Bealtaine Living Earth Festival: Biodiversity, Sustainability and Community Engagement 

The Bealtaine Living Earth Festival is Ireland’s largest biodiversity festival, held annually across the south-east region. Inspired by the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine, which celebrates the arrival of summer and the renewal of life, this initiative promotes awareness of biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. The festival aligns with global environmental initiatives such as the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and highlights the importance of protecting and restoring natural ecosystems. 

This Student Research Hub will focus on engaging students in experiential learning through participation in festival activities, including guided nature walks, biodiversity observation, workshops, and citizen science initiatives. Students will explore a variety of ecosystems and examine how biodiversity contributes to ecosystem health and resilience. 

Participants will also evaluate the effectiveness of environmental education and interpretation provided during the festival. Through group work, students will conduct a biodiversity assessment or thematic evaluation linked to festival activities and develop recommendations to enhance sustainability practices and public engagement. 

This programme combines theoretical knowledge with real-world application, encouraging students to critically engage with environmental issues while developing practical research and communication skills. 

General learning outcomes

Develop critical evaluation skills for sustainability practices 

• Assess biodiversity and environmental awareness initiatives within the festival context 

• Participate in biodiversity observation and citizen science activities 

• Translate theoretical knowledge into practical environmental recommendations
• Evaluate environmental education and community engagement approaches