The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Cherishing the diverse treasure of natural world
KERRY’S myriad natural wonders are the focus of a week-long celebration starting on Saturday – and it promises something for everyone.
From the birds of the air and sea to the elusive mammals of our woods and fields to all manner of dazzling insect and plantlife, Biodiversity Week will be looking at seemingly every last facet of the natural world in Kerry, with the emphasis on reminding all of us of just what a treasure trove of delicate biology exists right on our doorstep.
Sea kayaking in Fenit, bat walks at dusk, coastal walks in Fenit and the Maharees, nocturnal rambles in Killarney National Park and jellyfish workshops in Dingle Oceanworld are just some of the numerous events taking place in the county from Saturday, May 20 until Sunday, May 28.
Fenit is emerging as one of the great centres of Biodiversity Week with more events going on in the coastal village than in any other location.
Local nature-lover and Beach Shop Café owner Mike O’Neill is urging everyone to get out this year in the interests of reaffirming their love of nature at a time when all this diversity is facing its greatest threat amid rising human consumption and waste.
There’s a brilliant programme lined up in Fenit alone. “We’ve some great stuff lined up for the week in Fenit. Just to mention a few, ecologist Colin Heaslip will be leading a coastal walk on Saturday May 20 at 10.45am; Ger Scollard will lead a biodiversity and fossil walk at 6.30pm;we’ve the legend that is singer Ger Wolfe in concert at the Beach Shop Café with songs celebrating nature at 8pm on the Saturday; birdwatcher Ed Carty will give a guided walk from 9.45am on Sunday May 21, boat trips will be running around the bay and John Edwards is meanwhile taking people around the Lighthouse in a sea-kayaking trip; renowned ecologist Karin Dubsky will be focusing on seaweed in a talk from 4–6pm the same day; Don Nolan of Liscahane Nurseries will meanwhile lead a walk on the biodiversity and natural wonders of Fenit at 10.20am on Sunday, May 28.
“Nature is just a fundamental part of who we are as human beings and I think the more we move away from it the unhappier we are becoming,” Mike said, urging the whole county to get out and exploring for the week.
So much else is taking place, from Annascaul to the Maharees and Waterville - check it all out through the ‘Heritage’ link on the website of Kerry County Council which is supporting the week.