Event Description

Our Wild Home: Exploring NI’s Nature and Landscapes

Ever wondered what secrets lie beneath Northern Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes?

Join The Open University for a day of discovery that will change the way you see nature.

Step into the rich natural heritage of Northern Ireland with a day of talks, exhibits, and hands-on activities celebrating the incredible connections between our landscapes, wildlife, and communities.

Discover the hidden “silent nature” beneath our feet as we explore Northern Ireland’s unique geodiversity, from the Giant’s Causeway to Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. Learn about the history and restoration of rare habitats like floodplain meadows along our rivers, and hear how urban parks, gardens, and wild spaces can support butterflies and wildlife, some of which are unique to Ireland. 

This event is perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the world around them.

Talks include:

What is ‘silent nature’ and why does it matter? – 1pm

Northern Ireland is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary geological features, from the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway to the limestone caves of Fermanagh. But while biodiversity often takes the spotlight, the rocks, soils, and water systems that shape our landscapes – our geodiversity – are just as vital. In this talk, Elaine Hooton from The Open University, explores how Northern Ireland’s unique geodiversity benefits our culture, history, and ecosystems, and why understanding this “silent nature” is key to connecting with our local landscapes. 

Reviving Northern Ireland’s lost meadows – 2.30pm

Once common across Britain and Ireland, floodplain meadows have become one of the most rare and threatened habitats. These vibrant, flower-rich landscapes— likely once widely seen along rivers like the Lagan, Bann and Erne—support an incredible range of pollinators and wildlife. Olivia Nelson will share how The Open University could use its experience working with local partners, to extend its role in restoring floodplain meadows into Northern Ireland, by using art, history, and science to uncover their cultural significance, raise awareness of their decline, and inspire conservation efforts to bring them back to life. 

How to turn urban spaces into wildlife havens – 4pm

Urbanisation is changing the face of the world’s landscapes, but our towns and cities can also provide crucial habitats for wildlife. In this talk, Dr. Willow Neal from The Open University’s School of Earth, Environment and Ecosystem Sciences explores the surprising biodiversity found in urban areas, including what you might expect to find in Belfast’s green corridors, Derry’s riversides, and community gardens across the region.

With a focus on butterflies, including the Cryptic Wood White, a species only found in Ireland, Willow will share their research into innovative conservation tools, like AI-powered butterfly identification, and highlight ways urban spaces can become sanctuaries for both wildlife and people. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of how even the smallest patch of nature can help protect biodiversity for the future, including what you can do to support wildlife in your own garden.

Hands on activities

Throughout the day you’ll have the opportunity to explore interactive stands where you can handle real fossils, dive into thought-provoking displays on sustainability, and take part in fun family crafts celebrating our local wildlife. Whether you’re passionate about protecting nature or simply curious about the world around you, this event invites you to see Northern Ireland’s natural world in a whole new light.

Agenda Highlights: 

12pm – 5pm – Stands open

1pm – Talk: What is ‘silent nature’ and why does it matter?

2:30pm – Talk: Reviving Northern Ireland’s lost meadows 

4pm – Talk: How to turn urban spaces into wildlife havens