Calendar

Castle Archdale Country Park is home to a small population of Red Squirrels, which if you’re lucky you may spot feeding along the woodland edge. Clues to their presence can also be detected through feeding signs and tracks. Join the Biodiversity officer on the trail of these shy mammals and find out more about their homes and habits. To book a place on a walk, please contact Chris Elliott at chris.elliott@fermanagh.gov.uk or phone 028-66325050. You are also welcome to drop by the stand at any stage during the afternoon to hear more about the work of the Fermanagh Red Squirrel Group www.fermanaghredsquirrelgroup.com

Gortin Glen Forest Park is home to a resident population of Red Squirrels, some of them making their homes or dreys in the proximity of the Forest Classroom. Join the Forest Education Guides and the Biodiversity Officer to learn more about this endangered mammal through activities, displays and talks. For more information, visit www.getoutdoorsweekend.com or contact the Biodiversity Officer at 077-91034275.

This workshop will introduce participants to the skills required for bryophyte (moss and liverwort) identification. We will look at the key identification features of bryophytes, learn how to use a field key and visit a peatland and woodland site to look at bryophytes in the field. This course is being organised by the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR). To book a place or find out more information, please contact Pauline.campbell@nmni.com or phone 028-90395255.

This workshop will introduce participants to the skills required for bryophyte (moss and liverwort) identification. We will look at the key identification features of bryophytes, learn how to use a field key and visit a peatland and woodland site to look at bryophytes in the field. This course is being organised by the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR). To book a place or find out more information, please contact Pauline.campbell@nmni.com or phone 028-90395255.

A Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council is in the early stages of development. The LBAP will draw from the two current plans for each Council and reflect habitats and species that are found across our shared landscape. This is a great opportunity for you to have a say in what natural heritage features you feel should be celebrated and promoted in the forthcoming new Council area.

If you wish to consult the current LBAPs, these can be downloaded from
www.omagh.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/ and
www.fermanagh.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity.html

If you are unable to drop-in on the 7th October or 9th October, then there are other ways you can feed into this process. This includes telephoning, writing or emailing the Biodiversity Officer at Lisnamallard House, Old Mountfield Road, Omagh BT79 7EG, telephone 028-82256202 or email rose.cremin@omagh.gov.uk

A Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council is in the early stages of development. The LBAP will draw from the two current plans for each Council and reflect habitats and species that are found across our shared landscape. This is a great opportunity for you to have a say in what natural heritage features you feel should be celebrated and promoted in the forthcoming new Council area.

If you wish to consult the current LBAPs, these can be downloaded from
www.omagh.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/ and
www.fermanagh.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity.html

If you are unable to drop-in on the 7th October or 9th October, then there are other ways you can feed into this process. This includes telephoning, writing or emailing the Biodiversity Officer at Lisnamallard House, Old Mountfield Road, Omagh BT79 7EG, telephone 028-82256202 or email rose.cremin@omagh.gov.uk

If you are interested in recording the birds that visit your garden throughout the year, then BTO’s Garden Birdwatch Survey could be for you! The weekly garden bird survey runs throughout the year and is a great way of contributing towards our understanding of bird populations, the resources they utilise etc. The Council’s Biodiversity Officer and the National Trust’s Conservation Ranger will also be there to help so a biodiversity-themed evening is a definite! For more information contact the Biodiversity Officer at rose.cremin@omagh.gov.uk, mobile 07791034275 or visit www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/gbw

The FRSG will be organising a public meeting in October to bring everyone together to celebrate and discuss one of our most iconic native species in Fermanagh – the red squirrel. Education programmes and survey projects over the last year will be discussed as well as the status of the species locally and across Northern Ireland. The work of other Red Squirrel Groups will be touched upon as well as future opportunities we can look forward to.

For further information, please visit www.fermanaghredsquirrelgroup.com or contact the Biodiversity Officer at rose.cremin@omagh.gov.uk, mobile 07791034275.

Get ready for a camping experience like no other – the RSPB’s Big Wild Sleepout is back for 2015!

Last year almost 600 people pitched their tents and enjoyed fun-filled activities like bat detecting and bushcrafts, as well as toasting marshmallows on the campfire and spooky storytelling. This year we’ll be getting close to nature at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh on 8 August.

Big Wild Sleepout is the perfect opportunity for kids to connect with nature during the summer holidays and is suitable for experienced and amateur campers alike. With expert assistance available from Cotswold Outdoor, there’s no need to worry if pitching a tent isn’t your forte!