Island BioBlitz is a fun event where experts and members of the public join forces to explore the rich diversity of life found on our off-shore islands. It is a race against time to see which island can record the most species of wildlife over a 24 hour period. But it is also a celebration of the unique heritage and character of Ireland’s off-shore islands.
For the first time, Island BioBlitz will visit some of Ireland’s wonderful off-shore islands. Cape Clear (Oileán Chléire), Bere Island (Oiléan Béarra), Inis Mór, Clare Island (Oileán Chliara) and Tory Island (Oileán Thoraí) have joined forces with the National Biodiversity Data Centre to run this new and exciting event. Over a 24-hour period from 12:00hrs on11th June to 12:00hrs on 12th June, the five islands will compete against each other to see which island has the greatest diversity of wildlife and where the most wildlife species can be found.
Each island is assembling teams of recorders; national experts, specialists & other interested individuals, to join forces to identify and record the rich biological diversity they find. But this is not all about experts! Running alongside Island BioBiltz is a programme of events where everyone can join in, learn more about wildlife and just experience the special charm and qualities of our off-shore islands. Make sure to put the date in your diary and join us for Island BioBlitz – it is the first time ever such a unique celebration of island wildlife has been organised.
The event is organised by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
For more information visit http://www.bioblitz.ie/clare-island/
Clare Island Wildlife Festival programme
Wednesday 8th June
13:00hrs Natural History and Clare Island – Praeger, New Survyes and the Future
18:00hrs Poetry Reading with wine and cheese reception
Thursday 9th June
17:00hrs Agricultural Biology on Clare Islands and similar area
23:00hrs Stargazing with campfire and marshmallows
Friday 10th June
10:00hrs Local flora walk and talk
13:00hrs Wildfood, beekeeping and Organic Farming (Macalla Farm)
20:00hrs Island BioBlitz launch including talk on Island Ecosystems
Followed by wine reception and traditional music session
Saturday 11th June
10:00hrs Archaeological exploration of Clare Island: 5,000 years of human habitation.
12:00hrs Island BioBlitz 2016 commences
14:00hrs Kids beachcombing and Found Art Workshop
15:00hrs The Abbey – 12th Century frescoes and carvings
16:00hrs Butterfly walk
17:00hrs Birdwatching – gannets, choughs, puffins and falcons
19:00hrs Folklore and recent island history
22:00hrs Bat walk – Harm Deenan (Bat Conservation Ireland)
Sunday 12th June
06:00hrs Early morning bird walk
09:00hrs Opening of moth traps
10:00 hrs Foreshore Walk – edible seaweeds & molluscs, hunting for bait and identifying seashore creatures
12:00hrs Island BioBlitz – finishes
12:30hrs Island BioBlitz – winners announced
13:00hrs Farewell Soiree and Traditional Music Session