Bat Conservation Ireland brings evening workshop to Leitrim this Saturday
The Gardening for Bats workshop will cover a range of topics, including information on Irish bats and their habitat needs and a hands-on session at the Organic Centre, Rossinver from 7:30pm to 10:30pm.
Bat Conservation Ireland is bringing a special Gardening for Bats workshop to Leitrim to help people conserve bats in their own backyards.
The event will take place at the Organic Centre in Rossinver this Saturday, July 26.
Supported and funded by The Heritage Council, the project offers practical tips and guidance for gardeners, community gardening groups, and Tidy Towns participants on how to enhance habitats for bats.
Running from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, the workshop will cover a range of topics, including information on Irish bats and their habitat needs, discussions on improving green spaces for bats, bat-friendly planting, and a hands-on session where participants will pot up locally sourced cuttings and seeds to take home.
The evening will conclude with a short bat walk using special bat-detecting equipment in the beautiful surroundings of the Organic Centre.
Helping bats is easier than many people think. Simple actions like switching off outdoor lights when not needed, composting garden waste, avoiding pesticides, planting native species, and choosing garden varieties that attract nocturnal pollinators can all make a big difference.
Not only do these steps support bats, they also benefit gardeners, since bats are among nature’s best insect pest controllers.
Last year, a series of informative videos was launched on GardeningForBats.com, showcasing garden features and techniques that can support bats.
“While people can often feel paralysed in the face of biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, we are saying that if you are involved in the management of any outdoor space, then there are measures you can implement that will be of benefit,” said Niamh Roche of Bat Conservation Ireland, an expert on Irish bats and a keen gardener who will lead the workshop.
“During these workshops, we will provide you with information you need to take up the baton, get your hands dirty, and play an active role in bat and biodiversity conservation!”
Prior booking is essential. Tickets for the Leitrim workshop are available here.