Cork Nature Network to mark World Wetlands Day in some style

THIS Sunday, February 2, is World Wetlands Day, a date celebrated internationally each year to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in 1971.

World Wetlands Day aims to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and planet. The theme this year is ‘Wetlands and Biodiversity’.

Ireland’s wetlands are really very rich in biodiversity and play an important role in flood relief and regulation of the water cycle.

With the challenge of climate change on everyone’s mind, it’s important to note that our under-appreciated wetlands also sequester carbon, drawing it down from the atmosphere through plants and trapping it underground.

The intrinsic value of our fens, marshes and bogs is huge: in their carbon sink capacity and in the opportunities for education, health, recreation; and reconnection to nature they provide.

Wetlands support a variety of waterfowl, fish, amphibian, reptile, invertebrates and plant species.

This biodiversity is foundational to the value of wetland ecosystems.

The contribution that our wetland biodiversity has on our living environments is often undervalued.

Cork Nature Network, a voluntary organisation aiming to promote conservation of wildlife and habitats, is celebrating this World Wetlands Day by hosting a wetlands walk in a fen in Blarney.

The event aims to raise public awareness of the value and benefits of wetlands and to promote the conservation and appreciation of them.

The walk will take place in Clogheenmilcon Fen, Blarney.

Ecologist Pascal Sweeney explains: “On the walk we will learn the differences between a marsh, swamp, fen and bog; and identify various plant species; look at aquatic plants in the pond; and identify aquatic invertebrates.

“We will be getting up close and personal with water-boatmen, back-swimmers, diving beetles, damselfly nymphs, caddisfly larvae and different types of mayfly nymphs and crustaceans. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with our wonderful wetlands”.

To find out more see www.corknaturenetwork.ie