This Saturday February 1st is World Wetlands Day and, to mark the occasion, the Sonairte Ecology Centre in Laytown, County Meath is hosting a number of speakers followed by a river walk.
Wetlands are rich reservoirs of biodiversity that are vital for humanity and nature to thrive. Sonairte Ecology Centre is located alongside the banks of the tidal River Nanny, an important habitat for a whole range of protected shorebirds.
However, an invasive species of cord-grass known as Spartina anglica has been posing a threat to the ecosystem by increasing the height of sediment and covering the mud flats, reducing foraging areas for wildlife. Sonairte has been taking action to combat this invasive species from negatively impacting our local biodiversity.
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Paschal Marry “The Nanny Cultural Heritage”
Carol Quish Rivers Trust
Cathal Flood LAWPRO (Local Authority Water Programme)
Ben Malone Biodiversity Officer, Meath County Council - “The Wetlands of Co. Meath”
Brigitte Krenn “Wetlands Biodiversity Action at Sonairte: Specific efforts to contain Spartina anglica”
Presentations will be followed by a short River Walk by the Nanny and the opportunity to make Brigid’s crosses from locally sourced materials.
Date: Saturday February 1st
Start: 2.30pm (Refreshments from 2pm/ River walk at 4.30pm)
Location: Sonairte, Laytown, A92 D9XH
This will be an indoor and outdoor event. Wellies and rain jackets encouraged.
This event is best suited for adults and children aged 12+.