The Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve together with Kerry County Council were delighted to launch their new ‘Bats of the Kerry Biosphere’ colouring book in the Garden Room at Killarney House on Saturday afternoon. The colouring book is awash with detailed images of Ireland’s bats and the habitats that support them. The imagery in the colouring book was created by local artist and author Katie O’Donoghue. The colouring books will be made available to schools and libraries around the County with thanks to Biodiversity Officer with Kerry County Council, Eleanor Turner.
Following an informative presentation on Ireland’s bats from the Kerry Biosphere Officer, Brendan Kirwan, the team were also thrilled to unveil their Lesser Horseshoe Bat sculpture which was created by sculptor Marjorie Cunningham. The sculpture, which was created using recycled materials, captures with fine attention to detail the distinctive features of the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. The sculpture was developed to raise awareness of Ireland’s bat species with a particular focus on Lesser Horseshoe Bats. All Irish bat species are protected under the Wildlife Act as amended, and the bats and their roost sites are protected. The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is a rare species both nationally and internationally. The species is restricted to just six western counties in Ireland at present and Ireland, and Kerry are recognised as strongholds for the species on a European scale. The Biosphere’s Lesser Horseshoe Bat sculpture will be displayed throughout the County in the coming months, and is yet to be named. The Biosphere will run a poll later in the year to name the bat.
In the evening time the Killarney National Park Education Team led a bat walk from Deenagh Lodge, Killarney. A large group attendant the walk and were treated to acrobatic displays from bats in the woodlands. The event was hugely enjoyed by all and was a fitting way to celebrate International Bat Night. The events celebrated at the weekend were made possible with support from Creative Ireland’s Creative Communities, Kerry County Arts, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
