# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
8 simple nature activities you can do almost anywhere

# data[].attributes.body
Once we are allowed to travel throughout the country, here are some great places to explore.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In Ireland we are lucky to have many wonderful places to discover nature. We have put together some of our favourite fun places for nature education for kids in Ireland. So next time you are looking for a day out, check out if there is a place near you!
Don't miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Nature is a great educator and most children love being outdoors exploring, playing and connecting to nature.

Get a Great Nature Education for Kids in Ireland

Cool Planet Experience, Wicklow

Cool Planet Experience aims to inspire visitors to make sustainability so cool it becomes the norm! This is achieved through a series of interactive and engaging exhibitions, games and competitions.

Visitors to the Cool Planet Experience will see for themselves the science behind the highs and lows of our changing climate while discovering new and exciting innovations and how they can put them in place, not just during their visit, but through their everyday life to make a change and create a healthy future for our planet.

During school holidays, visitors can also enjoy inspiring interactive workshops around nature, science and sustainability. And Cool Planet Experience also offer birthday parties and group rates.
You May Also Enjoy Amazing Mazes In Ireland to Puzzle Your Way In and Out Of!
Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens, Cork

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens in Cork is operated by Irish Heritage Trust, an independent charity. There is plenty for families with children of all ages to enjoy including, house tours, special events & workshops.

To learn more about nature and the world around us, Fota House have a number of special nature themed activities and trails that can be taken when you visit. These include;

Digging for History where you can get stuck into the award winning Victorian working garden with a tour through the glass where kids will learn fun facts and finish off with the opportunity to pot their own plant to take home and enjoy or take away a packet of seeds to plant later.

Queen Maeve's Honey Bee Adventure is a great introduction to bees with an activity based talk which will have children buzzing around the farmyard doing their waggle dance and discovering how the hive works.

Victorian Working Garden Tour can be taken 7 days a week from March to September by arrangement. There is a wide variety of interesting plants for visitors to see.

Junior Plant Hunters Activity Trail collect your activity book and take the trail to discover everything there is to see and do in the gardens and arboretum. A fun way to spend a morning or afternoon discovering nature.

Little Explorers Trail is a fun trail around the gardens and arboretum to explore the wonders of nature.

Plant Hunters Tree Trail is a trail to identify rare and unusual species at Fota. It is a free-ranging trail suitable for older families and adults.

Be sure to check opening hours before you travel.
You May Also Enjoy Take a Fairytale Road Trip Around Ireland
Powerscourt Estate & Gardens, Wicklow

Powerscourt Estate & Gardens in Wicklow offer an amazing nature experience. Visit at any time of year and be delighted by their clever planting and places to explore the great outdoors, spot wildlife and discover Ireland's highest waterfall! Powerscourt Gardens has been voted no. 3 garden in the world by National Geographic and it is just a short drive from Dublin city centre.

In addition to the beautiful surroundings, they run regular events which include nature inspired events for children and adults, with everything from gardening workshops to bug hunts and guided walks and tours.
You May Also Enjoy Best Playgrounds in Ireland Recommended by Parents
Strokestown Park, Roscommon

Strokestown Park has a 6 acre working walled garden which has been restored over time and offers visitors an insight into the horticultural design and architecture from the 1740's to the present day.

Former owner of the house, Henry Pakenham, was an avid gardener and travelled extensively gathering plants and seeds from around the world to grow at Strokestown Park. Many of these exotic plants can still be seen today.

The walled gardens include a 4 acre pleasure garden, 2 acres of fruit and vegetable gardens, a lily pond, fernery, rose garden, peach house and vinery.

In addition the surrounding woodlands have many fine specimens of beech and oak trees and you can enjoy a walking route through the woodlands and get glimpses of the house and gardens beyond.

Also on the site is the National Famine Museum where you will get an insight into life in Ireland during famine times. And there are regular events organised for visitors to enjoy.
You May Also Enjoy Terrific Places to See Dinosaurs In Ireland
Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre, Offaly

Birr Castle has 50 hectares of gardens and woodlands to explore, so be sure to pack a picnic when you visit. Throughout the year there are nature & science themed workshops & events taking place including Nature Detective mid-term and summer camps.

The gardens and terraces around the castle are home to a varied and interesting variety of plants, shrubs and trees, including some of the world's tallest box hedges.

Water also features around the grounds with waterfalls, a lake and 2 rivers to enjoy. Here you will spot a good variety of birds and wildlife and enjoy a walk in the Fernery.

Before you travel, be sure to download the app for an audio tour of the gardens. You can also pick up maps at the visitor centre to enjoy a self guided tour of the gardens, woodlands, science centre and great telescope. There are 3 different maps with points of interest marked on each one.

After discovering all the grounds have to offer, be sure to stop off in the huge tree house, Ireland's largest and play area and pop in to see the science centre too.
You May Also Enjoy - Unusual Places To Visit in Ireland with the Kids
National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Dublin

NMI - Museum of Natural History aka 'The Dead Zoo', has galleries of animals from Ireland and overseas, also geological exhibits form a total collection of about 2 million scientific specimens with a Discovery Zone.

It is free to visit and they run regular, free educational events and workshops for children and adults to enjoy.
You May Also Enjoy Best Places to see Animals, Birds & Beasts in Ireland
Johnstown Castle & Gardens, Wexford

Johnstown Castle is a spectacular gothic Castle in Wexford and offers an amazing day out in nature for all ages. You can explore the beautiful ornamental gardens designed by Daniel Robertson, walk by the 3 lakes where you will spot peacocks and other wildlife. There is also a Victorian Walled Garden and an Ornamental Pleasure Garden to discover and enjoy.

The grounds incorporate 2 research farms run by Teagasc, who own the entire estate. The farms have been carrying out pioneering agricultural related research for more than 50 years. They have teamed up with the Irish Heritage Trust to work on a new visitor centre and experience and will be running nature related workshops and events during the year.

The Irish Agricultural Museum is housed within the grounds of Johnstown Castle and is home to one of the most comprehensive collections showcasing farming and rural life in Ireland with everything from tractors to kitchens!
You May Also Enjoy Top Spots in Ireland for Swimming and Splashing Family Fun
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Thurlough Park, Mayo

The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life in Castlebar, is open 7 days a week and brings to life the traditions of rural life in Ireland. Exhibitions are full of wonderful objects from long ago.

Learn about how people lived in the towns and countryside, cut turf, caught fish and worked in the home. Educational nature related workshops, exhibitions and family programmes for all ages take place throughout the year.

Entry is free and you can explore the surrounding woodland, greenway and impressive award-winning Victorian gardens.
You May Also Enjoy 9 Amazing Adventure Centres for Families in Ireland
Belvedere House and Gardens, Westmeath

Belvedere House and Gardens incorporates 160 acres of grounds with 10 kms of serene trails along the lakeshore and through the woodlands. The trails provide the opportunity to explore the flora and fauna at Belvedere. Some trees throughout the estate have been planted for hundreds of years. In addition there is a walled garden and arboretum with many exotic plants and a fairy garden for younger members of the family.

Belvedere House hosts nature themed events throughout the year including Bat Walks, Dawn Chorus and Tree Walks. Details can be found on the events page.
You May Also Enjoy Our Favourite Mythical and Folklore Places to Visit in Ireland
Irish National Stud and Gardens, Kildare

The Irish National Stud is a farm that specialises in breeding racehorses. The site is also home to the Japanese Gardens, which maps the 'journey of life' according to Japanese history and St Fiachra's Garden with an environmental trail and four acres of woodland and lakes for families to have an ecological day out. For younger children there is a fairy trail and a well equipped playground along with a Horse Museum.

They offer ecological school tours where children can get up close to horses and wildlife in a relaxed natural environment. They will see horses and foals in the paddocks and enjoy hands on interaction with miniature Falabella horses. When they visit the horse museum they will learn more about the anatomy of the horse, as there is a full skeleton of Gold Cup winner Arkle. Then enjoy the Japanese Gardens and follow the path through tunnels and streams with an explanation of the symbolism of each section.
You May Also Enjoy Take an Enchanting Fairytale Road Trip Around Ireland
Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny

Located 18 km North of Kilkenny City, Castlecomer Discovery Park has a range of exciting recreational, cultural and educational activities for visitors of all ages.

The park has 80 acres of natural woodland with 6km of trails throughout, a fishing lake, an interactive coal mining museum, design craft and nature workshops and award winning café.

You can book team challenges which include orienteering and they have a digital scavenger hunt for visitors to download and solve which will teach children & adults more about the natural environment and history of Castlecomer.

Castlecomer is an accredited SFI Discover Centre and run DPSM (discover primary science & maths) days for primary schools, connecting the children to nature through outdoor play, learning and adventure.

For secondary schools they have a comprehensive programme of activities related to nature, geography, science, biology & ecology, that can be combined with adventure and team building activities.
You May Also Enjoy 35 Exciting Books for Curious Children to Learn About Nature
Barnett Demesne, Belfast

Take the kids out for some fresh air within easy reach of Belfast city centre at Barnett Demesne, located next to Malone House. The park features an arboretum, daffodil garden, eco-trail, orienteering routes and a children's playground - or for those looking for a little bit more adventure, you can try the bike trails and jump parks.

The park, which is named after William Barnett who was the last owner of Malone House, is popular for family walks due to its proximity to the River Lagan, Shaw's Bridge and nearby Clement Wilson Park. Barnett Demesne is also home to woodland and wildflower meadows, many wild animals (including rabbits, badgers and squirrels), and birds for your family to spot.

More than 70 species of wildflower grow in the meadows during the summer months which is a beautiful setting for any family picnic. It is also home to an annual Spring Fair, which offers music, entertainment and wildlife displays each April.
You May Also Enjoy Best Places to See Bluebells in Ireland
Tropical World Letterkenny, Donegal

Tropical World is home to a wide range of animals and plants and incorporates a butterfly house and mini zoo with animals and birds including lemurs, marmosets, meerkats, tamarins, owls, parakeets and many different species of butterfly.

It is open seasonally, so do check opening times before you travel. It will give you a good insight into the living world around us as you can get up close to animals & plants.
You May Also Enjoy How to Make a Butterfly Garden With Your Kids
Clara Bog Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre, Offaly

Clara Bog Nature Reserve is free to visit and has many free events for children. The bog itself is reputed to be the best remaining example of a raised bog in Western Europe.

There is a 1 km boardwalk looped walk on Clara Bog which lets you see the wonderful plants, birds and animals which Clara Bog is home to, and to soak up the atmosphere of an exceptional raised bog in the heart of Ireland (NB wear trainers or shoes). The Visitor Centre also organises walks, art and nature activities on a regular basis.
You May Also Enjoy Enjoy These Fabulous Family Cycle Routes in Ireland
Discover Nature Through Photography

Brian Cregan Photography works with primary and secondary schools to offer insightful photography and creative nature workshops that helps young people express themselves in a creative way. He often incorporates nature into the themes, using flowers, leaves and other objects to create art that is then photographed in different ways and can be kept as a keepsake to enjoy forever.
You May Also Enjoy 10 Best Nature Activities for Kids To Do in Your Own Garden
Coole Park, Galway

One of the most stunning nature reserves in Galway, Coole Park offers a wonderful day out for all the family whether it be to enjoy the organised nature walks, explore the forest, spot the swans on the lake or head over to enclosure near the visitor centre and go deer spotting.

Coole Park is free to visit and there is free parking on-site.
You May Also Enjoy 10 Terrific Places to See Dinosaurs in Ireland
Seaforde Gardens, Down

The tropical butterfly house at Seaforde Gardens is home to hundreds of free flying exotic butterflies from around the world. You will also see reptiles, parrots and other animals on your visit.

Afterwards take a stroll around the beautiful gardens where the kids will love getting lost in the maze! It is open seasonally so do check opening times before you make your journey.
You May Also Enjoy - Big Bug Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Phoenix Park, Dublin

The Phoenix Park in Dublin offers nature in an urban setting and families have enjoyed spending time there for many years. It is managed by the OPW and the visitor centre offers free nature themed educational workshops to primary schools including;

Trees, what would we do without them?

Discover the animals that live in the park

Biodiversity

Pollinators

The park is free to visit and includes The People's Gardens, a 22 acre park showcasing Victorian horticulture at its best. Next to the visitor centre The Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden offers inspiration and education on the horticultural skills involved in designing a Victorian Kitchen Garden as well as growing fruit, vegetables and flowers. There is also a viewing hive, where you can see bees at work and sample the honey produced by them.

Brigit's Garden, Galway

Brigit's Garden takes you on a magical journey into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology. The award-winning Celtic Gardens are widely regarded as one of the most spectacular in Ireland, set within 11 acres of native woodland & wildflower meadows.

In addition to the Celtic Gardens visitors can enjoy the nature trail, an ancient ring fort (fairy fort), thatched roundhouse and crannog, and the calendar sundial, the largest in Ireland. Brigit's Garden is very family-friendly with a kids' discovery trail, a natural playground, café and lots of opportunity to explore. They run summer camps and regular nature themed events throughout the year.

Seafari Kenmare, Kerry

Seafari Cruises are a great way to explore the wildlife and nature of Kenmare Bay. You go out on the bay in a comfortable and sheltered passenger vessel, out to one of the largest seal colonies in Ireland. See if you can spot Kathleen, a stunning seal with a red coat. The rumour is that Kathleen is a selkie, a seal which was once human according to legend.

You may also get to see otters, white-tailed sea eagles and other sea-birds. Humour and fun are part of a Seafari cruise and whilst the boat is not often rocked by waves in the calm waters of the bay, it is frequently rocked by laughter. Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits are offered on all cruises and for those feeling a nip in the air there is a medicinal shot of rum.

The Burren, Clare

As you drive up County Clare towards Galway you will reach The Burren, a unique area of historic, cultural and geographic significance. The landscape made of limestone is crisscrossed with cracks and interspersed with rocks and plants. Kids will enjoy clambering about the landscape.

Here are some of our favourite nature attractions as you make your way through The Burren:

The Burren Centre - explore the flora, fauna, geology, legends, archaeology and natural history of the Burren.

Burren Perfumery - perfumery, tearooms and lovely gardens to wander around;

Burren Nature Sanctuary, on the outskirts of Kinvara which has an Adventure Playground, Nature Trail, cafe and soft play area.

Galway Atlantaquaria

Galway Atlantaquaria Ireland's Largest Native Species Aquarium, can be found by the sea in Salthill.

There are over 100 native species and a wide array of exhibits over two floors at the aquarium.

With regular tours, interactive feeding times and touch pools there is always something new to learn about the marine life of Ireland.

The education department run marine themed holiday camps during the school holidays.

Glenveagh National Park, Donegal

Glenveagh National Park is one of six national parks in Ireland. Situated in the Northwest of Co. Donegal, Glenveagh encompasses some 16,000 hectares in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains.

The award-winning Visitor Centre incorporates a living heather roof mimicking the surrounding landscape causing minimum disturbance. The extensive displays contained within provide an introduction to the parks natural and built history as well as providing information on walking trails, events etc. Guides on duty will also be happy to provide visitors with information about the park and surrounding area.

Schools can book educational learning days & guided tours where the children will:

Learn about protected nature places in Ireland and around the world

Learn more about biodiversity

Gain an understanding of how humans impact the world

Explore their role in caring for and protecting the National Park

Brainstorm on solving problems and designing new ideas for the National Park as it grows.

Sea Synergy, Kerry

Award winning Sea Synergy Marine Awareness & Activity Centre is nestled in the colourful coastal village Waterville, Co. Kerry on the Ring of Kerry and perfect for families looking for fun adventure and discovery along our beautiful Wild Atlantic Way!

The awareness centre houses a unique interactive exhibition on Ireland's sea life where marine biologists will give you a tour without having to get wet!

Hold some of the largest animals on earth's bones and see some of the ocean's smallest and extremely important animals in the exhibition as you get up close to nature!
You May Also Enjoy 10 Terrific Places to See Dinosaurs in Ireland
Tralee Bay Wetlands, Kerry

Visit the Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre and Nature Reserve and immerse yourself in nature. You can enjoy:

Guided nature boat tours

Bird hides

The ecology and wildlife centre with a wildlife exhibition telling the story of the natural heritage of Tralee

The nature board walk, offering a bugs eye view of nature!

Water sports and activities

Scenic views from their 20 metre Viewing and Observation Tower

During school holidays they run Eco Explorer Nature and Activity Camps which are affordable, educational and fun. And they also run regular nature themed events and workshops during the year.
You May Also Enjoy 40 Fun Family Things to do on the Ring of Kerry and Beyond
Belfast's Window On Wildlife

Nestled in the heart of the Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast's Window on Wildlife is home to birds and wildlife from all over the world, and you and the family can get up close and personal with them from the comfort of the visitor centre.

Two hides, constructed from shipping containers to tie in with their surroundings, offer different perspectives on the reserve and feature a members-only area, which is perfect for budding photographers. As you look out over the reserve towards the famous Cavehill, you might also be able to spot the resident konik ponies which graze the reserve to help keep it in the best condition for ground-nesting birds like lapwings.

RSPB NI provides lots of new homes for nature at the site, including a sand martin bank and a swift tower. There's a lot to see at the reserve no matter when you visit. In summer, artificial islands give common and Arctic terns a safe place to breed and the reserve comes to life with the sound of the warblers arriving from Africa. In winter, the water is full of wildfowl like wigeon (a type of duck, and not us misspelling pigeon!) and teal, while black-tailed godwits can be seen digging in the mud for food.

Belfast WOW is open every day except Tuesdays, and is Free for RSPB members.

Over to you now. Can you recommend any more fun places for nature education for kids in Ireland? Please share them with us in the comments box below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fantastic Fun Places for Nature Education for Kids in Ireland

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In Ireland we are lucky to have many wonderful places to discover nature. We have put together some of our favourite fun places for nature education for kids in Ireland. So next time you are looking for a day out, check out if there is a place near you!

# data[].attributes.headline
If you would like to submit your frogspawn finds to the Irish Frog survey, go to the link below

# data[].attributes.subject
If you would like to submit your frogspawn finds to the Irish Frog survey, go to the link below

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Every year IPCC needs the help of people all over Ireland to take part in the National Frog Survey Ireland. Please record where frogs, spawn and tadpoles occur in the Hop to It Irish Frog Survey.

There are a few options available to you to send your frog record (including frog spawn, tadpoles, adult frogs or froglets) to the IPCC.

1. Fill in the survey form below (please note that if the "Submit" button is not active on your computer or other device you cannot fill the form below in on line, please choose the next option).

2. Download a microsoft word version of the form from this link: Blank-Frog-Survey-card. You can fill this form in on your own computer then send it to IPCC as an email attachment. Our address is: bogs@ipcc.ie

3. You can print the form, complete it by hand then post it to IPCC at: Hop To It Frog Survey 2015, IPCC, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare.

4. You can request a printed copy of the survey card from the IPCC office if you prefer. Just email your request to bogs@ipcc.ie with your name and address asking for the National Frog Survey Ireland 2014 Form. You can also telephone us for a card on Telephone: 045-860133.

Whatever way you choose to send us your record please make sure to give us all the information we have asked for. Thanks very much for your help. If you need to get a grid reference please follow this link.

The Hop To It Irish Frog Survey began in 1997. We have frog records from every county in Ireland. Volunteer recorders have returned over 4,500 frog records since the survey began. The information has been databased by the IPCC so that it can be used by researchers and conservationists to help our understanding of the status of frogs in Ireland and to take any steps necessary to ensure their survival. Click here if you would like to learn more about Frogs in Ireland please.

National Frog Survey Ireland - Tip

* Please enter a grid reference for where you made your observation. You can find the grid reference for your observation by visiting http:www.biology.ie/convert.php and clicking on the map! (This will open in a pop-up window). You can then copy the grid reference into the space provided.

Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare. Email: bogs@ipcc.ie; Tel: +353-45-860133.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hop To It Irish Frog Survey Card - Irish Peatland Conservation Council - IPCC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every year IPCC needs the help of people all over Ireland to take part in the National Frog Survey Ireland. Please record where frogs, spawn and tadpoles occur in the Hop to It Irish Frog Survey. There are a few options available to you to send your frog record (including frog spawn, tadpoles, adult frogs or froglets) to the IPCC.

# data[].attributes.headline
And here's a REAL traditional Japanese frog that changes colour to match its    background

# data[].attributes.subject
And here's a REAL traditional Japanese frog that changes colour to match its    background

# data[].attributes.body
Hint: start with a square (usually 15cm X15cm) and press the creases well!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to make an Easy Paper Jumping Frog - SunderOrigami!

# data[].attributes.headline
Make a jumping frog Video 2 (there are loads of others too). This one is a traditional Japanese origami jumping frog 

# data[].attributes.subject
Make a jumping frog Video 2 (there are loads of others too). This one is a traditional Japanese origami jumping frog 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ORIGAMI JUMPING FROG (Traditional model)

# data[].attributes.headline
FROG COMPETITION Make an origami (folded paper) jumping frog! See how far you can make it can jump. You could make a few and have a frog race!

# data[].attributes.subject
FROG COMPETITION Make an origami (folded paper) jumping frog! See how far you can make it can jump. You could make a few and have a frog race!

# data[].attributes.body
take photos or bring into school and there will be prizes for the best!  NB: if you don't like these instructions, try searching for different ones, maybe a video would help? see right 🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In today's post: Teach your kids how to make an origami frog that actually jumps! Origami jumping frogs are easy to fold and fun to play with.
I couldn't believe it when I realized last week that I had never taught my kids to make origami jumping frogs. I learned how to fold these in sixth grade from a friend, and we had a blast making frogs of all sizes and colors, then seeing whose frog could jump the furthest and who could get her frog to land on it's feet most often. These cute little origami frogs are pretty easy to fold, so most upper elementary age kids will have no trouble with them. My six year old was even able to make one with a little help. Keep reading for full instructions on how to fold your own jumping origami frog.

Origami frog: supplies

As with most origami, these frogs are a little easier to fold if you have actual origami paper, since it's nice and thin, but you can really use any square piece of paper. Find origami paper here:

Once your frog is folded, press down on the folded "legs" with the tip of your finger, then quickly slide your finger off to make the frog jump.

Depending on how hard you push the legs down, you might be able to get the origami frog to make one perfect flip in the air and land on its feet again. It's fun to try to jump the frogs into targets, or just see whose frog jumps the furthest.

How to fold a jumping origami frog

I've made photo diagrams as clear as possible so I don't have to try to explain each step. When you see arrows, those are showing you which direction you should fold the paper, and the dotted lines show you the line the fold will make. Remember, you are not folding to match the paper up with the dotted line, you are folding ON the dotted line.

For these frogs, we used 6 inch square origami paper

, and the frogs ended up about 2×2 inches.

If you love origami, visit these posts: Print + fold origami bookmarks 20 cool origami tutorials Origami bowtie (for Father's Day) And for more kid fun, check out these posts: 101 summer fun ideas kids can do at home 50 indoor activities for kids 20 kid art projects that turn out pretty enough to frame

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Make an origami frog that really jumps! These easy to fold origami jumping frogs are so much fun to play with! Click through for step by step folding instructions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Water brings a magical quality to your garden, and is the key to life for so many creatures that live in it.

Create a very small pond out of something like an old washing up bowl.

It's exciting to watch pond skaters, water lice (like long-legged underwater woodlice), freshwater shrimps, and if you're lucky, a few damselflies darting around the water. You might even see a bird having a bath.

Spring is a lovely time to create a mini-pond, because you'll see it quickly develop over the next few months. But you can make it at any time of year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Make a Small Pond | Ideas for Wildlife - The RSPB

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Water brings a magical quality to your garden, and is the key to life for so many creatures that live in it. Create a very small pond out of something like an old washing up bowl. It's exciting to watch pond skaters, water lice (like long-legged underwater woodlice), freshwater shrimps, and if you're lucky, a few damselflies darting around the water.

# data[].attributes.headline
And some frogs you won't find in your pond!

# data[].attributes.subject
And some frogs you won't find in your pond!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Common Frog ( Rana temporaria) is the only species of frog found in Ireland and is listed as an internationally important species. Frogs are protected under the European Union Habitats Directive and by the Irish Wildlife Act.

Frogs are amphibians which means they can survive in the water and on land. Their body is well adapted to this dual life. Their large eyes bulge out of the top of their head so the frog can keep a sharp lookout for food and danger. The eyes are very sensitive to movement. When frogs leap they draw eyes their back into their sockets to protect them from damage. Frogs have an ear drum behind the eyes and their hearing is good. Nostils in front of the eyes are used by frogs to breathe when they are on land. A frog's skin is loose on its body and moist. Under the water they breathe through their skin. Skin colour and markings vary enormously. The basic colour ranges from a pale green-grey through yellow to a dark olive-coloured brown. The only regular markings are the dark bars across the limbs, and streaks behind and in front of the eyes. The colourful patterns on the frog's skin help to disguise it from enemies such as rats, herons and hedgehogs. A frog can also make its skin become darker to match its surroundings. This colour change takes about two hours. Frogs have four fingers and five toes. The webbed feet are like flippers and help the frog to swim away from danger very fast. The frog's hind legs are very muscular which helps it to swim in the water and leap on land. Each time the frog croaks, the loose skin on his throat expands. Frogs make lots of different sounds, especially in spring during the breeding season when they return to the wetland in which they were born to breed.

Frogs feed on slugs, insects, worms, spiders and similar prey, but do not predate aquatic organisms. In winter frogs hide in frost-free refuges, under tree stumps, in stacks of turf, or in rock piles where they enter torpor until the following spring.

Frog Profile
Slugs, worms, flies and other insects. The frog's long sticky tongue is attached to the front part of the mouth, so that it can flick out to catch food.
: Damp vegetation, camouflaged ponds, hedgerows.
Reproduction: Breed around February and spawn around March, Tadpoles hatch and grow from April to May, Tadpoles metamorphose into froglets, and leave the pond in June/July.

Frog Life Cycle

When the adults emerge from hibernation they migrate to congregate at various breeding sites. They may travel up to half a mile to find a site where they gather in large numbers. The males always arrive first and strike up a chorus of loud croaking to attract females. Frogs do not have any elegant courtship rituals; the eager male simply grabs the nearest female as she arrives at the spawning site. Jumping onto the female's back, the male wraps his fore limbs around her body and grips using nuptial pads, on the fore limbs - a position called amplexus.

Spawning itself can take place any time during amplexus and lasts only a few seconds. The female lays over 2,000 black eggs while the male releases sperm. The eggs are fertilised immediately and before their gelatinous capsules absorb water, swell and rise to the surface. After spawning the female usually leaves the pond, while the male often goes on to search for another mate.

Both male and female frogs return to the same pond year after year, probably recognising it from the smell of the water and algae.

Eggs & Frog Spawn: Each frog egg is 2-3mm in diameter and is enclosed in an envelope of jelly. When the egg is deposited in the water the jelly swells to a diameter of 8-10mm insulating the eggs from the water. The egg develops into a tadpole in 10-21 days (the higher the temperature the shorter the development time).

Tadpole: The tadpole digests the spawn jelly using a special secretion and hatches. Specific adhesive organs fasten the newly hatched tadpole to other spawn or plants in the pool. At this early stage tadpoles have no mouth, and until its mouth organs form it feeds on an internal yolk sac attached to the stomach. At approximately 2 days old the external gills, mouth and eyes are formed. At this stage it moves like a fish and begins to eat algae. At 12 days spiracles and internal gills are formed. At 5 weeks the hind legs are showing and the lungs are forming. It then has to swim to the surface of the water to gulp air. The tadpole has fleshy lips with rows of teeth for rasping away at water plants and by seven weeks it also eats insects and even other tadpoles.

Froglet: At 10 weeks the forelegs are growing. The hind legs are fully grown and the tail is reducing. At 14 weeks the tail is nearly fully absorbed. At this stage the froglets are usually starting to spend time on rocks or in nearby damp grass. Young frogs usually double in size by the following autumn and they reach sexual maturity in their third year. They can live for 7-8 years. Scarcity of food or severe cold may delay metamorphosis and overwintering tadpoles are not uncommon in northern countries.
The IPCC Hop to It Frog Data provides information on the timing of the emergence of the different stages in the life cycle of the frog (see chart for details).
Frog Habitats

Frogs like to be near ponds which have plenty of algae and plants near the edge, usually with shallow edges so that they can easily climb out. Frogs use garden ponds, farm ponds, wildlife ponds, streams, bog pools, drains and ditches as breeding sites. The chart shows the various breeding habitats recorded for data from 1997-2017.

The terrestrial habitat of frogs is also important. The land around the breeding site or pond needs to be rough with long grass and some scrub to give cover for terrestrial foraging. Frogs also require habitats for hibernation. Large stones, old logs and hedgerows offer just such accommodation.

Frog Distribution Ireland 2017

The Common Frog is considered to be widespread and common in Ireland but vulnerable in the rest of Europe. Rana temporaria has an extensive range of habitat - from sea level to nearly as high as the snow line on mountains 760m up.

The map opposite shows the IPCC frog data collected from 1997 to 2017 and the distribution map for frogs in Ireland.

Hop To It Irish Frog Survey

The first 'Hop To It Frog Survey' began in 1997 and was co-ordinated by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council. The survey provided base-line information on frogs in Ireland, such as their biogeographical distribution, preferred habitats, breeding habits and success. Prior to this, surveys on the distribution of the frog in Ireland were undertaken by researchers in An Foras Forbartha, the Ulster Museum and Trinity College Dublin.

The Hop to It Frog Survey has been going strong since 1997 and by the end of 2017, the IPCC had over 4,500 records from the 32 counties of Ireland (see chart inset). The records show that frogs occur and reproduce in every county in Ireland. The majority of frogs are found from 0 to 450 meters above sea level (in the Wicklow mountains). This includes all five stages in the life cycle. Our records show that frogs occur in the inner city (1%), city suburbs (17%) and the countryside (82%). Garden ponds are the most important habitats for breeding frogs, accounting for nearly 50% of all records received. Other important habitats are bog pools, ditches, drains and puddles.

Biodiversity Conservation

IPCC's Hop to It Irish Frog Database is proving to be a valuable information source for protecting biodiversity in Ireland. IPCC's frog information is being fed into County Council Biodiversity Action Plans. The information was used in the National Parks and Wildlife Service conservation assessment of the Frog in Ireland in 2008 and 2012 and by various researchers.

What Kills Frogs?

Natural Mortality: Amphibians play an important role in the food chain. During spring and summer many thousands are killed and eaten daily to nourish predators such as otters, foxes or herons. For a typical lump of spawn containing 2,000 eggs, 95% of the eggs may hatch. Only 1-5% of the remaining tadpoles make it through the metamorphosis and only a handful of the original 2,000 reach sexual maturity. If spawn is laid early in the season, hard frost may kill it, especially in shallow water. Tadpoles may also die if their aquatic habitat dries out before they have metamorphosed.

Habitat Loss: Over 50% of Ireland's amphibian wetlands have been lost to drainage, industrial peat extraction, pollution and natural senescence in the past 100 years. The terrestrial habitat of frogs is also important. Unfortunately just as the wetlands are being drained, hedgerows are also being destroyed to make way for industrial farming methods.

Fire: An extensive danger to frogs is that of accidental fires. In any hot dry summer there are inevitably going to be accidental fires which can result in the loss of habitat. Another threat for the common frog is from deliberate regular burning of bogland in the belief that this improves the grazing for farm stock.

Pollution: Exposure to chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides can cause frogs agonising deaths. Ammonium nitrate granules can kill a frog within 5 minutes. It is thought that the chemicals are absorbed into the skin and affect the balance of chemicals in the moist tissue. They then suffer a massive toxic attack.

Water polluted with heavy metals such as Aluminium, Cadmium, Zinc, Copper and Iron are toxic to frogs. Lead from car exhausts may be important even in rural areas. Acid rain can also increase the toxicity of metals in ponds causing further threats to frog populations.

UV Radiation: UV radiation has become a prime candidate for blame in the world-wide decline in frog numbers in recent years. In 1989 herpetologists from around the world reported declines in amphibian numbers. UV radiation damages DNA causing cell mutations and death. Frogs have very low levels of the necessary enzyme, photlayse, to repair the damage, and it is believed that this is a large contributor to their apparent demise.

Fatal Infections: The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis paratises amphibians and has caused frog and toad population declines throughout the world since the 1980's. The fungus destroys the skin pigment keratin in amphibians. Frogs infected appear emaciated and lethargic, often with abnormalities of the skin or eyes. The fungus has caused the extinction of the Costa Rican golden toad ( Bufo periglenes) and serious frog kills in Panama, Australia and the U. S. The rapid spread of the fungus at 42km per year, has been blamed on ozone depletion and loss of forest cover, which change the habitats of sensitive amphibians.

Several mass deaths of frogs have been blamed on a disease known as "red leg". A British study has uncovered a new virus - Ranavirus which is responsible for killing frogs by the hundred.

Road Migration Deaths: During a few warm, damp nights in spring, thousands of amphibians follow traditional migration routes on their way to spawning ponds. Unfortunately, hundreds can be squashed and killed by traffic on intervening roads as they make for a suitable pond.

Food and Pets: Europe imports hundreds of millions of frogs from Indonesia, India and Bangladesh, threatening some species. Millions of South African frogs have been exported to the U.S. as pets. The American bull frog, a pet in Britain is a danger to native frogs. Once these or others escape they displace natural amphibian populations by hunting them or mating and producing hybrids. The release of exotic species into the wild is an offense under the Wildlife Act.

What can you do to Help Irish Frogs ?

1. Make a garden pond to encourage frogs to breed.

2. Frogs spend most of their lives on land so give them long grass, leaf and log piles, trees and shrubs in your garden to feed and hibernate under.

3. Pass on your knowledge of frogs to others.

4. Do not keep endangered frog species as pets and never release a pet frog into the wild.

5. Organise a clean up of rubbish from local ponds and streams.

6. Take part in the Hop To It Irish Frog Survey and help us learn more about the status of frogs in Ireland. You can fill in a survey form on line from here.

Irish Amphibians
Hop To It Frog Book - Citizen Science Initiative
There are three species of amphibian found in Ireland - the Natterjack Toad ( Epidalea calamita), the Smooth Newt ( Triturus vulgaris) and the Common Frog ( Rana temporaria). The Natterjack toad is extremely rare, and is confined to a few areas in Counties Kerry and Wexford. The smooth Newt is fairly widespread in Ireland, although it may be very local in distribution in the north-west and south-west.

With funding support from Local Authorities in 2019 under the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund and in 2020 under the Climate Environment Action Fund IPCC view IPCC's Hop To It Frog Book online.

Text, Photographs and Images © Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare. Email: bogs@ipcc.ie; Tel: +353-45-860133.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Frog Factsheet - Irish Peatland Conservation Council - IPCC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Common Frog ( Rana temporaria) is the only species of frog found in Ireland and is listed as an internationally important species. Frogs are protected under the European Union Habitats Directive and by the Irish Wildlife Act. Frogs are amphibians which means they can survive in the water and on land.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The dramatic transformation of wriggling tadpoles into frogs or toads has to be one of nature's most remarkable achievements. It sounds almost too incredible to be true; like something from a science fiction (or even horror) film. But it's been happening for millions of years.

Frogspawn and toadspawn usually starts to appear in February and March. Look just below the surface of the water in ponds and streams, especially amongst reeds by the water's edge.

What's the difference between frogspawn and toadspawn? Frogs lay a cluster of jelly-like eggs, whereas toadspawn comes in long ribbons.

If you're lucky enough to have spawn in your garden pond, keep coming back each day: you'll see the tiny black dots turn into comma-shapes as the unhatched tadpoles develop.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Frogspawn & Toadspawn | Where to Find Frogspawn - The RSPB

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The dramatic transformation of wriggling tadpoles into frogs or toads has to be one of nature's most remarkable achievements. It sounds almost too incredible to be true; like something from a science fiction (or even horror) film. But it's been happening for millions of years.

# data[].attributes.headline
Libraries Ireland have launched a brand new online learning resource for primary school children- and not just the children- the Wildlife of Ireland Map! There's help with ID and fun quizzes for different levels of expertise! you can learn how to spot wildlife and take a virtual nature walk across Ireland. Check it out at 

# data[].attributes.subject
Libraries Ireland have launched a brand new online learning resource for primary school children- and not just the children- the Wildlife of Ireland Map! There's help with ID and fun quizzes for different levels of expertise! you can learn how to spot wildlife and take a virtual nature walk across Ireland. Check it out at 