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July 2026 Newsletter

Hi Everyone! The summer of 2026 will certainly be remembered for its heatwave much like that of 1976. However, for all the joy these warm days can bring, a major downside is the risk of wildfires and the damage they cause to biodiversity. Early notification of the emergency services can help prevent catastrophic impacts on upland habitats and rural communities. We all have a part to play in protecting our beautiful and unique landscape from the threats posed by wildfires. In this regard, you might consider having a look at the Wildfire Prevention Advice for the General Public as provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Your vigilance and swift action in accurately reporting a wildfire could save lives, property and wildlife from a devastating outcome.

Featuring in this month's edition.... Climate Action & Biodiversity Fortnight 2026 Photography Competition - a slideshow featuring the entries received for our photo competition held in May, many of which capture the beauty of nature for a moment in time. Local Environment Action Fund (LEAF) 2026 - find out how to apply for this fund aimed at supporting the sustainability aims of local Tidy Towns, Resident Associations, Environmental Groups and partner voluntary organisations.  Enniscorthy Swift Walk with Birdwatch Ireland - Join BirdWatch Ireland on a walk in Enniscorthy and learn about this long distance, migratory bird that has been pushed to the brink of extinction. The charity estimates that between 1998 and 2023, 69% of Swifts disappeared from Irish skies.  Wexford Naturalists' Field Club August Lecture - information on the club's upcoming August indoor lecture at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve. Did you Know? - a new edition to our monthly newsletter featuring a little nugget of information for all nature anoraks out there🐞  Until next month!  The Climate Action Wexford Team.

Climate Action & Biodiversity Fortnight 2026 Photography Competition Results

"The Happy Wasp" - Overall Winner: Donna Darcy

"Daisy" - Runner Up: Debra Core

"Adopt a Plant Day, Enniscorthy Library" - Runners Up: Emma Boyce & Esther Ebbs

"Land & Sea - Hook" - Runner Up: Ivan Donoghue

"Bluebell Trail" - Runner Up: Jer O' Mahony

"Lambs" - Runner Up: John Murray

"Blue Dragonfly" - Runner Up: Kelly Ryan

"Butterfly on Flower" - Runner Up: Leigh Naylor

"Buzzard in Flight" - Runner Up: Neil O'Rourke

"Ballymoney Stream" - Runner Up: Paul Dubsky

"Bee on Flower" - Runner Up: Siofra Doyle

"Bird at Feeder" - Runner Up: Tamzin Gazeley

Local Environment Action Fund (LEAF) 2026 Application Closing Date: 7th August, 2026

Wexford County Council invites applications for funding submissions under the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) 2026. The LEAF programme is developed in partnership with IPB Insurance and the CCMA, marking the 100th anniversary of the IPB. Wexford County Council is allocating a total of €100,000 in funding for qualifying community groups across the County. The fund is aimed at supporting the sustainability aims of local Tidy Towns, Resident Associations, Environmental Groups and partner voluntary organisations that contribute to enhancing their communities through climate action, biodiversity and environmental enhancement projects. Grant awards may range from €1,000 (min) up to €25,000 (max) per project. For further information and details of how to apply, visit Local Environment Action Fund (LEAF) 2026 | Wexford County Council

Enniscorthy Swift Walk with Birdwatch Ireland 7.30pm, Tuesday, 21st July, 2026

Wexford Naturalists' Field Club August lecture  8pm, Thursday, 6th August, 2026

Lecture:    "The Folklore of Flowers" by Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh, Broadcaster & Folklorist. Time:         8pm Date:         Thursday, 6th August Location:  Wexford Wildfowl Reserve Unless otherwise stated, an indoor lecture is held at 8pm on the first Thursday of each month in The Pumphouse at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve. Non-members of the Club are welcome to attend lectures. Admission for non-members is €5 which includes light refreshments. U18s must be accompanied by an adult. Details of how to apply for Club membership is available here Since events may change due to unforeseen circumstances, please check for last minute updates posted on the Club's website www.wexfordnaturalists.com

Did you Know? ...

A single teaspoon of soil can contain up to 10 billion organisms - that's more than the number of people on the planet!

Until next time, keep safe, well & climate aware! ⛅

If you don´t want to receive any more messages (to: unknown@noemail.com) any longer, you can unsubscribe free of charge at any time. Wexford County Council Frank Burke County Hall Y35 WY93 Carricklawn, Wexford Ireland climateaction@wexfordcoco.ie