Clare Citizen Science Programme Wraps Up in Ennistymon

There was a strong sense of curiosity and community at last week’s final Citizen Science Land and Water session, as local participants came together to explore the natural environment on their doorstep.

Delivered by Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) in association with Nature Network Ireland, the programme has steadily built momentum over recent months, offering people of all ages the chance to engage directly with local biodiversity. The final session brought that journey to a fitting close, combining practical learning with a genuine appreciation for the richness of Clare’s ecosystems.

Last week’s concluding session saw expert guidance from ecologist and nature conservation specialist Michelle Jongenelen of Wild Fern Ecology, as well as our intrepid coordinator and project manager, Cathy Fitzgibbon of Nature Network Ireland.

Throughout the programme, attendees were introduced to simple but effective citizen science techniques — from identifying aquatic invertebrates to understanding water quality indicators and recording findings that contribute to wider environmental knowledge. The idea is to enable local communities to confidently carry out sampling and identification work.

What stood out most was the level of engagement over the duration of the programme is that individuals, and community groups all took part, sharing observations and building a clearer picture of their local environment. For many, it was their first time taking such a close look at the biodiversity in nearby rivers and green spaces.

Beyond the practical skills, the sessions have helped strengthen connections — not just with nature, but between people. Conversations flowed easily, with a shared interest in protecting and understanding Clare’s natural assets creating a strong sense of collective purpose.

CLDC would like to thank everyone who took part over the course of the programme, as well as the facilitators who brought both expertise and enthusiasm to each session. The success of the initiative highlights a growing appetite for accessible, community-led environmental action.

As climate and biodiversity challenges continue to shape the future, initiatives like this show that meaningful engagement can start at a local level — with simple tools, shared knowledge, and a willingness to take part.

While this series has now concluded, the hope is that participants will continue to apply what they’ve learned, contributing in small but important ways to the understanding and protection of Clare’s land and water.