Many thanks to the Lions Club and Dukesmeadows residents association who joined forces with KKB to undertake a Summer weeding of the Bennettsbridge rd., community orchard. The orchard has a variety of fruit tree types and also fruit bushes in an attractive location adjacent to the access route to the river Nore walks. The variety of trees and bushes is attractive for our pollinators and also provide autumn fruit and berries which is of interest to wildlife.
Community in action, the big Hello with KKB highlighting the wonderful riverside walks in Kilkenny, a great day was had at Riverside /entrance to the riverside Nore walk. The event was sweetened by great cakes from Cakeface cafe, and washed down with tea, coffee and chat. KKB reuseable cups were also showcased. All the faithful dogs being walked were not forgotten about with treats also being enjoyed. The message is to protect the environment, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful and collect after your dog.
KKB and Dukesmeadows residents participated in a UN-backed global initiative which is being spearheaded in Ireland by the charity Crann, Trees for Ireland through their easy treesie project. With support from Kilkenny County Council, children are assisted in planting native and naturalised trees in their local area. Kilkenny City was selected for a ceremonial tree planting in advance of Earth Day next Monday . This project will assist in providing a shelter belt and wildlife corridor, capture carbon and of course beautify our area.The fruit trees are also very important for our wildlife and pollinators.
Fruit tree planting at Dukesmeadows
Many children around the country have already had a chance to join in this environmental learning opportunity, planting over 14,000 trees in their local parks, community gardens, roadside verges and hospitals as part of the challenge for Ireland’s children to plant a million trees by 2023.
The trees have been specially selected by the team of specialists in easy treesie – Crann. Joining in this activity ties in with many curriculum objectives at local schools and will assist in their winning the International Green Flags.
There was a presentation at Dukesmeadows during the planting on the subject of trees and their importance for our city by Orla Farrell of Crann . A great planting was has by all. Our children will have the opportunity to benefit from the fruit of their labours for many years to come.
KKB have been working with many groups throughout Kilkenny over the last number of years to plant hundreds of fruit trees and bushes suitable for their location.A number of community orchards have already been established and additional orchards are being planned. This action continue over the next number of years. Residents associations and voluntary groups who would like to participate in this action are more than welcome to contact KKB for the next planting season.
A substantial start took place with the removal of a large area of balsam from the river Nore bank to the south east of Ossory bridge. This project forms part of a multi year programme to reduce and eliminate balsam from the upper stretches of the River Nore in the Kilkenny City area. This initial balsam day was supported by a large group of environmentalists currently in Kilkenny under the Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) network. Thank your for all of the hard work.
Careful removal of very small balsam plants in April
The environment needs protection.
For the past week, a group of 27 young environmentalists from 15 different European countries – have gathered in Kilkenny to learn about grassroots movements.
The network Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) organized a seminar ‘know your grassroots’, which brought them together.
Today the group joins Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, you could too!
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.
A large crowd attended a very interesting presentation by Zoe Devlin titled ” Wildflowers of Ireland – a personal record” which recently took place in Kilkenny. The event was coordinated by Bird watch Ireland Kilkenny branch. Zoe reviewed Ireland’s rare flowers and also some of the not so rare flowers including flowers growing in Kilkenny. Invasive species were also reviewed.
The importance of pollinator species was discussed. The event ties in to the theme of improving habitat for our bees in Kilkenny. The importance of many plants to specific insects and having adequate food for birds was noted.
“Talk of the town #2 – a vibrant vision; a green and inclusive Kilkenny 2030”
A very informative talk and debate in relation the environment, the way forward in Kilkenny and our future took place recently in the Pembroke hotel. The evening was coordinated by Malcolm Noonan, chaired by Eamon Ryan TD and with guest speakers Senator Grace O’Sullivan and Etaoin Holahan who provide inspiration in relation to the importance of everyone working together to improve our environment for our families and our children.
The well attended event was really enjoyable. Current environment issues were debated in relation to our city and county and potential ways forward we reviewed. We went away invigorated and with additional energy in relation to our aim of Keeping Kilkenny Beautiful into the future.
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
KKB are working with many cafes through out Kilkenny city to reduce the amount of waste from single-use cups. Congratulations to the many cafes who have already agreed to provide reusable cups and also who give a discount to customers who present a reusable cup.
When you’re in a cafe to get a takeaway coffee why not ask for a reusable cup and a discount. This also helps to reduce waste!
What’s more, the coffee tastes a lot better!
Many Kilkenny cafes are now providing an alternative to the one use cup.
KKB reusable cup in use…. enjoy!