Join local wildlife cinematographer Peter Clyne and conservation biologist, wildlife photographer and Sligo’s Biodiversity Officer, Ruth Hanniffy for a captivating and highly visual talk on discovering the wild wonders right outside our door. Featuring footage and photography of rarely seen natural occurrences, from red squirrels and fox cubs to rare pine martens and Brent geese, they’ll reveal the hidden dramas of Irish wildlife captured through patient observation and expert knowledge.
Peter will share the behind-the-scenes challenges of filming elusive species, including his work filming a year in the life of a pine marten in the Burren, while Ruth brings ecological insights from years of hands-on conservation. Together, they explore how storytelling, science, and stillness come together to celebrate and protect our natural world.
This inspiring session will ask big questions about how we connect with nature, the impact of our presence, and the beauty of noticing the extraordinary in the everyday.
Photo: Conor Flanagan Photography
Peter Clyne is a renowned Sligo wildlife and documentary cinematographer whose award-winning work has featured in some of the most celebrated wildlife television series in recent years. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep empathy for the natural world, Peter has contributed to major productions such as The Burren: Kingdom of Stone (RTÉ), Wild Transylvania: Draculas Hidden Kingdom (PBS & Arte), Tommy Tiernan’s Epic West, Listen to the Land Speak, Springwatch (BBC2) and Hell for Leather: The Story of Gaelic Football (RTÉ), bringing audiences closer to the hidden lives of wildlife and the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.
His cinematography is distinguished by its ability to capture rare and intimate animal behaviour, often filmed using specialist equipment such as camera traps, infrared systems, and long-lens setups that minimise disturbance. Whether tracking red squirrels in the Irish midlands or documenting pine martens raising their young in the Burren, Peter’s work combines scientific accuracy with visual poetry.
Ruth Hanniffy is the dedicated Biodiversity Officer for Sligo County Council, bringing a wealth of expertise in wildlife research, conservation, and ecological advocacy. With years of hands‑on experience, Ruth has played a pivotal role in preserving and restoring native species populations across County Sligo and beyond. Her work spans everything from policy development to field studies, with a particular focus on species like the pine marten, Irish hare, pipistrelle bats, and red squirrel.
Ruth’s background includes extensive academic and field research, especially centered on pine martens—examining their recovery, distribution, and interactions with red squirrels. She has contributed to multiple conservation initiatives aimed at habitat restoration, hedgerow connectivity, and public education, helping to shape local strategies that balance human activity with ecological health. Always keen to engage communities, Ruth plays an active role in encouraging citizen science and raising awareness of remarkable wildlife within everyday environments.