County Kildare News

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Co. Kildare is welcoming Spring with the launch of our 2011 calendar of events.  Thanks to the support of the Department of the Environment. Heritage and Local Government through the Irish Environmental Network there is something for everyone including family open days, fun camps for children and a selection of new wildlife field studies for adults.  A full list of dates and times of events can be found at www.ipcc.ie.
 
The first event of 2011 at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre is a Spring Fun Camp for 7-13 year olds on Friday 25th February from 10am-1pm.  Activities will be supervised by experienced tutors and include a pond dipping session, tour of insect eating plant display , nature crafts and much more.  Cost €15 per student and booking is essential by calling Nuala on 045-860133 or e-mailing bogs@ipcc.ie.  Don’t worry if you can’t attend this first camp as other fun camps throughout the year will include a froggy fun camp in April, half day summer camps, a week long wet and wild boggy summer camp and a creepy crawlie fun camp at Halloween.
 
For adults the Bog of Allen Nature Centre have included a selection of wildlife field studies for 2011.  These half day and full day field studies range from butterfly identification, freshwater invertebrates, woodland habitats, bogland habitats and Sphagnum moss identification to name a few.   The first field study will be held on the 10th of March between 10am-1pm with Nature in Your Neighourhood the topic.  This half day field study will show participants how to create wildlife habitats in their communities and gardens and introduce participants to composting.  Composting can divert up a third of organic waste generated in homes and communities away from landfill to create a fertile nutrient rich compost for growing flowers and vegetables.  The field study will cost €30 and booking is essentail by contacting Nuala on 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie. 
 
For all the family the centre will host open days free of charge on the last weekends in May, July, August and September.  Each open day will include free admission into the peatland museum and wildlife gardens , a guided walk of a habitat, activities for children and much more. For further details on all of these events and more visit www.ipcc.ie or contact the Bog of Allen Nature Centre on 045-860133.