Eoin Gill and Cordula Weiss from CALMAST at WIT, who are involved with Bealtaine Living Earth Festival

SCHOOLS, family groups and all lovers of nature across Waterford city and county are partaking in the programme of events as part of this year’s Bealtaine Living Earth Festival. It runs from May 18 to 26 right across the south east. You'll find out more here 

We were joined on The Big Breakfast Blaa by Eoin Gill and Cordula Weiss of CALMAST the scientific engagement wing of WIT.

What's happening in terms of events?

The massive free schedule includes over 50 events for adults, schools and all the family and celebrates biodiversity in the region.

The Waterford programme kicks off on May 18th at 11am and again at 1pm with Gardening for Pollinators: All things Buzzing and Beautiful, an event at the WIT West Campus at Carriganore run by Horticulture at WIT to celebrate Fascination of Plants Day. Sea Gardener, Marie Power, will lead a biodiversity walk at Garrarus Strand the same day between 11am and 12 noon.

On May 19th, Dr Weiss presents Science on the Farm, an event at Copper Coast Mini Farm from 2pm. It is already fully booked. The same afternoon, the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore are open for a free event from 3pm to 4pm.

The Dusk Chorus – the Songs of Nightfall at Curraghmore Estate from 7pm to 9pm is set to be a massive hit. Eric Dempsey, Bird Expert, Birds Ireland, and Author will bring enthusiasts on a dusk walk. It was one of the most keenly supported events on last year’s programme.

A visit from a weather expert

Met Eireann’s Head of Forecasting, Evelyn Cusack, will be a big draw. She is part of the Climate Change debate at City Hall from 3pm to 5pm on May 21st. She will also be at The Munster Bar later that evening from 8pm for Ireland’s Weather – A journey through Time.

Mount Congreve is the venue on May 22nd, International Day of Biological Diversity, for Mount Congreve Unseen with Paddy Dwan, naturalist, author and photographer. It runs from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Bunmahon is the place to be earlier that day as the Copper Coast Geopark Centre hosts an open day with a talk about the changing landscape of Waterford from 11am to 12.30.

Other events on the programme for Waterford include Treasures of Earth workshop at Garter Lane Gallery on May 23rd at 6pm with gemmologist, Tina Keating. The Secret of the Gardens at Mount Congreve runs from 6pm on May 24th and Robbie Galvin, Geologist will be at the Copper Coast Geological Walk from 7pm for a walk that takes attendees through hundreds of millions of years of the earth’s history.

One of the final Waterford events is at Annestown Beach on the coast road between Tramore and Dungarvan on May 26th from 2pm to 4.30pm. It is with geologist, Tina Keating.

If you enjoy our conversations about nature on The Big Breakfast Blaa, Jenny O'Connor reviewed Our Planet On Netflix recently. You can listen here. 

And below is a link to Eoin and Cordula in conversation with Ollie and me...

https://soundcloud.com/wlrfmwaterford/hear-all-about-the-bealtaine-living-earth-festival-this-may