Hear the birds call at Leitrim's Parke's Castle as part of National Biodiversity Week

Parke's Castle staff are excited to welcome the public to join them in the celebration of Ireland’s natural diversity, as they plan a range of events throughout National Biodiversity Week. 

This weekend there are events each day, to mark the beginning of National Biodiversity Week. On Saturday, 20 May at 10am Michael Bell of Nature Learn and Birdwatch Ireland will guide a Bird Song walk in the beautiful Cartron Glen, followed by a discussion at 11.30am on the same theme at the castle. 

On Sunday, 21 May, families are invited to come along from 12 noon to 2pm and learn about biodiversity with botanist and ecologist, Dr Dolores Byrne of ATU.

Speaking ahead of Biodiversity Week, Minister for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan said:  “As an organisation, the OPW is committed to doing more to protect and enhance Ireland’s biodiversity. Whether we are designing or adapting lands, buildings or waterway structures to provide homes for wildlife, we are working to support our native species of wildlife and their habitats wherever possible. We also encourage the public to help us as we work across all OPW sites to secure the future for biodiversity in our country.”

Speaking about the events this weekend, Parke's Castle supervisor guide Emma Timoney said: “We can accommodate 35 people on the walk, so we encourage people who are interested in coming along to sign up at our Eventbrite listings and bear in mind that spaces are limited. We want to ensure the experience has maximum uptake but causes minimum impact on the natural environment of the woods. All life depends upon biodiversity. Every species, including humans, depends upon its connection with other plants, animals and habitats.

“Throughout the week we will be hosting local schools in a joint project with the Heritage Council’s Heritage in Schools programme” said Emma Timoney, Parke's Castle supervisor guide.

“On Tuesday the 23 May, will give a tour of the flora of the castle walls and battlements”, said Emma. "This is our first celebration of Biodiversity week at Parke's Castle. We are delighted to welcome the community to share in the natural beauty and wonder that Parkes Castle has to offer.” she added.

During the second weekend the castle’s own guide, Dara, will hold two days of hands-on, family-friendly lake biodiversity workshops. 

All events are free, but places must be reserved through Eventbrite listings.   For further information, please see www.facebook.com/parkescastleopw   or email parkescastle@opw.ie.