* Evening Thoughts is the title of a book by the late, great ecological cultural historian Thomas Berry,
who did much to envision the significant global cultural shift in values,
(he contributed to the UNESCO-endorsed Earth Charter that inspires a holistic ecological vision for The Drummin Bog Project),
and in turn, the ecological turn in education and law that is needed for a better world.
Photo: moon above Hollywood forest, south Co Carlow by Cathy Fitzgerald

‘Evening Thoughts*: Dark Skies, Deep Time’ FREE Online Learning Resource—fostering inspiring outdoor and after-dark community engagement to deepen nature connection — with Haumea Ecoversity

Little Drummin Bog in South County Carlow, Ireland, sparked the idea for this unique online learning resource —which is now FREE to access for people in Carlow, across Ireland, and beyond.

Inspired by the community-led restoration of Drummin Bog, its rich geo-ecological context and planned boardwalk and nature woodland paths (for 2027/8), the Evening Thoughts: Dark Sky, Deep Time online module learning resource was originally a live online course hosted during the winter of 2025/6. It was developed by Drummin Bog Committee member, Cathy Fitzgerald, founder of Haumea Ecoversity – a transformative ecoliteracy learning community.

The Evening Thoughts Resource exists as a FREE-to-access, ONLINE SELF-PACED learning resource and directory of people interested in these topics.

This rich and inspiring Evening Thoughts Resource has replays of international and national speakers’ presentations and talks. It invites you to explore the wonders of the Cosmos, the Story of the Universe, and how to explore and facilitate Deep Time Walks, to share the wonder of the evolution of Earth and life.



The modules also explore cosmic eco-poetry, writing, and eco-spirituality, the values of Leave No Trace Ireland**, and the exciting developments of Dark Sky Initiatives and light pollution prevention in Ireland and across the world.

Other modules explore how we might select local materials with volunteer groups (Men’s sheds) to provide seating and shelter for gatherings, for learning, talks and performances, even ideas on creating mobile studios using horse-boxes. The last module talks about how we may archive and build audiences through blog ‘diary’ websites.

All the material helps us reflect on how much change is needed and why outdoor engagement is crucial to increasing people’s connection to nature.

** Since this course, Drummin Bog is now a proud Community Member of Leave No Trace Ireland, see how we aspire to share these values with visitors of Drummin Bog here

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Acknowledgements:

Grateful thanks to the Carlow Arts Office for supporting the development, the speakers, facilitators and delivery of this online course, now a resource.

Deepest thanks to all the speakers who gave so generously to make this a wonderful learning resource.

Many thanks to philosopher Dr Nikos Patedakis (California) for co-facilitating this course, and Haumea Ecoversity members past and present who joined this course with much enthusiasm

Many thanks to the Drummin Bog Committee and friends who also supported this course.

This pioneering course/learning resource has been inspired by Haumea Ecoversity Founder – Facilitator Dr Cathy Fitzgerald’s ongoing involvement with the County Carlow Creative Drummin Programme from 2017 onwards and her evolving transformative ecoliteracy learning development, including the Earth Charter, for Haumea Ecoversity since 2019.

From 2017, Creative Drummin (involving Drummin Bog Committee Members Jules Michael and Cathy Fitzgerald) has been pioneering eco-creative community peatland engagement, with ecoliteracy advisory support from Cathy Fitzgerald’s Haumea Ecoversity. The Creative Drummin programme has been developed with support from Carlow ArtLinks, Creative Ireland Carlow and the Arts Council, and through the Carlow Arts Office-led Gnáthóga Nádúrtha | Natural Habitat Programme 2022-24. Creative Drummin findings from Jules and Cathy have also contributed to the 2026 Guide for Wetland Communities Engaging in Creative Projects, produced by Ireland’s Community Wetlands Forum, launched by Minister Christopher O’Sullivan at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.