A fitting county emblem which will also raise the importance of bees as pollinators. KKB works each year to improve the range of honey and bumble bee friendly planting throughout our city.
Crab apple blossom attracts!
Summer wild flowers
Sunflower attraction!
Bumble bees enjoy the summer lavender
Over the last number of weeks we have seen the river Nore rise and rise. The Nore still quite a wild river with many tree-lined natural banks. When the river rises the floodplains turn into lakes. Trees along the riverbank where undermined and weakened are washed down the river. The City boardwalk was just above the flood level.
Not a time for swimming as the wild river Nore washes whole trees and their roots down the river
With the water at such a high level the newly completed mural at Ossory bridge looks like it is swimming in the river.
The river boardwalk between Ossory bridge and the City centre is just above the flood level
Dukesmeadows forms an extensive urban wild flower meadow close to the River Nore and within walking distance of Kilkenny City Centre. It is a haven for wildlife, insects and plants. it forms an attractive amenity for the residents of the area.
Dukesmeadows 7 Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful
Shall we round them up. Copyright: Pat & Mary Durkin
Are they all lined up. Copyright: Pat & Mary Durkin
On the way back to the water. Copyright: Pat & Mary Durkin
The river Nore flows through the centre of Kilkenny forming an attractive river wildlife and green area. There are a number of weirs and rock water falls which provides an attractive fishing area for our birds! There are a number of grey herons living and feeding along the river Nore in the area of the City.
Fishing on the river Nore. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful
Kilkenny is fortunate to have a number of very attractive lake and marsh habitats within the City. Lakeside is currently springing to life. to assist the wild fowl a floating nesting area has been put in place and also a small island had been planted. Currently there are a pair of swans nesting, they and the other wild foul are working hard to prepare their nests.
The KKB thank Bird Watch Ireland (Mr Pat Durkin ) who has confirmed that the hawk filmed by the KKB at Dukesmeadow in early Spring was a Female sparrow hawk.
During March the KKB distributed a large number trees through out the city for planting by community groups, residents associations and other groups. The KKB wish to thank O’Loughlin Gaels GAA club for facilitating the distribution of trees from their car park on the 12th March 2011. There was a range of tree types including Birch, wild cherry and mountain ash. The planting of these trees will add to the city amenity and will also provide food and cover for wild life.
Newly planted tree at Dukesmeadows following the tree distribution by the KKB. copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful
Rare orchids are to be found in Kilkenny. The area is protected from grass cutting in the summer months when the very attractive orchids bloom. The local Melville Residents association keeps the area to a high standard.
Attractively planted bank at Melville. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
Orchids and other wild flowers bloom in Kilkenny. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
Orchids in Kilkenny. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
Orchids in Kilkenny. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
The historic Kilkenny Castle which was built in 1195 continues to be an impressive structure overlooking the river Nore and the City.
Main entrance to Kilkenny Castle from the Parade. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
Kilkenny Castle from the Castle Park mid-summers day 2010. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
River Nore viewing point on the Dublin road approach to Kilkenny City. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
View from the south east of Kilkenny Castle which dominates the river Nore. The Nore linear park and its extensive wooded walks and wild flower meadows extend right into the city centre. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
