Woodland Trust foraging walk at Knocksink

ANYONE curious about the different edible foods that can be found in woodlands may be interested in taking part in a guided foraging walk in north Wicklow this weekend.

The Native Woodland Trust will be holding the walk at Knocksink Woods near Enniskerry, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (approximately) this coming Sunday, August 7.

The group of walkers will be led by a foraging enthuasiast to see what natural goodies the woodland environment can provide them with. Similar events have been held in autumn and spring, so now the focus will be on what treasures summer will hold.

The walk will show participants why it is important to continue to protect Irish woodlands, which can provide lots of goodness if used sustainably.

The walk will also cover the important topic of how to forage responsibly.

Aside from the topic of foraging, Knocksink Woods beside Enniskerry Village is a beautiful place to spend the morning and a great spot for a walk at any time of year.

Walkers should gather at 11 a.m. in the car park of Knocksink Woods. The walk, which should be over by 1 p.m., is free for members with a suggested donation of €4 for non-members.

For further details, visit www.nativewoodlandtrust.ie, the events section of the group’s Facebook page or contact Rebecca at rebecca.doyle@nativewoodlandtrust.ie or on 087 9619083.

The Native Woodland Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to the protection of Ireland’s rare native and ancient woodland. The trust achieves this by setting up woodland reserves around the country which allows it to protect existing woodland as well as plant new native woodland for the future. A Greystones woman is helping to turn the tables on the stereotype of builders shouting comments at women through a new one minute film called ‘ Tae Talk’.

The film about cat-calling, which was officially selected and screened at the One Minute Film Festival as part of the Galway Film Fleadh last month, was written by north Wicklow actor, singer and script-writer Jenn McGuirk.

‘Women experience cat-calling and casual sexism regularly but its not to say men don’t also and we wanted the film to highlight that neither is OK,’ she said.

‘ There’s also the issue of male communication that can be isolating and suffocating, especially in macho environments. We hope our one-minute roller coaster can invite conversation on these issues.’

Jenn herself stars in the film, alongside Glenroe legend Mary McEvoy, who is barely recognisable as the brash and butch Linda. Conor Clear also stars in the production, which was directed by Liam Alex Heffron, as well as Sinéad O’Riordan, who produced the movie alongside Jenn.

‘When I first read Jenn’s script, I was intrigued,’ said Ms O’Riordan. ‘Role reversal is becoming much more popular now in the acting industry.

‘However as a woman who faces this humiliation on a weekly basis, I immediately resonated with it and felt compelled to deliver a message.’

‘ Tae Talk’ is available to view on YouTube.