Explore some of West Cork's natural heritage with BirdWatch Ireland

 THE natural world around us has, for millennia inspired some of Ireland's most creative minds in the realms of literature, poetry, song and craft. Indeed, a deeper understanding of nature, and its importance to society and self, provides a wealth of information for cultural creativity. One way to appreciate this is to take part in one of the many events organised by the West Cork branch of BirdWatch Ireland.

In this regard the group is extending an open invite to everyone to join them for an afternoon of learning about the wild birds on Rosscarbery Estuary during National Heritage Week.

Meeting opposite The Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery between 1.30pm and 3.30pm this Saturday, August 19th, the purpose of the event is to highlight the special groups of birds in the estuary, how they use it, the journeys they make to get there and the importance of this ‘bit of mud'. This event is suitable for families with children, but essentially anyone interested in the wildlife of the area is welcome. 

Between the months of September and March, the estuary in Rosscarbery features heavily in the monthly Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS), and the counting skills of budding young ornithologists or ‘twitchers' will be put to the test, with of course, a prize on offer for the best result!

Bring binoculars if you have them, but the branch has some spares, and spotting 'scopes will be on hand for a closer look.

Contact Nicholas Mitchell on 087-1215256 or [email protected] for further information.

Co-ordinated by the Heritage Council, National Heritage Week is Ireland's most popular cultural event and this year over 450,000 people are expected to participate in over 2,000 heritage events around the country. Each year, thousands of people plan National Heritage Week events in their areas. It is an opportunity to learn how we can protect our natural, built and cultural heritage and see how the work and commitment of local communities is conserving it, for us and for future generations. This year National Heritage Week focuses on Ireland's natural heritage and shows how we can all make small changes to preserve our natural environment for generations to come.

Find out more about the links between Ireland's nature, history, culture and heritage at tours, walks, talks, exhibitions, outdoor activities and more. From wildlife boat tours to forest adventures for children there is something for everyone to enjoy this Heritage Week. Most of the events are free so that heritage can be accessed and appreciated by all. 

Two very special days take place during the week. On Wednesday, August 23rd ‘Wild Child Day' is dedicated to ‘wild' children everywhere with lots of great outdoors events planned. Sunday, August 27th is Water Heritage Day in partnership with the local authority water and communities office with many events based around rivers, lakes and seas.

National Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days. These are a joint initiative between the Council of Europe and the European Union in which over 40 countries participate each year. The main aim of European Heritage Days is to promote awareness of our built, natural and cultural heritage and to promote Europe's common cultural heritage. 

For a full listing of all National Heritage Week events go to heritageweek.ie or pick up a brochure from your local library and Tourist Office.