It's Wild Child Day on Wednesday, 18 August and we want everyone to drop the devices, get outdoors and become a heritage enthusiast as part of National Heritage Week 2021!
There is so much in the news right now about the environment and it's not good news either. This is why it's really important to appreciate what we have and what we are trying to save.
Wild Child Day is an opportunity to reach out to those young heritage enthusiasts and get them excited about reconnecting with the great outdoors and enjoying our outstanding natural treasures
Click here to find Wild Child Day events and other projects suitable for children and young people.
You can also do your own thing too, like making an insect hotel...
And there is a full YouTube playlist with loads more great activities HERE.
Check out some in-person and online events taking place on Wednesday below:
Children's nature art in Bantry House Stableyard
Join nature artist and teacher, Sue van Coppenhagen, for fun activities that combine art and science. Then try some Flower and Leaf Pounding and Tree ID Disks with Etaoin Melville.
Burrenbeo Wild Child
Participants can spend a fun-filled morning investigating the bugs and blooms of the Burren. This is in-person and suitable for 6 to 12 year-olds.
Rathcoole Woodlands - A Virtual Evening in the Woodlands
Join this live online event, and spend an evening in the Rathcoole Woodlands with local guide Ben Shorten, and John, Annie, Deirdre and Michael who will show you the trails, trees and heritage of this unique woodland on our doorstep.
In Search of Otter Poo: Otter ID on Mulkear River
Participants will be led on a voyage of discovery through an otter site at Annacotty. Children will be encouraged to become nature detectives and will learn about the wonderful secretive and elusive world of Ireland's otters.
Explore the Biodiversity of Lough Gur
The event will outline the importance of Lough Gur in terms biodiversity and habitat. Participants on the family-friendly event will be led on a voyage of discovery through the site and children will be encouraged to become nature detectives.
They will learn about, and discover, shoreline biodiversity and pond dipping and Leave No Trace.
National Heritage Week is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is generously supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Landmark Trust, the Local Authority Water Programme and the Office of Public Works.
At county level, National Heritage Week is co-ordinated and supported by local authority heritage officers, their colleagues and with numerous local heritage groups and organisations.
For more information go www.heritageweek.ie
It us run by the Heritage Council. It works in cooperation with a range of agencies, communities and individuals to promote education, enjoyment and understanding of our national heritage.
For further information go to www.heritagecouncil.ie
