AN EVENT designed for teenagers that features everything from Bushcraft, archery and climbing to digital media and wildlife-inspired art is taking place later this month in the Belfast hills.
The aim of Go Wild at Cave Hill Country Park is to promote healthy outdoor activities while helping young people to galvanise their talents. Organisers also want to inspire young people by showing and explaining the amazing biodiversity, habitats and wildlife in the hills.
"We hope to improve their understanding of the natural world and wildlife, as well as encourage them to discover and explore the Belfast Hills habitats right on their doorstep," Jo Boylan of the Belfast Hill Partnership, which is running the event, said.
This free event takes place on Saturday September 24 with a morning and afternoon session. To book individually or to bring a group contact Jo Boylan on 028 9060 3466; jo.boylan@belfasthills.org
BUZZING WITH BUMBLEBEES
NOW is a great time to see and record bumblebees, with workers, males and new queens all being around at the minute, according to Dr Úna FitzPatrick of the Irish pollinator initiative. The project, which runs until 2020 is designed to help stop the decline of pollinating insects in Ireland.
Dr FitzPatrick says late summer is also a great time to collect seed from pollinator-friendly wildflowers such as knapweed.
"You can plant these in trays/pots in autumn and grow on as plugs for your garden, park or school for next year."
Guidelines are available for actions you can take to help implement the plan in your garden or community. To take part and start submitting data go to www.biodiversityireland.ie/pollinator-plan
