“Finding Dragons” Are there lizards on Drummin Bog??!!

Please join us!! for a Citizen Science Survey, 10 am Saturday 22nd July 2023 at Drummin Bog, south Carlow, with herpetologist Rob Gandola. All Welcome!!

Lizard basking on boardwalk, Girley Bog, Co. Meath: image courtesy of Dr Kate Flood

Rob is from the Herpetologist Society of Ireland, the leading NGO for monitoring our native Irish herpetofauna – frogs, newts and yes…lizards!! (we do have small ones in this country, St. Patrick didn’t banish them all!!).

Rob will present an explanation of lizard natural history, their needs and habitats, followed by fieldwork to identify good basking sites and microhabitats. Rob will show us how to survey and monitor Drummin Bog for these special and beautiful small creatures. We will also examine Drummin Bog’s unique pond, assess its water quality and learn about some of the creatures who live there.

This survey is funded by the NPWS Grant for Small Recording Projects 2023.

The Drummin Bog survey is part of a wider project “Finding Dragons: a workshop for community groups on monitoring native herpetofauna and managing their habitats” instigated by Dr Kate Flood from Girley Bog Meitheal in County Meath.

Lizard basking on the boardwalk, Girley Bog, Co. Meath: image courtesy of Dr Kate Flood

Drummin Bog Project is delighted to be included in this affiliation of peatland sites and communities. The other partners are: Girley Bog Meitheal (Meath), Creative Rathangan (Kildare), Drummin Bog (Carlow). Portagih Fhionnáin (Galway) and Stepaside Biodiversity Action Group (Dublin).

The Arts Council-funded ongoing project Gnáthóga Nádurtha was the initial connection point between 3 of the sites, further enhancing that particular project’s reach.

Directions: Drummond Church, South Carlow postcode: R95 DH34 Google Maps Link https://goo.gl/maps/8SDNwYigAxH1rQXHA

Time: 10 am gather at Drummond Hall by Drummond Church. Concludes: approx. 2 – 4 hours later, depending on the weather, what we find etc.

Light refreshments and sandwiches will be provided.

Please wear wellies/stout shoes, rain gear, and bring a walking stick.

Numbers are limited, please contact Jules 087 655 0165 for further info.

Acknowledgements

Drummin Bog Project gratefully acknowledges the NPWS GRANTS FOR SMALL RECORDING PROJECTS 2023

Arts Council Invitation to Collaborate funding for the 3-wetland creative-led community engagement project, led by Carlow Arts Office, with Kildare Art Services and Meath Arts Office.

**Volunteering**– Have you been wondering how to contribute positively and locally in this time of evident climate change? Bogs are precious sites for carbon storage and much more. Come and help protect Drummin Bog, its flora and fauna, learn the science and appreciate the beauty
**Would you like to get involved with the Drummin Bog Project?**
Join the voluntary committee? People with diverse skills and knowledge are welcome. To find out more, please contact Alan Price, Chair of Drummin Bog Project at alandesprice@gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE: Access to Drummin Bog is limited due to the sensitive nature of the habitat and its status as a wildlife reserve. Great precaution must be taken in visiting the bog due to its unmarked deep drains, and other hazards. It is therefore recommended people do not walk on the bog alone. Children must always be supervised and no dogs please as efforts are in place to encourage birds to return. Thank you for understanding. In time, a woodland walkway is envisaged. The Drummin Bog Project is in its very early stages.