Walks and Events 2025

All walks/events are suitable for 8 years and upwards unless otherwise stated.  Rough ground/off-road will be encountered so please bring appropriate footwear and raingear.  All events are free of charge. Some events require email or eventbrite bookings, please follow instructions for each one.  No dogs please at these events.

Blue Dot Events 2025

This year we continued our BlueDot series of events, thanks yet again to the Local Authority Water Program funding.  Four school visits and four school field trips have been completed on the Lennon and Eske catchments.  Students worked with other schools to explore their catchments and the pressure that they are under.  All rivers have the potential to be a nature corridor  if sufficient biodiversity is maintained on their banks.  These corridors also act as flood control, water purification dn carbon capture, not just a refuge for biodiversity.  Continuing on from the schools engage,ents, we have two public events coming up.  Check out details below to join in!

Ramelton Nature Walk

Saturday 18th October – 2 – 4pm   Thanks to funding from the Local Authority Waters Program, An Taisce Donegal branch and NatureNorthWest have run their project ‘The Lennon, a Nature Corridor’ once more in local schools. To finish the project, they are running a walk and talk event in Ramelton. Meeting at Gambles Square, water quality of the river Lennon will be discussed as we stroll towards the salmon leap and Dromonaghan woods. The woods will be explored in all their autumn glory, with the effect that trees and forestry can have on water storage, cleaning and managing. Suitable for 8 years and up, bring raingear and good walking shoes. No dogs please.  Check this link for more details. 

Ardnamona Nature Walk

Sunday 19th October – 2 – 4pm   Thanks to funding from the Local Authority Waters Program, An Taisce Donegal branch and NatureNorthWest have run their project ‘The Eske, a Nature Corridor’ in local schools. To finish the project, they are running a walk and talk event in Ardnamona Nature Reserve. Meeting at Ardnamona nature reserve carpark, water quality of the river Eske catchment will be discussed as we stroll through the woods and along the bank of Lough Eske. The surrounding forest will be explored in all its autumn glory, with the effect that trees and forestry can have on water storage, cleaning and managing. Suitable for 8 years and up, bring raingear and good walking shoes. No dogs please.  Check the link here for more details.

Heritage Week 2025

Inishowen’s Secret Island

Saturday 16th August, 3 – 5pm.  Join us as Aengus Kennedy from NatureNorthWest takes us exploring to an island that only appears when the tide is out, while Cara from the Inishowen Rivers Trust asks him all the questions you might have wondered about – water quality, the birds that live nearby, and what can we do to support them?  No prior knowledge needed as curiosity and questions are actively encouraged. Suitable for 8 years and upwards. Good walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No dogs please.

Exact meeting location will be emailed to registered participants a few days in advance of the event (close to Clonmany).

This event is funded by the Local Authority Waters Programme and is part of Heritage Week 2025.  Booking essential at this link.

Glenties IFI Nature Exploring

Thursday 21st August, 2 – 4pm  Inland Fisheries Ireland are using their rich and diverse Owenea angling centre in Glenties as a showcase of habitat managment. From different grassland management to leaky dams, woodlands and scrub areas, they maintain and constantly enhance the site for biodiversity. Join LAWPRO and NatureNorthWest as we wander through the various habitats and be inspired by the different elements they have put in place. IFI staff will also be on site, showcasing some river diversity, including some of the most ancient and fascinating invertebrates that live in our rivers. Suitable for 8 years and upwards, bring walking shoes, raingear and sunscreen. No dogs please.

Sunday 24th August, 3 – 5pm  Meeting at the putting green, we will explore sand dune formation, the plants and life sandiness support and discuss Lough Swilly as a refuge for birds that will soon be arriving for the winter.  Free event, supported by the Local Waters Authority Programme and Rathmullan Tidy Towns and Coast Care group as is part of Heritage week 2025.  Suitable for children 8 years and upwards, no dogs please.  Good footwear and rain gear advised.

MAY 2025 EVENTS

Bealtaine Festival 2025

Garden birds of Ireland

Wednesday 28th May, 11am – 12.30 – Moville library.  As part of the Bealtaine festival, we will be delivering a talk in Moville library exploring Irish birds, some that are disagreeing from our landscape and some that are in our gardens.  Find out what these birds are up  throughout the year and some of the many challenges they face.  This event of free and open to all and kindly supported by Donegal County Council library service.   Booking essential at this link.

Biodiversity Week 2025

Ards Friary Nature Walk

Sunday 25th May 11am – 1pm – Ards Friary Carpark   Join us for a special event at Ards Friary where we will explore the ever changing habitats of this amazing part of Donegal. From different types of woodland, to peaty soils to sand dunes, we will look at and identify some of the plants that indicate which habitat is which and discuss some of the nature that these habitats support.  Walk guided by Aengus Kennedy of NatureNorthWest.  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.  Bring rain-gear and good walking shoes, rough trails will be crossed. No dogs please.  This event has been made possible by the Heritage Council and Donegal County Council’s Biodiversity officer and is part of Biodiversity Week 2025.  Booking essential at this link.

Glenveagh Dawn Chorus x 2

Sunday 18th May  4.30am – 6.30am followed by breakfast, Glenveagh National Park.  As part of Biodiversity week 2025 and Glenveagh’s Nature Festival, we are hosting a dawn chorus walk and talk.  Meet at the carpark at 4.30am, explore the habitats around the Glenveagh gardens and lake as the birds wake up.  Learn to identify some of the birds and figure out why they are singing, plus enjoy the amazing concert in a rich and beautiful setting.  Breakfast afterwards at Nellies restaurant in Glenveagh, €14 per person (€8 per child).  Bring warm clothes and good walking shoes.  No dogs please.  Starting at 4.30 am sharp.  Booking essential at this link.  

Saturday 17th May  4.30am – 6.30am followed by breakfast, Glenveagh National Park.  As part of Biodiversity week 2025 and Glenveagh’s Nature Festival, we are hosting a dawn chorus walk and talk.  Meet at the carpark at 4.30am, explore the habitats around the Derrylahan trail as the birds wake up.  Learn to identify some of the birds and figure out why they are singing, plus enjoy the amazing concert in a rich and beautiful setting.  Breakfast afterwards at Nellies restaurant in Glenveagh, €14 per person (€8 per child).  Bring warm clothes and good walking shoes.  No dogs please.  Starting at 4.30 am sharp.  Booking essential at this link.  

Inch Wildfowl walk and talk

Sunday February 2nd 2pm – 4pm, Inch Wildfowl reserve, Pump-house Carpark.  To mark World Wetland Day 2025 we are exploring some of the wildfowl that rely on the clean waters and safe refuge of Inch Wildfowl reserve.  Water quality, wetland birds and the winter visitors that use Inch will be talked about and identified.  Bring binoculars if you can, definitely bring warm clothes, rain gear and walking shoes.  Suitable for 8 years and up.  No dogs please.  Booking at this link. This walk is made possible by LAWPRO, the local authority water program. 

2024 walks and events

Wildlife in the garden – Garden Birds and Garden Mammals

Sunday December 1st 10.30 – 12.30, Playhouse Derry.  An illustrated talk on garden birds followed by an exploration of bird feeders.  Learn how to take part in the Birdwatch Ireland garden bird survey.  We will explore the playhouse garden and figure out the best places for bird feeders.  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.  Booking essential.  

Sunday December 8th 10.30 – 12.30, Playhouse Derry.  An illustrated talk on bats followed by an exploration of some local native mammals. We will explore the playhouse garden and figure out the best places for bat boxes and log-piles for hedgehogs.  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.  Booking essential.

Garden Birds and the garden bird survey – Letterkenny

Tuesday 19th November, 7 – 8.30pm, Station House Hotel, Letterkenny.  An illustrated talk will be delivered on our garden birds, how to identify them and how to take part in Birdwatch Ireland’s garden bird survey.  This is a great way to get into birdwatching, the survey is very easy and the more you look and count, the more you recognise!  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.  Thanks to Letterkenny Tidy Towns for making this event possible.  Booking essential, at this link.

Habitats and Ecosystems – Shargore Wetlands and Inch Wildfowl Reserve

Sunday 17th November, 12 – 4pm, meeting at Carndonagh Spraoi agus Sport office F93EWV3.  Join us for a bus tour exploring wetland habitat and Sharagore followed by a visit to Inch wildfowl reserve to see some of the wintering bird visitors.  Wrap up warm, good walking shoes and binoculars if you can get them.  Booking essential, click here to book.  Thanks to Spraoi agus Sport for making this event possible.

Garden Birds and the garden bird survey – Buncrana

Saturday 16th November, 11-12.30pm, Buncrana Library.  An illustrated talk will be delivered on our garden birds, how to identify them and how to take part in Birdwatch Ireland’s garden bird survey.  This is a great way to get into birdwatching, the survey is very easy and the more you look and count, the more you recognise!  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.  Thanks to Donegal County Library service for making this event possible.  Call 074 9361941 to book.

Heritage Week 2024 events 

Owenea river at Glenties IFI site

Saturday 17th August, 2pm, Owenea Angling Centre.  Join us for a guided biodiversity walk along the Owenea River in Glenties!  Get ready to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area while learning about the diverse range of plant and animal species that call this river home. We will explore the habitats as they change across the site and how they support biodiversity.  This is a great opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the environment around us. Don’t miss out on this chance to discover the wonders of the Owenea River!  Thanks to the Local Authority Water Program and Inland Fisheries Ireland for making this walk possible.  Booking at this link.

Ards Friary from Forest to Sea

Tuesday 20th August 11am – 13pm – Ards Friary Carpark Join us for a special event at Ards Friary where we will explore the ever changing habitats of this amazing part of Donegal. From different types of woodland, to peaty soils to sand dunes, we will look at and identify some of the plants that indicate which habitat is which and discuss some of the nature that these habitats support. The event will start with tea/coffee and an introduction by biodiversity officer Julie Corry. Walk guided by Aengus Kennedy of NatureNorthWest. Suitbale for 8 years and upwards. Bring rain-gear and good walking shoes, rough trails will be crossed. No dogs please.  This event has been made possible by the Heritage Council and Donegal County Council’s Biodiversity officer.  Booking essential at this link.

Rathmullan Coastal Nature

Wednesday 21st August – 2pm – 4pm – Rathmullan Pier Join Aengus Kennedy of NatureNorthWest for an exploration of nature where Rathmullan meets the sea. Starting at the low tide mark, we will explore some intertidal species that thrive in Lough Swilly, followed by a walk to the sand dune forming plants and finishing by walking through the dunes, seeing how the plants change until they give way to woodlands that dominate Batt’s walks nature. Suitable for 8 years and upwards, please bring good walking shoes as the trails will be wet and rough underfoot. No dogs please.  This event has been made possible by the Heritage Council and Donegal County Council’s Biodiversity officer.    Booking essential at this link.

Gartan Habitats – Woods and Lakes

Thursday 22nd August 11am 1.30pm – Glebe House and gardens carpark  Join Aengus Kennedy from NatureNorthWest and Lisa McDaniel from the Local Authority Waters Program as we wander from Glebe house gardens along the road above Gartan lake. We will cross fields and drop down to a pristine water quality lake fringed with old native woodland. Plants and animal life will discussed as well as the ever changing tapestry of habitats that we pass. Suitable for 10 years and upwards, good walking shoes and rain gear required, rough ground is crossed as part of the event. No dogs please.  Booking essential at this link.

Previous 2024 events

Bat Talk and Walk

Tuesday 7th May ~ 8.30pm – 10.30pm ~ The Vestry, St Conal’s, Letterkenny.  Join Letterkenny Tidy Towns and NatureNorthWest for a talk about bats in Ireland and round the world followed by an exploration of their park looking for bats emerging and foraging.  Bring warm clothes, good walking shoes and a torch.  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.

Dawn Chorus Walk

Saturday 18th May ~ 4.30am – 6.30am ~ Gambles Square, Ramelton, Co. Donegal.  Arriving before the birds wake, we will follow the Lennon river as it flows into Lough Swilly, listening for and identifying birds as they wake one by one.  As the morning breaks, more and more birds will join in the chorus.  Suitable for 8 year and upwards, no dogs please, warm clothes, ranger and good walking shoes.  Booking essential at this link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/885178230917?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ards Friary Nature Walk.  

Saturday 18th May ~ 11am – 1pm ~ Ards Capuchin Friary, Creeslough, Co. Donegal. Join us in exploring the woods of Ards Capuchin Friary, where they emerge into the dunes.  We will be discussing the plants we encounter both in the woods and the lands edge and exploring their role in managing our water. Suitable for 8 years upwards.  No dogs please.  Bring good walking shoes and ranger.  Booking essential: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/885209103257?aff=oddtdtcreator

Rathmullan nature walk – RAMP music festival

As part of the RAMP festival, a nature walk concentrating on different sounds to expect in nature will be held in Rathmullan.  Meeting at the carpark at 11am, the walk/talk will last approximately 2 hours. Suitable for 8 years and upwards.  Bring rain coats and good walking shoes.  No dogs please.

Birds of Ballyshannon

Saturday 13th July – St Annes Hall, 7pm – 9.30pm  Join Aengus Kennedy and Ballyshannon Regeneration Group for a talk exploring the lives of some of our birds, particularly some lost sounds and the incredible lives of the swift that comes to our shores each year.  Followed by a short walk through the town looking and listening for signs of Ballyshannon’s birds.

Suitable for 8 years and upwards.  Bring rain coats and good walking shoes.

No dogs please.  Duration approximately 2.5/3 hours

Walks and Events 2023

All walks/events are suitable for 8 years and upwards unless otherwise stated.  Rough ground/off-road will be encountered so please bring appropriate footwear and raingear.  All events are free of charge. Some events require email or eventbrite bookings, please follow instructions for each one.  No dogs please at these events.

WORLD MIGRATION DAY 2023

Saturday 14th October, Glenveagh National Park.

WAIN FEST 2023

Two walks/events for families on Saturday 7th October and Sunday 15th October.  

GREEN RIBBON 2023

Walk and Talk  Sunday 17th September, 3pm, Drumboe woods.  More details to follow…

HERITAGE WEEK 2023

Friday 18th August 11am – 1pm:  Walk and Talk at Ards friary   A guided walk through a variety of woodlands in Ards Friary, concentrating on the changing habitats, how forest habitat helps manage our water and river systems and a discussion on blue dot sites in Donegal, what they are and why we should care. The walk will emerge at a beach in Ards friary before heading back to the starting point. This event is sponsored by the Local Authority Water Program as part of their community engagement initiative for Heritage week 2023. Suitable for 8 years and upwards. Rough tracks so strong walking shoes and rain gear required. No dogs permitted. Meet at Ards Friary carpark at 11am. To book a place:  https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/ards-friary-walk-and-talk-tickets-676992401497?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Saturday 19th August 11am – 2pm:  Walk and talk from the Bullaba blue dot site to the Glebe Gallery Meeting at the Glebe House and Gallery, a bus will take participants to the Bullaba, a short distance away at the head of the Lennon catchment. They will discuss Blue Dot sites, their importance and some of the work being delivered to keep these sites pristine. From there they will walk the track on the North side of gartan lake, exploring the habitats along the way and how they affect the water quality. A discussion on the importance of peat in sequestering carbon and filtering and storing water will also be had. The walk will finish at the starting point of Glebe Gallery carpark. This event is sponsored by the Local Authority Water Program as part of their community engagement initiative for Heritage week 2023. Suitable for 10 years and upwards. Rough tracks so strong walking shoes and rain gear required. No dogs permitted. Meet at Glebe house and Gallery carpark at 11am.  To book follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bullaba-river-to-glebe-house-walk-and-talk-tickets-677001408437

BLUE DOT PROGRAM 2023

Saturday 29th April 4.30am-6.30am:  Dawn Chorus walk and talk, Gartan  Meeting at the Cholmchille Heritage Centre at Gartan estate.  We will listen to and identify the birds around the Gartan estate as they start singing with the rising sun.  Free.  No booking required.

Tuesday 9th May 8pm – 10.20pm:  Bat walk and talk, Ramelton.  Meeting at Ramelton Town Hall.  A talk of about 1 hour in the town hall followed by a walk to the salmon leap to listen for bats with bat detectors.  Free.  No booking required.

Saturday 10th June 10am – 2pm:  Glenveagh Bridle path walk and talk  Meeting at Glenveagh carpark, a bus will take us to the head of the glen where we will explore different habitats, what they do for us and examine water quality with a scientist form the Local Authority Waters Program.  Fully Booked

Tuesday 4th July 6pm – 9pm, Gartan Kayak tour.  Meeting at Gartan ETB, we will explore the lough by kayak examine the biodiversity and water quality in the company of qualified ETB kayak instructors.  Fully Booked

Saturday 15th July 10am – 2pm approx.   Meeting at Colmcille heritage centre, a bus will take us to various points along the river system. At each point we will explore the riverside biodiversity and test the water quality by looking at aquatic life in the company of LAWPRO staff. This is an excellent opportunity to see how the river functions as a biodiversity coridoor, examine the effects of increasing human pressures and to discuss how we can improve the rivers health. The bus will then take us back to the heritage centre. This is the final event of the blue dot series 2023.  Booking essential: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/lennon-river-tour-by-bus-blue-dot-event-tickets-617641802257?aff=oddtdtcreator     Fully Booked

NORTHERN LIGHTS FESTIVAL – RAMP 2023

Sunday July 9th 10am – 12noon  Rathmullan nature walk.  Part of the Northern Lights Project.  Booking essential, details here; https://www.northernlightsproject.org/ramp-programme/soundwalk-%2F-nature-walk-with-aengus-kennedy

Heritage week 2021

All walks are 1.5-2 hours in duration.  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.  Rough ground/off-road will be encountered so please bring appropriate footwear and raingear.  All walks require email or eventbrite bookings, please follow instructions for each one.  Please bring masks for all over the age of 12 and keep to your own social pods.

Saturday 14th  11am-1pm:  Wildlife on the Cloontagh River.  Explore the bugs, plants and river beasts that we find during our exploring.  Venue TBC.  Kindly supported by the Inishowen Rivers Trust    Booking essential, to book please follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/wildlife-on-the-cloontagh-bugs-birds-beasts-tickets-161993249169?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Tuesday 17th  11am – 1pm:  Nature around Lough gartan and Glebe House.  Join us for a walk and talk exploring the nature we encounter and how that plants and habitats help control and clean our water.  Kindly supported by the Local Authority Water Program.  Booking essential at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/165324023605

Wednesday 18th  10.30-12noon.  Nature around Fanad Lighthouse.  Join us for a walk and talk exploring some of the habitats and plants encountered around Fanad lighthouse.  Kindly supported by FANAD Lighthouse.  Booking essential as places are limited to 20.  To book, please email info@fanadlighthouse.com

Wednesday 18th  12noon-1.30pm.  Nature around Fanad Lighthouse.  Join us for a walk and talk exploring some of the habitats and plants encountered around Fanad lighthouse.  Kindly supported by FANAD Lighthouse.   Booking essential as places are limited to 20.  To book, please email info@fanadlighthouse.com

Thursday 19th 11am  Ards friary nature – from land to sea.  Join us in exploring the woods of Ards friary, where they emerge into the dunes.  We will be discussing the plants we encounter both in the woods and the lands edge and exploring their role in managing our water.  Kindly supported by the Local Authority Water Program.  Booking essential at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/165332763747

Friday 20th 12noon-2pm   Nature walk 1.  Explore the plants and habitats we encounter on a gentle walk around some of the amazing Sheskinmore nature reserve.  We will be joined by Emer MaGee, Conservation ranger for the reserve.  Kindly supported by NPWS.  Booking essential at : https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/165302190301

Friday 20th 3pm-5pm   Nature walk 2.  Explore the plants and habitats we encounter on a gentle walk around some of the amazing Sheskinmore nature reserve.  We will be joined by Emer MaGee, Conservation ranger for the reserve.  Kindly supported by NPWS.  Booking essential at : https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/165301289607

2020

August 18th, Tuesday 2.30pm, Ramelton. This walk, which is kindly supported by LAWPRO, will explore the river side nature including the different trees, birds and other living things to be found where the River Lennon flows into Lough Swilly. We will stroll through the town and finish amongst the beech trees at the salmon leap.  Suitable for 7 years and upwards.  Paths and some rough ground will be encountered. Limited number of places.  Registration with eventbrite essential!  Without registration you will not be able to participate unfortunately.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ramelton-nature-tickets-115871475703

August 17th, Monday 11am, Glenveagh National Park. Join us on an exploration of some of Glenveagh’s biodiversity, looking at some water insects, river and lakeside vegetation and much more. LAWPRO have kindy sponsored this biodiversity by bike event. Free (non-electric) bikes will be provided from the Grassroutes bike hire company, paid for by LAWPRO. We will start at the Glenveagh carpark and cycle to the end of the lake on Grassroutes bikes. We will be discussing, in particular, the nature on land that effects our water systems. We will also explore with nets a bog pool and if time allows, a riverbed, where we compare different types of water insects and what their presence or absence means. Please bring waterproofs and lunch if you want. Registration with eventbrite essential!  Without registration you will be able to participate unfortunately.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/biodiversity-by-bike-tickets-115869060479

August 10th – 15th, Donegal Education Centre.  Teacher summer course, ‘Teaching nature in our local place’.  Delighted to be working with Donegal education Centre on a reduced capacity summer course this year.  The course will be mostly outdoors with a certain amount of indoor learning, based at the education Centre.  A different habitat will be explored each day, with relevant learning tools and techniques explored.

May 29th, Friday, 11am.  Hedgerows and the nature they support.  An online talk about hedges and nature.  Click at the link to register with Ecocarn.

**Postponed**  March 24th, (changed from the 10th) Tuesday  Garden ponds, water and the bug life within. This walk  is hosted by the Muddy Boot Garden Club will be held at 8pm in Ramelton town hall.  There will be a talk about water and ponds followed by a lock at some of the amazing creatures to be found in water and how they can indicate the quality of the water.  Feel free to ‘pond dip’ and bring your own bugs in; we will attempt to identify them!  Suitable for 8 year and upwards.  There will be a €5 charge for non club members.

January 14th, Tuesday Aengus will be chatting with John Breslin at 1.30 today about local nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.  http://www.highlandradio.com

Details for a series of walks and talks this spring to come…

2019

August 25th, Sunday 12 noon, Donegal Bank Walk  As part of National Heritage Week 2019 the Waters and Communities Office in conjunction with Aengus Kennedy of Nature Northwest are hosting a walk and talk in Donegal town.  Explore the bank walk nature from the rich understory of woodland plants to the birds and trees high above. Free for all and suitable for 8 years and upwards.

August 22nd, Thursday 2pm, Ards Friary  As part of National Heritage Week 2019 the Waters and Communities Office in conjunction with Aengus Kennedy of Nature Northwest are hosting a walk and talk in Ards Friary.  Looking at the nature from the river to the sea and along the shore, the myriad of habitats that change underfoot will be explored.  Free for all and suitable for 8 years and upwards.

August 21st Wednesday, 11am.  Glenveagh Biodiversity by Bike.  As part of National Heritage Week 2019 the Waters and Communities Office in conjunction with Aengus Kennedy of Nature Northwest are hosting a walk and talk in Glenveagh national park.  Take a bike trip through Glenveagh and explore the biodiversity in this amazing haven for nature!  Booking essential, please book here:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/biodiversity-by-bike-a-cycle-through-the-lough-veagh-water-catchment-tickets-48831697923

August 20th, Tuesday, 2pm.  Culdaff, from sea to land.  As part of National Heritage Week 2019 the Waters and Communities Office in conjunction with Aengus Kennedy of Nature Northwest are hosting a walk and talk in Culdaff.  Explore nature in Culdaff from the beach up the estuary to the town.  Meet at the Beach carpark beside the football pitch at 2pm.  Free for all and suitable for 8 years and upwards.  

August 19th, Monday, 7.30pm.  Bats of Dunfanaghy.  Explore the world of bats in Dunfanaghy!  1 hour talk on bats and why we need them followed by a walk to Convoy House looking and listening for bats. This walk is funded by Dunfanaghy Tidy Towns.  Suitable for 8 years.  * Venue changed to the Workhouse Dunfanaghy *

June 25th Tuesday, 7pm.  Marble Hill.  Life in the inter-tidal zone.  Meet at the carpark opposite the Shandon Hotel.  A walk and talk exploring the diverse world of the tidal zones, who lives there and how they survive.  Learn your winkles from your whelks and plenty more. This walk is funded by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Suitable for 8 years upwards and is free of charge.

June 11th, Tuesday, 7pm.  Bundoran.  Life in the inter-tidal zone.  Meet in front of the water world.  A walk and talk exploring the diverse world of the tidal zones, who lives there and how they survive.  Learn your winkles from your whelks and plenty more. This walk is funded by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Suitable for 8 years upwards and is free of charge.

May 28th, Tuesday, 7pm.  Learning local birdsong, Termon Centre, Pettigo.  A 2/3 hour workshop including 1 hour presentation about garden birds and what they do through the seasons plus 8 key birdsongs ~ followed by a 1 hour walk in the area listening to and learning some local bird songs during the dusk chorus. Destination details to follow shortly.   This walk is funded by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Suitable for 8 years upwards and is free of charge.

May 25th, Saturday, 11am.  Glenveagh nature walk and talk.  Explore the diverse world of blanket bogs, pine forests and ancient oak remnant forest.  Meeting at Glenveagh Visitor Centre at 11am.  This walk is funded by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Suitable for 8 years upwards and is free of charge.

May 14th, Tuesday, 8pm.  Bats of convoy.  Explore the world of bats in Convoy!  1 hour talk on bats and why we need them followed by a walk to Convoy House looking and listening for bats. This walk is funded by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Suitable for 8 years upwards and is free of charge. Destination to follow.  Meet at St Marys parish hall.

May 12th, Sunday, 3pm.  Family nature walk.   Green Ribbon day is a wonderful initiative sponsored by Coillte and organised by Donegal mental health.  There will be a few different walks and activities starting at 3pm in Ards Forest Park.  I will be leading a nature walk exploring some of the trees and flowers on the nature trail.  we will be identifying a few of the bird species along the way too.  For more information on Green Ribbon Days click here. Suitable for 6 years upwards and is free of charge.

March 6th, Wednesday.  Portadown Garden Society.  Garden birds and their sounds.  A talk about garden birds through the 4 seasons and how to identify their song.

2018

October 13th, Saturday.  Winter nature talk and walk.  Explore the shores of the Swilly by bus, Kinnegar, Ramelton estuary and Ballylin.  Looking at nature in winter and why the Swilly is so important for our nature.  Meeting at 11am in Gambles square, Ramelton. Places limited and on a first come basis.

October 2nd, Tuesday.  Winter birds of lough swilly.  As our loughs and inlets fill in the month of October with birds travelling south, this talk will explore where they come from and why they are here.  We will also look at the main characters.  Illustrated talk, duration approx 1 hour.  Ramelton town hall, 7pm.

October 2nd, Tuesday Aengus will be chatting with John Breslin at 1.30 today about local nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.  http://www.highlandradio.com

September 29th, Saturday. Trees beside the Seas of Sheephaven Bay in Autumn.  This walk and talk is hosted by the Donegal branch of An Taisce. Starting at 11am at the carpark at Ards friary this walk will look at the trees along the shore in autumn and what lives on, below and amongst them followed by an exploration of the coast.  Duration, approx. 2hrs.  Suitable for all.

September 25th, Tuesday, Bats of Ballybofey.  This walk and talk is hosted by the Donegal branch of An Taisce.   Starting at 7pm in the parish centre beside the RC church in Stranorlar, there will be an hour talk on bats, what they do for us and why we should care about them.  This will be followed by a short walk looking for bats in the area.  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.

August 24th, Friday 3pm.  Dunes and sandy shores.  Afternoon nature walk at the Donegal Boardwalk Resort exploring the dunes and wildflowers by the boardwalk.  Duration approx 2hrs, suitable for all.  Part of Feile Carraig.

August 23rd, Thursday. Boat trip exploring the diversity on Lough Swilly.  Starting with a short talk on dunes and dune succession at Rathmullan, we will head north after the talk on a charter boat and explore the Swilly and talk about some of the life it supports.  Booking essential, to book click here.  This event is sponsored by the Water and Communities office.

August 22nd, Wednesday.  As part of National Heritage Week 2018 the Waters and Communities Office in conjunction with Aengus Kennedy of Nature Northwest and Grassroutes Cycles are organising a cycle of the Glaskeelan Catchment.  The Cycle will take in the sights, sounds and natural heritage of this beautiful area. On the cycle we will find out more about the water catchment and discover what makes the Glaskeelan one of 12 project areas for Fresh Water Pearl Mussels in Ireland.  Booking essential, to book click here. This event is sponsored by the Water and Communities office.

August 10th, Friday Aengus will be chatting with John Breslin at 1.30 today about local nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.  http://www.highlandradio.com

July 5th, Thursday,  Bat talk and walk.  This walk and talk is part of the Ramelton Lennon Festival  Meet at Ramelton Town Hall.  There will be an hour talk on bats, what they do for us and why we should care about them.  This will be followed by a short walk looking for bats in the area.  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.  Free for all.  This walk is sponsored by NatureNorthWest.

July 3rd, Tuesday, Beach walk.  Meeting at Drumnatiney/back strand Falcarragh at 7pm, this walk will explore the life on and around the sand dune habitats.  suitable for 8 years and upwards.  Free for all.  Sponsored by Falcarragh Clean Coast Group – Costa Glan Agus Glas

Teacher Training Courses

Sessiagh O’Neill Stranorlar summer course.  2nd – 6th July.  ‘Teaching nature in our local area’.

Scoil Treasa Naofa Malin summer course.  9th – 13th July.  ‘Teaching nature in our local place’

Tuesday 26th June  Aengus will be chatting with John Breslin at 1.30 today about local nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.  http://www.highlandradio.com

June 12th, Tuesday, Life on the Ledge. This walk and talk is hosted by the Donegal branch of An Taisce will be held at 7pm in Ramelton town hall.  The evening will be emphasising the nature that lives in our urban spaces above below and around us.  This will be followed by a short walk to the ‘salmon leap’ in Ramelton looking and listening to looking birds.  Suitable for 8 year and upwards.  There will be an emphasis on the fastest straight line birds in the world, the swift, which will be in town at that stage.

May 27th, Sunday, Green Ribbon Nature Walk.  As part of Green Ribbon day there will be a nature walk exploring the diversity of habitats from forest to sea at Ards Forest Park.  Free and suitable for all.

May 23rd Wednesday  Bat talk and walk.  This walk and talk is hosted by Celebrate Water and Bat Conservation Ireland  Met at the Glencrow Hall in Moville at 8.30pm.  There will be an hour talk on bats, what they do for us and why we should care about them.  This will be followed by a short walk looking for bats in the area.  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.

May 19th, Saturday, Trees beside the Seas of Sheephaven Bay.  This walk and talk is hosted by the Donegal branch of An Taisce. Starting at 11am at the carpark at Ards friary this walk will look at the trees along the shore and what lives on below and amongst them followed by an exploration of the coast.  Duration, approx. 2hrs.  Suitable for all.=

April 17th, Tuesday, Birds of the garden and their songs. This walk and talk is hosted by the Muddy Boot Garden Club will be held at 7pm in Ramelton town hall.  The evening will start with an hour talk about ‘lost sounds’, birdsong that is now rare or extinct from Ireland, garden birds, their songs and their habits throughout the year.  This will be followed by a short walk to the ‘salmon leap’ in Ramelton looking and listening to looking birds.  Suitable for 8 year and upwards.  There will be a small charge for non club members.

May 8th, Tuesday, Bats of Donegal.  This walk and talk is hosted by the Donegal branch of An Taisce.   Starting at 8pm in the old church in Letterkenny town park, their will be an hour talk on bats, what they do for us and why we should care about them.  this will be followed by a short walk looking for bats in the area.  Suitable for 8 years and upwards.

Thursday 25th January  Aengus will be chatting with John Breslin at 1.30 today about local nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.  http://www.highlandradio.com

2017

Tuesday 21st November  Aengus will be chatting with John Breslin at 1.30 today about local nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.  http://www.highlandradio.com

Tuesday 17th October Aengus will be chatting with Greg Hughes on the 9 – Noon show on Highland Radio on Tuesday at1 11.30.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Tuesday 3rd October Aengus will be chatting with Greg Hughes on the 10 – 1 show on Highland Radio on Tuesday at1 11.30.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Friday 22nd September 6.30pm ~ Life on the Ledge  Free walk and talk called ‘Life on the Ledge’ for all exploring plant life in towns, this time Letterkenny! 6.30pm on Friday the 22nd for Culture Night at the cathedral, bring rain gear just in case!!  Duration, approx 45 mins to and hour.
https://culturenight.ie/event/life-ledge-walk-talk/

Wednesday 23rd August 6pm ~ From Source to Sea  An exploration by bus and foot along the river eske.  Stopping at various points along the route we will explore the flora and fauna of the river as it flows towards Donegal town.  Free for all, 6 – 8pm, suitable for 7+. Booking essential for this walk, to book follow this link for details http://www.heritageweek.ie/whats-on/event/source-to-sea-on-the-eske-catchment  In partnership with the water and communities office.

Wednesday 23rd August 2.00pm ~ Childrens nature walk  A walk and exploration of the grounds around the Donegal museum and up to the Letterkenny town park.  Suitable for children from 6 – 11.  Free for all.  Meet at the Donegal museum at Letterkenny at 2pm.

Tuesday 22nd August 7pm ~ Rathmullan Abbey ~ surrounding Flora and Fauna  Talk a walk around the Rathmullan abbey and along the coast to rathmullan beach, exploring the flora and fauna of the area.  A discussion on the changing and evolving shoreline and how that happens will be part of the evening.  In partnership with Rathmullan History Society.  Suitable for all and free! 7pm – 9pm.

Monday 21st August 6pm ~ Living Rivers  Take a walk from the Lennon estuary to above the salmon leap in Ramelton, exploring the life in, beside and around the Lennon river.  Duration 2 hours.  6pm-8pm.  Good walking shoes and rain gear.  Free and suitable for 7 years plus.  Some rough ground will be crossed.  In partnership the Waters and Communities Office.

 Monday 10th – 14th July, Teacher Training at Falcarragh.  Teacher training nature course for 5 days in Falcarragh primary school.  Department of education approved course   In partnership with the Donegal education Centre.  Fully Booked!

Tuesday 4th July  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Tuesday after 12 noon for the last time before Shaun departs Highland.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Saturday 1st July 3pm – 5pm  Walk and talk around Ballyconnell house in falcarragh.  Explore the trees, insects and learn some of the invasive species around the very beautiful grounds of Ballyconnell house.  Meeting at 3pm, duration 2 hours, suitable for all and free!  In partnership with Pobail Le Cheile.

An Taisce (Donegal branch) have teamed up with NatureNorthWest through LA21 funding administered by Donegal County Council to run a series of walks promoting local biodiversity.  All the walks below are FREE of Charge.

Tuesday 13th June 7.30pm ~ Learning local birdsong ~ Letterkenny, St Conal’s Vestry  A 2/3 hour workshop including 1 hour presentation about garden birds and what they do through the seasons plus 8 key birdsongs ~ followed by a 1 hour walk in the area listening to and learning some local bird songs during the dusk chorus.  St Conal’s Vestry is the old church on the opposite side of the carpark from St Conal’s hospital overlooking the town park  This walk is funded by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Suitable for all ages and is free of charge.

Saturday 20th May ~ Woodland Walk ~ Rathmullan woods ~ Time 11am.  A walk and talk around Rathmullan Nature Reserve.  This walk is funded by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Woodland structure, tree types, woodland flowers and the birdsong will all be enjoyed..  Meeting at the flight of the earls statue in Rathmullan, a shuttle bus will take us to rathmullan woods after we have explored the trees on Batts walk.  This walk is suitable for all ages and free of charge.   Bring good walking shoes as we will be going ‘off track’.

Thursday 18th May ~ Bat Walk ~ Ramelton 8.30pm NatureNorthWest has teamed up with An Taisce (Donegal branch) with a free bat walk and talk for all in Ramelton on Tuesday the 18th of May at 8.30pm at the town hall.  The evening will start with a presentation on bats from around the world and Ireland and a brief chat about the recent Irish survey of Daubenton or water bats.  This will be followed by a short walk around Ramelton and the surrounding area.  Suitable for all ages and is free of charge.

Tuesday 9th May ~ Bat Walk  ~ Malin ~ 8pm  NatureNorthWest has teamed up with An Taisce (Donegal branch) with a free bat walk and talk for all in Malin on Tuesday the 8th of May at 8pm at the town hall.  The evening will start with a presentation on bats from around the world and Ireland and a brief chat about the recent Irish survey of Daubenton or water bats.  This will be followed by a short walk through Malin village.  Suitable for all ages and is free of charge.

Tuesday 25th April ~ Bat Walk ~ 8pm   NatureNorthWest has teamed up with An Taisce (Donegal branch) with a free bat walk and talk for all in Ardara town on Tuesday the 25th of April at 8pm.  The Ardara Heritage Centre have kindly agreed to provide the venue for a presentation on bats from around the world and Ireland and a brief chat about the recent Irish survey of Daubenton or water bats.  This will be followed by a short walk through along wood hill road and the river in town.  Suitable for all ages and is free of charge.

An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland – Donegal Association An Taisce is a Registered Charity  (Reg No.CHY 4741) This project is sponsored by An Taisce, Donegal Association having been grant aided by Donegal County Council under its LA21 initiative.

Saturday 6th May  10.30am ~ Learning local birdsong ~ Cluain na dTor Falcarragh  NatureNorthWest and Cluain na dTor nurseries in Falcarragh are hosting an introduction to birdsong and garden birds morning.  Starting with an hour long presentation on garden birds and what they do over the 4 seasons, a discussion on lost sounds, bird song that we rarely hear any more, followed by a walk through the nurseries learning and identifying local birdsong.  Bring walking shoes and binoculars if you have them.  €8 per adult and concession for families.

Monday 10th April  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 10th of April after 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Friday 20th January  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Friday the 20th of January after 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

2016

Monday 19th DecemberAengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 19th of December after 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Tuesday 21st November Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun on Tuesday the 21st of November at 12.30.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Sunday 13th November  Inch wildfowl trust are holding a walk and talk.  Meet at 2pm at the Grianan Hotel.  From there you will get tea/coffee and a scone in the visitor centre and a short talk by members of the newly formed Inch Wildfowl Trust about the trust and the site.  Then there will be a walk from the main Inch carpark to one of the hides talking about and looking at the winter migrating birds that are arriving at this time of year.  Cost is €5 per person to cover tea and admittance to the visitor centre at an Grianan Hotel.  Suitable for all.

Friday 4th November Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Friday the 4th of November at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Saturday 22nd October  NatureNorthWest with Donegal Downs Syndrome group are running a nature walk for their members in Glenveagh National Park at 12 noon this Saturday.  Please get in touch if you would like to participate.

Wednesday 19th October  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Friday the 2nd of September at 12 noon.  They will be chatting walking to school and An Taisce’s green school travel programme.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Monday 19th September  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Friday the 2nd of September at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Tuesday 16th August  Free guided nature walk through the dunes and trees at rathmullan.  The walk will explore the plants and animal life and eco-services provided by these habitats.  Sponsored by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Meet at the carpark at 7pm.

Thursday 4th August  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Friday the 4th of August at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Thursday 28th July.  A short nature walk for children exploring the dunes and woods, making crowns and bug hunting.  Suitable for 5 year olds plus.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Part of the rathmullan Regatta Festival.  2.30pm for 1.5 hours.

Wednesday 27th July.  A short nature walk for children exploring the dunes and woods, making crowns and bug hunting.  Suitable for 5 year olds plus.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Part of the rathmullan Regatta Festival.  2.30pm for 1.5 hours.

Tuesday 26th July  Free guided nature walk through the dunes and trees at rathmullan.  The walk will explore the plants and animal life and ecoservces provided by these habitats.  Sponsored by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Meet at the carpark at 7.30.

Sunday 10th July  Free guided nature walk and talk as part of Feile Ura na Carriage, Carrick towns festival near the Sliabh League cliffs.  The walk will be through the town on the river walk looking and talking about the nature to be found in the area.  Suitable for all and free for all.  2pm – 4pm.

8th July ~ Teacher Training  NatureNorthWest is delighted to be part of a teacher training week at Glenveagh Education Centre on Friday the 8th of July.  This week long teacher course organised by Glenveagh National Park Education Centre and Donegal Education Centre will involve the Donegal heritage officer, the fisheries board, Glenveagh education team and NatureNorthWest.  On Friday NatureNorthWest will be running a ‘Maths in Nature’ day; showing teachers how to apply some of the maths curriculum in the outdoors through forest surveys and more.

Tuesday 5th July  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Tuesday the 5th of July at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonally relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Tuesday 14th June  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Tuesday the 14th of June at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonally relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Sunday May 22nd 3pm ~ Nature walk ~ Ards Forest Park  2 x 1 hour nature walks exploring the bird, bug and flower life of Ards Forest Park.  Part of the mental health ireland green ribbon campaign.  Walks are free for all.

Wednesday 11th May  7pm ~ Learning local birdsong ~ Parish Centre, Ballymore, Cresslough  A 2/3 hour workshop including 1 hour presentation about garden birds and what they do through the seasons plus 8 key birdsongs ~ followed by a 1 hour walk in the area listening to and learning some local bird songs.

Tuesday 12th April  6pm ~ Learning local birdsong ~ Rathmullan House  A 2/3 hour workshop including 1 hour presentation about garden birds and what they do through the seasons plus 8 common birdsongs ~ followed by a 1 hour walk in the area listening to and learning some local bird songs.  €10 per adult, children free.

Monday 4th April  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 4th of April at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonally relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Monday 21st of March  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 21st of March at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonally relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Monday 29th February  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 29th of February at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonally relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Monday 1st February  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 1st of February at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonally relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Tuesday 5th January  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Tuesday the 5th of January at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about seasonally relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

2015

Tuesday 22nd December  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Tuesday the 22nd of December at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about the origin of the christmas tree, turkeys and other seasonally relevant topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Tuesday 24th November  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Tuesday the 24th of November at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about making bird feeders, the Irish mammal atlas and any other seasonal nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Sunday 15th November  Nature walk and talk looking at trees of Ramelton and how to identify them in the winter.  We will be joined by storytellers along the way and there is a bowl of soup included in the price on our return to Whorskeys shop.  Suitable for all.  Bring rain gear and walking shoes.  Meet at Gambles square, Ramelton at 11am.  Charge, €5 including soup.  Part of the Ramelton Storytelling Festival.  Click here for more details on this wonderful local festival.

Thursday 29th October  Bat walk and talk for all ages.  Meet at Rathmullan house in the Taproom (downstairs) at 5pm.  Talk about bats followed by a short walk looking for bats and bat habitats.  €5 per adult and children are free of charge.

Monday 28th October  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 28th of October at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about changing leaf colours, rutting deer and any other seasonal nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Wednesday 2nd September Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Wednesday the 2nd of September at 12 noon.  They will be chatting about wasps and hornets, the disappearing swallows and any other seasonal nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Sunday 30th August  Family nature walk for children.  For 5-10 year olds.  6pm.  Part of the Féile Carriage Arts and Culture.  Limited places.

Wednesday 19th August  Blue Flag environmental beach day for children, funded by Donegal County Council.  Contact the Dunfanaghy Community Resource Centre to book a place.  Booking Essential!

Wednesday 12th August  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Wednesday the 12th of August at 12.30.  They will be chatting about seasonal nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Friday 31st July  Nature walk for children in Rathmullan, part of the Rathmullan Community Festival.  Meeting at the carpark at 12.30.  Duration about 1/1.5 hours.

Wednesday 15th July Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Wednesday the 15th of July at 12.30.  They will be chatting about seabirds, jellyfish and any other seasonal nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

10th June ~ Teacher Training  NatureNorthWest is delighted to be part of a teacher training week at Glenveagh Education Centre on Friday the 10th of June.  This week long teacher course organised by Glenveagh National Park Education Centre and Donegal Education Centre will involve the Donegal heritage officer, the fisheries board, Glenveagh education team and NatureNorthWest.  On Friday NatureNorthWest will be running a ‘Maths in Nature’ day; showing teachers how to apply some of the maths curriculum in the outdoors through forest surveys and more.

Thursday 25th June Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Thursday the 25th of June at 12.30.  They will be chatting about seasonal nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

An Taisce (Donegal branch) have teamed up with NatureNorthWest through LA21 funding administered by Donegal County Council to run a series of walks promoting local biodiversity.  All the walks below are FREE of Charge.

Friday 15th May 7pm ~ Learning local birdsong ~ Ballybofey  A 2/3 hour workshop including 1 hour presentation about garden birds and what they do through the seasons plus 8 key birdsongs ~ followed by a 1 hour walk in the area listening to and learning some local bird songs.  Tea/coffee provided.  This walk is funded by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Meeting at the Parish hall behind the church.  Booking essential, Click here to book a place or ring Aengus at 086 812 3019.  Suitable for all ages and is free of charge.

Tuesday 12th May 7pm ~ Learning local birdsong ~ Ramelton  A 2/3 hour workshop including 1 hour presentation about garden birds and what they do through the seasons plus 8 key birdsongs ~ followed by a 1 hour walk in the area listening to and learning some local bird songs during the dusk chorus.  Tea/coffee provided. and a scone provided.  Meeting at the Riverbank Cafe at 7pm.  This walk is funded by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Booking essential, Click here to book a place or ring Aengus at 086 812 3019.  Suitable for all ages and is free of charge.

Monday 11th May Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 11th of May at 12.30.  They will be chatting about migrating birds, woodland flowers and other signs of spring.  Any nature questions are welcome.

Friday 8th May ~ Bat Walk  NatureNorthWest has teamed up with An Taisce (Donegal branch) with a free bat walk and talk for all in Ardara on Friday the 8th of May at 8pm.  The evening will start with a presentation on bats from around the world and Ireland and a brief chat about the recent Irish survey of Daubenton or water bats.  This will be followed by a short walk through the trees at the rivers edge in Ardara town.  Meeting at the Heritage Centre at 8pm.  Suitable for all ages and is free of charge.

Tuesday 5th May ~ Bat Walk   NatureNorthWest has teamed up with An Taisce (Donegal branch) with a free bat walk and talk for all in Donegal town on Tuesday the 5th of May at 8pm.  The Donegal Education Centre have kindly agreed to provide the venue for a presentation on bats from around the world and Ireland and a brief chat about the recent Irish survey of Daubenton or water bats.  This will be followed by a short walk through the trees at the rivers edge in Donegal town.  Suitable for all ages and is free of charge.

Thursday 30th April ~ Woodland Walk ~ 7pm.  A walk and talk around Duntally Nature Reserve near Creslough.  This walk is funded by An Taisce (Donegal branch).  Woodland structure, tree types, woodland flowers and the ‘dusk chorus’ will all be enjoyed.  April is the perfect time to see all the woodland flowers and migrant songbirds will start to arrive by then.  Meeting at the carpark beside the bottle recycle centre.  A free return bus will take all from there to the woods and drop you back afterwards.  This walk is suitable for all ages and free of charge. An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland – Donegal Association An Taisce is a Registered Charity  (Reg No.CHY 4741) This project is sponsored by An Taisce, Donegal Association having been grant aided by Donegal County Council under its LA21 initiative.

25th April ~ Teacher Training  NatureNorthWest is delighted to be running a teacher training workshop at Inch wildfowl reserve on Saturday the 25th of April.  This two hour session organised by Glenveagh National Park Education Centre and Donegal Education Centre will a practical walk and talk around the newly opened trails at Inch demonstrating and discussing how to teach  birds and birdlife to children.   To find out more get in touch!

10th – April Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Friday the 10th of April at 12.30.  They will be chatting about migrating birds, woodland flowers and other signs of spring.  Any nature questions are welcome.

19th – March  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Thursday the 19th of March at 12.30.  They will be chatting about frogs, woodland flowers and other signs of spring.  Any nature questions are welcome.

16th – February  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 16th of February at 12.30.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

10th – February ~ Teacher Training  NatureNorthWest is delighted to be running a teacher training workshop in Glenveagh National Park on Tuesday the 10th of February.  This two hour session organised by Glenveagh National Park Education Centre and Donegal Education Centre will be a hands-on session about bird nest boxes and their camera systems.  Participants will get to rig a nest box camera system and see where and when the best place is to fit nest boxes. This session is also open to the public!  To find out more get in touch!

23rd – January  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Friday the 23rd of January at 12.30.  They will be chatting about seasonal relevant nature topics.  Any nature questions are welcome.

5th – January  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 5th of January at 12.30.  They will be chatting about our wildlife in winter.

2014

15th – December  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Monday the 15th of December at 12.30.  Christmas and nature, turkeys, christmas and more…

26th-November  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Wednesday the 26th of November  at 12.30.  They will be chatting about how to help the birds in winter.

22nd-November ~ Tidy Towns Seminar  Aengus will be hosting a talk on biodiversity and our local habitats to the Donegal County Council Tidy Towns Seminar this saturday.  Booking essential.  A PDF of the presentation is available for free to download here.

4th-November  Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Tuesday the 4th of November  at 12.20.  They will be chatting about the Barn owls, their decline and what we can do to help.

26th-October ~ Bat Walk  NatureNorthWest has teamed up with Rathmullan House with a free bat walk and talk for all on Sunday the 26th of October at 4.30pm.  The afternoon will start with a presentation on bats from around the world and Ireland, a brief chat about the recent Irish survey of Daubenton or water bats.  This will be followed by a short walk through the trees at Rathmullan beach looking for bats.

15th-October    Aengus will be chatting with Shaun on the Highland Radio Shaun Doherty show on Wednesday the 15th of October at 12.30.  They will be chatting about the Red Deer rut, why this year is such a big mast year for Oak, Beech and other trees (and what a mast year means) and answering some questions that have recently come into the show.

14th-October ~ Teacher training  NatureNorthWest is delighted to be running a teacher training workshop in Glenveagh National Park on tuesday the 14th of October.  This two hour session organised by Glenveagh National Park Education Centre and Donegal Education Centre will be a hands-on out door session showing teachers how to integrate maths into practical nature exploration through woodland surveying.

5th-October ~ Nature Walk  Know your cockles from your mussels?  Know your winkles from your whelks?  NorthWestNature are delighted to be joining the Rathmullan Autumn Feast with a free nature walk exploring some of Rathmullan’s shoreside nature on Sunday the 5th of October at 3.30 pm.  With free sailing sessions with the Rathmullan Sailing School, free paddle-boarding with Adventure One beach walks and of course the renowned local food feast this day should be quite special.  All donations and proceeds are going towards an open access wheelchair accessible playground for Rathmullan beach.  The beach has over 60,000 visitors every year!  Come and join us at Rathmullan pier at 3pm for a walk and talk about marine life in  and beside Lough Swilly.