Things That Go Bump in the Night: A Resounding Success for Newtownmountkennedy Bat Walk
On Tuesday evening, the East Wicklow Rivers Trust was thrilled to host a very successful "Things That Go Bump in the Night" bat walk in Newtownmountkennedy as part of National Heritage Week.
Organised in close collaboration with the Newtownmountkennedy Biodiversity Group and Newtownmountkennedy Tidy Towns, the evening brought together local residents and nature enthusiasts eager to explore the nocturnal wildlife inhabiting our waterways and local green spaces.
Starting out from the Parkview Hotel, the group explored along the Newtownmountkennedy Stream and into the new linear park. Led by Faith Wilson and Kim Lake from East Wicklow Rivers Trust, attendees learned about Ireland’s native bat species, their unique reliance on echolocation to navigate, and the crucial role water bodies play in supporting their foraging habits.
Using bat detectors, attendees were able to hear the distinct ultrasonic clicks and chatter of several different species. The highlight of the night came at the attenuation pond in the upper section of the new linear park, where the group enjoyed spectacular, up-close views of bats swooping and hunting over the water.
Waterways and wetlands like the Newtownmountkennedy Stream and attenuation ponds act as key biodiversity hotspots, offering rich feeding grounds for local bat populations. Events like this highlight the strong community commitment behind Newtownmountkennedy’s Community Biodiversity Action Plan. Protecting local river catchments and creating healthy green corridors ensures that both wildlife and local residents can thrive side-by-side.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out on the night, as well as our co-hosts the Newtownmountkennedy Biodiversity Group and Newtownmountkennedy Tidy Towns, and to the River Basin Management Service for their support in making this Heritage Week event possible.
Want to join us on our next river walk or community workshop? Sign up for the East Wicklow Rivers Trust Newsletter below, or follow us on our social channels for upcoming event announcements.
