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Celebrating World Wetlands Day in Castlecoote, County Roscommon

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February to raise global awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet. It also marks anniversary of the date of adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. World Wetlands Day was celebrated for the first time in 1997.

Roscommon celebrated this year’s event by organising a nature walk from Castlecoote Village to Black’s Lake. Black’s Lake is on the Derryhippo River which flows from the nearby Creggs Village. It is a small lake of about 15 acres. It is a well-known spot for coarse fishing whilst some of our special wintering birds from the nearby Suck Callows are also known to visit. These beautiful birds include the Whooper Swan, Greenland White Fronted Goose, Wigeon, Lapwing and Golden Plover. They are known locally as the Castlecoote ‘Big 5’!

Despite the slightly wintery weather, there was a great turnout for the walk from the local area. We were also joined by Roscommon Birdwatch, local Tidy Towns Groups and interested individuals.

The event was hosted by the Heritage Office of Roscommon County Council, in conjunction with Castlecoote Tidy Towns, The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and The Waters and Communities Office (LAWCO).

Thanks:

Nollaig Feeney and Corina Hand from Roscommon County Council, Heritage Office, Laura Gallagher and Niall Cribbon from the NPWS and Catherine Seale, Community Water Officer for their contributions. Thanks also to Mary Leyden, Castlecoote Lodge for her knowledge on local history and welcoming everyone afterward the walk for Tea/Coffee and biscuits. Thanks to Castlecoote Stores which was the meeting point for the walk and to PJs Bar and Lounge for additional car parking. Finally, thanks to Ivor and Sean from Castlecoote, Donamon, Creggs Rural Tourism and Environmental Group for helping to steward the event and to Margaret, Castlecoote Tidy Towns and to Cllr. Orla Leyden for their support in hosting the event.

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