Project 1)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEach Year LO LCYP support Biodiversity Week that takes place usually for a week in May each year. One such example to celebrate Biodiversity week was the partnership between LO LCYP and Edenderry Youthreach. Which is a further education centre for early school leavers (ages 15\u201320), offering QQI Level 3\u20134 courses and practical skills training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because Youthreach focuses on hands-on, applied learning, it\u2019s was ideal place tofor a biodiversity project\u2014especially in a place like Edenderry with canals, boglands, and green spaces nearby. The project was started by inviting the Offaly Biodiversity Officer Ricky Whelan from Offaly County Council to come talk to a group of 13 young people in Youthreach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ricky made the talk very interesting and engaging by focusing on the area of Edenderry the young people could relate to and what they might see every day in the local canal, boglands farms and hedgerows. Sharing the habitats through beautiful images for bats, birds and insects. Interesting questions and discussion took place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Youth Voice becomes Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe next step was deciding how to use the information and ideas shared through Ricky\u2019s workshops and discussions. After lengthy conversations, the young people explored several creative ways to share what they had learned about local biodiversity. Ideas included producing a podcast, creating a video showcasing the local area and its biodiversity challenges, and developing awareness campaigns for other students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following many group discussions the young people decided to create a mural within their centre. They felt this would be the most impactful and lasting way to share their learning with other young people in Youthreach. The mural would act as a creative platform to raise awareness of biodiversity, encourage conversation, and showcase the importance of biodiversity on their doorstep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With funding provided through LO LCYP the group were able to work with a suitable artist Petra Moll. Petra\u2019s work reflects biodiversity she uses natural materials and textures inspired by the landscape. Her layered technique mirrors ecological systems such as soil and bog formation. By focusing on small natural details like stones and branches, she encourages people to observe and appreciate local biodiversity, particularly in areas like the Grand Canal in Edenderry and surrounding habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00a0Project 2)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSupporting Community Partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTo celebrate Biodiversity Week in Laois, the LO LCYP partnered with Midlands Science. Midlands Science is a not-for-profit organisation based in the Midlands that promotes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education and skills among young people and the wider public. Through outreach projects, public events, and capacity-building initiatives, the organisation aims to increase interest in science and encourage greater engagement with the natural world. By working with Midlands Science during Biodiversity Week, LO LCYP helped more young people learn about biodiversity in an interactive and enjoyable way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing barriers to participation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nLO LCYP helps remove barriers to participation by providing opportunities for young people particularly those whose voices may be seldom heard\u2014to engage in environmental and creative programmes. As part of this commitment, LO LCYP partnered with Portlaoise Family Resource Centre during Biodiversity Week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Portlaoise Family Resource Centre works closely with the local community to identify needs and develop appropriate responses. Recognising the diversity of families and the complexities of family and community life, the centre provides a wide range of supports and services across the life course for children, young people, adults, and families. This made it an ideal partner for delivering biodiversity workshops to young people who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of Biodiversity Week, 29 young people aged 7\u201312 from the centre’s after-school groups participated in workshops delivered by Midlands Science. During these workshops, participants explored what biodiversity is, why it is important, and the challenges it currently faces. Learning was brought to life through a hands-on freshwater invertebrate identification activity, which allowed the young people to investigate local ecosystems and gain a deeper understanding of biodiversity in an engaging and interactive way. This experience helped increase environmental awareness while making science accessible, enjoyable, and fun for participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The positive impact of the workshops was reflected in feedback received from the Childcare Manager at Portlaoise Family Resource Centre:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI just wanted to send you a quick email to thank you so much for the Biodiversity workshops. The after-school children absolutely loved it! I have received numerous messages from parents this morning saying how much their child enjoyed it. The facilitator was so engaging and hands-on, and the kids loved the newt, dragonfly and other bugs.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis feedback highlights the value of partnerships in creating meaningful learning experiences and encouraging curiosity about biodiversity and the natural environment among young people. Through collaborations such as this, LO LCYP continues to support inclusive participation while helping young people connect with science, nature, and their local environment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","categories":[330],"news-tags":[],"class_list":["post-41558","news","type-news","status-publish","hentry","category-creative-youth"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership supporting Biodiversity across Laois and Offaly - Creative Ireland Programme<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership (LO LCYP) supports biodiversity across Laois and Offaly mainly by connecting young people with nature through creative, educational, and community-based projects.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership supporting Biodiversity across Laois and Offaly - Creative Ireland Programme\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership (LO LCYP) supports biodiversity across Laois and Offaly mainly by connecting young people with nature through creative, educational, and community-based projects. The partnership– also encourages collaboration between youth groups, artists, environmental organisations, and local authorities, helping biodiversity awareness reach young people and their communities across both counties. Young […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Creative Ireland Programme\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CreativeIrl\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-03T11:00:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@creativeirl\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/\",\"name\":\"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership supporting Biodiversity across Laois and Offaly - Creative Ireland Programme\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-03T09:47:20+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-03T11:00:49+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership supporting Biodiversity across Laois and Offaly\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Creative Ireland Programme\",\"description\":\"The Creative Ireland Programme is guided by a vision that every person in Ireland will have the opportunity to realise their full creative potential. It is a five year all-of-Government initiative, from 2017 to 2022, to place creativity at the centre of public policy.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership supporting Biodiversity across Laois and Offaly - Creative Ireland Programme","description":"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership (LO LCYP) supports biodiversity across Laois and Offaly mainly by connecting young people with nature through creative, educational, and community-based projects.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership supporting Biodiversity across Laois and Offaly - Creative Ireland Programme","og_description":"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership (LO LCYP) supports biodiversity across Laois and Offaly mainly by connecting young people with nature through creative, educational, and community-based projects. The partnership– also encourages collaboration between youth groups, artists, environmental organisations, and local authorities, helping biodiversity awareness reach young people and their communities across both counties. Young […]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/","og_site_name":"Creative Ireland Programme","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CreativeIrl\/","article_modified_time":"2026-06-03T11:00:49+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@creativeirl","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/","url":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/","name":"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership supporting Biodiversity across Laois and Offaly - Creative Ireland Programme","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-06-03T09:47:20+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-03T11:00:49+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/news\/laois-and-offaly-local-creative-youth-partnership-supporting-biodiversity-across-laois-and-offaly\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Laois and Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership supporting Biodiversity across Laois and Offaly"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/","name":"Creative Ireland Programme","description":"The Creative Ireland Programme is guided by a vision that every person in Ireland will have the opportunity to realise their full creative potential. It is a five year all-of-Government initiative, from 2017 to 2022, to place creativity at the centre of public policy.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/41558","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41558"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41558"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.creativeireland.gov.ie\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=41558"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}