The Maigue Rivers Trust is launching a new community workshop series led by Streamscapes titled “Stop the Spread: Protecting the Maigue River Catchment from Invasive Species.”
The free workshop series this summer invites local communities, landowners, anglers and farmers to learn more about invasive species and provide practical guidance on how to prevent their spread throughout the Maigue catchment in Limerick.

Protecting the Maigue catchment requires a collective effort. Invasive species are one of the major pressures affecting river health and biodiversity across the region. Through this workshop series, the Maigue Rivers Trust wants to equip communities with the knowledge and practical tools needed to make a real difference.

The workshop series is designed to address the growing threat posed by invasive non-native species to local rivers, wetlands, biodiversity, agriculture, and water quality. Participants will learn how invasive species impact ecosystems, how to identify priority species in the Maigue catchment, and the practical steps individuals and communities can take to help protect local waterways.

The workshops and guided walks will include:
● Identification of key invasive species affecting the Maigue catchment
● ‘Clean, Check, Dry’ approach for best practice biosecurity measures for land and water users
● Practical demonstrations and field-based learning opportunities
● Guidance on preventing the spread of invasive species between waterways and sites

The workshop is divided into two parts: a 90-minute indoor session featuring an engaging presentation, followed by a 90-minute outdoor field experience at a nearby river, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.

The workshops are free to attend and open to all interested members of the public, community groups, schools, environmental organisations, and stakeholders with an interest in protecting the Maigue river system.

The series will strengthen local stewardship of the river catchment while supporting wider biodiversity and water quality objectives across the region. This initiative is supported by Nature Network Ireland and funded through Government of Ireland rural and community development initiatives including Project Ireland 2040 and Our Rural Future, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, LCDC, and West Limerick Resources.

Learn more at: https://streamscapes.ie/education/stopthespread