Balsam removal campaign 2019

Congratulations to all who came out to  work on  the balsam removal campaign 2019, there will be further regular  evenings  during  May, June and July. The programme has been extremely successful with almost total removal of balsam throughout the city from Talbot’s inch to Ossory Bridge. The  areas previously cleared  will also be checked for any new growth and the 2019 campaign is to extend the area cleared to the south-east of Ossory bridge. Congratulations to all who have taken part so far this year. To take part, please contact us and also monitor our events page. Balsam is an invasive species and it’s removal encourages the growth of native species of plants along the riverbank.

 

Congratulations to Turas Nua

Congratulations to Turas Nua and KKB volunteers for all the hard work undertaken Keeping Kilkenny Beautiful. Work included weeding, mulching and maintenance of sustainable planting on the Sion  Road and also undertaking removal of invasive Himalayan balsam along the river Nore adjacent to Ossory Bridge.

Many hands make light work!

You can also  join the many volunteers, clubs and local businesses   who are working to keep Kilkenny beautiful.!  See our  events page to join and be  part  of  the   environmental actions being undertaken to Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

Owl boxes completed

The Kilkenny mens shed have completed the construction of 3 new barn owl boxes.  They were designed in line with Biredwatch Ireland guidance and are being erected in  wooded areas  in the City environs. The project is being lead by the KKB biodiversity group.

Pat Durkin of Birdwatch Ireland (right) explaining the operation of the barn owl boxes to Simon Walton City engineer Kilkenny Co Co at the launch of the project.

Swallows sighted in Kilkenny, river Breagagh valley enhancement ongoing

The first swallows of 2019 were spotting in Kilkenny on the 31st March. A sign of spring/summer. Work is also ongoing with the improvement of the Breagagh river, including cleaning of  the banks and any debris  that has gone into the river ready for the 2019 nesting season. work to remove all balsam has also been undertaken and this review  will continue again later in the spring.

Successful clean up to improve the river Breagagh

A very successful clean up was undertaken to help improve the wildlife habitat along the river Breagagh. The key aim was the removal of  plastics  in particular  which are not biodegradable. Bottles and cans where possible were collected and recycled. Why not join in for the next event!

 

 

River Breagagh /Circular road Clean up

 Breagagh  clean up  in conjunction with Roberts hill residents association    ( 16th February ) meet 10am entrance to Roberts Hill estate off Circular road, Tea ~Coffee after! bring your wellies. All are welcome.  Email us at mail@keepkilkennybeautiful.com  or ring  086-1075532 to get details of our environmental  actions and clean  ups.

River Breagagh clean up

World Wetlands Day Sat Feb 2nd

Newpark Marsh hosted the world wet lands day visit on 2 February. Located close to the centre of Kilkenny city Newpark is a wonderful Marsh environment with a large amount of wildlife.On the visit organised by Birdwatch Ireland Kilkenny Branch, with support from the Heritage Office of Kilkenny County Council. A great lmorning was enjoyed. It was quite cold and ice was in place across much of the wetland. KKB has been working many years with local stakeholders and Kilkenny county council to  maintain Newpark Marsh. .Newpark Marsh  was awarded the top award in the ESB/CVI Community Environmental awards 2001 and the Marsh was also a national winner for Wildlife in the Tidy Towns Competition 2002. Since then there have been many improvements including additional signage, seating and a wonderful walk around the Marsh. 

Why not Savour Kilkenny City

Savour Kilkenny City during the Halloween Bank Holiday Break. There is plenty to see!

St Johns Church, John Street,  the bee friendly wildlife garden is to the side developed as part of the all Ireland pollinator plan.

Kilkenny Orchards get a summer brush up

Many thanks to the many Statestreet Bank Volunteers who have  given  our  Waterford rd community orchard  a summer brush up.

Keeping Kilkenny Beautiful  does not happen by itself. Our City is beautiful  because of the voluntary effort of many through out the year.  This community orchard is also has an  attractive seating area.

The fruit trees are vert suited to  pollinators earlier in the year and  the fruit  in August /September is delicious to enjoy.