Biodiversity Week in Cloughjordan

Meet the minds behind the presentations

Following the exciting announcement of Cloughjordan Ecovillage's Biodiversity Week - May 18 to 25 - let's shine a spotlight on the knowledgeable and passionate individuals who will be leading these free and insightful events. Their expertise and enthusiasm promise a truly enriching experience for all nature enthusiasts.

Colin Stafford-Johnson: A Wild Visionary on Screen: The week commences with a cinematic treat guided by the keen eye of Colin Stafford-Johnson. On Sunday, May 18, at 7.30pm at the Thomas MacDonagh Museum, audiences will be captivated by his documentary 'My Wild Garden.'

Renowned for his stunning wildlife cinematography and engaging presenting style, Colin will share his personal journey of transforming his own Irish garden into a wildlife haven. Prepare for breathtaking visuals and intimate storytelling from a seasoned observer of the natural world.

Mike Holden: Unlocking the Secrets of Soil: On Tuesday, May 20, at 6:45pm, delve into the essential world of composting with master composter Mike Holden at Nenagh Library. Mike's passion for sustainable practices and deep understanding of soil health will make The Theory and Practice of Home Composting an informative and practical session. He will illustrate various composting methods, address common challenges, and provide tangible solutions, drawing upon his extensive knowledge in the field. Be ready for live demonstrations featuring essential tools and even a glimpse into the fascinating world of wormeries, all guided by Mike's expertise.

Jemima Turner: Listening to the Evening Chorus: Later on Tuesday, May 20, at 8.00pm, prepare for an auditory adventure led by the keen ears of Jemima Turner. Join her for Birdwatching on a Dusk Chorus Walk at Cuan Beo. Jemima, an enthusiastic ornithologist, will begin by sharing her knowledge on identifying birds by their unique songs and calls. As dusk descends over the Ecovillage, her guidance will transform a simple walk into an enchanting experience of the evening bird chorus. Her passion for avian life is sure to inspire a deeper appreciation for our feathered neighbours.

Rachel Vaughan and Brendan Sheehan: Introducing Our Fluttering Friends: On Thursday, May 22, at 2.30pm at Cuan Beo, get ready to meet the delicate world of butterflies with Rachel Vaughan and Brendan Sheehan. Both are actively involved in Ireland's vital Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, bringing firsthand experience and knowledge to the session. They will share insights into the importance of butterfly conservation and introduce the fascinating species you might encounter in the Cloughjordan area. Their combined passion for these vital pollinators will undoubtedly make the subsequent walk through the Ecovillage (weather permitting) a captivating experience.

John Flannery: Illuminating the Importance of Dark Skies: On Saturday, May 24, at 8pm at the Thomas MacDonagh Museum, prepare for an eye-opening exploration of light pollution with astronomer John Flannery. His presentation, Preserving Dark Skies to Safeguard Biodiversity, will shed light on the often-overlooked consequences of artificial light at night on our natural world. John's expertise in astronomy will provide a unique perspective on this critical environmental issue. Weather permitting, he will also guide attendees through a stargazing experience, offering a chance to connect with the cosmos under a hopefully dark Cloughjordan sky.

Finally, on Sunday, May 25, at 2pm at Cuan Beo, the focus turns to family fun with Exploring Biodiversity Through Nature Crafting.

Our enthusiastic facilitators are passionate about engaging children with the natural world through creative activities.

Their guidance will surely inspire a love for biodiversity in the younger generation.This impressive lineup of speakers, each bringing their unique expertise and passion, promises a truly enriching and memorable Biodiversity Week in Cloughjordan. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from these dedicated individuals and deepen your connection with the natural world.