Wildlife in Kilkenny City - Celebrate World Wetlands Day at Newpark Marsh

To celebrate World Wetlands Day, on Saturday, February 2, BirdWatch Ireland, Kilkenny Branch, with support from the Heritage Office of Kilkenny Co.Council, will lead an outing to Newpark Marsh, To Lovers Lane, Kilkenny. Meet at 11am at the entrance to the Newpark Marsh

The event is free and children must be accompanied by an adult.  As the paths may be quite wet, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

World Wetlands Day raises awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet, and was celebrated for the first time in 1997.  Each year, government agencies, non governmental organisations and groups of citizens at all levels of the community, have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits.

Wetlands act as a carbon sink.  The flora in the wetlands absorbs carbon and uses it to grow plants and reeds.  When the plants die down in winter, the carbon is locked in the marsh and the same process is repeated every year. Thus the wetlands are a huge benefit in combatting climate change. Wetlands also act as water purifiers and play a vital role in flood control.

Water makes up about a quarter of the total area of Ireland so World Wetlands day has a resonance here. Wetlands also provide habitats for birds, mammals, amphibians, invertebrates and some fish. As amenity and educational areas, wetlands are invaluable.

For queries please contact Pat Durkin, 086 1507392.