Take a walk on the wild side with Ecological Recording Kits

Cavan County Council’s Biodiversity Officer and Cavan County Library Service are teaming up to make Environmental Science Kits for Ecological Recording available to members of the public to check out from library branches.

These back packs will contain binoculars, a magnifying glass, a butterfly net, a bird identification book, identification swatches for trees, mammals, bees and butterflies, bug collecting pots, and information on how to submit data collected to National Biodiversity Data Centre.

The initiative will help to make ecological recording accessible and engaging to the wider public by providing them with the practical tools and guidance for observing, identifying and documenting species. By submitting findings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre, local observations can be turned into valuable data, allowing us to map population trends and track how our natural environment is doing.

Biodiversity Officer Naomi Mitten explains, “Citizen monitoring of biodiversity helps us understand the changes that are happening around us and better focus our conservation efforts. These kits will help nature enthusiasts, both young and old, experienced and novice, observe and monitor Cavan’s biodiversity, while adding to the National Biodiversity Data Centre database”.

“The kits will also help users gain a greater personal appreciation of their local environment, so I hope the people of Cavan will avail of this fantastic opportunity,” she added.

Cavan County Librarian Emma Clancy added, “We are delighted to team up with Cavan County Council’s Biodiversity Officer on this wonderful initiative. Our libraries are repositories of learning, community hubs, and at the forefront of promoting health, culture, and climate action, so partnering on this Ecological Recording Kit initiative makes perfect sense”.

To borrow an Environmental Science Kits for Ecological Recording, contact your local library branch today. Visit www.cavanlibrary.ie/branches to find your local library. Members of the public who require assistance or advice with regard to submitting records can contact Naomi Mitten, Biodiversity Officer by email at nmitten@cavancoco.ie.

Pictured at the launch of an initiative to make Ecological Recording Kits available to borrow through Cavan’s libraries are (front row, left to right) Naomi Mitten, Cavan County Council Biodiversity Officer and Pauline McDonald, Cavan County Library Service, (Back row, left to right) Laura Carey, Cavan County Library Service; Emma Clancy, County Librarian; Marie Smith and Geraldine Flanagan, Cavan County Library Service. PHOTOS: Sheila Rooney