Inch Wildfowl Reserve welcomed nature enthusiasts of all ages on Saturday 7th June 2025 for a special Biodiversity Day event, part of the national Cruinniu na nOg celebration of young people's creativity.
The 'Wild Day Out' brought together biodiversity experts from both sides of the border through the Biodiversity without Borders project, a collaboration between Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council.
What Visitors Experienced
The event offered a range of guided activities along the reserve's 8km looped trail:
- Birdwatching walks led by Aengus Kennedy from Nature North West, spotting species from mallards to rarer waders
- Pond dipping with Frog CIC, exploring aquatic life beneath the water's surface
- Wildlife spotting with Annie Mullan from Butterlope Farm, identifying butterflies, bugs and wildflowers
Families who registered in advance received free goody bags, while all visitors could follow a self-guided biodiversity trail with the chance to win prizes.
About Inch Wildfowl Reserve
The reserve is situated to the east of Lough Swilly and supports remarkable biodiversity throughout the year. Breeding season brings terns, gulls, waders and ducks, while winter months see the arrival of swans and geese, making it a year-round destination for birdwatchers.
The 8km looped walk starts at Farland Car Park and offers accessible terrain with good signage throughout. Visitors describe it as "very scenic and peaceful" with "plenty of bird activity" - though be warned about the midges on warm evenings!
Getting There
Starting point: Farland Car Park, Inch Level, Burt, Co. Donegal (Eircode: F93 DP6X)
Directions from Letterkenny: Take the N13 towards Derry. After approximately 20km, turn left onto the R239 at Burt Chapel. After 650m, continue straight onto the L75311 for 1.1km to reach the reserve.
Alternative parking: The Pumphouse car park is a 10-minute walk from the main activities - useful when the Farland car park fills up.
Cross-Border Collaboration
The event highlighted the growing environmental partnership between councils on both sides of the border. As Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, noted: "There is no border when it comes to our shared environment."
The Biodiversity without Borders project continues to promote conservation across the region, recognising that wildlife corridors and ecosystems don't follow political boundaries.
Plan Your Visit
Inch Wildfowl Reserve is open year-round and free to visit. The best times for birdwatching are early morning or late evening, particularly during migration seasons in spring and autumn.
For more information about the reserve and its looped walk, visit inchwildfowlreserve.ie.
This event was part of Cruinniu na nOg, an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme celebrating young people's creativity through free events nationwide.