What's happening during Hedgerow Week 2023?
National Hedgerow Week takes place from September 1st - September 8th. The week aims to raise awareness of the importance of hedges for agriculture, biodiversity and climate. Here we look at just some of events taking place, events are free to attend and open to all.
Today, Friday September 1st, a Farm walk and machinery demonstration takes place at 11am at Kildalton Agricultural College. This Guided farm walk will look at best practice in hedgerow planting and management with Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist and hedgerow biodiversity with Lorcan Scott, Wildlife Officer with the Heritage Council.
Farm walk and machinery demonstrations take place each day at 11am at various locations. Teagasc Grange on Monday 4th, Teagasc Ballyhaise on Tuesday 5th, Teagasc Athenry on Wednesday 6th, Teagasc Clonakilty on Thursday 7th and Teagasc Curtins Fermoy on Friday 8th.
On Monday September 4th, a special Hedgerow Week edition of the popular “In Your Nature” Podcast will be available, featuring Ricky Whelan, biodiversity officer with Offaly County Council in conversation with Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland. Ricky and Niall are joined for Hedgerow Week by Ruth Wilson on the topic of hedgerows, their importance for pollinators and other wildlife as well as their functional value on our farms. Listen to In Your Nature podcast
On Tuesday September 5th join Eanna Ni Lamhna and Mary O'Connor to find out 'What's in a Hedge?'. From 6pm - 8pm at Newbridge Library, Co Kildare Numbers are limited. Register for 'What's in a Hedge? Newbridge library here
Join Nore Vision on Wednesday September 6th for a lunchtime walk to celebrate the Hedgerows of Kilkenny City, 1.30pm - 2.30pm. Meet at the Bishops Meadow Swimming area on the linear walk. The walk is fully accessible and all are welcome.
Also taking place on Wednesday September 6th, Dr. Patricia McCreesh, Biodiversity Officer Monaghan County Council, and Glennys Pollock, Pollock's Pickls and Preserves, demonstrate the huge variety of foods that can be foraged in our hedgerows. Harvesting our hedgerows takes place 6.30pm - 8pm Carrickmacross Library. From blackberry jam to crab apple jelly and sorrel pesto to elderberry syrup, the possibilities are endless. Spaces are limited, call 042 9661148 to book.
Find out 'What's in a Hedge?' with Eanna Ni Lamhna and Niall Mac Coitir on Thursday September 7th 6pm - 8pm Celbridge Library, Co Kildare. Numbers are limited, so registration is essential Register for 'What's in a Hedge? Celbridge library here. This event is organised by Kildare County Council
Also taking place on on Thursday September 7th, a walk with Monica Fleming along the historic mass path in Dunmore where she will introduce you to the autumn fruits of the hedgerows. Meet at Dunmore Church Car Park, Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny, R95NX08, at 6:45pm. Places are limited, reserve your place by emailing biodiversity@kilkennycoco.ie. This event is organised by the Biodiversity Office of Kilkenny County Council and supported by the National Parks & Wildlife Service under the National Biodiversity Action plan.
Discover The Wonder of Hedgerows on Friday September 8th at 11am in Clones Library. Learn about hedgerows; the animals that live there, the food they produce and the benefits the the environment that they provide, with Dr. Patricia McCreesh, Biodiversity Officer, Monaghan County Council. Admission free, booking advised, call 047 74712. Clones Library, H23 RW70.
Register for The Signpost Series webinar on Friday September 8th 9.30am online