Spring/Summer walk 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.
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.
More to follow shortly…
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:
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.
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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.
Nature North West 