With the busy month of October wrapped up for another year, the Biosphere's focus is closing out the year with strong communication. In support of this, we will be hosting a free webinar aimed at providing an insight into the Biosphere and it's functions. The webinar may also provide attendees with a link between their group / organisation and the Biosphere and identify where the reserve can support local communities.
It has been a busy few months in the Kerry Biosphere. We thoroughly enjoyed our Autumn Garthering back in September, a great way to kickstart the autumn. The diversity of events added extra interest in this years efforts, from guided bird walks, beach walks, and woodland outings, to upland and mountainous recreation walks and creative entomology. Fast forward two months and are Rainwater Planter initiative is well underway, our Bats of Irelands colouring books have been printed and have been a roaring success, our Lesser Horseshoe Bat sculpture is on tour, and our primary schools bat calendar is in print.
We are delighted with the final product of our 'Bats of Ireland' colouring book funded through Creative Ireland / Kerry County Council Arts Creative Communities. With beautiful imagery produced by local artist and author Katie O'Donoghue, and informative yext from the Biosphere's Brendan Kirwan, the book has something for everyone.
We are delighted to invite you to our Harvest Gathering Weekend in Kerry, hosted by The Kerry Biosphere, Transition Kerry and Kerry County Council.
This is a weekend event filled with connection, inspiration and immersion in nurturing places with talks, walks and workshops in various locations, there is something for everyone.
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.
Engaging art to save a Species – Working together to help Irelands Bats
The Lesser Horseshoe bat is one of nine bat species found in Ireland. Unfortunately, it is one of our most endangered. It is now found in only 6 counties in Ireland along the western’s seaboard.
According to the Species Action pan for the Lesser Horseshoe bat developed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service: Habitat fragmentation and loss of roost sites are the two biggest factors resulting in the reduction of numbers and range of our Lesser Horseshoe Bats.
The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is photophobic, it doesn’t like bright lights, and its preferred feeding habitat is broadleaf woodland making Killarney National Park and excellent habitat for this species in danger.
We are delighted to team up with the Killarney National Park Education team to deliver a guided bat walk in Killarney. Meeting at Deenagh Lodge at 8:30pm on Saturday 24th August, we will explore the woodlands of Killarney National Park in search of our many bat species. We will learn about the habitats that support Irish bat species, potential impacts that affect them, and the ecology of our bats. This event is free, and supported by Creative Ireland and Kerry County Council Arts.
Booking is essential and can be done so on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kerry-biosphere-bat-walk-tickets-990822094557
Please bring a head torch, wear sturdy footwear, and a hi-viz vest if you have one.
We have decided to extend the deadline for our 'People of the Kerry Biosphere' initiative. The closing date for entries is now Monday 16th October at 17:00. We are delighted with the interest in the project from the primary schools in the county, the competition is open to all ages and entries from adults are encouraged also. For more information on the format of the competiton please contact the Kerry Biosphere Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 087 152 7746.
We are in the final few weeks of this competition. Participants are invited to create a creative writing piece (max 500 words) or create an illustration that encapsulates what the Biosphere means to them. The closing date for entries is Friday 6th October 2023.
We have hosted some terrific outings in the Kerry Biosphere and beyond with the outlay of our Autumnal Series. The Series was made possible through fuding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Kerry County Council through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. We had a marvellous visit to Gortbrack Organic Farm, Tralee with host Ian McGrigor. Ian led us through his farm with great enthusiasm and wit, with attendees in awe of the workings of the farm and it's produce. The outing also highlighted the biodiversity value of farming in sympathy with nature. Particular highlights at the farm included pond dipping, foraging, and 'ditch sitting!'.
