Congratulations to all in Listowel for the wonderful day on the official presidential presentation of the 2018 national TidyTowns award.
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.
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.
Newpark Marsh hosted the world wet lands day visit on 2 February. Located close to the centre of Kilkenny city Newpark is a wonderful Marsh environment with a large amount of wildlife.On the visit organised by Birdwatch Ireland Kilkenny Branch, with support from the Heritage Office of Kilkenny County Council. A great lmorning was enjoyed. It was quite cold and ice was in place across much of the wetland. KKB has been working many years with local stakeholders and Kilkenny county council to maintain Newpark Marsh. .Newpark Marsh was awarded the top award in the ESB/CVI Community Environmental awards 2001 and the Marsh was also a national winner for Wildlife in the Tidy Towns Competition 2002. Since then there have been many improvements including additional signage, seating and a wonderful walk around the Marsh.
Kilkenny Arts festival 2017 commenced in warm sunny weather. There were large crowds attending the many street events which took place during the opening weekend. Great colour was to be seen and the flower displays were fantastic. Congratulations to all!
Congratulations to Rehab and Bird Watch Ireland for joining our 2017 “planting for the future” initiative . A new orchard and fruit garden has been planted just off Bennettsbridge road. The new garden will continue to give fruit and apples into the future. it will be bee and wild life friendly. It is one of a large number of orchards and fruit gardens which have been planted in and around Kilkenny City by Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, Kilkenny County Council and many of our Residents Associations over the last number of years.
Congratulations to all who worked together to plant some 1000 native trees at Bishopsmeadows in Kilkenny. The weather was ideal, on the day with spring warmth! The planting was sponsored and coordinated by Tree Services Ireland who have an aim to plant 2 trees for every tree removed. The work was undertaken by a large number of volunteers working with KKB and local residents.