Longford Biodiversity Summer School great example of growing interest in outdoors

Longford County Council was delighted to see so many young people enjoy the Longford Biodiversity Summer School 2026, which took place earlier this month at locations across the county.

This year's Biodiversity Summer School followed on from a very successful event in 2025, with the course fully subscribed within hours of being advertised on social media.

The Summer School ran from Tuesday, August 4, to Friday, August 7, for children aged 7 to 12 years.

Based at Edgeworthstown Library, the students ventured out each day to explore the topics of peatlands, pollinators, woodlands and waterways.

The Summer School took the children to a range of locations that showcased the rich variety of life found throughout County Longford.

The week's activities began with a visit to the bog at Corlea on Tuesday. That was followed on Wednesday by the exploration of plant rich areas of Edgeworthstown to learn about the role of pollinators.

On Thursday, the children learned about woodlands and the differences in deciduous and dense conifer forests, as well as the plants and animals that call those areas home at Newcastle Woods, Ballymahon, before the week's educational adventures culminated at Lenamore Stream, Legan.

Highlights of the week included identifying carnivorous plants, getting up close to a frog and a stick insect, fun filled games, and receiving a backpack, a copy of Longford's Woodland Wildlife Workbook, a notepad and biodiversity identification swatches.

Facilitator Yosef Dvores of Habitat for Knowledge combined biodiversity education with games and examples in a way that engaged the students and ensured everyone left with a greater understanding of local wildlife and ecosystems.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan, praised the young people for their interest in biodiversity and the environment, “It is wonderful to see so many young people taking such an active interest in nature and the environment.

“The biodiversity Summer school gave children the chance to learn about the rich variety of wildlife we have in County Longford while enjoying the outdoors and making new friends.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in organising and delivering the programme and congratulate all the participants for their enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the week."

Chief Executive Samantha Healy said, "I am delighted to see the continued success of the Longford Biodiversity Summer School.

“The enthusiasm shown by the children throughout the week was inspiring, and it is clear there is a real interest among young people in understanding and protecting our natural environment.

“Opportunities like this help foster a lifelong appreciation of nature while encouraging the next generation to become active custodians of County Longford's rich biodiversity."

Longford County Council Biodiversity Officer Adam Mulvihill said, "Since last year's Biodiversity Summer School, we have been continually asked if it would be running again and when it would take place.

“It has proven to be a hugely popular event, which is encouraging because it demonstrates the level of interest in biodiversity across the county.

“The students learn a great deal while also having fun and meeting other children, many of whom they have never met before.

“It is particularly rewarding to see their interest in topics they may not have encountered previously, such as invasive species and predator-prey interactions. We look forward to delivering similar events in the future."

The Biodiversity Summer School 2026 was funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Longford County Council through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.