Keep Kilkenny Beautiful are very thankful to Lil Dunne for her wonderful photographs of plant and wildlife at Dukesmeadows.  We hope you enjoy this series of photographs.

The area formed part of the river Nore drainage works in the early 2000. A considerable amount of fill from the river  drainage scheme  was placed in this area. This gave an opportunity to create a  new wildflower and grassland area with copses of urban woodland. Following close cooperation between the local residents association, Kilkenny county council and OPW,  the  area was regraded to form a new riverside park of over 4 Ha. Extensive trees and bush planting in conjunction with wild flower areas and walks were put in place in line with an overall master plan which had been prepared.

Over the last 18 years the planting  is well-established. It has become an oasis for wildlife and insects. Grass cutting takes place only once a year for the majority of the meadow area allowing wildflowers to develop during the year. A number of grass walks have been established which are very popular with the locals. These are sanded on a biannual basis.

Planting along the perimeter has been supplemented with a range of pollinator friendly  fruit trees  including apple, plum, pear, wild cherry, and also fruit bushes including gooseberries, black currants, red currants  and Raspberry.

Signage setting out information on the meadow  has also been developed by the residents and is being erected at the  main entrances to the park.