Biodiversity week, which has been organised by the Loughs Agency, is part of a national initiative taking place May 17-25. There will be boat trips, talks, workshops and many chances to see some of Inishowen's wild creatures up close and personal.

The week's programme takes place at a host of venues throughout Derry and Inishowen. Nearly all events are free of charge, so why not come along to learn more about all the amazing creatures that surround us?

Culdaff and Moville on Saturday

The festival gets off to a busy start on Saturday, May 17, with a boat trip leaving Bonagee Pier, Culdaff for Inishtrahull at 10pm. For a chance to win two tickets for this 3 hour trip, ring the Loughs Agency 04871 342100 or log onto www.loughs-agency.org. There will also be trips to Inishtrahull on Thursday, May 22 at 6pm and on Saturday, May 25 at 10am and 3pm.

If a gentle stroll in the woods is more your thing, why not come along to the guided Bluebell walk in Prehen's ancient woodland, also at 10am. There will be a second Bluebell walk on Monday morning, and a third, for schools on Wednesday morning.

From 12 noon on Saturday, you can follow the nature trail or take part in workshops along Moville's shore front and learn how to take part in a coastwatch survey, with the help of Peter and Lucy White.

Inishowen's Biodiversity Week celebration will formally kick off at 1.45pm in St Eugene's Hall, Moville, followed by a series of talks. At 2pm Martin Moloney will give a talk on rescuing birds of prey, followed by Dermot McLaughlin, of Inishowen Birdwatchers. At 3.30pm Glas Oige will present a topical drama. After that, at 5pm Inish Eoghain Beekeepers will share their secrets to successful bee-keeping, an increasingly popular hobby in the peninsula. The busy afternoon finishes with a talk by Dr Paddy Sleeman about his study of badgers.

A busy week

A 45min River Safari will operate on Lough Foyle all Sunday and Monday from 10am to 8pm, departing from Foyle Search and Rescue. Members of the Talnotry Avian Care Trust will also present a series of workshops on Monday, for schools from 10am and for members of the public from 3pm, at the Loughs Agency offices. They'll introduce a number of wild animals which have been rescued, including fox, hedgehog, ferret, rabbit, kestrel, owls and more. Ring the Loughs Agency to register for these workshops.

The Riverwatch Visitor Centre will open its doors to ladies only on Monday night from 7pm, for a free guided tour, booking essential (04871 342100).

Tuesday will bring the chance for schools to meet our Furless Friends (reptiles and amphibians) from 10am, with another session for the public from 3pm, at the Loughs Agency. There will also be a presentation and guided walk on bats at 7pm. Booking essential for these events.

The programme on Wednesday and Thursday is mainly given over to schools, with a guided eco-cruise on the River Foyle and biodiversity workshops.