National Biodiversity Week will be celebrated in style at An Taisce’s Booterstown Nature reserve this Sunday 17^th May at 1pm with the launch by An Catheoirleach, Tom Joyce, of a new fully illustrated leaflet which explains some of the history and successful conservation efforts which have improved the wonderful biodiversity of this gem of wilderness in the heart of the city.

As well as the formal launch, local experts will be leading a series of guided walks around the reserve. The fascinating resident and migrant birds will be studied in the company of Birdwatch Ireland’s Sean Hogan and Brian Gormley who will also be bringing sets of binoculars and telescopes with them so even the complete beginner will be sure of a good view. The diverse plantlife of this splendid reserve can be explored in the company of Matthew Jebb from the National Botanic Gardens, while researcher Jo Callenan will add her expertise to the mix looking at the saltmarsh plants that are again thriving at Booterstown, Finally the history of the management of the reserve will be the subject of local wildlife artist Veronica Heywood as she examines some of the many changes that have shaped Booterstown over the last century.

All guided walks are free and open to all.

For further information please contact Abby McSherry, public affairs officer with An Taisce on 087 9598767