The year is racing to a close, and 2025 is on the horizon. Here at the Kerry Biosphere, we are busy closing out projects for 2024, and planning actions for our 2025 Strategy. At this stage of the year, we can look back at the year we've had and assess what worked well, and indeed, what did not go well!
This year was a very succcesful year in the Biosphere. We were very fortunate to have garnered great support from Kerry County Council through the Arts, and Creative Ireland to fund our 'Engaging Art to Save a Species'. Our Kerry County Council Arts / Creative Ireland funding supported our now infamous Lesser Horseshoe Bat sculpture, sculpted meticulously by artist Majorie Cunningham. The sculpture is still on display in Tralee Library, set amongst the exciting books in the children's section of the library. The funding won also enabled us to create an informative bat themed colouring book which is awash with wonderful imagery created by multi-talented artist / author, Katie O'Donoghue. Finally, our 'Bats of the Kerry Biosphere' calendar competition which garnered great interest from schools in the County. The calendar attracted budding artists from all over the County, from Loughfoder to Kenmare. The aim of the calendar was to encourage primary school children to draw their favourite bat, or the habitats that support Irish bats. The standard of entry was exceptionally high, we received almost 100 tremendously crafted drawings. The teachers and pupils really understood the task at hand, and we received detailed drawings of bats, and the hedgerows, treelines, old buildings, etc., that support them. We had a very enjoyable launch / unveiling event in support of our Creative Ireland initiative on August 25th in the picturesque setting of the Garden Room in Killarney House. The NPWS staff at the House were massively supportive as always, and the Biosphere owes thanks to Pat Dawson, Diane, Margaret, and all the Killarney House staff for their continued support of our Biosphere. Our launch event was attended by artist Majorie Cunningham who talked us through the creative process of sculpting the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. Later in the evening, we were thrilled to have hosted a guided bat walk in the Park with the Killarney National Park education team. Again, huge thanks are owed to Tara and Siobhán for their entertaining, and highly informative bat walk. We look forward to working with the Team again in 2025!
We also ran a succesful 'Gathering Weekend' back in September where we had great engagement from local communities and individuals. The Gathering was made possible again with support from Kerry County Council, former Biosphere Officer, Eleanor 'Ellie' Turner worked tirelessly in her role as Biodiversity Officer with Kerry County Council to deliver the Gathering Weekend. The funding came from NPWS via the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
This time of year is webinar time of year. The dark evenings, and harsh weather result in Biosphere activities occurring mostly online. Recent webinars included an 'Introdcution to the Kerry Biosphere' run on Monday 18th November, and a focus on nature based solutions for water management, in support of our Rainwater Planter Initiative with Mr Féidhlim Harty. Just one week on from our Introduction to the Kerry Biosphere Webinar, we have been asked to repeat the webinar, such was the positive response to the webinar. The first webinar will be made available on YouTube, once editing has been complete.
The Kerry Biosphere reserve team woulf like to extend thanks to all those that supported the reserve throughout the year, attending events. engaging wih us on social media, and attending our online webinars. Your support ensures that the Biosphere can continue to grow, and continue to be a jewel in the crown of the Kingdom.
