Blooming biodiversity enjoyed in Laois

From dusk choruses and bat walks to moth traps and riverside discoveries, Laois celebrated its natural heritage with immersive events during National Biodiversity Week.

Organised by Laois County Council in collaboration with the Heritage Council, community groups, businesses, and individuals, the week offered accessible, family-friendly opportunities to explore, observe, and understand the natural environment around them.

The week opened with a magical Dusk Chorus walk in Abbeyleix Bog, hosted by naturalists Des and Hugh. Over 40 people attended the event, tuning into the rich evening birdsong while learning about the diverse habitats and species supported by the bog. A special moment occurred when participants heard the distinctive call of the cuckoo, a migratory bird that marks the arrival of spring and whose presence is increasingly rare in Ireland’s countryside.

In Ballyfin, the Nature Photography session proved to be a standout. Wildlife watchers and photographers alike were delighted by up-close sightings of some of Ireland’s more elusive woodland species: a pine marten, greater spotted woodpecker, red squirrel, and a number of striking jays. These rare sightings provided both inspiration and valuable learning about local biodiversity. A nature talk on pollinators by Edel found an enthusiastic audience in Durrow library.

A Twilight Bat Walk in Portlaoise offered a fascinating glimpse into the world of pipistrelle bats. Participants used bat detectors to pick up their echolocation calls and learned about the ecological importance of these nocturnal mammals. The event highlighted how bottom-up food webs—beginning with aquatic and terrestrial insect populations—are critical to bat survival, and how creating ponds and wildflower meadows can help support and sustain bat populations and associated predator food webs. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Glamping under the stars. Pic: Alf Harvey

Back in Ballyfin, early risers were treated to the soothing sounds of a Dawn Chorus, immersing themselves in the symphony of birds greeting the day. This peaceful event deepened public appreciation for the everyday beauty of local birdlife.
At the River Erkina, which forms part of the River Nore catchment, participants engaged in hands-on Water Quality Sampling.

They discovered that the river currently holds a “good status” in environmental health—an encouraging sign of its biodiversity.  The Erkina plays an important role in supporting the broader ecological health of the Nore system, which is home to species of high conservation value, including the Irish pearl mussel, one of Ireland’s most endangered freshwater invertebrates.

Further west in Ballykilcavan, an Outstanding Moth Trapping Session fascinated attendees with an impressive variety of species, including the spectacular hawk moth, showcasing the hidden diversity of Ireland’s nocturnal wildlife.

Additional highlights included an informative walk by Kyra and Barry on Biodiversity in Business at Glamping Under the Stars, with a guided exploration of the Grassland Succession of Wild Flowers, which demonstrated how natural meadows evolve and flourish over time. These areas support a rich web of insects and pollinators, as well as small mammals, resulting in increasing sightings of pine martens, owls, and buzzards—a powerful reminder of how healthy habitats sustain entire food chains. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Red Squirrel in Laois. Photo: Rossa Bracken

“The week’s events were not just about appreciating nature—they’re about understanding our responsibility to protect it,” said Lisa Doyle, Biodiversity Officer at Laois County Council.

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“The community’s enthusiasm and curiosity have been inspiring. These events show how everyday actions—from creating ponds to letting meadows grow—can play a huge role in enhancing local biodiversity," she said.

They concluded with a bat walk in Durrow woods and a walk in Cullohill at Bunlacken Brew carpark.

Laois County Council adds that National Biodiversity Week 2025 in Laois has strengthened local connections to nature and underscored the role of community action in conservation. Organisers hope the week sparks lasting interest and commitment to protecting the county’s unique natural heritage.

The Council says it is dedicated to promoting environmental education and nature conservation across the county. We are committed to implementing the National Biodiversity Action Plan—supporting the conservation and enhancement of nature in Laois through active stewardship, inclusive engagement, and sustainable initiatives.

Lisa Doyle can be contacted at biodiversity@laoiscoco.ie  More info at www.laois.ie/sustain