Nature Learn

15/09/2026

Some moths and non-moths from the trap at Sligo Woodland School this morning. Mervelle du Jour, Pink-barred Sallow Setaceous Hebrew Character, Forest Shieldbug and the burrowing beetle Nicrophorus Investigator. Enjoyed talking to a nice group of visiting Polish forestry students.

07/09/2026

Male Common Hawker in the Ox Mountains today.

26/08/2026

Lots of Black Darters in the Ox Mountains now. This is a male and a female. Found a Viviparous Lizard also.

20/08/2026

Spiked Shieldbug at Larkfield, Co Leitrim today.

16/08/2026

A great day exploring Mountallen today with wonderful people and a some nice moths and other flora and fauna. Thanks to Mountallen Eco Tours for hosting and LAWPRO for funding.

12/08/2026

Another event I will be leading for Heritage Week. Dragonflies next Monday at Colgagh Lough. This will be weather dependent.

Join Michael Bell on a trip to observe dragonflies and damselflies at Colgagh Lough. Learn how to identify and record your own sightings of these fascinating an...

12/08/2026

A Heritage Week event I will be helping lead at Tommy Earley's farm at Mount Allen on the shore of Lough Allen on Sunday. See details in the attached. Be sure to register if interested.

31/07/2026

Three moths from the garden. Bordered Beauty, Single Dotted Wave and Chinese Character. The latter mimics a bird dropping.

20/07/2026

Dragonfly Workshop this Saturday.

Discover the fascinating world of dragonflies and damselflies! 🌿

Join us at the Benwiskin Centre on Saturday, 25th July 2026 at 11am for a talk by Michael Bell of Nature Learn, exploring the incredible dragonflies and damselflies of Sligo and Leitrim. The morning will be followed by a guided walk in Bunduff.

✨ Free event – booking is essential
☕ Tea and coffee available for a nominal fee

To reserve your place, contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 071 9176721

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, photographer, or simply curious about local wildlife, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with nature.

17/07/2026

The remarkable larva of Eriocampa ovata or Wooly Alder Sawfly on an alder leaf at Bunduff, Co Sligo. They produce a wooly secretion to camouflage themselves.