The summer has finally arrived, and with it, the summer series of educational weekends is set to kick off at Fota Wildlife Park. This year’s programme promises to be an exciting one, with three weekends of interactive, family-oriented events designed to make science and nature accessible to all ages. ### Wild Science Weekend
One of the first weekends to look forward to is the Wild Science Weekend on July 12 and 13. This event is packed with hands-on activities, talks, and demonstrations that aim to demystify complex science topics and make them fun and engaging for visitors of all ages. Some of the exhibits that can be expected to delight both children and adults include:
- A giant, walk-through model of the human digestive system created by the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre at UCC
- Hands-on activities such as MathsWorks and VEX Robotics presented by the Tyndall Institute, Irish Bee Conservation Project and The Lifetime Lab@Old Cork Waterworks
- Interactive displays showcasing the basics of botany, physics, and chemistry
The Wild Science Weekend is an excellent opportunity for families to spend quality time together, exploring the wonders of science and learning something new. ### Native Species Weekend
The next weekend to mark on your calendars is the Native Species Weekend on July 26 and 27. This event focuses on Ireland’s rich biodiversity and features a range of interactive exhibits and biofacts showcasing the native wildlife and conservation efforts of the country. Some of the participating organisations include:
- Fota Wildlife Park’s Education team
- Dublin Zoo
- Nature Network Ireland
- Irish Bee Conservation Project
- Atlantic Technological University, Galway
Visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with Ireland’s native wildlife, learn about the latest conservation efforts, and even participate in hands-on activities such as bird watching and nature photography. ### Bug Bonanza Weekend
The Bug Bonanza Weekend, scheduled for August 16 and 17, is all about invertebrate biodiversity. This event promises to be an absolute treat for insect enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Some of the highlights of the event will include:
- Talks and displays on insect life, both local and exotic
- A chance to meet and greet with some of the event’s expert partners
- Hands-on activities such as bug catching and insect identification
While the full list of exhibitors for this weekend has yet to be confirmed, visitors can expect an unforgettable experience that will leave them buzzing with excitement. “I want to spark curiosity and connect visitors with science, nature, and wildlife,” said Aileen Tennant, the director of Fota Wildlife Park. “These weekends give families a chance to explore complex ideas in a hands-on, accessible way, with the help of expert partners from across science, academic, and conservation fields.”
By offering a range of engaging and interactive events, Fota Wildlife Park aims to inspire people to understand and conserve the natural world. With its summer series of educational weekends, the park is confident that it can make a real difference in the lives of its visitors and contribute to the conservation of Ireland’s rich biodiversity.
The summer series of educational weekends at Fota Wildlife Park is a great opportunity for families to get outdoors, explore nature, and learn something new. With its unique blend of science, nature, and conservation, the park is set to make this summer one to remember.
Hands-On Learning
The summer series of educational weekends at Fota Wildlife Park promises to be a hands-on learning experience like no other. With a range of interactive displays, talks, and demonstrations, visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with science, nature, and wildlife. Highlights of the Events
* Wild Science Weekend: July 12 and 13
* Native Species Weekend: July 26 and 27
* Bug Bonanza Weekend: August 16 and 17
By attending one of these events, visitors can expect an unforgettable experience that will leave them with a newfound appreciation for the natural world. With its commitment to hands-on learning and conservation, Fota Wildlife Park is confident that it can make a real difference in the lives of its visitors.
