December walk

We are bringing our December walk forward to this Sunday December 8th. The venue for the walk is part of the perimeter of Little Island where Waterford Castle is situated. Meeting point for the walk is the Ferry terminal at Ballynakill at 1.45 pm and we will cross as foot passengers. Departures are scheduled for every 30 minutes so it is essential that we're all together for the crossing otherwise late comers will miss the walk. Most of the route is on prepared trail but part will be through grass which will probably be wet so footwear accordingly. The Island has many points of interest including wildlife of course with deer frequently seen. Bird life can be extensive and Denis Cullen will have his telescope for those who want to do some birdwatching - lapwing and oyster catcher and winter waders are very likely. Others who want a brisker walk will do that led by yours truly. We will then meet up back at the Clubhouse. We wish to invite members to the Clubhouse for tea/coffee and mince pies afterwards but non members are indeed very welcome to join us. The cost of the refreshments for non members is €4.00. Hope to see you all on Sunday.

December update

The November outing on Sunday 17th was to the Kilmacleague Compensatory Wetland. Thanks to Denis for the picture.

Waterford County Council cordially invites you to the launch of

Corries, Caves and Coast- The  Geological Heritage of County Waterford

 A  publication on geology, geomorphology and the evolution
of the Co. Waterford landscape

An action of the Co. Waterford Heritage Plan 2013

Tuesday 3rd December at 7.00 p.m.

Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Knockmahon, Bunmahon

Launch by Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, Mayor, Waterford County Council.

                  

Natural Heritage

A copy of Conserving our Natural Heritage, the County Waterford Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2008-2013 can be downloaded from the Waterford County Council website.

Thanks to Mary H for this picture taken on the Mount Juliet walk in September

Mount Congreve open day

Some pictures from the welcome Mount Congreve open day where the people of the southeast showed their interest in keeping this wildlife haven open to the public.

 Open on Thursdays until September, check out their website.

August Walk

Waterford Irish Wildlife Trust concludes its summer evening programme with a walk along the old railway line through Kilbarry Bog on Tuesday August 20^th.   A great opportunity to appreciate an important wetland so near the city.  Walk leader for the evening is Denis Cullen who will tell us about the wildlife of this Special Area of Conservation (SAC).  Meeting point is the car park at Kilbarry Nature Park and starting time is 7 pm and the duration is approximately 1½ hours.  This is a family friendly event and all are welcome.   

Coastwatch walk to Remediated wetlands at the Backstrand, Tramore

Karen Dubsky joined with local Coastwatch to walk from the Saleens to the new wetlands put aside/flooded to offset wetland loss elsewhere. For a full report click here.

Save our forests campaign successful

 Liam Lysaght from the Biodiversity Centre leads walk to Jenkinstown. Link here to the Save our Forests website. Coillte will now be merged with Bord na Mona instead of the timber harvesting rights being sold off to either the Chinese or a European consortium headed up by Bertie Aherne.

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Hook Head walk

Hook Head  ( Rinn Dúbháin)  was the venue for the walk on May 12th. Themes included marine life, geology,  the colourful flora and some of the story of the unique Hook Peninsula.  Walk started and finished at the Hook Hd Visitor Centre.   

Thanks to Ray for leading the walk. 

We wish to apologise to anyone who was inconvenienced by the confusion over the April walk venue.

March Walk March 10th

The March walk takes place on Sunday March 10th  starting at 2 pm sharp  (tide doesn’t wait!!). The meeting point is the Community Hall on the waterfront.    The 2½ hour walk is along historic Crooke Beach from Passage East to Newtown Head near Woodstown.   Shore life, bird life and geology will all be encountered along the way.  Return is by road passing by Geneva Barracks and the Knights Templar site at Crooke.  Optional refreshments afterwards.  Underfoot along the beach is pebble and sand so strong footwear is advisable;  otherwise,  this is a very family friendly walk with much to see and enjoy.  051-382629, 083-106-7042 or waterfordiwt@gmail.com