Riverwood Biodiversity Group

23/08/2026

A big thank you to all the Riverwood Biodiversity Group volunteers who attended the Laurel Lodge Environmental Group event on 22nd August at Castleknock Community Centre, Laurel Lodge, Dublin 15.

🌿 “In the Neighbourhood – A Showcase of Volunteerism on Dublin 15 Waterways” was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dedication of local volunteers and the important work being done to protect, restore and enhance our waterways and biodiversity.

It was great to come together, share experiences, ideas and inspiration, and highlight the positive difference that community volunteering can make.

💚 Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to make the event such a success and to all those who continue to care for our local environment.



Riverwood Residents Association Fingal County Council Connecting Cabra

19/08/2026

LLEG are delighted to be hosting a volunteer showcase In The Neighbourhood on Saturday 22nd August from 1 - 5pm at Castleknock Community Centre, Laurel Lodge, Dublin 15.

🎬 Hourly showings of the beautiful 2026 short film The Tolka: This Is Your River by

🖌️ Art Exhibition of the wonderful abstract works of Frances Donnelly Jung inspired by the Royal Canal

📷 A tribute in film and photography to the history of the Royal Canal Amenity Group and to the work of local resident Noel Spain in particular

In the spirit of recognising the often unseen work of local volunteers in a community, we have invited our friends Riverwood Biodiversity Group and Royal Canal to join us on the day. Please stop by any of our information stands to learn more about what we all do.

All this plus the wonderful Castleknock CC Laurel Lodge cafe to enjoy while you are on the premises!

It promises to be a great event!

We hope you can make it!

18/08/2026

14/08/2026

14/08/2026

🦇 Riverwood Biodiverstiy Group / Daubenton’s Bat Survey at Ashtown 🦇

Last night, the Riverwood Biodiversity Group (RBG) volunteers carried out a Daubenton’s bat survey at Ashtown as part of our group’s ongoing citizen science survey work.

Using a bat detector set to 35.00 kHz, we were able to detect the ultrasonic calls of bats that would otherwise be impossible for us to hear. We also use a red light when observing the bats, allowing us to watch them while minimising disturbance.

Daubenton’s bats, sometimes known as the “water bat,” are fascinating animals that hunt close to the surface of rivers, lakes and ponds, using echolocation to locate and catch insects. They play an important role in our local ecosystem and are a great indicator of the health of our waterways and surrounding habitats. 🌿🦇

The results from RBG’s bat surveys at Ashtown and Collins Bridge in the month of August will be submitted to Bat Conservation Ireland, contributing to the wider picture of bat activity and distribution across Ireland.

Citizen science surveys like this are a great way for local communities to get involved in recording and protecting our biodiversity. By collecting and sharing reliable wildlife data, we can help improve our understanding of the species living alongside us and support their conservation.

Find out more about Bat Conservation Ireland www.batconservationireland.org and follow Bat Conservation Ireland on social media https://twitter.com/BatConservIre

Bat Conservation Ireland Connecting Cabra Fingal County Council

13/08/2026

We are delighted to be supporting this wonderful event 🦇 Sign Up using the link below!

‘Curious about bats? Know all about them but can’t get enough? Just looking for something new to do on a Sunday night? Join ecologist Donna Mullen on a nighttime outing along the Royal Canal to explore the enigmatic world of bats, supported by Clonsilla Tidy Towns.

Though mostly unseen and often misunderstood, bats are highly dynamic creatures who spend their nights hunting for insects which they can eat by the thousands in a single evening. Using bat detectors, we will be able to hear who is prowling the night skies and talk about Ireland’s bat species: what makes them different from each other, what ecological services they provide and more.

This event is suitable for people of all ages (bedtime permitting, of course) and a great way for children to learn more about wildlife. Walking will be light, but the route is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and consider bringing a jacket in case it gets cold. As bats are far less active in poor weather, the walk may be cancelled in case of rain.

The walk will begin at Clonsilla station at 9 p.m’

This is a free event, but registration is required. Reserve your place online at
https://ClonsillaBatWalk.eventbrite.ie

11/08/2026

OCEAN ODDITIES! - Meet the Spotted Sea Hare. These remarkable animals are large marine molluscs with rolled tentacles that resemble ears. They feed mainly on seaweed and may be found in shallow coastal waters and rockpools. If you're lucky enough to spot one this summer, take a photograph submit your record to https://exploreyourshore.ie/

10/08/2026

🌿 August Gardening Tip: Make Your Garden a Haven for Wildlife

August is a busy month for garden wildlife, so there’s no need to tidy everything away just yet. Leave some seed heads, long grass and fallen leaves where possible they provide food, shelter and overwintering places for insects, birds and other small creatures.

💧 Keep water available: A shallow dish or bird bath can make a big difference during dry spells. Add a few stones or twigs so insects can drink safely without falling in.

🐝 Keep flowers blooming: Allow plants such as lavender, oregano and other late-flowering species to flower for as long as possible. They provide valuable nectar for bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other pollinators.

This August, try leaving one corner of your garden a little untidy wildlife will thank you for it! 🐝🦋🐦





Cllr. Siobhan Shovlin


BirdWatch Ireland

08/08/2026

Warm congratulations Burrenbeo Trust on your recent 'Outstanding Nature Protector' Award in recognition of the Hare's Corner programme and important work that you do for biodiversity. We at Riverwood Biodiversity Group are big fans!🦋

Riverwood Residents Association Biodiversity Ireland Castleknock Tidy Towns Laurel Lodge Environmental Group