Category Archives: Biodiversity

Otters in the city centre

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A playful otter   welcomed citizens and tourists  to John’s bridge over the last number of days.  KKB Chairman Sean Leahy  and Secretary Elaine Bradshaw both joined the public along the river.  Elaine who  followed the movements of the otter spotted it catching  a fresh Nore fish.

View of river Nore accross to library. Kilkenny 400 apple tree in foreground. copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

The Irish name for otter is madra uisce” river dog”.  The KKB welcomes the return of otters to the city centre area. There is  improved  natural cover along  the river Nore  banks over the last number of years.

John's Bridge and Kilkenny Castle. Copyright : Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

 

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

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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

 

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful by Composting

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Composting information day: Bernadette Moloney, Environmental Awareness Officer and Nora Darcy KKB at the stand.

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful in association with the Environmental Awareness Officer of Kilkenny Local Authorities discussed the great benefits of home composting with shoppers in Woodie’s DIY last Saturday the 8th April.  The information stand was busy with queries of best practice and many shoppers were pleased to learn that one third of household rubbish can be easily composted.

The information stand stood beside a composting unit that Woodie’s DIY stock.  Store Manager Brendan Corr was delighted to assist the Kilkenny Tidy Towns group, KKB with this unique initiative.  Mr Corr expressed great interest from the very beginning in working in partnership with the local group and Kilkenny Local Authorities. He also explained that their qualified horticulturist is always on hand to deal with any customer composting queries.

KKB are active with regular litter picks throughout the city and liaise closely with dozens of residents associations in the city environs.  Kilkenny City fell only two points short of the national title in 2010 so this year efforts are concentrated on other competition categories like waste minimisation to boost their competition score.

Bernadette Moloney, the Environmental Awareness Officer of Kilkenny County Council was delighted to come on board with this initiative as it ties in nicely with the current national “stop food waste” campaign which has proven that average families can spend between €700-€1,000 annually on food that’s not eaten and ends up in the household bin.  Composting materials like raw vegetables, fruit, tea bags together with newspaper can divert one third of household waste from landfill so it’s a practice which is easy on the pocket and great for the environment.

For further details;  contact keepkilkennybeautiful or  Bernadette Moloney, Environmental Awareness Officer, Kilkenny Coco on 056-7794487 or bernadette.moloney@kilkennycoco.ie

KKB distributes trees to Kilkenny

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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

 

Summer colour, Orchids bloom in Kilkenny

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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.


Composting in Kilkenny!

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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

Kilkenny Castle and the river Nore

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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.