🌿 Spongeworks: Working with nature on the Aughrim River Catchment 🌿
Spongeworks Project Launch – Aughrim | 26 February
Following the severe flooding caused by Storm Chandra, which had a devastating impact on Aughrim and surrounding areas, we will now proceed with the launch of the SpongeWorks project in collaboration with Wicklow County Council, Wicklow Uplands Council and Local Authority Waters Programme.
Many in the Aughrim community and beyond are still dealing with the effects of this event, and it is in that context that this conversation feels both timely and necessary.
The project focuses on nature-based solutions for climate resilience, and how we can better prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.
We are grateful to welcome Professor Mary Burke, whose expertise will help guide an open and practical discussion with those who wish to attend.
Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/coffee-cake-catchments-spongeworks-tickets-1982689283018 if you would like to take part.
Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, and we hope this discussion can contribute, in a small way, to building greater resilience for the future.
About the Project
The Aughrim River catchment has been selected as one of just 12 study areas across Europe for the prestigious EU Horizon Spongeworks project. This cutting-edge initiative explores how nature-based solutions (NBS) can effectively help to reduce flooding, prevent drought, and support biodiversity.
The project focuses on restoring the natural "sponge" capacity of our soils and improving water management across the entire catchment—from the uplands to farmland and through the town of Aughrim. Read more about our project here, and on the Horizon Spongeworks project page here.
The evening will feature key presentations and discussions from Dr. Mary Bourke (Trinity College Dublin) on some of the insights on nature-based solutions from the Slow Waters Project, and Jim Callery (Climate Action Officer, Wicklow County Council) who will give an overview of the Spongeworks project and why the Aughrim catchment was chosen.
This is an opportunity for the community to come together to discuss practical steps for protecting the Aughrim River, reducing flood and drought risk, and talking about climate resilience for people, farming, and nature!
Join the Launch Event!
Everyone is welcome to attend, learn more about this vital research, and share your ideas on how we can work together as a community to protect our river and build climate resilience.
Date: Thursday, 26th February
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: National Disabled Angling Facility & Tidy Towns Pavilion Centre, Aughrim
Refreshments: Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be provided
Reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/coffee-cake-catchments-spongeworks-tickets-1982689283018 (so we know how many people to arrange refreshments for!)
