August Events

BALLYCROY NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE Childrens’ Summer Activities 2011
 The Plover Club Every Tuesday & Thursday for July & August at 2pm. All our activities, events & entry to Visitor Centre are FREE of charge. Each session will start at 2pm and different wildlife themes will be explored throughout the two months. The Plover Club is suitable for Primary School Aged Children with an interest in wildlife and nature. The activities consist of an introduction to the days theme in our dedicated classroom, then a nature walk around the trail and the visitor centre followed by an arts and crafts session back at the Visitor Centre.
August 2011
2nd August Seashore
4th August Butterflies & Moths
9th August Mammals
11th August Trees - International Year of the Forest
16th August Alien Plants & Animals
18th August Wildflowers
23rd August Bats
24th August Butterflies & Moths
25th August Working with Wildlife: A guide for young wildlife explorers
Suitable for Primary School Aged Children. Spaces limited. Arrive early to avoid disappointment. Adult must remain with child(ren) for duration of activity. Activities approximately 2 hours. For further information please contact the Visitor Centre BALLYCROY NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE PHONE: 098 49888 FAX: 098 49879 EMAIL: ballycroyvisitorcentre@environ.ie

Blue Flag Beach Safari at Ceíbh an Spidéal - Spiddal Pier and Trá Mór, Indreabhán
Next weekend, Galway County Council would like to invite you to explore the nature of the seashore on two of the County's  Blue Flag Beaches. The first nature walk will take place at Ceíbh an Spidéal (Spiddal Pier) on Saturday 13th August at 1pm. This will be led by Marine Biologist, John Paul Tiernan, creator of the fascinating website www.irishmarinelife.ie. John Paul will highlight the natural heritage of this lovely beach and reveal the wonders of the sea shore habitat and the special plants and animals that dwell there. 
The second walk will take place at Trá Mór, Indreabhán on Sunday, 14th August at 3pm and will be led by Dr Dave McGrath, Marine Biologist and lecturer at GMIT. Dave will lead the explorers to discover the wonders of the world below the high water mark.
Ceíbh an Spidéal and Trá Mór are just two of the six County Galway Beaches which have been awarded the Blue Flag, an International award which recognises good environmental management of beaches. Beaches which are awarded the Blue Flag have complied with the strict criteria covering aspects such as water quality, environmental education, safety and services and environmental management. 
These events are free of charge and open to everyone.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear are advised.
The walks are organised be the Environment and Heritage sections of Galway County Council.
For more information or a brochure, please contact the Biodiversity Project Manager at091 495921 or email elaine.oriordan@nuigalway.ie