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.

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

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.


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.

Orchids Bloom in Kilkenny

Orchids are a most beautiful but endangered flower. Kilkenny City  is working to protect its rare flowers and their associated habitats. It is wonderful to visit and see the orchids bloom again this year.

Orchids bloom in Kilkenny 2010 Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

The area is protected from mowing by the Local Residents association during the summer flowering season.  This species may be the common spotted orchid (dactylorhiza fuchsii).  For more information or if you would like to assist in protecting our rare flowers, why not  contact the Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Committee.

Orchids bloom in Kilkenny 2010 Copyright: Keep Kilkenny BeautifulOrchids bloom in Kilkenny 2010 Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

Orchids bloom in Kilkenny 2010 Copyright: Keep Kilkenny BeautifulOrchids bloom in Kilkenny 2010 Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

Orchids bloom in Kilkenny 2010 Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

Kilkenny wild flower meadows

The Kilkenny wild flower meadows are starting to bloom.  The wild flower meadows both at Dukesmeadows and Bishopsmeadows are full of colour. The meadows are carefully tended and cut just once a year.   They form part of the overall river Nore Linear park and are an important amenity which follows the river Nore right through the city centre. The popular Linear park recreational area which extends for some 6km along the river Nore from Ossory bridge in the south east to  Talbots inch in the north west has attractive walks and pathways through it  and  cycle space is also provided. Photographs taken June 2010, copyright: Keep Kilkeny Beautiful

Kilkenny 400 Fruit tree project

Part of the gathering at Kilkenny Park Orchard for the launch. June 2010 copyright Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

An  event to celebrate the Kilkenny 400 Fruit Tree project took place  at the Orchard site in Kilkenny Castle on Monday 21st June 2010 .   A stone plaque was unveiled by Kilkenny City  Mayor Malcolm Noonan .   The  lives of Susie Long, Barbara Gill, Avril Duffy (Kilkenny Earthwatch group) and Steve Clayton (late husband of Tisha Warner – 400 Fruit Tree project) were also remembered at the ceremony.  The attendance included many of the groups and organisations who planted some 40  orchards around Kilkenny in the last year.

The KKB have been working closely with Future Proof Kilkenny in developing and implementing this wonderful project.   Kilkenny’s 400 Fruit Tree project  marked the 400th Anniversary of the Signing of the Kilkenny City Charter by planting 400 native and heritage varieties of Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry and other types of fruit trees in new Orchards  throughout the city and environs.  The orchards will improve biodiversity and  habitat for wildlife.

Mayor Malcolm Noonan with Brian Dillon (Future proof Kilkenny) and Elaine Bradshaw (Hon Sec. Keep Kilkenny beautiful). Copyright Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

For more information and video on the  planting:

http://futureproofkilkenny.org/?p=1219

http://futureproofkilkenny.org/?page_id=516

Kilkenny castle and park on the 21st June 2010, Mid summers day! Copyright Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

Smithwicks Brewery enhances river Nore Wildlife refuge

Smithwick Brewery, working in cooperation with the KKB, Bird watch Ireland and the City parks Department continues with the development of the city centre river Nore wildlife refuge. The completed river side tree planting, bird boxes and habitat is being enhanced by the recently launched floating bird lander. The river Nore ”left bank” is becoming an important wild life refuge and forms part of the river Nore and Breagagh linear  park.