Ricky Whelan

Ricky Whelan serves as the Biodiversity Officer at Offaly County Council since March 2023, providing guidance on biodiversity and nature protection for the local authority. With a long-standing involvement in wildlife conservation, Ricky has also hosted the "In Your Nature Podcast" since January 2014, working alongside Niall Hatch and expert guests to discuss various environmental topics. Ricky's previous roles include Project Officer at BirdWatch Ireland, Chairman of the Irish Wildlife Trust, and Consulting Ornithologist at daa, along with significant experience at the RSPB in various capacities, focusing on site-based conservation and habitat management. Ricky holds a BSc (Hons) in Zoology from NUI Galway, completed in 2008, and attended Ballyfin College from 2000 to 2004.