Connecting Through Our Shared Landscape

Explore a unique hidden landscape that has shaped our history, myths, folklore and our connection to the land over thousands of years. Join us for a guided tour of the karst landscape of South Roscommon, and discover the plants and animals that live here.

Karst is a landscape that is characterised by caves, sinkholes or dolines, fissures and underground streams. It has developed over millions of years and has been shaped by water. The karst landscape of South Roscommon provides us with drinking water, as well as supporting unique wildlife that has adapted to live only in this landscape. Humans too have adapted to the landscape, and the limestone area has been home to people who have farmed in a way that is special to this area.

This landscape is of national importance not only for it’s geology and biodiversity, but for it’s cultural significance.

Join the Irish Environmental Network and the Uí Máine Kingdom Group this May 11th to discover this magical landscape, celebrate our connections to the land, and explore what actions we can take to protect this unique habitat for future generations. Meet others who work and share the interest in biodiversity and natural history. Share experiences of your work, find out what actions are being taken at a local level, and rejuvenate your spirit. Learn more about how you can take action for biodiversity and climate on a policy level, and hear from our line up of speakers.

This free event will consist of a biodiversity and herbal walk along a river in the karst landscape of South Roscommon with our guides, Herbalist Paula Sharkey and Ecologist Linda Gilsenan, with a Special Guest making an appearance along the walk. To begin the day, we welcome our Keynote Speaker Dr Brendan Dunford. Final speaker to be annnounced.

We begin at 11am on Saturday May 11th. Lunch and refreshments included.

About Our Speakers

Keynote Speaker - Dr. Brendan Dunford

Brendan is an Environmental Consultant from a farming background. He is a founder of the ‘Farming for Nature’ initiative which aims to acknowledge and support farmers across Ireland who want to protect our natural heritage. Brendan also co-founded the Burrenbeo Trust, and led the award winning BurrenLIFE Project as well it’s successor, the pioneering ‘Burren Farming for Conservation Programme’. He currently manages the new ‘Burren Programme’.

Paula Sharkey

Paula is a Herbalist and Horticulture & Organic Gardening Tutor, as well as a member of the Celtic Eye Art Group. Paula will be sharing her experience as one of our guides along the beautiful river setting.

Linda Gilsenan

Linda is an Ecologist and Gardening for Biodiversity Tutor. She recently wrote a Biodiversity Survey and Report for this karst landscape. She will join us as the second guide for the walk.

Special Guest

Be prepared for the appearance of a secret Special Guest along the walk, who will showcase our musical heritage!

Evening Speaker

Final Speaker to be announced.

Agenda

10.30: Doors open, refreshments served

11.00: Welcome and introduction. Catherine O'Toole from the Irish Environmental Network will lead an introduciton to who is in the room, and an overview of how you and your group can get involved in creating change and further networking through your Public Participation Network.

11.25: Uí Máine Kingdom. Members of Uí Máine Kingdom will give a quick overview of their group and introduce our Keynote Speaker

11.30: Keynote Speaker, Dr. Brendan Dunford will share his knowledge and passion for the landscape and our connection to it.

11.50: Travel to start of walk. Bus provided.

12.00: Launch of National Biodiversity Week. Take a moment with us to celebrate the launch of our upcoming 10 day celebration of Ireland's natural heritage! We will take a quick group photo before our walk begins.

12.10: Guided walk with our fantastic guides, Paula Sharkey and Linda Gilsenan.

2.00: Travel back to Taughmaconnell Hall. Bus provided.

2.15: Lunch and chat. Take some time to enjoy a light lunch, browse the resources displayed in the hall, and chat.

3.00: Final Speaker

4.00: Close