Blog Archives

Wexford walks explore the town’s natural side

wexfordwalkbioweekJust in case you didn’t know, today is International Day for Biological Diversity. The purpose of the day is to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. Wexford was not found wanting in celebrating the day thanks to our friends in the Wexford Naturalists Field Club. There is nothing they like better than delving into and singing the praises of the county’s rich natural heritage. To honour the occasion WNFC lined up Dave Daly, Zoë Devlin, Alan McGuire and Chris Wilson to lead guided walks exploring the natural history of Wexford Town. The walks (there were two groups) took in the old town walls, the graveyards, Selskar Abbey, the back lanes, the quays, the old jail on Hill Street (swift boxes), and the skies above us. To cap it all the weather this evening was glorious. What better way to spend a Summer evening.

Posted in Biodiversity, Events

Wexford Harbour Wildlife Brochure Launch

Wexford Borough Council and Wexford Tidy Towns, with the support of Atlantic Industries (CocaCola), have launched an informative and attractive brochure promoting the wildlife of Wexford Harbour. The purpose of the brochure is to create greater awareness of, and interest in, the wildlife that can be seen in Wexford Harbour. Lynda Harmon of Chameleon Creatives designed the brochure and the wonderful illustrations depicting the flora and fauna of Wexford were created by well known artist Dave Daly. Brochures are available from Wexford Tourist Office, Wexford Library and Wexford Wildfowl Reserve. Alternatively you can see large poster-size versions of the brochure on the “Wild Wexford” panels on Wexford Quays.

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Posted in Biodiversity, Tidy Towns News

“Neither wild nor manicured!”

Next Saturday morning (May 25th) Clonard Girl Guides along with a group from the Wexford Christian Fellowship undertake a very worthwhile project in Redmond Park. The wild meadow at the top of the park was described by the Tidy Towns’ judges in their 2012 report as being “neither wild nor manicured”! That’s about to change. Under the watchful eye of Clíona Connolly this work party will begin the process of turning this area into a genuinely wild meadow.

Posted in Biodiversity, Events, Tidy Towns Competition, Tidy Towns News

Celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22) with a natural history tour of Wexford

The United Nations has designated May 22 as International Day for Biological Diversity. The purpose of the day is to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues with the theme this year “Water and Biodiversity”. This, of course, is music to the ears of our friends at the Wexford Naturalists Field Club the aim of which is to promote, enjoy and celebrate all aspects of the county’s rich natural heritage. To honour the occasion WNFC has lined up Dave Daly, Zoë Devlin, Alan McGuire and Chris Wilson to lead a guided walk exploring the natural history of Wexford Town. Meet 7pm at Rowe Street Church car park. To take part one must be a member of WNFC (join now!) or a guest.

Alan and Chris are part of the team, along with Don Conroy, behind WildSide, an independent group devoted to observing, celebrating, and promoting, our natural world and wildlife. Zoë Devlin is the published of ‘Wildflowers of Ireland – A personal Record’ (www.wildflowersofireland.net). Dave Daly is a celebrated wildlife artist who has just been elected to the prestigious Water Colour Society of Ireland (www.davedalyartist.com). Both Alan and Dave are members of our own Biodiversity Committee.

Posted in Biodiversity, Events

National Biodiversity Week, May 18-26

biodiversityweekNational Biodiversity Week takes place this year May 18-26, with the UN International Day of Biodiversity being celebrated on 22nd May. This year the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has designated a theme of Water & Biodiversity for 2013.

This will be Ireland’s 7th annual celebration of National Biodiversity week and its aim is to create awareness of the importance of biodiversity and to better understand its value to the local, national and international community.

While you should look out for events happening in your area you might also get it out there and do it for yourself! Next time you bring the kids for a walk take binoculars and a notebook to record sightings of birds/butterflies. And, on your walk, take note of any of the “dirty dozen” invasive species you can spot.

There are other little things you can do such as letting a part of your lawn go wild (cut grass only in Spring and Autumn); putting a “bee inn” or “insect hotel” at the bottom of your garden.
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Posted in Biodiversity, Events

“Pocket Park” opens on 1798 Street

pocketpark A beautifully designed new landscaped “garden” on Wexford’s 1798 Street has its official opening on Thursday, April 25 at 11.30am. The project, a collaborative effort involving Wexford Tidy Towns and Wexford Borough Council, transforms what was a very unloved space into something altogether different. Two spaces, on either side of the road, have been transformed, in a simple but effective way, with meandering pathways, carefully stocked flower-beds, shrubs, trees and wall trellises. Attractive seating will be installed shortly. The designers have given a serious nod to biodiversity in the choice of plants and the decision to leave wild strips along walls. The birds, bees and butterflies will be happy here! Overall, this is a clever use of a relatively small area. The hope is that this oasis of calm will be embraced by the local community and become a place to meet, chat and simply relax.

Posted in Biodiversity, Events, Tidy Towns Competition, Tidy Towns News