Lunchtime talk: An introduction to the Birds of the Shannon Estuary Story Map

Dooradoyle Library, Friday 30^th January,  12.30 – 13.30 – Free admission

With Sinead Mc Donnell, Biodiversity Officer, Limerick City and County Council

The Birds of the Shannon Estuary is an interactive digital resource that profiles 21 wetland bird species, highlights viewing points, and promotes citizen science initiatives such as BirdWatch Ireland’s Irish Wetland Bird Survey (IWeBS).

It also encourages responsible behaviour to minimise disturbance and prevent invasive species. Protecting estuaries like the Shannon means safeguarding the future of countless bird species and the ecosystems they depend on.

Estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, and the Shannon Estuary is one of Ireland’s most biodiverse landscapes. Stretching from Limerick City to the Atlantic Ocean, this unique environment supports rich communities of plants and animals, making it a site of international ecological importance. For birds, estuaries are lifelines. Each winter, thousands of waterbirds migrate from northern regions such as Greenland and Iceland to feed and rest on the Shannon Estuary’s extensive mudflats and saltmarshes. These wetlands are rich in invertebrates, providing essential food for species like Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Whooper Swan, and Cormorant. Birds are not only beautiful to observe but also act as indicators of the health of these ecosystems.

The Shannon Estuary is designated under European legislation as part of the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA) and Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC). These protections safeguard habitats that provide feeding, roosting, and refuge for birds.   Protecting estuaries like the Shannon means safeguarding the future of countless bird species and the ecosystems they depend on.

Clean Coasts and Breeding Waders EIP host a walk and talk to celebrate World Wetlands Day on Lisfannon Strand

Come along for an educational Walk and Talk in honor of World Wetlands Day at Lisfannon Strand, Fahan Donegal

Saturday, February 15 · 11am – 1pm

Clean Coasts is collaborating with Breeding Waders EIP, featuring Alena Kunkel, Donegal Project Officer. Gain valuable insights into the intriguing links between coastal biodiversity and wetlands from Clean Coasts Biodiversity Officer, Liane Costelloe.
Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be served.

For more details, contact Sinéad at skeogh@eeu.antaisce.

 RESERVE YOUR FREE SPOT HERE: Inishowen Clean Coasts Roadshow for World Wetlands Day Tickets, Sat, Feb 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

Organised by Clean Coasts. The Clean Coasts programme is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce. Clean Coasts works with communities to help protect and care for Ireland’s waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life. The Clean Coasts Programme is funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and Failte Ireland.

For more information visit http://www.cleancoasts.org/

Join Brendan Gormley for a fascinating journey into the world of bogs and their incredible role in archaeology. Explore the discoveries made in these unique environments, uncover how bogs act as natural preservers of history, and learn about their significance as archaeological records in their own right.

This event is organised by Monaghan County Council’s Biodiversity Officer to celebrate World Wetlands Day. The event will see the launch of new wetland guidelines aimed at community groups and landowners called ‘Community Action: A Beginner’s Guide to Wetlands’ . This booklet was developed  in conjunction with the Community Wetlands Forum, Clare County Council and Monaghan County Council. It is aimed at community groups and landowners to encourage the promotion of wetlands in their local area, or to help those who wish to embark on a wetland conservation project.

Speakers will include Dr Patricia McCreesh Biodiversity Officer with Monaghan County Council and Eoghan Connaughton of LAWPRO. This event is aimed at communities and landowners undertaking biodiversity actions on wetlands in their locality and as an educational resource.

The Shannon Town Community Wetlands (STCW) invite you to a community networking event exploring the importance of wetlands and the exceptional work undertaken by the STCW Committee over the past 7 years.

The event will explore how wetlands sustain biodiversity and help address climate change. It will also focus on how we can work to protect wetlands for our common future: supporting ecosystem and human wellbeing. It will include an exceptional illustrated talk by John O’Brien of the STCW on the history and background of wetland habitats in Shannon Town. John will also focus on the work of the Committee and the creation of the Shannon Town Community Wetlands and the key role the Committee has played in connecting the local community in Shannon with nature. The event will also include input from Dr. Pamela Bartley (Hydro-G, Galway) a renowned hydrogeologist who has worked at a national and international level on wetlands. She will input on the A to Z of hydrology and wetlands and the simple steps that community groups can do to create their own wetlands or protect the local wetlands. Wetlands specialists Ruairí Ó Conchúir (LAWPRO) will also present and will outline what local communities can do to support their own local wetlands. He will present case studies on community wetland projects and wetland resources and outline how wetlands help improve water quality, support biodiversity, and help address climate change. This event is designed for all to help us better understand why ‘‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future” is so important.

Where:            Oakwood Arms Hotel, Shannon, V14 NH97

When:             Tuesday, 4^th February 2025 @ 8pm

This is a free event – all welcome. Followed by a networking event with tea / coffee and biscuits