Biodiversity and Citizen Science

Environmental field equipment available to borrow from Leitrim Libraries

National Biodiversity Week took place during May 2025 and biodiversity was celebrated through a wide variety of public events in Co. Leitrim. From Barn owls to water bugs and bats to trees – there was a something for everyone to discover about our native wildlife.

Rebeccah Cogan, Biodiversity Officer with Leitrim County Council remarked that “The enthusiasm of the participants at the public events shows that people are interested in finding out more about nature and would like to take part in more practical ways of protecting our wildlife. There are plenty of opportunities for individuals, community groups and schools to learn more about biodiversity by taking part in citizen science monitoring schemes e.g. Barn Owls, Bats, Bumblebees, butterflies, birds.

Visit the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) website www.biodiversityireland.ie to discover a range of monitoring schemes to get involved in. By recording species of plants or animals that are in your local area, you are helping to monitor and track changes in biodiversity in Ireland. Bat conservation Ireland www.batconservationireland.org/ and Bird Watch Ireland www.birdwatchireland.ie are also looking for volunteers to help with their surveys.

Leitrim Libraries have a collection of field equipment that can be borrowed by adult members of the library. The choice of field equipment includes insect nets, bug pots, magnifying glasses, bat detectors and various species ID swatches to help with proper identification. The programme has been designed by The Heritage Council to support local communities who wish to participate in ecological surveys through what is called “Citizen Science”.

Visit your local library or contact leitrimlibrary@leitrimcoco.ie for more information on how to borrow any of the field equipment for yourself, your community group or school.