The theme of this year’s World Wetlands Day is “Protecting wetlands for our common future”. The Kill-O-The-Grange stream and the Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) at Kilbogget Park , nestled within the urban setting of Cabinteely/Loughlinstown is a wonderful example of how important our wetlands are, for our wellbeing, nature’s wellbeing and our journey towards resilience in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change. It is vital that we learn to protect the diverse array of wetland ecosystems that Ireland supports, for not only nature’s benefit, but for our common future.

Join Justin Ivory Community Water Officer with LAWPRO (Local Authority Waters Programme) and conservation ecologist Aoife O’Rourke for a 1.5-2 hour walk & talk around the Kilbogget ICW, sharing our knowledge and passion for wetlands and why they are so important.

Note: As we will be outdoors and walking off path at times please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

FREE EVENT BUT BOOKING THROUGH EVENTBRITE IS ESSENTIAL

World Wetlands Day (WWD) 2025 Event - Walk & Talk at Kilbogget Park Tickets, Fri, Jan 31, 2025 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite

By Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO)

Lough Ennell is an important site for nature conservation in Westmeath and is designated a Special Area of Conservation, a Special Protection Area and a Ramsar Site. Lough Ennell is a haven for wildlife and the lake and fringing wetland habitats support a great biodiversity.

We would love to see you visit Lilliput, Lough Ennell on Saturday 1^st February to celebrate World Wetlands Day with us, to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet.

The walk and talk will be led by two local experts – George Smith (Botanist) and Gordon Wycherley (Birdwatch Westmeath).

Meeting point: Lilliput Car Park N91 W97W

Date: 1^st February Saturday

Time: 11am -1pm approx.

The walk will take 2 hours depending on the weather and you should dress appropriately for conditions! Walk distances will be short and the walking will not be strenuous, but if feasible, we may venture off it and you should wear suitable waterproofs and footwear!

Outing to Westfields to celebrate World Wetlands Day  Sunday 2nd February 10am-11.30am   Register  for this free event here https://tinyurl.com/mrvnt5ra

Westfields gives an excellent opportunity to view wintering wildfowl and to learn about the importance of wetlands. Although we can never guarantee what birds will be there on the day we hope to see Coot and Moorhen and Tufted Duck, the resident mute swans, heron and blackhead gulls along with a possibility of Pochard, Gadwall, little Grebes and others. Westfields is a central location to view wintering wildfowl.

Tom Tarpey from the Limerick Branch of BirdWatch Ireland will lead the outing. Please dress appropriately for the weather, waterproofs, hats, sensible footwear etc.

George’s Quay, Dundalk Port at 1.30pm on Sunday 2^nd February 2025.

Waterbirds are an important indicator of the health of our wetlands. Join Derek Watters from the BirdWatch Louth Branch this World Wetlands Day for a guided birdwatching walk along the banks of the lower reaches of the Castletown Estuary, Dundalk Bay. Attendees should meet at the at the carpark at George's Quay.  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bz47W748cngbTLXo6

The loop walk along the lower reaches of the Castletown Estuary is approximately 2.5km long. Please dress appropriately for the winter weather conditions, with suitable footwear and warm protective clothing. There will be a small number of binoculars available on the day but please bring your own binoculars or telescopes if you have your own. This is a family event suitable for adults and children aged 7+. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Please note: This event is weather dependent and may have to be rescheduled if it is very cold, wet or windy.

Organised by the Biodiversity office at Louth County Council

Déan ceiliúradh ar Lá Domhanda na mBogach le hócáid speisialta scannáin agus ceoil! Bígí linn Dé Sathairn, 1 Feabhra ag 5:30pm sa Seomra AV ag Páirc Náisiúnta Chonamara. Bain sult as cur i láthair a bheidh  ag ConTempo Quartet chomh maith le cur i láthair don chead uair de ghearrscannán nua le BirdWatch Ireland.

Beidh saorchead isteach!

Is comhoibriú é an ócáid seo idir NPWS, BirdWatch Ireland, an Chomhairle Oidhreachta, Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe agus Galway Music Residency.

Tuesday February 4^th 7pm

Naas Library and Cultural Centre

Talk by John Kennedy

John is a GIS professional and data analyst, specialising in ecological data and also works as a BirdWatch Ireland Scientific officer on the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (IWEBS). He conducts voluntary surveys at key wetland sites in Co. Kildare.

This talk will cover recording and analysis, bird population trends, and how we may be able to play a part in saving species  on the brink.

Tea/coffee on arrival from 6.30pm, queries to biodiversity@kildarecoco.ie

Join us to celebrate World Wetlands Day at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve on Sunday 2^nd February from 11am.

We will be celebrating World Wetlands Day down at the Reserve with local wildlife artist Dave Daly.

Dave will be leading an informal chat and birdwatch at 11am and then again at 2pm. As spaces in the observation tower are limited, if you wish to join one of the groups we would ask that you phone the Centre on 01 5393460, email wwreducation@npws.gov.ie or DM us.

There's no charge and it will be first come, first served

Also in the Visitor Centre we will have information on World Wetlands Day and the animals that live in the wetlands, as well as a sample of some of the creatures to be found in the water around the Reserve.

Organised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and by Wexford County Council Biodiversity Office.

Celebrate World Wetlands Day with Clara Bog Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre. Join us on Sunday 2^nd February to take part in wetlands-themed arts & crafts, and to learn more about wetlands and their importance. Suitable for all ages.

Contact details claraguides@npws.gov.ie

The boardwalk at Clara Bog Nature Reserve is open and accessible all day all year round and is 1.5 km from the visitor centre.

Location: Buttermarket Building, Drumbiggle Road, Ennis, Clare  Eircode: V95RR72

Date and Time: 7pm−8:30pm; Tuesday, 4th of February 2025.

Event Description:

This event is organised by Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Office to celebrate World Wetlands Day. The event will see the launch of both the Clare Wetland Story Map  and  new wetland guidelines aimed at community groups and landowners called ‘Community Action: A Beginner’s Guide to Wetlands’ .

The Clare Wetland Story Map is a new online digital interactive map that profiles ten wetland sites the public can visit and value in County Clare. It also includes a description of wetland habitats found in County Clare and a list of resources for communities, schools and landowners.

The new wetland guidance ‘Community Action: A Beginner’s Guide to Wetlands’ was developed  in conjunction with the Community Wetlands Forum, Clare County Council and Monaghan County Council.  is aimed at community groups and landowners to encourage the promotion of wetlands in their local area, or to help those who wish to embark on a wetland conservation project. This could range from including wetlands in Community Biodiversity Action Plans, undertaking a conservation project to hosting walks and talks.

The event will also provide an update on the  2024 Clare Wetland Field Surveys. Speakers will include Laurence Fullam of the Community Wetlands Forum, Patrick Crushell and Poppy Overy of Wetland Surveys Ireland and Barry O’Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer with Clare County Council. This event is aimed at communities and landowners undertaking biodiversity actions in their locality and as an educational resource.