Biodiversity Week at the Organic Centre
National Biodiversity Week is all about connecting people with nature. It’s about communicating the importance of biodiversity and motivating people to play their part in protecting it. It’s also about celebrating the fun and wonder that can be found in nature – and inspiring people to learn & do more. There are events covering all interests, from the ocean to the mountain tops. Join in to celebrate Ireland’s biodiversity with a range of family-friendly activities. Check out our array of events below. Theres something for everyone. There more events throughout Leitrim and the country. biodiversityweek.ie
“Rewilding’ with Padraic Fogarty, Friday May 16th 7pm-8.30 'Rewilding’: Wildlife expert, ecologist and author Padraic Fogarty talks about the concept of rewilding and how it could be adapted to an irish context to help tackle Irelands biodiversity crisis. Pádraic Fogarty is author of ‘Whittled Away – Ireland’s Vanishing Nature’, is former Campaign Officer for the Irish Wildlife Trust. He has also an extensive number of opinion pieces published in national media. Suitable for landowners, tourism providers, politicians and all advocates for nature. Book on eventbrite with more information on this link here
Bug hunt with Fiona Wheeldon Saturday May 17th 2pm.
Family ‘Land Invertebrates’ (‘Bugs’) Discovery Walk 17th May 2pm at The Organic Centre with Greenshoots , Fiona Wheeldon
What we often refer to as ‘Bugs’ or ‘Creepy Crawlies’ is in fact a wide variety of different groups of invertebrates (animals without a backbone). They include Platyhelminthes (Flatworms), Annelids (Earthworms), Mollusks (Slugs & Snails) and more
Fiona will check some pitfall traps that will have been set up the day before to find different species of beetles. Pooters will be used to carefully suck up some of our smaller insects for observing under a magnifying glass/pot. Grass sweeping with nets and some gentle ‘shaking’ of bushes or trees should help us reveal some other hidden insects. Finally, checking under stones and logs, we might find some of our crustaceans, mollusks, annelids and platyhelminthes!
More info and to book here
Introduction to Bee Keeping 18th May 11am
Bee keeping For Beginners: With Bee Keeper and Lecturer Jackie Berry
Get a chance to observe the Queen and observe the hive. Learn about the threats due to biodoversity emergency and what you can do to protect.
Book here
Fowleys Falls Walk and Talk with Ingrid Foley 2-4pm Sunday 18th May Come and join biodiversity tutor, Ingrid for a walk and talk along the beautiful Fowleys Falls trail and discover the bounty of biodiversity to be found in the woodland river habitats. For more info and to book here
Agrosocial at the Organic Centre: Tuesday 20th May from 10.00 to 1.pm Leitrim Development Company (LDCO) through their Social Farming projects has been collaborating with two groups in Valencia in Spain, in an Erasmus+ funded project called 'Agrosocial' concluding in September 2025. LDCO are inviting people interested in farming, horticulture, community gardens and those who like to participate and hear about the project and also about how gardening / farming can be beneficial in engaging and supporting people in the community who may be at risk of exclusion such as people with disabilities, those recovering from mental ill health, long term unemployed, older people, children, new communities etc If you or others are interested in attending please register by contacting Mary Brennan mbrennan@ldco.ie P
Celebrating Biodiversity Week with Dark Sky Ireland May 20th May 8pm-10pm.
As part of Biodiversity Week, we invite you to join Dark Skies Ireland for a special event at The Organic Centre, where they will delve into the fascinating world of our night skies and explore why it’s so important to protect these invaluable natural resources.
Event Highlights:
A Presentation by Georgia MacMillan, Director of Dark Sky Ireland
Georgia MacMillan, the Director of Dark Sky Ireland, will guide us through a captivating presentation on our Dark Sky Heritage in Ireland. She will explain the significance of preserving these precious skies and the detrimental impact that light pollution is having on our biodiversity, nocturnal wildlife, and our health and well-being.
Understanding Light Pollution
Light pollution is the only form of pollution not legislated in Ireland, and Georgia will discuss how it affects not just our skies, but also the natural world around us. From disrupted animal behaviours to impacts on our sleep cycles, light pollution has a profound effect on all life forms. Georgia will explain the different forms of light pollution and how we can come together as communities to reduce its harmful effects.
A Call for Legislation
Dark Sky Ireland is on a mission to engage policymakers to create meaningful legislation to protect Ireland’s night skies. Georgia will outline how Dark Sky Tourism can play a significant role in fostering economic benefits for communities, particularly during off-peak seasons. By creating and preserving dark sky areas, communities can enjoy a boost to local economies through increased tourism, all while contributing to the protection of our natural environment.
Dark Sky Walk
Weather permitting, we will embark on a Dark Sky Walk through the stunning landscape of The Organic Centre. As night falls, we’ll immerse ourselves in nature and experience the peace and beauty of the night. If the skies are clear, we’ll take time for a little star-gazing and learn about the constellations that light up our skies.
More info and to Book here
Water Bug safari Saturday May 24th 10am-11am, 11am-12pm
Join Rossinver Fishery for a family-friendly, hands-on experience exploring the fascinating world of river bugs! This interactive workshop will demonstrate how to collect and examine river insects to assess water quality and learn about the vital role these creatures play in our ecosystems.
Discover mini-monsters of the river, including mayfly and stonefly nymphs, caddisfly larvae, and other strange and wonderful species.
Learn why high water quality is crucial for the health of our rivers and lakes.
Get up close with river bugs using buckets, trays, and magnifying glasses for identification.
Who Can Attend? Families and nature enthusiasts of all ages!
What to Bring? Dress appropriately for the weather and wear welly boots if you’d like to help collect samples from the river (subject to conditions).
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the hidden world of freshwater life!
Part of Biodiversity Week and the Leitrim Gathering event
Complementary nibbles in green and gold in the cafe afterwards to celebrate the Leitrim gathering!
Please note: Two time slots to book. 10am and 11am More info and to book here
Baskets For Bees. Saturday 24th of May 2pm-3.30pm. Make your own pollinator friendly hanging baskets with head gardener of the Organic Centre Aaron Mc Gowan. You will leave with two of your own personal hanging baskets filled to the brim and the ‘how to’ skills to make your own again. Now Full. Please put your name down to go on a cancellation list through our link on eventbrite. Information here
Nature Sketch Walk with Melissa Culhane; 25th May 2pm-3.30pm. Nature sketch walk around the garden at the Organic Centre with nature artist from Leitrim, Melissa Culhane (Doran). A relaxing workshop focusing on tuning into nature observing the beauty in natural forms. Suitable for all ages and abilities, perfect for families who want to do something together, or you can come alone and draw with a group. We will all make simple drawings from observation, with no pressure. Please note please bring your own sketch pad for the event. Children need to be accompanied by parents for the activity. For more info and to book here
A self guided scavenger hunt will be in operation every day throughout Biodiversity Week: Use the map to spot markers on the trail and biodiversity at the Organic Centre. We are delighted to have new information signage documenting the high value of these natural sites, including the ponds, bug hotels, fruiting hedges and more launched for Biodiversity week.
Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt will be entered into a draw and has a chance to win a starters growing pack at the end of Biodiversity Week.
Please note: Children need to be accompanied by parents at all times.
New ‘Wild life audio visual exhibition’ of the wild life that our cameras are witnessing at the Organic Centre, will be in the cafe at the Organic Centre. Get a chance to see first hand the beautiful creatures that surround the centre protected through the way we produce our food. This will available to view at the Organic Centre and launched for Biodiversity Week on May 16th to the 25th. In the Grass roof cafe, no booking required.
