Autumn at Newpark Marsh Park

Attractive and informative signage for the Park. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

The Marsh comprises an area of extraordinary plant and wildlife, which is now a major resource for the local residents and for our   City. It  is a most important natural reserve with no less than 49 different specifies of birds identified to date and more than 70 species of plants, trees and shrubs.

Water fowl well camouflaged in the Marsh. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

The main objectives of the ongoing project  included: –
-Enhance and develop the amenity and conservation of the extensive flora and fauna.
-Provide a safe environment for the extensive wildlife in the area.
-Foster a caring nature and wildlife culture in the local community and increase pride in the locality
-Create educational opportunities, School tours being accessible to able bodied & disabled persons.
-KKB continues the maintenance of the Fen in conjunction  with Fas.

Seating area overlooking the vast Marsh area. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

The Marsh received the ESB/CVI Community Environmental awards 2001.  It was also the  national winner for wildlife in the Tidy Towns Competition 2002.
The Marsh is designated an area of scientific interest (ASI).

The KKB has undertaken in conjunction with Kilkenny County Council and FAS an ongoing phased development  at the Newpark Marsh, which is located just off the Castlecomer Road on Lovers Lane to the rear of the Newpark Hotel.

 

Water hen enjoys the sun in the Marsh. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

Can you identify the hawk which patrols the sky over Kilkenny!

The extensive habitat improvements and work on biodiversity in Kilkenny is giving results.

Hawks patrol the skies of Kilkenny.  Can you identify  the species of hawk photographed by one of our Junior KKB Members in early spring 2011.

We look forward to hearing from you. You can contact the KKB from this web site at our “Leave a reply section”   Good Luck!

Hawk at Dukesmeadow, early spring 2011. Copyright : Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

 

KKB distributes trees to Kilkenny

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.

Trees being assembled for distribution by the KKB 12th March 2011. Copyright: Keep kilkenny Beautiful.

Newly planted tree at Dukesmeadows following the tree distribution by the KKB. copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

 

Composting in Kilkenny!

Composting and gardening wildlife workshop for all ages  is to take place on  Saturday the 27th November  11am-1pm at the City Library.

Come along and explore the world of composting.  Learn about the different compost systems available to you and choose the system that best suits your needs.  The workshop will introduce in detail compost bins, leaf mould and wormeries.  For younger composters make your own ‘compost in a bottle’ to take home and watch your organic waste change into a compost for planting your flowers and vegetables.

To encourage wildlife into your garden take home our top ten tips including log piles, nesting boxes and wildlife friendly plants.  A sample of live freshwater invertebrates will help you to learn the benefits of garden ponds while our singing garden birds will help you identify your garden birds.

This event is organised in partnership between Kilkenny County Council and Keep Kilkenny Beautiful for EU Waste Reduction Week. we look forward to seeing you there!

Composting Kilkenny City

Biodiversity in our riverside wild flower meadows

Butterfly on the River Nore wild flower meadow, July 2010. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

Wild flowers attract insects on the river Nore wild flower meadows, July 2010. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

Bumble bee enjoys the colourful wild flowers on the Nore river side meadow, July 2010. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

Wild flowers give cover to insects, July 2010: Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

Kilkenny 400 Fruit tree project

Part of the gathering at Kilkenny Park Orchard for the launch. June 2010 copyright Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

An  event to celebrate the Kilkenny 400 Fruit Tree project took place  at the Orchard site in Kilkenny Castle on Monday 21st June 2010 .   A stone plaque was unveiled by Kilkenny City  Mayor Malcolm Noonan .   The  lives of Susie Long, Barbara Gill, Avril Duffy (Kilkenny Earthwatch group) and Steve Clayton (late husband of Tisha Warner – 400 Fruit Tree project) were also remembered at the ceremony.  The attendance included many of the groups and organisations who planted some 40  orchards around Kilkenny in the last year.

The KKB have been working closely with Future Proof Kilkenny in developing and implementing this wonderful project.   Kilkenny’s 400 Fruit Tree project  marked the 400th Anniversary of the Signing of the Kilkenny City Charter by planting 400 native and heritage varieties of Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry and other types of fruit trees in new Orchards  throughout the city and environs.  The orchards will improve biodiversity and  habitat for wildlife.

Mayor Malcolm Noonan with Brian Dillon (Future proof Kilkenny) and Elaine Bradshaw (Hon Sec. Keep Kilkenny beautiful). Copyright Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

For more information and video on the  planting:

http://futureproofkilkenny.org/?p=1219

http://futureproofkilkenny.org/?page_id=516

Kilkenny castle and park on the 21st June 2010, Mid summers day! Copyright Keep Kilkenny Beautiful