days weekly, over two years.
The course is in partnership with the Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board.(MSLETB). The course is a fully funded and accredited further education course and is taught on-site. The course starts in early Spring and we would encourage you to apply as early as you can. Applications open now. Deadline to express your interest Monday 9th February. Course starts on March 3rd, 2026.
The course has been a huge success and we are usually over-subscribed, students have come from all over the world to learn about Organic Horticulture and the course gives you everything you need if you are thinking about a future as an organic grower/farmer. Check out the course modules and how to apply in the link. https://www.theorganiccentre.ie/Learn/now part time horticultural-course
This course is open to anyone and you can find out more by talking to the team here at the centre or by contacting Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB).
For more info email lti@theorganiccentre.ie or ring and chat to Steve, Phil on 071 9854338
| Public Consultations and Surveys |
Hop To It National Frog Survey
Every year IPCC needs the help of people all over Ireland to take part in the National Frog Survey Ireland. Please record where frogs, spawn and tadpoles occur in the Hop to It Irish Frog Survey.
Take part here
|
The Big Beach Biodiversity Survey
Winter is a great time to get involved in Explore Your Shore! as seasonal storms and high tides often cast up a rich variety of plants, shells, seaweeds, and sometimes even unexpected drifters from warmer waters. These strandings can reveal what lives beneath the waves offering valuable evidence of local marine biodiversity that might otherwise remain invisible.
Take part here
|
Public Consultation on Updating Clean Air Strategy 2025
Submissions closed: 20 February 2026
Following the completion of our two progress reports the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment is now seeking feedback on the strategy in order to assess the potential for new actions to be included. This public consultation will collect views and recommendations from the public on how the Strategy could potentially be updated so that it remains fit for purpose and to ensure that we can deliver continuous improvements in air quality.
More info here
|
Muir launches draft Strategy to protect nature for future generations
Submissions closed: 18 March 2026
Members of the public are to be consulted on a draft Nature Recovery Strategy to restore, manage and protect Northern Ireland’s habitats for future generations.
More info here
| | | |
Find out more about the work of IEN members
The Irish Environmental Network has 34 nationally active members, who work on a wide variety of environmental, biodiversity and sustainability issues.
You can read more about their work, get involved, or sign up to their newsletters to hear directly from them on their websites.
See all members here
| | | | | |
