Midlands Science is supporting National Heritage Week 2023 which this year takes place from August 12 to 20 inclusive.
Hosting a nature walk along the Royal Canal, Midlands Science aims to help people discover their local flora and fauna, connect with biodiversity, learn about citizen science, and engage in science in their community.
Science Outreach Executive, Criodán Ó Murchú, explained the importance of an event such as the biodiversity walk.
“Heritage Week offers us an opportunity to engage with our local environment. Our biodiversity and native species are critical to the health and wellbeing of all of us. Maintaining a connection with a natural heritage is good for our physical and mental health and recent scientific research has evidenced this, it’s also good for connecting with our community, and good for recognising the wonders of the natural world,” Mr Ó Murchú stated.
Over the last year, Midlands Science has grown its capacity and reach in science outreach events linked to biodiversity and ecology.
“We encourage everyone to engage with biodiversity and heritage activities in their region during Heritage Week and to continue that engagement throughout the year, valuing the vital role of biodiversity in our world. The recent Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity evidenced the strong interest people have in understanding and conserving the natural world and science has a vital role to play in this,” Ms Gorman added.
The walk will take place on Thursday, August 17, at 2pm. The meeting point is the Baltrasna Bridge, Mullingar, and participants are encouraged to bring good footwear and suitable clothing for the weather. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The guided walk is free of charge and all participants will receive a free guidebook which they can take away with them after the walk.
To register your interest please email [email protected].
Midlands Science is also running a competition to win a number of Swatches from the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Details on how to win can be found across Midlands Science Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages.
