The Bealtaine Living Earth festival incorporates many International days of significance including; Fascination with Plants Day on 18 May hearing from Yvonne Grace, horticulture lecturer SETU and World Bee Day on 20 May which includes talk from the National Biodiversity Data Centre
The Bealtaine Living Earth festival celebrating nature, local heritage and sustainability in the South East of Ireland has launched its listing of free public and schools events running from Saturday, 15 May to Sunday, 23 May 2021. Now in its 17th year, it is coordinated by Calmast, Waterford Institute of Technology’s (WIT) STEM engagement centre.
Public events include:
Saturday, 15 May 2021 5.30pm – Living Earth TV: A journey through 4 seasons of the Lafcadio Hearn Gardens, Tramore
Sunday, 16 May 2021 5.30pm – Living Earth TV: Enjoying Nature for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Monday, 17 May 2021 5.30pm – Living Earth TV: The Magic of Birds in Spring and Summer with author and broadcaster Eric Dempsey
Tuesday, 18 May 2021 5.30pm – Living Earth TV: Exploring the JFK Arboretum
Wednesday, 19 May 2021 5.30pm– Living Earth TV: Exploring Climate change along the Copper Coast
Thursday, 20 May 2021 5.30pm – Living Earth TV: The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan- how you can help
Friday, 21 May 2021 5.30pm – Living Earth TV: At the head of the tide- a look at the natural history of Carrick on Suir
Saturday, 22 May 2021 5.30pm Biodiversity Day – Yvonne Grace on the topic of No Mow: Living Earth TV: Promoting Biodiversity in your Community
South east support
The festival brings groups from across the south east of Ireland together to celebrate biodiversity, our Living Earth, nature, health and wellbeing and is funded by Science Foundation Ireland, Waterford City and County Council and industry partners West Pharma, Abbott, Sanofi, MSD and Bausch + Lomb.
For 2021 the Bealtaine Living Earth festival will continue to highlight local amenities and centres showcasing the rich natural heritage and the environment across the region in partnership with organisations such as JFK Arboretum, Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens and SETU.
5.30pm daily broadcasts
Each day at 5.30pm events will be broadcast on ‘Living Earth TV’ on the festival website. Shows will include speakers such as; Dr Mark Rowe, medical doctor and author of ‘A Prescription of Happiness’ highlighting the importance of nature and being mindful in the coming summer months.
Eric Dempsey, professional bird guide and broadcaster outlining how to identify different garden birds, nesting and summer migrants. JFK Arboretum will introduce viewers to the park, featuring their conifer conservation project and the wide range of work they undertake. Yvonne Grace: Horticulture Lecturer SETU will speak about the growth and expansion of ‘no mow’ zones, to promote biodiversity and increasing local resources for our all-important pollinators.
A schools programme for primary pupils and transition year students in the south east will run alongside Living Earth TV focusing both on land and at sea with talks and workshops from the National Reptile Zoo, Dave’s Jungle, Seal Rescue Ireland and the Marine Explorers.
Ideas for exploring the south east
“This year the festival will draw attention to regional attractions available for people to explore within their county and beyond as restrictions ease, it will help to cultivate a sense of appreciation for nature on our doorstep as we all prepare for a summer spent outdoors,” says Kayleigh Foran of Calmast.
“Each day at 5.30 pm through Living Earth TV the festival will feature different venues using guided walks, videos, tours and self-directed information and workshops which are fun for all ages,” adds Foran. “We are excited to host many amazing workshops and talks, it is a fantastic opportunity showcase these wonderful local resources and for the public to get out and about this summer.”
Organisers will have a panel of experts on hand to answer the public’s pressing questions on plants, trees, sustainability, and other areas of biodiversity. Details and schedules will be added to www.livingearth.ie and https://www.facebook.com/bealtainebiodiversity.
May festival
Bealtaine is the Irish word for the month of May and it comes from the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine when our ancient ancestors celebrated the revival of growth after the hardships of winter. The festival symbolises hope, and looking to the future, something that is so important during these times. The festival allows everyone to explore the wonders of nature, and promotes connecting with nature for mindfulness and wellbeing, something that is more important than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic.