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Weds 5th February 2020

Had a great turn out on Sunday for World Wetlands Day – given the wet blustery weather that was in it.

Monica O’Brien had these comments about the day “

World Wetlands Day with Shannon Community Wetlands Community Project with Ruairí Ó Conchúir & Olive Carey @shannonwetlandsrestorationproject Shannon Community Group Shannon Airport Shannon Town Forum

Life is beginning to thrive in this a “kidney of the earth” in our local Wetlands Community Project in Shannon. There is much already done and much more has to be done.

Wetlands biodiversity matters for the climate. They remove pollutants, they provide storm protection, store water and reduce flooding. 40% of all species live/breed in wetlands.

A valuable resource for visitors and tourists alike. And it will be of great benefit to local schools as an outdoor classroom.

Volunteers are much needed now to help to dig up or cut back some of the willows that are trying to take over. These would very much dry up the ground and the wetlands would then cease to exist.

Also three bags of rubbish were collected today by the volunteers even though the weather turned nasty.

People leaving rubbish here seems to be a continuing problem which is sad.

This little piece of earth will be here for all future generations to enjoy hopefully.

We all got out, listened to Ruairí from the Local Authority and Waters Programme give us an amazing talk on the biodiversity of Wetlands and why they are so important. I learned a lot and it opened my eyes into this type of landscape. My generation grew up thinking this type of land was worthless and had to be drained.

More gatherings are planned to do various jobs. Including planting more native trees and cutting back the willows. It was a great way to get exercise, meet new people and at the same time leave it a bit cleaner for the benefit of all to enjoy.

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More information can be got from the Shannon Wetlands Restoration Project Facebook page.”

Thanks Monica and for you photos which I’ve added above 🙂

I also took a few photos on the day which are in the gallery below:

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I also grabbed a few videos of people speaking..

https://youtu.be/IGXNue_QH4U

Sun 2nd February 2020 – World Wetlands Day

Press Release: Celebrate World Wetlands Day with the Shannon Community Wetlands Project in Shannon Town

Sunday, 2^nd February 2020

World Wetlands Day occurs this coming Sunday, 2^nd February 2020. This year’s theme is ‘Wetland Biodiversity: Why it matters’. With this in mind the Shannon Community Wetlands Project will be hosting a very special event on Sunday, 2^nd February at 1pm in Shannon. The free family event will unpack why wetlands are important for all of us and for the biodiversity around us.

Wetland are of critical importance for improving water quality and for water management within a catchment, or subcatchment. They play a key role in flood mitigation and act as major carbon sinks. Most significantly, in an Irish context, wetlands are an increasingly rare habitat type and are vitally important for our native flora and fauna. In a global context, wetlands remove pollutants. Peatlands store 30% of land-based carbon. Wetlands help create the conditions for life. Wetlands absorb and store water, indeed 40% of all species live or breed in wetlands. Globally, over 1 billion people make a living from wetlands. Wetlands attract people for recreation. Wetlands provide an ideal environment for learning about biodiversity.

The Shannon Community Wetlands Project in Shannon Town is making the connection between wetlands as an importance refuge not just for wildlife for our own health and well-being. The wetland site, together with the new town park, offers the opportunity for a positive engagement with nature for local communities, with recreational trails and nature-based activities.

Join us at our newly created Community Wetlands in Shannon Town to learn about the importance of wetlands and help us plant some trees on site and remove non-native invasive plant species. The free family event, will take on Sunday, 2^nd February 2020 at 1.00 p.m. The meeting point is the Shannon Town Community Wetlands site, which is adjacent to the Town Park, between Gaelscoil Donncha Rua and Tír na nÓg playground. No booking required but please bring along your wellington boots and suitable clothing for the weather. The event will be led by Ruairí Ó Conchúir of the Local Authority and Waters Programme (LAWPRO) and will focus on wetland biodiversity, native tree planting and removing invasive plant species on site.

Issued By:

Olive Carey, Chairperson, Shannon Community Wetlands Project

olivecarey77@gmail.com

085 710 7581

Update Weds 27th Nov 2019

The most recent phase of works at the Shannon Town Community Wetlands has come to a close. This phase saw the completion of the pond network, the upgrading of the footpaths and the creation of two spurs into the wetland. The site is looking very much like a wetland after all the recent rain and if the regeneration after last year’s phase of works is anything to go by the spring and summer months will see the site green up and become the amenity that we have been striving to create over the last few years. Much more remains to be achieved including the installation of display signage, seating, exercise equipment and a nature classroom. We are also looking forward to installing some bat and bird boxes and to welcoming an increased variety of wildlife to the wetlands. We hope you enjoy the Shannon Town Community Wetlands. Please do share your photographs of the wetlands.

Some warning signs concerning the water have also been erected.

Shannon Town Park official opening 19th Nov 2019

We were invited to the official opening at 9 am. The new park is wonderful and the curved paths complement those of the wetlands. Also the park signage indicates where the Wetlands are which is great.

November 2019 aerial photos

A big thanks to Rabii (https://www.facebook.com/rabiiobrian.rabiiobrian) for these aerial photos from late 2019

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Works Update 29th Oct 2019

The current phase of works on the Shannon Town Community Wetlands is now complete. During this phase the pond network was completed, footpaths widened and re-surfaced and spurs into the wetland have been created. This is a community project that relies on grant funding so work is carried out on a phased basis as the funds become available. Future phases include, planting, site signage, seating, an outdoor nature classroom, green waste re-cycling infrastructure and exercise equipment. It is anticipated that the work will be completed in 2020.

Works Update 30th Sept 2017

Had a lovely walk on the new path on Saturday and the new ponds are coming along nicely with lots of rushes growing in them.

John O’Brien Yes, the work accomplished recently under the guidance of Ruairí is really great, and Shannon Community Wetland is certainly taking shape. This Saturday at 10am, volunteers complete with shovels, digging forks, spades and of course wellies are assembling to take out the willow saplings. There are hundreds of these little willows and now is the time to keep them in check, so the more volunteers that can give a few hours the better! Everyone welcome !

Kitty O’Brien Brilliant work well done to all ???

Shannon Swimming & Leisure Centre Aug 2019

This took place Friday 6th September 4:00 – 8:30pm. Here’s the invitation from the leisure centre:

We would also like to take this opportunity to promote the clubs and societies of the town of Shannon and its surrounds by hosting a Clubs and Societies Meet and Greet Day in our basketball hall. ?

Any recreation or leisure clubs and societies looking to promote their club and recruit new members or volunteers can set up a stand in the hall.

Shannon has a huge number of fantastic clubs and societies doing amazing work for the people of our community and it would be a perfect opportunity for people to see what’s on offer for their friends and family, especially as the winter months are fast approaching.

National Heritage Week 2019

Saturday August 17th 2019

The Shannon Wetland Restoration Project walk and talk in Shannon
to mark
National Heritage Week 2019

The Shannon Town Community Wetlands Project marks this year’s Heritage week with an interesting walk and talk in the wetlands site. This project is a community initiative run for and by the local community and is supported by the Community Water Development Fund administered by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWP), Flags West fund administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Clare County Council. We will hear about how this unique Urban Wetland project is developing and about the vision for the next and further stages of development.

Ruairí Ó Conchúir (LAWP) will outline the importance of wetland ecosystems and how they are uniquely predisposed to allay the effects of climate change. This year local expert beekeeper Monica O’Brien will join us to tell us how we can all become more proactive in encouraging and supporting pollinators so that they can survive and continue their valuable work in our natural ecosystems. Such support is becoming more critical as, due to changes in land use, half of our wild bee species has undergone huge declines since the 1980s. Monica will have a demonstration bee hive set up complete with honey bees and she will talk on honey bees, beekeeping and the role of bees as pollinators. “Beekeeping adds a totally different dimension to the garden, the bees keep me intrigued and I’m always wanting to learn more about their amazing abilities. I am open to all that there is to know about these wonderful creatures” said Monica. As it is honey harvest time around now she will have some honey from her own beehives at Drumline on display. Monica runs the Mount Arley Garden Facebook Page.
Meet at the carpark between Gaelscoil Donncha Rua and Tír na nÓg playground at 2.00p.m. The event is free of charge and all are welcome. Visit the Shannon Wetlands Facebook page.

Wonderful presentation by Ruarí at the wetlands today. My camera failed so only a few photos taken by my sister. Perhaps others could post theirs?

Below are some lovely photos from John O’Brien of the Heritage Event yesterday. Thanks John.

Here’s some more photos of the Heritage talk on Saturday – this tine from Thomas Chambers. Thanks Thomas!