Summary
Lee Valley Kayak Tour with Nature Network Ireland, Coachford
Lee Valley Kayak Tour with Nature Network Ireland
A hands-on introduction to biodiversity with Nature Network Ireland. Learn why biodiversity matters, explore local habitats, and join a guided kayak tour on the River Lee to see it in action.
Event Snapshot
- LocationBallyhass Coachford
- Duration2 hours
- DateSunday, 28 June 2026
- Time9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- CapacityMaximum 24 participants
- Age6+ years
- EquipmentWetsuits available if required
- CostFree entry
Why this workshop is worth your morning
Biodiversity is not just something you see on land. It is connected to our waterways, habitats, wildlife, climate resilience, clean water, and the overall health of our local environment.
This session is designed to be welcoming, practical and accessible. Whether you are totally new to the subject or already interested in conservation, you will leave with a clearer understanding of Ireland’s biodiversity and simple ways to get involved locally.
This year, instead of exploring the wilderness walk trail, you will experience Ballyhass from the water with a guided kayak tour, discovering the landscape, habitats and wildlife from a fresh perspective.
Bonus on the Day
All attendees can unlock an exclusive 20% off any second activity at Ballyhass Coachford on the day and make the most of your visit.
Something Different This Year
This is not a standard activity session. It is a slower, guided outdoor experience that combines kayaking, learning, nature connection and a new way to see Ballyhass Coachford.
What you will explore
What biodiversity actually means
Get a simple introduction to species, habitats and ecosystems, and how they connect to each other in the natural world.
Why it matters in Ireland
Learn about native species, Irish habitats, key conservation issues and the wider value of restoring and protecting nature.
Threats and solutions
Understand the pressures biodiversity faces today, from habitat loss to pollution and climate impacts, and what can be done in response.
Biodiversity from the water
Explore how waterways, lake edges and surrounding habitats support wildlife, plants and healthy ecosystems.
Guided kayak tour
Take to the water with a guided kayak experience and put the ideas into context while observing the Ballyhass landscape,identifying habitats and observing biodiversity from a different angle.
Getting involved locally
Discover practical next steps including citizen science, local projects, community action and small changes that can still make a real difference.
Meet your speakers
Gill Weyman
Founder & Director
Gill brings deep restoration and ecology experience, from work in New Zealand to environmental leadership and citizen-science projects closer to home. Her sessions connect big-picture environmental thinking with practical, grounded action.
John Armstrong
Campaigns Manager & Ecologist
With a First-Class Honours degree in Ecology from UCC and extensive public-engagement experience, John brings energy, expertise and real clarity to environmental education, biodiversity awareness and action planning.
How it works
Book your place
Ready to explore Ballyhass from a different perspective? Secure your place below and join us on the water. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Arrive ready for the outdoors
Dress comfortably for kayaking and the outdoors. Weather-appropriate layers are recommended, and Ballyhass will provide the kayaking equipment required for the session.
Learn, explore and connect
Take part in the workshop, ask questions, enjoy the guided walk and leave with a better understanding of the natural world around you.
Reserve your place
Free to attend, limited in numbers, and designed for anyone curious about nature, biodiversity and the role we can all play in protecting it.
What Is Biodiversity?
Understanding species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.
Why Biodiversity Matters
Discover the connections between biodiversity, climate, food, health, and culture.
Biodiversity in Ireland
Get to know our native species, key habitats, and the most critical conservation areas across the country.
Threats to Biodiversity
Learn about habitat loss, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and more.
What Can Be Done?
Personal, community, and policy-level actions that make a difference.
Getting Involved
Hands-on tips for citizen science, local restoration projects, and ongoing volunteer opportunities.
Guided Nature Walk
Put theory into practice on our estate trails—identify species, record observations, and experience biodiversity firsthand.
Gill Weyman
Founder & Director, Nature Network Ireland
Gill brings decades of restoration-project expertise—from tracking Little Spotted Kiwi in New Zealand to marine strategic planning on the Isle of Man. A seasoned citizen-science leader and environmental-science educator, she’s chaired projects with BirdWatch Ireland, Fota Wildlife Park, and BTCV UK.
John Armstrong
Campaigns Manager & Ecologist, Nature Network Ireland
With a First-Class Honours degree in Ecology from UCC and over 1,000 public talks and tours under his belt, John has led water-biodiversity and action-planning training across Ireland. He represents Nature Network on the SWAN board, uniting 25 NGOs in river, lake, and coastal restoration.
locations
Mallow
Coachford
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