Congratulations to our many volunteer pods who are keeping safe while they continue to work locally through out our city. also see our Facebook and twitter. Why not join one of our groups.
Tag Archives: wildlife
Spring in the air
A lot can happen with social distancing restrictions and a 5km limit. In the last few days the grass has started to grow the tree and fruit 
buds are getting greener and the birds are getting more vocal. The last of the tree slips are getting planted and the community orchards and fruit planting is ongoing. The Acorn project is going ahead full steam with the Kilkenny Forrest School. Why not join in and help with Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
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Balsam removal continue with great success
Balsam removal continues throughout the Nore Valley basin and in particular in the Kilkenny city area with large numbers of volunteers taking part over the last number of weeks.
Extensive new areas which have not been previously cleared are now being declared balsam free for 2020. The main aim is to remove plants prior to flowering so that the seed is not available for 2021.
Riverbanks now clear of Balsam through our our city and environs
Congratulations to all the volunteers who are taking part. See also our Facebook page with details of the various events taking place.
Plant for the Planet and treeplanting week
KKB and Dukesmeadows residents participated in a UN-backed global initiative which is being spearheaded in Ireland by the charity Crann, Trees for Ireland through their easy treesie project. With support from Kilkenny County Council, children are assisted in planting native and naturalised trees in their local area. Kilkenny City was selected for a ceremonial tree planting in advance of Earth Day next Monday . This project will assist in providing a shelter belt and wildlife corridor, capture carbon and of course beautify our area.The fruit trees are also very important for our wildlife and pollinators.
Fruit tree planting at Dukesmeadows
Many children around the country have already had a chance to join in this environmental learning opportunity, planting over 14,000 trees in their local parks, community gardens, roadside verges and hospitals as part of the challenge for Ireland’s children to plant a million trees by 2023.
The trees have been specially selected by the team of specialists in easy treesie – Crann. Joining in this activity ties in with many curriculum objectives at local schools and will assist in their winning the International Green Flags.
There was a presentation at Dukesmeadows during the planting on the subject of trees and their importance for our city by Orla Farrell of Crann . A great planting was has by all. Our children will have the opportunity to benefit from the fruit of their labours for many years to come.
KKB have been working with many groups throughout Kilkenny over the last number of years to plant hundreds of fruit trees and bushes suitable for their location.A number of community orchards have already been established and additional orchards are being planned. This action continue over the next number of years. Residents associations and voluntary groups who would like to participate in this action are more than welcome to contact KKB for the next planting season.
Successful clean up to improve the river Breagagh
A very successful clean up was undertaken to help improve the wildlife habitat along the river Breagagh. The key aim was the removal of plastics in particular which are not biodegradable. Bottles and cans where possible were collected and recycled. Why not join in for the next event!
Kilkenny Orchards get a summer brush up
Many thanks to the many Statestreet Bank Volunteers who have given our Waterford rd community orchard a summer brush up.
Keeping Kilkenny Beautiful does not happen by itself. Our City is beautiful because of the voluntary effort of many through out the year. This community orchard is also has an attractive seating area.
The fruit trees are vert suited to pollinators earlier in the year and the fruit in August /September is delicious to enjoy.
Kilkenny Co Co adopts the black and amber bumble bee
A fitting county emblem which will also raise the importance of bees as pollinators. KKB works each year to improve the range of honey and bumble bee friendly planting throughout our city.
Crab apple blossom attracts!
Summer wild flowers
Sunflower attraction!
Bumble bees enjoy the summer lavender
Winter bedding and colour
The colder winter days brings new work for our many residents associations with the cleaning of planted areas. Beds where possible have a variety of sustainable plants that give colour all year round. These need to be weeded, the plants trimmed back, or in many cases divided and replanted elsewhere. Some winter colour is add with primroses and violas. The robin, a gardeners friend in the winter stands by, ready to pick up any tasty morsels which remain after the work.
River Nore walk featured in Irish Times
The wonderful River Nore walk between Kilkenny and Bennettsbridge was featured in the Irish Times. The trail stretches for 11 km and starts at Canal square under Kilkenny Castle. There is also a very attractive loop and board walk starting at Canal square. this extends as far as the new pedestrian bridge at Ossory Bridge and back on the opposite river side. This loop which meanders through a wooded area along the river Nore is c.5km in length. The City Loop was only completed in 2014 and it is already very popular with visitors.
A start can be made at Kilkenny castle. The walk is directly under the imposing castle.
Under is a view of the extensively wooded valley between Kilkenny castle and Ossory bridge which forms the attractive walking loop close to the City.
Bud goes fly and walkabout
Bud back in the Castle Park pond. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful
Bud, a long term resident Swan of the Castle pond decided to fly out of the park and then go walk about in the last few days. A phone call from a local resident had reported a sighting of Bud in her garden. Mr Pat Durkin of Bird watch Ireland was joined by members of the KKB to find Bud. A search followed which found nothing but feathers. Later in the day Bud turned up in Dukesmeadows. Bud walked back with a large crowd from Dukesmeadows under the watchful direction of Pat Durkin.
