Hi IEN,

This month we bring you news from Wexford, with a round up of Summer's projects and events from Wexford Environmental Network.

From County Carlow Environmental Network, find their upcoming events starting this month with an opportunity to meet and chat at their Climate Cafe. Roscommon group, the Uí Máine Kingdom Group, launches part 2 of their Biodiversity Survey and Report on the unique karst landscape of South Roscommon.

Plenty more events below, with the Hedgerow Conference beginning today in Kildare, and continuing tomorrow with the All Ireland Hedge Laying Championships.

Online, I'd like to invite you to join me as we explore how to get involved in the policy making process. Join me on October 14th for this introductory webinar. Find out how to drive local policy creation for the benefit of your community!

All this and more below!

Beir bua,

Catherine.

Wexford Environmental Network

Summer Projects and Events from WEN

Wexford Environmental Network is a network of volunteers across county Wexford who care about climate change, biodiversity and building resilient communities. Get involved in Wexford by contacting Wexford Environmental Network at wexforden@gmail.com

We have been quite busy during the summer with the WEN talks in The Gorey Library every second Tuesday of the month, from April to August. Natasha Ariff started with a talk on "Nature -based solutions in an urban Context", then was Ann Walsh with "Embracing Ecological Identity", then Susanna D'Ascenzi with "The Edible Towns Project", Karin Dubsky was next with "Citizen Science, Nitrates and You" and finally Claire McCreesh talked about "Reimagining our Streets - The benefits of Active Travel". We had nice turnout and lovely discussions with the audience afterwards.

We also were quite busy with the website - still working on some parts of it (including our blog and events page!!) You can see the website at www.wexforden.com.

The Edible Project, now renamed ETN (Edible Towns Network), is still going strong. We held our 3rd Harvest Day in the pilot school at Gorey Educate Together NS, on Sunday 1st of September, and it was a very fun and interesting morning. Parents in school contributed with their produce to our school market stall, and we got some generous fresh produce donations from local organic producers like Gorse Farm and Brooklyn farm. We organised edible tours of the school for families old and new, and held a strawberry planting workshop for the youngest children on the day. All this along with games such as "guess the herb" and our signature game "guess how many blackberries are in the jar". 

The school cafe' was the best we ever had, loaded with handmade buns and treats, mostly made with garden produce like carrot cakes, beetroot buns, marrow cakes and tasty bruschetta on sourdough!

We take great pride of promoting local, seasonal, organic produce and products through this event and we are delighted to see it literally growing year after year. The edible school programme will start back for all the children in GETNS in October and we are all looking forward to it.

We also helped out at the Kilanerin Food and Heritage Festival, organised by Kilanerin Tidytowns and Community Centre. We were at the poly tunnel greeting children and adults and engaging them in fun activities like decorating pots and sowing seeds, making paper pots, and we shared some stories and experiences about growing our own food and the environmental aspect of it.

OCTOBER EVENTS

Hedgerow Conference & All-Ireland Hedge Laying Championships

Oct 4th & 5th

Kildare

We're celebrating our 20 Year Anniversary in Co. Kildare on 4th & 5th October. Join us on Friday 4th Oct for our Hedgerow Conference which will focus on their biodiversity and climate benefits, or on Saturday 5th Oct for the All-Ireland Hedge Laying Championships. It will be a great chance to meet like-minded people and ask questions from hedgerow specialists.

More info

Start your own tree nursery and save and collect seeds

Oct 5th - 10am

Galway

Join us for a fun, one-day outdoor workshop with Saul Mosbacher, former CELT Tree Nursery Manager, renowned for his wealth of knowledge about native trees and the wide variety of local seeds available for collecting at this time of year. 

We all know Trees are essential to life and with increasing awareness of their vital role in tackling the crisis of global warming and biodiversity loss, we wish to support and empower people and communities to take action, engaging in NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS and playing a part in restoring trees to our Irish landscape..

More info

Beginner's Bike Maintenance Class

Oct 5th - 2pm

Dublin

Last spot left! Join Mark from Rediscover Cycling for a beginner's bike maintenance class and learn essential skills to keep your bike in top shape.

Get your tickets here

Repair Skills Demonstration: How to Patch a Hole in Trousers & Jumpers

Oct 12th - 10am

Dublin

Join us this October for a repair demo with Arran Murphy. Learn to patch trousers and jumpers, giving your clothes a new lease on life!

Get your tickets here

Repair Skills Demonstration: How to Take Up a Hem & Adjust a Waistband

Oct 12th - 2pm

Dublin

Join us this October for a repair demo with Arran Murphy. Learn hemming and waistband adjustments to perfectly fit your clothes!

Get your tickets here

Time to Hibernate!

Oct 12th at 12:00 pm

Cork

Cork Nature Network is delighted to offer a creative workshop about hibernation on Saturday 12 October at 12:00-2:00 pm in Beaumont Quarry. Come learn about which of our native Irish animals hibernate over the winter months and what they need to shelter for the season. We will then make little dens of our own out of willow and other materials that participants can take home as indoor art objects or outdoor invitations to potential hibernators. This event is suitable for all ages.

Prebooking is essential as places are limited. Full details and prebooking can be found here.

Making an impact in local policy creation: Introduction to Strategic Policy Committees

Oct 14th, 7pm

Online

Each County Council uses Strategic Policy Committees to review, create and inform policy decisions in their County. You can get involved and take part directly to make an impact for your community!

Learn more about the potential of the Strategic Policy Committees and how they work, hear examples of community driven policy from across Ireland, find out how you can get involved and what supports exist to help you in this role. Join us for this introductory webinar!

Register here

Climate Café at Lambert’s Coffee House

Oct 16th, 7pm

Carlow

County Carlow Environmental Network are inviting you to a local/global chat at this pop-up café on Wed 16th October at 7pm. Do you have climate questions? Get informed and inspired about what you can do.

Wildlife Crime Conference 2024

Oct 17th - 8.30am to 5.30pm

Meath

This Conference aims to enhance cross-sectoral collaboration for wildlife and environmental protection. It hopes to bridge the gaps between government bodies, conservation groups, legal experts, and community stakeholders. It focuses on unravelling the complexities of existing legislation protecting wildlife and the environment, and highlighting the necessity of cohesive efforts to tackle wildlife crimes and conserve biodiversity.

Through a series of engaging talks, interactive workshops; mock crime scenes and court cases, and networking sessions, participants will explore innovative strategies for policy integration, share best practices for enforcement and compliance, and foster partnerships that leverage the strengths of diverse sectors. This conference represents a unique opportunity to catalyse action, inspire change, and advance collective efforts towards sustainable environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation.

Get tickets here

Hidden Shades of the Rocks

Discover the Unique Karst Landscape of South Roscommon!

October 18th, 8pm

Roscommon

The Uí Máine Kingdom Group work in South Roscommon and surrounds to highlight the unique karst landscape that exists here, as well the Biodiversity, Heritage, Folklore, Myths & Legends of the Land. This extensive limestone landscape is known locally as ‘the rocks’, and is home to cave systems, boulders, hazel woodlands, native grasslands and more.

"The Burren in County Clare is a classic karst landscape, but Roscommon has an important karst landscape that has really only been fully recognised as such in recent years"

The Uí Máine Kingdom Group are launching part 2 of their Biodiversity Survey and Report, written by ecologist Linda Gilsenan. You are invited to join them for a presentation on the local biodiversity and report launch.

Guests, surprise reveal and refreshments await at Taughmaconnell Hall. Join Linda and the Uí Máine Kingdom Group at this free event!

Beaumont Quarry Clean-Up

Oct 19th at 11:00 am

Cork

Cork Nature Network is running a clean-up in Beaumont Quarry on Saturday 19th October at 11:00 am. We need some enthusiastic volunteers to help collect litter. If you have an hour or two to spare, please book your place and meet at the top of the path going into the quarry. You’ll see our Cork Nature Network sign there. Gloves, bin bags and litter pickers are provided.

Caring for Beaumont Quarry is one of our ongoing projects. Our efforts help the unique native flora of this site to thrive and provide valuable habitat to a range of animals and insects.

All equipment provided. Full details and prebooking can be found here.

CELT Open Day

Oct 20th, 10am - 5.00pm

Galway

“Ponds, Hedgerows, Agroforestry & Woodlands - Improving Biodiversity on Your Land”

Showcasing Traditional Crafts & Walks and Talks

Put the date in your autumn diary and join us on 20th October for a day long series of walks and talks with a focus on improving biodiversity on your land, by increasing Trees & Hedgerows, and developing Ponds and Wetlands; with a hands on practical learning opportunity, exploring the current afforestation and nature restoration project for the Slieve Aughty Center, Kylebrack, led by Forester, Julius Silvan.

Over the day we will be joined by experts in the field sharing a vision for both the potential of different areas of land and potential site enhancements: including Julius Silvan - Slieve Aughty Center Site Afforestation Manager, Site Ecology Surveying, Feidhlim Harty - Ponds & Wetlands Expert, and Hedgerow Ireland.

Throughout the day we will also showcase the work of our amazing Tutors and skilled crafts people from our Weekend in the Hills Festival of Traditional Crafts programme, where you can gain insight into the delights of some of our Traditional Crafts Workshops with demonstrations from our tutors and select a craft course for either yourself or your loved ones with over 15 courses to choose from.

For more information, full schedule for the day, and to book your place please visit celtnet.org.

Peatlands: Powerhouses of the Planet!

Oct 26th at 1:30 pm

Kerry

Join ecologist Albert Nolan for an insightful workshop on "Peatlands and Climate Change." Held in the heart of a peatland, this Cork Nature Network event will explore the critical role peatlands play in carbon storage, biodiversity and climate regulation. With his expertise in local ecosystems, Albert will shed light on the importance of protecting these unique habitats in the fight against climate change. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and environmental advocates, this talk offers a hands-on experience in one of our most vital ecosystems. 

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and learn how peatlands impact our planet's future!

Full details and prebooking can be found here.

No Dig Gardening

with Charles Dowding

Oct 26th and 27th

10am-4pm

Leitrim

Join pioneer Charles Dowding for his Irish visit in a truly memorable course. He will join the Organic Centre for two, one day events, Sat Oct 26th and Sunday Oct 27th, 2024. Learn about the No Dig gardening method with this international acclaimed instructor, in the backdrop of the grounds of the Organic Centre.

More info and book here

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER EVENTS

Free Repair Café

Nov 2nd - 10am

Dublin

Do you have something at home that you have been meaning to fix? Bring your broken bikes, furniture and textiles on the 2nd November 2024.

Book your place

Eco Movie Night

Nov 6th, 7pm

Carlow

County Carlow Environmental Network are at Visual Carlow.

The second film in the Eco Movie Night series is Once Upon a Forest.  



For more information and booking: visualcarlow.ie/whats-on/film

Advanced Wildlife Veterinary Treatment Course

Nov 16th and 17th

Full Day

Meath

For veterinary professionals, further your knowledge the in treatment of our native wildlife with this fantastic course coming this autumn from Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland.

Book your tickets here

Eco Movie Night

Dec 3rd, 7pm

Carlow

County Carlow Environmental Network are at Visual Carlow.

The third film in the Eco Movie Night series is Planet Soil. 

For more information and booking: visualcarlow.ie/whats-on/film

Rally For Ireland’s Seas

Update from Jack O'Donovan Trá, Fair Seas

On September 25, 2024, we gathered outside Dáil Éireann for the Rally 4 Ireland’s Seas, and what an unforgettable day it was! We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the over 150 passionate individuals who joined us to advocate for the protection of our precious marine environment. Minister Malcolm Noonan came to greet the crowd and letters written by national school children addressed to government were delivered to him.

Your commitment and enthusiasm on the day was palpable, and it was inspiring to see so many people united for this vital cause. A special shout-out goes to those who traveled great distances to be with us from as far as West Cork, Kerry, Galway and Mayo. Your dedication truly exemplifies the spirit of community and advocacy that we strive to foster.

We’d also like to extend our gratitude to the first-year class of the National College of Art & Design for their incredible costumes. Your creativity and effort added a vibrant energy to the event, making it a visually stunning demonstration of support for our seas. Also a special thank you must go out to our colleagues at Ulster Wildlife for loaning us their incredible inflatable marine animals.

Finally, a huge thank you to our friends at Patagonia Dublin for hosting a fantastic afterparty! Your support and hospitality provided a perfect way to unwind and celebrate the day’s accomplishments together.

Together, we are making waves for a healthier ocean. Thank you once again for your participation, passion, and unwavering support. Let’s continue our important work together for the future of Ireland’s seas!

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Public Consultation

Strategic Policy Committee Draft Schemes

All County Councils are now looking for input into their draft Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) Schemes. Some public consultations are still open for submissions, or still to be opened.

The Environmental Pillar has put together their own submissions to support the inclusion of seats for Environmental Representatives and highlighting the need for meaningful participation through the Public Participation Networks.

You can view the Environmental Pillars submissions here, and are welcome to use them to inform your own submissions. You can also find a spreadsheet of the deadlines and links to each county's consultation here.