microWild

microWild is the brainchild of Irish naturalist and entomologist Brian Murray. Started in the autumn of 2023, the project has four key goals: 1. Convert an area of previously sheep-grazed grassland into a species-rich, native wildflower meadow. 2. Enhance the area's biodiversity with many invertebrate microhabitats (e.g., hoverfly lagoons, cavity nests for bees and wasps, and wood piles). 3. Use social media to share the considerable diversity of insects and invertebrates on the site. 4. Provide educational workshops and courses onsite. The land, approximately two acres, and the education centre sit on the stunning and peaceful Baltyboys House estate in west Wicklow and have been very kindly offered for use by the estate owner, Brian Kingham, a keen naturalist himself. The native wildflower meadow has already provided great returns from the natural seed bank. Currently, it plays host to hundreds of invertebrate species, each of which will eventually be recorded, documented, and shared with the public. "By showing the beauty of these usually-unseen insects and invertebrates up close and personal, I can introduce people to the absolute wonder of the micro world that exists all around us. And if they are seen, they are more likely to be acknowledged and advocated for."