Blog by Andrea, Student at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge.
When people think of the Midlands of Ireland, they usually imagine flat land, endless bogs and maybe a few cows. But to me, it’s so much more than that. It’s where I grew up, where I walk my dog, where I watch the seasons change. And lately, I’ve been realising just how much biodiversity we have here—and how much of it is at risk.
I didn’t always think about things like biodiversity. But over the past few years, I’ve started noticing changes. Fewer butterflies in our garden. Fewer birds at the feeder. I remember being younger and hearing the call of the curlew across the bog. They say the curlew is nearly gone from Ireland and that breaks my heart.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There are amazing people in the Midlands working to protect our natural heritage. In places like Clara Bog and Lough Boora, there are rewilding projects and conservation efforts that are making a difference. And some farmers are starting to farm in ways that protect wildlife, which gives me hope.
But I still worry. I worry that if people don’t care, if we keep ignoring the signs, we’ll lose something we can never get back. Biodiversity isn’t just about rare animals or fancy Latin names. It’s about the health of our land, our air our water. It’s about what kind of Ireland we want to live in—and pass on.
I tell my friends why it matters when the bees disappear or when a hedgerow is cut too early. It might not be much, but I believe small actions count.
The Midlands might not have the dramatic cliffs of the west or the big cities of the east, but it has something special—something wild and worth protecting. And I want to be part of the generation that stands up for it.
****
For more on climate change – listen in to Midlands 103 on Thursday 29th of May at 11.20am and check out www.Midlands103.com
Ours to Protect brought to you by Midlands 103, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán, with the Television Licence Fee.
