National Heritage Week 2022 will focus on two core themes: sustainable heritage and biodiversity. Water meanders through both themes like a great river through the landscape, shaping the natural, built, and cultural heritage of communities along its path.
For the past two years, our ability to gather in large groups has been restricted. Thankfully, it is different this year. Community Water Officers will work with Heritage Officers in each county to support community-led projects and events that explore nature and our natural waters. This year there is a particular focus on projects that highlight nature and biodiversity in towns and cities, in appreciation of cleaner, greener urban spaces.
Some memorable water related projects from the last two years include:
- Stories from the Waterside – a unique collection of almost 500 stories from across Ireland. Submitted in both Irish and English by young and old alike as reflections on local waterbodies and appreciations of nature during restrictions of 2km and 5km journeys from home. See https://storiesfromthewaterside.ie
- In Search of Otter Poo: Otter ID on Mulkear River – Participants were led on a voyage of discovery along the river at Annacotty, Co. Limerick and children were encouraged to become nature detectives and learn about the wonderful, mysterious, and elusive world of Ireland’s otters.
- Paddling through the Past – a guided kayak trip explored the cultural landscape of the Swilly Catchment, understanding how man has changed the landscape of the Inishowen and Fanad.