Lough Carra - a gem worth preserving booklet launch
AS part of the concerted campaign to 'restore, protect and conserve the ecological integrity of Lough Carra and its lakeshore habitats’ a photographic exhibition and a booklet publication launch will take place at the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, this Friday, February 7, writes Tom Gillespie.
The 4,000-acre, shallow limestone lake, which lies along the western edge of the plain of Mayo, 15 kilometres from Castlebar, is renowned for its crystal clear waters, much of it over a white marl bottom. Now the Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA), founded in 2018, also want to ensure the quality of drinking water from the lough.
Colin Stafford-Johnson, award-winning nature cinematographer and presenter, will launch the photography exhibition, entitled 'Qualities of Water', along with the publication 'Lough Carra - A Gem Worth Preserving', both of which explore what makes Lough Carra special.
Colin is familiar with Lough Carra and knows how important and unique this lake is at a national and European level.
The photography exhibition explores the many qualities of water, including Lough Carra, while the publication is a new booklet produced by the LCCA.
The event will include a talk by Dr. Patrick Bresnihan of Maynooth University, leader of the 'Qualities of Water' exhibition, as he explores the significance of this project.
Mr. Tom Byrne of the Lough Carra Catchment Association will highlight the work of the association.
Mr. Martin Keating, head of environment, agriculture and climate action with Mayo County Council, will also speak.
The photography exhibition explores the many qualities of water that surrounds, supports and connects us. The photos were taken by individuals living in Mayo, Monaghan and Roscommon, whose work and lives intersect with water in different ways.
Together, these photos capture the complex and surprising connections between water, spirituality, geology, pollutants, farming, infrastructure and the wider environment.
This participatory photography project was led by Dr. Patrick Bresnihan, Maynooth University, and was funded by the Irish Research Council and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Participants include caretakers and managers of group water schemes, farmers, anglers, catchment scientists, representatives from local authorities, and individuals involved in community catchment projects, including the LCCA.
The booklet 'Lough Carra - A Gem Worth Preserving' was produced by the LCCA to help raise awareness about this very special and important lake.
The association was formed by local people who, two years ago, were concerned for the future of the lake and its surrounding areas. Lough Carra is a rarity of unique habitats, biodiversity and beauty.
Dr. Philip Doddy, an authority on Lough Carra, said: "Lough Carra is clearly important to many people, none more so than those who live around its shores and in its catchment, and who drink its water.
"It is for these people, for their children and the future generations, that Lough Carra should be preserved and treasured."
The official launch takes pace in the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, this Friday at 2.30 p.m. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Complimentary refreshments will be available.