Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns efforts recognised with grant

Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns is receiving a boost with a new grant to support a local Biodiversity Action Plan to protect and promote plants, wildlife and habitats.

Stefania of Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns said: “We are delighted to receive this funding to implement the priority actions in our Biodiversity Plan.

“We will remove invasive Cherry Laurel from the meadow at Belvedere Orphanage and the adjoining woodland, where it has taken a hold; and replace that hedge with native plants such as Guelder Rose and Holly.

“We will also create urban wildlife corridors by giving willing members of the public suitable plants for their gardens – plants that are good for little animals and insects; that will create many pockets of food and shelter, therefore improving safe movement across the breadth of our village.”

Groups to receive grants to promote wildlife

Westmeath community groups that protect and promote local plants, wildlife and nature have received support to develop and implement local action plans. The plans are being supported under a long-standing partnership between Community Foundation Ireland and its philanthropists within the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Some 252 communities across the country have been supported by the Community Foundation and the Parks Service since 2019. The latest groups in Westmeath are:

Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns (€10,000) for habitat protection and management; helping improve private gardens and communal spaces (which creates insect corridors and wildlife friendly islands diffused through the community); threat removal (invasive species, education on pesticides); and community education and engagement through events and workshops, such as hedgerow planting day, school bee-bath making workshops and similar.

Milltownpass Tidy Towns (€7,000) to implement key actions from an existing local biodiversity action plan including education, community engagement and proactive measures that support restoration of biodiversity, including a riparian planting scheme as part of a larger Milltown River project.

Mullingar Tidy Towns (€9,700) to install biodiversity information boards in the town park. With both written and visual content there will also be a QR code for students on nature trails and for all the general public to be able to view and learn and understand the beauty what surrounds the community in the park.

Water Street Association (€5,000) to formulate a local biodiversity action plan for Castlepollard. Working with an expert ecologist local habitats will be identified and mapped with recommendations for protection and promotion of plants and wildlife. See separate article.

Athlone GAA (€5,000) to work with an expert ecologist to a community biodiversity action plan. The plan will map of the grounds, highlighting species which live on or adjacent to pitches and buildings. Make recommendations on both native and protected plants and wildlife.

Ballinahown Development Association (€10,000) to enhance existing flower beds and install a bee and insect hotel to front of the parochial house. Flower beds at the local church are to be planted with pollinator friendly flowers preferred by insects. Partnered with the local school to increase awareness including one or more ‘green walls’ on the school building with herbs, tomatoes and strawberries.