Tipperary's Cloughjordan ecovillage celebrates biodiversity week with a flourish

Cloughjordan Ecovillage recently wrapped up a truly inspiring series of events as part of National Biodiversity Week Ireland, offering a vibrant celebration of the natural world and engaging the community in the wonders of biodiversity. From captivating film screenings to hands-on workshops and immersive guided walks, the Ecovillage fostered a deeper appreciation for the rich flora and fauna that surrounds us.

The festivities kicked off with a screening of 'My Wild Garden' as part of the Cloughjordan Cineclub. Attendees were transported into the enchanting world of wildlife through Colin Stafford-Johnson's documentary, witnessing how he masterfully transformed his own garden into a thriving sanctuary for biodiversity. The film served as a potent reminder of the impact individuals can have on nurturing local ecosystems.

A day brimming with practical knowledge and natural immersion included 'The Theory and Practice of Home Composting' with Mike Holden at Nenagh Library. Mike's insightful talk, guided participants through the intricacies of home composting, addressing potential challenges and offering solutions. The session, enhanced by practical demonstrations of composting tools, finished compost and a live wormery, sparked lively discussions and encouraged attendees to embark on or improve their composting journeys.

Simultaneously, as dusk settled, nature enthusiasts gathered for Birdwatching on a Dusk Chorus Walk led by Jemima Turner. This unique experience began with an introductory session on birdwatching while the rain cleared, before participants embarked on a peaceful stroll through Cloughjordan Ecovillage. Focusing on the mesmerizing evening sounds, the walk offered a truly immersive opportunity to identify and appreciate the beautiful chorus of local birds.

READ NEXT: Tributes are pouring out after the passing of a legendary Tipperary publican

The wonders of the insect world took centre stage with 'Meet the Butterflies'. Rachel Vaughan and Brendan Sheehan introduced attendees to Ireland’s Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, followed by a sunny and engaging walk through Cloughjordan Ecovillage to find and identify these delicate and vital creatures. The event highlighted the importance of monitoring and protecting butterfly populations.

As the week progressed, the focus shifted to the often-overlooked threat of light pollution. The 'Preserving Dark Skies to Safeguard Biodiversity' talk with John Flannery at the Thomas MacDonagh Museum shed light on the detrimental consequences of excessive artificial light for wildlife through an insightful slideshow.

The celebrations culminated with 'Family Fun: Exploring Biodiversity Through Nature Crafting'. Where families delved into the natural world through hands-on crafting activities. This engaging session led by Aisling Finucane, allowed young minds to explore biodiversity creatively and take home their unique, nature-inspired creations, fostering a budding appreciation for the environment.

The success of these free events at Cloughjordan Ecovillage during National Biodiversity Week Ireland stands as a testament to the community's commitment to environmental stewardship. The diverse programme not only educated but also inspired individuals of all ages to connect with nature, understand its intricate workings and become active participants in its preservation.