Bird Songs and Folk Tunes is an intergenerational music and wildlife project devised and facilitated by musician and composer Ruti Lachs, with help from environmentalist and bird expert Dara Fitzpatrick.

Two local groups will be involved – about 15 people from Crosshaven Active Retired group, and 17 children from 5th and 6th class in Templebreedy National School. 

Planning will start in May 2024.

Once a month between September 2024 and May 2025, Ruti will visit each group and on at least 3 occasions during this 9-month project, the groups will come together. Each visit will include some of the following: 

• sharing stories of childhood bird-related experiences
• singing songs and tunes together 
• learning a new song or tune, by ear
• playing along on percussion and other instruments provided by Ruti
• an outdoor visit to listen to bird song, with Dara on hand to point out the different birds
• focus on group composition, incorporating bird sounds on musical instruments and other objects, and creating new pieces of music and songs
• rehearsal and performance for the public
• evaluation of the project

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.