Ardan Ardan Woodland Reserve is between Kilbeggan and Tyrrellspass.

The Native Woodland Trust is inviting you to Ardan Wood on October 28, to beat the squirrels to the acorns! It's not about depriving our little furry friends though, it is a guided walk of a fantastic woodland on which everyone can help with conservation.

The Native Woodland Trust describes it as a seed collecting expedition at "our beautiful woodland nature reserve, Ardan Wood, between Kilbeggan and Tyrrellspass".

It promises to be a fun day, and interesting too, and they would like to invite everyone from the locality to attend.

Ardan is made up of a mix of native trees such as ash, hazel, blackthorn, holly, hawthorn, spindle and more, though the most impressive are the towering, mature oak trees.

At this time of year, the oak and other trees are dropping their seed, which the guides aim to collect at the event to help preserve the woodland and develop future woodland in the area.

"At this event we will be taking a guided walk through the nature reserve, stopping throughout the woods to learn about the woodland wildlife and to gather acorn from our oaks," said Kieran Flood, reserves and education officer with the Native Woodland Trust.

This event is free of charge and all are welcome. The Native Woodland Trust is a non-government, not-for-profit charity dedicated to the protection of native woodland in Ireland.

It have been actively protecting Ireland's rare native woodland habitat through education and awareness events, tree planting, native seed collection and by establishing a number of small woodland reserves around the country. Ardan Wood is one such reserve and an ideal place to learn about the marvels of a native Irish woodland. This small wood is awash with beautiful bluebells and wood anemones in spring and this time of year its leaves will be alive with colour.

So, if you are interested in helping conserve Ireland's woodlands or just want to get outdoors, have some fun and make a difference then join us on Sunday October 28.

The event starts at noon at Ardan Wood - meet at Tyrrellspass Castle car park at 11.40am to travel to the wood. To book, or for more details and directions, contact Kieran on 087 1953629 or at kieran.flood@nativewoodlandtrust.ie.

www.nativewoodlandtrust.ie

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