Media Release
Friday 22nd May, 2015.
#biodiversitydublin
Celebrate Dublin’s nature and wildlife on International Day for Biodiversity
Friday May 22nd is International Day for Biodiversity and Dublin City Council’s Parks and
Landscape Services Section will celebrate the event with a number of activities including
talks and walks for small children in our Parks, a nature walk on the banks of the River
Dodder and an exciting guided boat cruise of Dublin Port.
This year the UN wants us to be aware that humanity’s fate is tightly linked with biological
diversity. They advise us that biodiversity is the foundation for human sustainable
development - our ability to live in harmony with nature so that it can sustain present and
future generations. We are dependent on biodiversity for food, clean water, human health,
sustainable livelihoods and as a way of coping with the effects of climate change like
flooding and drought. Biodiversity provides cities with many ecological services.
The city’s wetlands provide us with some solutions to flooding, surface runoff and the
generation of water supply. Green spaces provide us with places to play and relax for our
health. Dublin is a refuge for many species like house sparrows and gulls whose food
sources are under pressure in the countryside and out at sea. Our parks and open spaces
are populated with pollinators essential for crop production. North Bull Island is a UNESCO
Biosphere which demonstrates how people and nature can be together in a balanced
relationship where we work, rest and play while at the same time achieving sustainability.
On International Day For Biodiversity Friday May 22nd Dublin City Council Parks and
Landscape Services Section will raise awareness of the city’s Biodiversity with a talk on
‘Biodiversity’ at Pearse Street Library between 1pm and 2pm admission free. There will be a
natural play session for small children in Harold’s Cross Park from 4 pm to 5.30 pm with
the children’s charity, OWLS see www.owls.ie for details. Volunteer with the Dodder Action
Group and Ericsson staff of to Bin the Bruscar and Bash the Balsam on the River Dodder at
12.30 pm in Clonskeagh and learn about the River Dodder Greenway.
We are extending the celebrations over the weekend with a series of activity based events
hosted by wildlife experts including talks and walks for small children in our Parks, a nature
walk on the banks of the River Dodder, a guided boat cruise to see the birds of Dublin Port,
and an interactive marine wildlife display area on Dollymount Strand as part of the Annual
Battle for the Bay Kite surfing Competition.
Full list of Events listed below
For further information contact:
Community Biodiversity Facilitator T (01) 222 3369
biodiversity@dublincity.ie
International Day for Biological Diversity
North Bull Island is a UNESCO Biosphere
www.dublincity.ie
Dublin City Parks | Dublin City Council
http://parksbiodiversitydublin.wordpress.com/
Lets Walk and Talk | Dublin City Council
OWLS, The Childrens Nature Charity WWW.OWLS.ie
http://battleforthebay.com/
Dublin City Council Media Relations Office T. (01) 222 2170, M. 087 740 0277
https://twitter.com/DubCityCouncil
www.facebook.com/DublinCityCouncil
Notes to the Editor:
Friday 22nd May 1pm to 2pm Pearse Street Library, Admission Free
‘Biodiversity in Dublin’ Dublin City Council’s Biodiversity Officer will give an introductory
and illustrated talk showcasing some of Dublin’s fairest and rarest plants and animals. From
Hairy Violets and Glutinous Snails, to Marsh Fritillaries and Golden Plovers. Look beyond
the daisies and dandelions, and discover some of the city’s true treasures.
Friday 22nd May “Our Dodder Greenway is the Business” 12:30pm : Ericsson Ireland
main reception, Beech Hill, Clonskeagh. Join Ericsson Staff and members of the Dodder
Action Group and Dublin City Council Biodiversity to “Bin the Bruscar” (litter-pickers & bags
provided), “Bash the Balsam (detect & remove this invasive plant species) and “ enjoy the
amazing River Dodder Greenway” Contact Keith at Ericsson (087) 2362444
Friday 22nd May “Natural Play For Children Aged 5 and up” 4pm – 5.30 pm Harold’s
Cross Park. Adjacent to Noshington Café. For the wild at heart. Join us as we naturally play
in the park, climbing over trees, jumping across logs, taking on challenges. Learn about
everyday nature in our City parks. Admission 2 euro per child as a donation to OWLS a
Nature Charity for children and their families who wish to discover nature through fun
outdoor experiences. The charity delivers a range of events in local parks to raise
awareness and understanding of the natural environment. Booking with OWLS Telephone
087 32 999 36 or email the Education and Awareness Officer (mouse) at info@owls.ie and
www.owls.ie
Saturday 23nd May 8am – 11 am. Sir John Rogerson’s Quay. Berth for Dublin Bay
Cruises. www.dublinbaycruises.com Booking essential biodiversity@dublincity.ie
places limited to 100. “Seabirds of Dublin Port and Dublin Bay” Richard Nairn ecologist,
author and consultant to Dublin Port Company will show you the seabirds of the bay and
how to identify them with confidence. Dublin City Council Biodiversity staff will talk about the
proposed Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere. The tour will specifically visit the tern colonies
close to Poolbeg Power Station, Black Guillemots near the East link bridge and the seabirds
in flight over the Cliffs at Howth. There is a good chance of seeing Harbour Porpoises in the
bay. Dublin Bay Cruises will provide tea, coffee and scones to heat you up for the trip.
Please note. You will need to wear warm waterproof clothing with sturdy footwear. All
Children under the age of 18 years need to be accompanied by an adult. In the event
of bad weather the cruise will consist of short trip down the port. Slide show and talk below
deck. Subject to cancellation in the event of extreme weather. Contact details will need to be
provided for text reminders and confirmation of attendance.
This event is sponsored by Dublin Port Company and organised Dublin City Council.
The admission charge of 10 euro per family of four or 5 euro per person will be collected
on the day and goes directly to Coolmine Therapeutic Community “Recovery Through
Nature Programme” as a contribution to their voluntary conservation work clearing invasive
species on North Bull Island UNESCO Biosphere.
Saturday 23nd May 11 am to 1 pm. St Anne’s Park Raheny. At The Red Stables.
Admission 2 euro per child as a donation to OWLS. Booking with OWLS
“Shelter Building for Small Children” - learn about how nature provides us with homes
and habitats Children are invited to build temporary shelter using natural materials obtained
in the park . Prize for the best shelter with the most features attached.
Saturday 23th May and Sunday 24th May Biodiversity Village Featuring Marine
Wildlife and Nature On Bull Island : The 2015 The Battle For The Bay., Dublin Kite
Surfing Competition. https://www.facebook.com/events/980006518679279/
Saturday 23rd May “Beachcombing Play” 10.30 am to 5.30 pm. Dollymount Beach. Free
admission. Family Friendly Join us with volunteers from the kite surfing community and DCC
biodiversity staff to play games around water conservation learning, build sand castles and
sand sculptures with marine litter,shells and flotsam based on the wildlife of Bull Island. The
games are inspired by the ethos of Surfrider Foundation Europe whose aim is to protect
marine wildlife. Get a free copy Coastwatch Ireland’s seashell identification guide and get
help on how to use it identifying the shells on the beach. Learn from environmental scientist
scientist, Dr Agnieszka Piwowarczyk about marine litter and how to prevent what you
dispose of ending up in the oceans.
Information, site guides and displays on the wild life of North Bull Island will be available to
help you to appreciate your special natural surroundings during the Kite surfing event. North
Bull Island is a UN Biosphere which is a place internationally recognised for biodiversity
while being actively managed to promote a balanced relationship between people and
nature so that sustainability is achieved.
Saturday 23th May : A Walk On The Wild Side . Dodder River Nature Walk
2pm. Dropping Well Pub Car Park, Milltown Road, Milltown, Dublin 6 Free admission.
Walk usually lasts 90 minutes and as part of Lets Walk and Talk Summer 2015
Programme, Dublin City Council’s Community and Social Development Section will host a
nature walk along the River Dodder with Éanna Ní Lamhna expert panellist on RTE’s
Mooney Goes Wild show and author of Wild Dublin. Check out the river birds like Herons,
Kingfishers, Dippers and Grey Wagtails. www.letswalkandtalk.ie 2222148
Sunday 24nd May. “Live Sea Creatures and Seashell Search” 11 am to 5.00pm
Dollymount Strand, North Bull Island , at Annual Dublin Kitesurfing event Learn about the
wildlife of North Bull Island and marine life of Dublin Bay from Dublin City Council
biodiversity staff, marine biologist Sarah Varian and Coastwatch. Walks Talk and games on
coastal wildlife are waiting for you. Special features include touch and feel real sea creatures
at the Marine Dimensions touch pool and a seashell search and identification at the
Seashell Clinic run by Coastwatch marine biologists including Karin Dubsky. Be in for a prize
to find the largest number of different sea shells (marine molluscs) around Bull island.
Coastwatch and Trinity College Dublin will also provide information on plankton which is vital
for our marine ecosystem and us! Find out about plankton eaters and monitoring plankton
using a new water colour app ( www.Citclops.eu)