Newpark Fen

Understanding Water at Newpark Marsh

Join James Lalor of KKHydro Services at Newpark Marsh to learn about the baseline water-level monitoring now underway and how this information can help us understand and protect this important wetland in the heart of Kilkenny City.

Water-level monitoring piezometers have been installed at Seixeslough and Newpark Marsh. These monitoring wells are fitted with transducers that automatically record water levels several times each day throughout the year.

James will introduce the monitoring programme, explain how the data is collected and processed, and show how groundwater-level information, combined with rainfall records, can help us understand how the wetland responds to rainfall and groundwater recharge.

This baseline data will build a clearer picture of the hydrology of Newpark Fen and help identify actions that can support its future protection and restoration.

As part of the project, ecologist Brendan O’Hanrahan has also completed a baseline ecological survey of Newpark Marsh, providing important information on its habitats and species.

Wetlands are among Europe’s disappearing habitats. Understanding how they function is an important first step in protecting those that remain.

Over the coming months, Nore Vision will work with local communities to explore how this monitoring can develop into a citizen science-led programme, enabling people to participate in gathering and understanding data about their local wetland.

This project is supported by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership to help develop a restoration plan for Newpark Fen.

Please dress for the weather