Guided and Self-Led Walks in the Woods: A Journey Through the Wonder of Nature

"Make a wish on our Wish Tree! Visit the Wish Tree in the woods of An Sanctóir to make a wish (or a poem) and tie it to the Tree. In Japan during July and August, people celebrate Tanabata: The Star Festival. Wishes are written on pieces of coloured paper and hung on bamboo stalks and sometimes trees. The ancient story of Tanabata is written in the stars and shares themes found in Irish mythology and folklore, such as the "Otherworld", celestial beings, star-crossed lovers and the power of the natural world. We can find similar traditions of making wishes in Irish folklore, often tied to natural elements like wells and sacred trees. Come along to add your wish and discover more about the ancient stories and traditions which connect us."

Our guided Wildlife and Foraging Walks are combined with a children's art event entitled 'The Tree Trail'. Our 'Getting to know Nature through Apps' Wildlife Walk will help the online National Biodiversity Database in logging insects, birds, wildlife and plants that we see. Researchers across universities in Ireland use it to access real time reportings of wildlife. With access to a smartphone, wildlife can be recorded and sent to these researchers to help in their efforts. Our guide will demonstrate how to use a number of wildlife apps to identify all types of living creatures and plants in the wood. On our Foraging Walk in the Woods, we will find an abundance of plants to connect with.

In marking Wild Child Day August 23rd our Nature Reserve will be open to everyone to visit anytime of the day and participate in self-led interactive versions of our Wildlife and Foraging Walks and Tree Trail. A chance to tie a wish to our magical 'Wishing Tree' and explore the many beautiful colours of Nature in the Woods at An Sanctóir.