Council’s invite for Howth BioBlitz

FINGAL County Council is encouraging members of the public to visit Howth this weekend for a family fun event.

Howth BioBlitz 2014 will take place on Friday and Saturday, may 23 and 24, where locals and visitors will be given the opportunity to learn more about the rich plant and animal life on the peninsula.

Howth is one of four sites nationally chosen by the National Biodiversity Data Centre to host Ireland’s BioBlitz 2014.

As part of this national event, scientists will gather to survey and record the rich biodiversity of Howth Head and Ireland’s Eye, and will compete with other teams of scientists across Ireland at three other heritage sites (Derrynane, County Kerry, Clonbur/Cong Woodlands, County Galway and Glenarm Estate, County Antrim).

The site that records the most species in a 24-hour period will be crowned Ireland’s Bioblitz Winners 2014.

On both Friday and Saturday there will be many free events for all the family to explore the rich wildlife of the area.

Deborah Tiernan, Fingal Biodiversity Officer, said:

“This is a great opportunity to get involved and help record the rich biodiversity of Howth.

“It’s also an opportunity to learn more about wildlife by talking to the experts visiting Howth, or by attending one of the many special events taking place.

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The council is grateful to Howth Castle which is hosting the event with BioBlitz headqaurters at the Deerpark, and to all the volunteer recorders coming to Howth to make the event possible.

Howth BioBlitz builds on the Council’s work over many years to manage the Howth Special Amenity Area and its rich biodiversity by working with local representatives, residents, NGOs and experts on the Howth SAAO Management Committee.

Ecologist Dr Mary Tubridy, who has worked on the SAAO Management Committee for many years, will give a public lecture –

‘Wild about Howth’ – at the Deerpark on Friday evening, kicking off an exciting series of events.

Full details are available at: bioblitz.biodiversityireland.ie/howth-head/ or www.fingal.ie