Bugs, frogs and climbing trees – get outdoors, this Saturday is WILD CHILD DAY!
When was the last time you or your kids climbed a tree, collected bugs or made a den in the garden? This Saturday is your cue as National Heritage Week kicks off with Wild Child Day (21st August).
Speaking about the day, Heritage Council Chief Executive Michael Starrett said, “2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity and to celebrate this, the first Saturday of National Heritage Week has been designated Wild Child Day. The idea behind the day is to encourage families and kids to get outdoors, and interact and connect with the natural world to see the beauty and benefits it has to offer.
Everyday life moves at such a fast pace that we often don’t really take the time to enjoy the outdoors. This Saturday event organisers have come on board to organise events for Wild Child Day that are especially for kids. For those that can’t make it to an event, go into your garden or local park, lie on the grass, explore with your children and enjoy the nature on your doorstep”.
National Heritage Week, which is coordinated by the Heritage Council runs from 21st – 29th August 2010. With over 1200 events taking place across the country throughout the week there’s lots to do for all ages and all the family. The majority of the events are FREE of charge and a full list of what is happening in each county throughout the week is available on www.heritageweek.ie
To celebrate Wild Child Day the Heritage Council has also launched their Wild Child Photo Competition. People are invited to submit an image that they think captures the spirit and diversity of biodiversity. Photos should be of habitats, wildlife and if possible also include people! The deadline for entry is 10th September. Photos and descriptions can be entered under three categories – Junior 7-12 years, Youth 13-20 and Adult 21+. All entries must be uploaded to www.pix.ie/groups/heritageweek . Wildlife expert Eanna Ní Leamhna will lead the judging panel and winners will be announced on 20th September 2010.
Star of the “Naturally Wild Roadshow” Dale Treadwell was on hand today with some bugs, butterfly’s and frogs to launch Wild Child Day and show us all the wonderful and creepy things we can find in the outdoors and take photos of !
Below is a quick preview of some of what’s on offer this Saturday for Wild Child Day:
Touch Tanks At Lough Hyne – Cork
At Skibbereen Heritage Centre in West Cork, UCC scientists will interpret species to be found in Lough Hyne. Children can see, handle and learn about creatures normally only seen underwater.
Birds of Prey at Glenveagh National Park – Donegal
Feathered fun for all the family and get up close and personal with Birds of Prey at Glenveagh National Park in Co. Donegal
Games We Used To Play – Waterford
This event will centre around the games children used to play throughout the generations, in danger of being forgotten. Such as Skipping, German Jumps, Chinies, Knucks, Tig, Red Rover. Event will include displays, demonstrations and interaction. The event takes place in the Copper Coast Geopark, Co. Waterford.
Majestic Bilberry Goats – Waterford
Waterford’s Living History (Unique to Waterford), the Majestic Bilberry goat is a feral herd that can be found living on Bilberry Rock overlooking Waterford City. The species cannot be found anywhere else in the World and have been living in Waterford City for 400 years. Come along and get up close and personal with the herd during National Heritage Week and taste our unique Bilberry goat heritage cheese – a taste of Waterford.
Bio Blitz With Dale Treadwell From The Naturally Wild Roadshow – Westmeath
RTE’s Dale Treadwell organises a Bio Blitz where children hunt for insects and plants that are identified and recorded. Bugs and Beasties and the plants they live on and in. Discover a whole new world under your feet at Belvedere House Gardens and Park Co. Westmeath.
Children’s Tour Of Farmleigh House, Then Talk To The Animals – Dublin
This is a modified tour for Farmleigh House for children aged 5 – 12yrs. Adults must be accompanied by a child! Fun with donkeys, horses and calves. Tour will highlight ‘The secret staircase’. Also ‘Spot the deliberate mistakes in the tapestries’’ and ‘I love lemons’ where you can bring home lemons from the conservatory.
Hidden Treasures – Galway
Galway Arts Centre Animation workshop with visual artist Aideen Barry. Expect lots of fun as children learn about Galway’s hidden treasures through animation. Booking essential. Materials provided. Children must bring a drink and snack. Suitable for children aged 7-12yrs.
Visit To the ‘Dead Zoo’ – Galway
Galway Civic Trust See Galway’s very own ‘Dead Zoo’ and hear about creatures great and small! Booking essential. Suitable for children 7-12yrs. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Straffan Butterfly Farm – Kildare
Walk through an indoor jungle with tropical butterflies flying aroud you. Safe behind glass see giant spiders, scorpions, stick insects and small reptiles. Learn about “butterfly farming” in the tropics and see examples of extinct Irish Butterflies on display. www.straffanbutterflyfarm.com
Wild Child Fun On The Farm – Kilkenny
Children can have a fun time exploring the natural life on An Cnoc Ban Organic Farm in Abbleyleix with guided activities, alphabet hikes, nature trails, bug hunts. Children can learn about the interdependence of animals and plants in several habitats on the farm. Outdoor games and stories to enhance childrens enjoyment.
Boggy Botany – Longford
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, Co. Longford will host a fun but educational look at peatland plants for children ages 6-12 years. Dress for Mess.
The Bug Club – Longford
An introduction to ‘creepy crawlies’ for children 6-12 years at the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre.
Biodiversity Bonanza – Mayo
Family Fun with Biodiversity Bingo, find as many species in our challenge and win a prize and Biodiveristy Bonanza Certificate at Ballycroy National Park Co. Mayo
Lough Boora Parklands Wild Child Activity Day – Offaly
Outdoor activities including fishing competitions, guided walks, cycling and music, plus talks on wildlife and flora for adults and children to enjoy.
Watch Eagles Flying – Sligo
At the Eagles Flying / Irish Raptor Research Centre, Ballymote, Sligo watch different Eagles flying low over your head and have a hawk landing on your hand at Irelands largest Bird of Prey Centre. More than 100 Birds of Prey and a large supervised pet-zoo.
Botanical Printing Workshop – Wexford
At the John F. Kennedy Arboretum check out the Botanical Printing Workshop; an introduction to Irish trees and their leaf form followed by printing workshop. Booking is essential.
Snipe Field Activity Session – Wexford
At the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve explore the wetland including pond dipping and bug hunt. Suitable for children 7 years and over, booking necessary.
National Heritage Week Open Days At South East Birds Of Prey Centre – Wexford
In Wexford meet some of the birds that we help release back to the wild. Don’t forget to bring your Camera!
Wild Ways At Greenan Maze – Wicklow
Wild Ways at Greenan Maze is celebrating National Heritage Weeks Wild Child Day and offering families a chance to do a free guided nature walk at Greenan Farm Museums & Maze for families and children. Celebrate the joys of summer and let the kids run wild! Booking Essential.
Super Seabirds Workshop – Wicklow
BirdWatch Ireland’s East Coast Nature Reserve will run a fun interactive Seabirds workshop for children & a guided nature walk. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Some of the terrain is tussocky and wet, so wear good waterproof footwear.
Wild Child Walk – Wicklow
Enjoy a leisurely stroll with the kids at the Vartry Reservoir. Not suitable for buggies. Many exciting bugs and tracks of animals to be found. Bring a jam jar with lid to allow closer examination!
For full kids listings see our Event Search page and click on Events For Under 12’s.
For updates on events throughout the week, log on to www.heritageweek.ie or follow us on Twitter @heritageweek or our Heritage Week Facebook page.
ENDS
Further information:
Michelle Guinan, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630
Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education, The Heritage Council, 087 967 6889
Note to Editor:
The Heritage Council is the statutory body charged with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland’s national heritage. National heritage includes Monuments, Archaeological objects, Heritage objects, Architectural heritage, Flora, Fauna, Wildlife habitats, Landscapes, Seascapes, Wrecks, Geology, Heritage gardens and parks, and Inland waterways.
Established under the Heritage Act 1995, and operating under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Heritage Council provides advice to the Minister, and partners and networks with Local Authorities and a wide range of other organisations and individuals to promote Ireland’s heritage.
National Heritage Week is co-ordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council with support from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 49 countries across Europe.
