Every May, as nature bursts into life, we celebrate National Biodiversity Week all over Ireland. This year Sligo County Council, alongside wildlife organisations, scientists, ecologists and volunteers, came together to celebrate the rich biodiversity of County Sligo.
Nature Takes Centre Stage in County Sligo for National Biodiversity Week 2025
From Friday, May 16th to Sunday, May 25th, a diverse programme of walks, talks, workshops, and citizen science initiatives showcased the beauty of local wildlife and highlighted the power of partnership in conservation.
Cllr. Declan Bree, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council said,
"National Biodiversity Week in Sligo is a celebration of the incredible natural heritage we’re fortunate to have on our doorstep. It offers people of all ages the chance to connect with nature, learn from experts, and be inspired to protect the rich biodiversity that makes Sligo so special."
Cllr. Donal Gilroy, Chair of the County Sligo Biodiversity Working Group added,
"Biodiversity Week in Sligo is all about partnership — bringing together local communities, experts, and organisations to shine a light on the incredible variety of life that thrives here. Through collaboration, we can truly celebrate and safeguard our natural heritage."
With its rich landscapes and diverse wildlife, Sligo offered a dynamic and varied programme for Biodiversity Week. From exploring woodlands at Devil’s Chimney, Union Wood and Longford Demesne, to cycling to Hazelwood for a biodiversity tour and night walks listening to dusk choruses in Kilglass and Easkey, every event highlighted the diversity of Sligo’s habitats and the importance of collective stewardship. Dr. Kieran Hickey illustrated the fascinating story of the wolf in Ireland while BirdWatch Ireland launched the Sligo Barn Owl survey with an engaging talk encouraging sightings of this ‘farmer’s friend’ known for controlling rodents on farms.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s held their annual whale watch at Mullaghmore Head, while Ballisodare Fishery hosted specialists from ATU Sligo, Field Studies Ireland, LAWPRO and Sligo County Council for workshops on water quality and invasive species awareness.
Taking advantage of warm summer evenings, a series of bat walks were held across the county with Banada hosting ‘Bat Detecting and Star gazing’. This event brought together the mammal conservation NGO Vincent Wildlife Trust, and stories form the Night Owls – recent ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Award finalists – under the guidance of Martina Killian.
The week culminated in a Biodiversity BioBlitz led by Mullaghmore Active and supported by Woodrow Sustainable Solutions, Field Studies Ireland and Sligo County Council. Hosted by Mullaghmore Sailing Club, participants of all ages gathered to contribute to a large-scale species count. Citizen scientists, experts, and families collaborated across Mullaghmore’s sand dunes, rocky shorelines and headland to record and identify species of flora and fauna, helping provide valuable data to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Ruth Hanniffy, Sligo County Council Biodiversity Officer said,
"We’re incredibly fortunate in Sligo to have such dedicated organisations, knowledgeable experts, and enthusiastic communities working together to protect and promote our rich biodiversity. Biodiversity Week is a celebration of that shared commitment and the natural world it helps preserve."
Sligo Biodiversity Week 2025 was a resounding success thanks to the dedication of individuals, organisations, and local communities who participated. As we bid farewell to Biodiversity week until next May, we hope that the seeds planted this week—in knowledge, inspiration, and action—will flourish in the future.
National Biodiversity Week is organised by the Irish Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. The Local Authority Biodiversity Officer Programme is sponsored by The Heritage Council.
