Learn about citizen science; build a hedgehog highway; or explore the thought-provoking topic of climate change and archaeology for National Biodiversity Week at the Museum.
National Biodiversity Week takes place from 15 to 23 May to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and encourage people to play an active role in protecting the precious balance of nature.
The NMI is delighted to be taking part in National Biodiversity Week in 2021 with this range of events and resources for all ages. Browse the full programme below. Please note, booking is required for some events.
Biodiversity for Citizen Scientists
2pm, Wednesday, 19 May
Join ecologist Dr Fran Giaquinto for this online talk on how easy and enjoyable citizen science can be for the whole family. Learn how citizen scientists can help turn the tide on biodiversity loss. Dr Fran Giaquinto CEnv MCIEEM is an independent plant ecologist who has worked in evidence-based, solutions-focused field ecology for the last 35 years. This is a free event organised by the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN). Booking is required.
Further information and booking details
Climate Change: What it means for our built and archaeological heritage
1pm, Thursday, 20 May
Learn about the impact of climate change on our cultural heritage and the steps the State is taking to address these challenges. This online lecture will be delivered by Jacqui Donnelly, Senior Architect, Built Heritage Policy, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Pauline Gleeson, Senior Archaeologist in the National Monuments Service.
This is the first in a new four-part series about climate change and archaeology. Booking is essential via Eventbrite.
Further information and booking details
Biodiversity for Community Spaces
2pm, Saturday, 22 May
The Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN) presents an online talk with ecologist Janice Fuller, who will share some ideas for protecting and enhancing nature and wildlife in our towns, villages and urban spaces. Janice Fuller is an ecologist based in south Galway. She has an in-depth knowledge of the Irish flora and habitats based on many years’ experience of ecological field survey and research. Janice also has a particular interest in community development and the Tidy Towns movement. This is a free event but booking is required.
Further information and booking details
SCHOOLS EVENT: Bumble and Honey Bees
10am & 11.30am, Wednesday, 12 May
Inspire your class ahead of National Biodiversity Week with this special schools event for 3rd to 6th class pupils. Sign-up for an online workshop with ecologist Dr. Karina Dingerkus to learn how to identify bumblebees and honeybees and discover more about biodiversity through a mixture of live and recorded presentations.
Further information and booking details
WATCH BACK: Build your own Hedgehog Highway
Available now on our Youtube channel
If you missed our recent hedgehog highway event, National Biodiversity Week is the perfect time to watch it back on Youtube. Elaine O'Riordan from the Irish Hedgehog Survey team NUIG joined the Museum for this special event looking at one of our most loved wild animals. During the active season, hedgehogs can travel between one and two kilometres each night looking for food and mates. This event looked at how to build a 'hedgehog highway' to help these little wanderers who are at their most vulnerable when they emerge.
WATCH NOW
My Secret Garden
Download from our website
Have fun at school or at home with this wonderful activity sheet and poster from the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History. Use the My Secret Garden poster to learn about biodiversity and nature in Ireland. Then use the activity sheet and your imagination to dream up all of the different animals that live in your secret garden.