Biodiversity coasters inspired by Leitrim wildlife to be launched

Biodiversity coasters inspired by the wildlife along the Ballinamore canal are being launched this Friday, October 2.

European Climate Pact ambassador Lydia Cumiskey and The Our Native Glens Environmental Group are hosting the launch of the Biodiversity Canal Coasters at the Ballinamore Island Theatre, taking place from 6:30pm to 9pm.

These coasters were conceived of by Our Native Glens members Lydia Cumiskey and artist Laura McMorrow, inspired by community walks and discussion about the area's rich wildlife along the Ballinamore canal.

Lydia said, "We wanted to create something that would spark conversation about our natural heritage and encourage people to support its protection, especially given the threat it faces from climate change.

“The creative workshop and walks we held reminded us how powerful creativity can be in helping people connect with and care about nature.”

The event will explore the connections between local biodiversity and community climate action, and include a documentary screening of “On a River in Ireland”, followed by networking and community discussion, with light bites available from Edergole Kitchen.

The coasters will be given free to attendees on the night, with local businesses encouraged to collect sets at the launch or receive them by drop-off after.

They will be a useful resource for hospitality venues and for home use, bringing a little of the outdoors inside. The event itself is open to all.

The organisers would like to thank Waterways Ireland for supporting this project through the Community Heritage and Biodiversity Grant Scheme 2026, with additional co-funding from Leitrim County Council/Heritage Council Ceangal programme and The European Climate Pact.