Returning for a second year this May, BioFest will once again celebrate biodiversity action in West Cork. Taking place during National Biodiversity Week, the festival will be held at CECAS Myross Wood House on May 17, before hitting the road with the BioFest bus to visit two additional sites showcasing biodiversity in action on May 18.
The free programme, led by experienced practitioners, offers a wide range of events for all ages. From immersive children’s activities to engaging public discussions, nature-inspired art events to talks and hands-on workshops, BioFest 2025 has something for everyone. On May 17, from 10am to 10pm, visitors can enjoy events such as meadow making, an interactive shoreline biodiversity session, a talk on biodiversity in the garden, a night-time bat walk, a farming for biodiversity event, a fascinating look at edible invasives, a heritage flax workshop, and a lively public discussion on fostering biodiversity within communities.
New for this year is the inaugural ‘BioFest Conversation’, which will explore the theme ‘Restoring Nature – Is Rewilding the Big Deal?’ This thought-provoking conversation will be sparked by screenings of the new film ‘Heal the Land’ and the short film ‘Making Europe a Wilder Place’. Audience participation is encouraged, with questions, thoughts, and reflections welcomed in what promises to be an insightful and timely discussion on nature restoration and the role of rewilding.
BioFest 2025 is set against the sobering backdrop of Ireland’s biodiversity crisis – our country ranks among the most nature-depleted in the world. The need to restore nature at scale is urgent. How best can we do this, and which approaches work most effectively? In West Cork, where communities and local economies are deeply tied to the health of the natural environment, the rewards of restoring biodiversity are especially significant. Throughout BioFest, visitors will encounter inspiring examples of action for nature and practical ways to begin biodiversity restoration. Now is the time to ramp up our collective efforts.
A wide range of local and national organisations are supporting BioFest 2025, including NPWS, Páirc n’ Tobair (Green Sod), Trees on the Land, Streamscapes Ireland, Crooked Boot Farm, The National Biodiversity Data Centre, The Environmental Forum, Regenerate, Farming for Nature, Two Green Shoots, and The Green Economy Foundation, helping to deliver a rich and exciting programme.
BioFest is a collaboration between the Green Economy Foundation and CECAS at Myross Wood House, with funding from the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Accommodation is available at CECAS, along with ample parking (access via the Leap side entrance). Visitors can also enjoy beautiful walks and scenic views throughout the grounds. A café serving snacks will be open (please note it is a cash-only service), and some retailers may also be on-site. BioFest is a family-friendly event, although it is asked that dogs stay at home. While all events are free to attend, donations are encouraged to help keep the festival accessible for all.
Further updates, announcements, and ticket links will be shared on our social media channels: Facebook: BioFest; Instagram: @biofestwestcork; Ticketing: Ticket Tailor (events will go live on the second week of May).
