Tag Archives: biodiversity
Tree planting at Castle park
An official tree planting took place at Castle Park on the 13th February. The Event was to honour the achievement of Kilkenny City in winning the overall Large urban Centre award for two consecutive years 2010 and 2011 in the National Tidy Towns Competition.
KKB chairman Mr Sean Leahy welcomed all to the event, Kilkenny Mayor Mr David Fitzgerald acknowledged the tremendous efforts made by Kilkenny City over the last number of years in Keeping Kilkenny Beautiful.
Mayor planting Himalaya Birch tree. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful
Unveiling of Kilkenny Limestone plaque to commemorate the achievement of National Large Urban Centre Awards 2010 and 2011. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful
The planting of trees is a fitting gesture as part of the winter tree planting season.
Official tree planting. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful
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
Otters in the city centre
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.
Hawk in Dukesmeadows identified
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.
- Hawk at Dukesmeadow, early spring 2011. 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.
Newly planted tree at Dukesmeadows following the tree distribution by the KKB. copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful
Colourful flowers attract colourful butterflys in Kilkenny
August butterfly attracted by the colourful flowers in Kilkenny City
Kilkenny Castle and the river Nore
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.
Colourful meadows in July
Wild flowers in Dukesmeadow July 2010. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
Dukesmeadow colour July 2010. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
Wild flowers in Dukesmeadow, July 2010. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
Wild Flowers at Dukesmeadow, July 2010. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.