Biodiversity Week takes place from May 22 to 29, and many Galway events will take place online during this year’s celebration of nature.
The week-long series of events begins on International Biodiversity Day tomorrow (Friday ), and Galway County Council is encouraging people to explore their natural environment through The Galway Buzz, a collection of biodiversity resources which will be available online at biodiversity.galwaycommunityheritage.org.
This year’s theme is ‘our solutions are in nature’, reflecting the potential to use nature-based solutions to improve our quality of life and the natural world we depend on.
There will be a different biodiversity-related theme every day of The Galway Buzz including a focus on birds, hedgerows and trees, the work of Tidy Towns groups, water and wildlife, pollinators, community-based biodiversity projects, resources for schools and children, and how to become a biodiversity champion.
“Many people have found great comfort in nature and wildlife while on their 2km or 5km walks, or in their gardens during the current Covid crisis,” said Cllr Jimmy McClearn, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council. “National Biodiversity Week and The Galway Buzz are all about connecting people with nature and inspiring them to protect the natural world on which we all depend.
“Many community groups, Tidy Towns groups and schools in Galway work tirelessly to protect and enhance our natural heritage. The Galway Buzz will showcase some of their work and provide resources for future projects and activities.”
In the city, Friends of Merlin Woods is marking the week with an online competition and a number of virtual events.
The group is inviting people to create and share a story about the tiny creatures we share our homes, gardens, and wild areas with for an art competition, Bug Life. The competition is open to all ages and artworks can be in any medium including drawing, photography, dance, sculpture, music, and drama. Entries can be submitted in photo or video to [email protected] or uploaded to the group page Friends of Merlin Woods group page on Facebook. The deadline for entries is 9pm on May 24.
The group is hosting a series of online events this week on Facebook Live. These will include a conversation on biodiversity in Merlin Woods with Claire Hillery at 7pm this evening (Thursday ). She will also discuss how people can protect and preserve wildlife areas and help to create wildlife corridors.
Colin Stanley of Galway Butterfly Project will host a virtual butterfly walk in Merlin Woods on Saturday, exploring the butterfly species which have made the woods their home.
For more information on events in your area during National Biodiversity Week see biodiversity.galwaycommunityheritage.org, www.facebook.com/peopleandnature, heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org, www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsofMerlinWoods, or find Galway Beo on YouTube.
