For a full report and photos of our exciting (but rain drenched) weekend please visit the Wildside website.
Bioblitz 2011, organised bt the National Biodiversity Data Centre, is coming to Wexford Wildfowl Reserve and the Raven Nature Reserve. For 24 hours, beginning at 5pm Friday May 20th, the race is on to collect as many species as we can and become 2011 Bioblitz champions.
We are competing against four other sites around the country;
Ballycroy National Park, Co.Mayo
Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
Dromore Woods, Co. Clare
Liffey Valley Park, Waterstown, Dublin 20
As well as our dedicated team of experts gathering species information, we also have a comprehensive public events programme. All events are free, but some may require prior booking.
Friday May 20th
17.00 Bioblitz Launch- The Pumphouse, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
21.00 Bat Walk and Talk- Wexford Wildfowl Reserve. Suitable for all the family, please dress warmly.
Saturday May 21st
4.30 Dawn Chorus- Raven Barrier. Join Chris Wilson, Alan McGuire and Don Conroy for the annual Dawn Chorus event to hear the early morning birdsong.
6.00 Moth and Mammal trapping- Raven. The Dawn Chorus group will meet up with Michael O'Donnell and Willie Carr to see what creatures have been found overnight.
7.30 Breakfast at Hotel Curracloe (Please contact the hotel directly for breakfast prices)
10.00 Bird Species Blitz- Raven car-park. Simon Collins (Birdwatch Ireland Wexford Branch) leads this walk to count as many birds as possible.
11.00 Pond Dipping- Snipe Field, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve. Explore what lies beneath the surface of the pond in this fun family activity. Please wear wellies or waterproof shoes. Most suitable for children over 6 years of age.
12.00 Pond Dipping- Snipe Field, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.
13.00 Butterfly/ Dragonfly Walk- Raven Barrier. Members of the Wexford Naturalists Field Club lead this walk looking at the beautiful flying creatures of summer.
14.30 Story & Song Session- Wexford Wildfowl Reserve. The Tall Tales Troubadours bring stories and songs to life in this event for the younger family members.
15.00 Coastal Walk- Ardcavan Beach. Claire Moore leads this walk along the coastline, suitable for all the family. Bring a bucket. There are limited spaces for this event, please pre-book.
15.00 Art in the Wild with Don Conroy- Raven Barrier. Join Don Conroy and learn how to draw in this fun workshop for kids. There are limited spaces for this event, please pre-book.
