County Carlow Environmental Network - CEN

26/05/2026

Invitation to a Grassroots Workshop on June 13th. For more information and to register:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-QleA8QB9AdFu6m5cOb_TlzP99jIpf5EyztX6kjWA2s/edit

17/05/2026

Barrow Rivers Trusts Public Consultation
We have been asked to help spread the word on the consultation process for the proposed Barrow Rivers Trust. This looks like a very worthwhile project and much needed. The project is an initiative of Nore Vision and is funded by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership.
We encourage you to take part, as the proposed Barrow Rivers Trust will bring together communities, landowners, businesses and agencies to better protect the Barrow. By participating you can share your views on the future of the Barrow, highlight local issues, concerns and opportunities and help shape how the Barrow Rivers Trust could be developed.
As part of the project, there will be comprehensive stakeholder engagement programme. This includes:
* In-person community meetings
7pm May 25th, The Hub, Graiguenamanagh
7pm May 26th, Talbot Hotel, Carlow Town/Graiguecullen

* Community Groups Online Focus Groups
Heritage Groups, 6.30pm June 4th
Tidy Towns Groups, 4.30pm June 10th
Recreation Groups, 6.30pm June 10th

Click on the links to book your place here:
https://www.researchanddig.com/three-sisters-rivers-trusts
Places are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

* Online questionnaires
For those who cannot go to any of the events you can give your input via a short questionnaire. Click here to complete the questionnaire:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VXCVXNF

11/05/2026

Barrow Rivers Trusts Public Consultation
We have been asked to help spread the word on the consultation process for the proposed Barrow Rivers Trust. This looks like a very worthwhile project and much needed. The project is an initiative of Nore Vision and is funded by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership.
We encourage you to take part, as the proposed Barrow Rivers Trust will bring together communities, landowners, businesses and agencies to better protect the Barrow. By participating you can share your views on the future of the Barrow, highlight local issues, concerns and opportunities and help shape how the Barrow Rivers Trust could be developed.

As part of the project, there will be comprehensive stakeholder engagement programme. This includes:
* In-person community meetings
7pm May 25th, The Hub, Graiguenamanagh
7pm May 26th, Talbot Hotel, Carlow Town/Graiguecullen

* Community Groups Online Focus Groups
Heritage Groups, 6.30pm June 4th
Tidy Towns Groups, 4.30pm June 10th
Recreation Groups, 6.30pm June 10th

Click on the links to book your place here:
https://www.researchanddig.com/three-sisters-rivers-trusts
Places are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

07/05/2026

Hi, you are very welcome to join us for a community consultation on Wednesday the 13th in Lamberts, Dublin Street, 6.30-8pm.
Everyone is welcome.

Carlow County Council are looking for our input into shaping the new local Biodiversity Action Plan for the period 2026-2031.
Previous plans are available here> https://carlow.ie/governance-and-administration/local-authority-plans/biodiversity-action-plan-consultation

Molly and Tanya have reviewed the previous plan and the pre-discussion paper. Join in on the conversation over a casual cuppa.
Meet like-minded locals and contribute towards the CCEN submission.

Topics for discussion:
What is the purpose of this plan?
What do we have that needs to be protected?
How can we strengthen the "Spine" of Carlow's Green Infrastructure Network & The Opportunities Available. SAC'S within the bioregions.
Local threats to biodiversity, i.e Invasive Species, Poor Management, Water Conservation/Erosion.
What do we want more of? How can we make a positive impact?
How can we be involved on a community level?

We are also taking registration/EOI for this season:
Scything workshops
Citizen Science Activities
Balsam Bashing
Heritage Keepers - Tree planting & Demo Sites

Not available the 13th?
You can submit online by email, to [email protected], until May 20th, 2026.
Online, at https://consult.carlow.ie/ , until May 20th, 2026.
Or drop-in sessions with CarlowCoco

Carlow Town Library, Monday, May 11th, 12.30 – 3pm
Tullow Library, Tuesday, May 12th, 12.30 – 3pm
Bagenalstown Library, Thursday, May 14th, 12.30 – 3pm

14/04/2026

Volunteering with CCEN isn’t only about environmental impact — it’s also about connections and community. You’ll meet like-minded people, learn new skills, and be part of something that effects real local change. People volunteer for different reasons — to give back, to meet others, to learn new skills — and CCEN values all of these motivations.

All you need is your enthusiasm and willingness to help. Are you great with people? Join a group organising community events or helping at information stands. Love the outdoors? Our invasive species and biodiversity work benefits hugely from extra hands and eyes on the ground. Have organisational or communication skills? Help shape CCEN’s outreach, social media or newsletter communications. There’s a place here for all skills and interests.

Get in touch! email [email protected]

09/04/2026

Reduce mowing to allow native wildflowers like Dandelions, Clover and Birds-foot Trefoil to naturally return over time. Why? This action helps to restore species-rich areas: a vital habitat providing food and shelter for pollinators. Where? Everywhere! Roadside verges, lawns, schools, parks, field margins, farm lanes.

Take part in ’t mow, let it grow! and reduce your mowing to allow wildflowers to grow. Can you leave a strip/section of your garden that you cut less often?

Our wild bees are in trouble, but in their droves, people are taking actions to help. We can never adequately express our thanks for the support and goodwill shown by all sectors for the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. One of the … Continued

09/04/2026

Are you passionate about nature, climate action, community events or simply helping to make County Carlow a greener, healthier place to live? At the County Carlow Environmental Network (CCEN), we’re a community-led environmental network working together to protect and enhance our local environment. We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute — whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just looking to make a start.

CCEN runs a range of working groups and projects that offer many ways to get involved. From hands-on action like invasive species removal along the Barrow Catchment to support for local events, awareness campaigns and community gatherings, each working group brings people together around shared interests and meaningful environmental action. ccen.ie

You don’t need specific qualifications — just your enthusiasm and willingness to help. Check out our website ccen.ie or email [email protected] to get involved.
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03/04/2026

Carlow Birdwatch:
The next branch talk will take place on Friday 10th April at 8pm in the Tinryland Parish Hall (R93 K264).
We look forward to welcoming Robert Vaughan Irish wildlife artist and illustrator, who will focus on the conservation of the Ring Ouzel in county Donegal. A summer migrant, the Ring Ouzel is an upland breeding thrush which is facing extinction as a breeding species within Ireland. The species is Red-Listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland with less than a handful of pairs thought to remain. Robert will have copies of his nature artwork for sale on the night also.

https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/ring-ouzel/

Carlow Branch of BirdWatch Ireland
Email: [email protected]

09/03/2026

On Tuesday, 24th March 2026, the elegant Ballykealey House Hotel in Ballon, Co. Carlow will host Embracing Change: An Evening of Health & Wellbeing - a warm, community-focused event designed to inspire healthier living, stronger connections, local food, and practical environmental action.

Running from 6:30pm to 10:00pm, the evening brings together local food voices, wellbeing insights, and sustainable living inspiration. The CCEN Food group will have a food stand at this event.

Tickets can be booked online, with limited availability expected due to strong community interest https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/embracing-change-a-celebration-of-health-wellbeing-food-community-tickets-1984626801187?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/03/2026

Homeowners in Carlow and the wider region are being encouraged to drop into the Carlow Home Energy Expo on Wednesday, 25 March, from 10:30am to 5pm at the Seven Oaks Hotel.

This once off, free event organised by Carlow County Council in partnership with South East Energy Agency, Carlow County Development Partnership and Carlow Town SEC, will bring together independent experts, retrofit professionals, financial advisors and contractors – all under one roof – to help householders learn how to make their homes warmer, more comfortable, and more affordable to heat.

Improving the energy efficiency of our homes can seem complicated, but this event will highlight the wide range of grants, supports and financing options available to help homeowners.

A particular focus of the event will be the SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme, which provides fully funded home energy upgrades for eligible households, particularly older homeowners and those receiving certain income support or disability payments.

The Home Energy Expo is designed to give people clear, independent information so they can understand what upgrades might suit their home and how to take the next step.

The event runs from 10:30am to 5pm, and everyone is welcome to drop in at any time during the day.

Admission is free, but booking is recommended. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/southeastenergyagency/2077501

For further information visit www.carlowtownsec.com or email [email protected]