In addition to your own garden (see across for the Pollinator Plan) we will be trialling an enhanced biodiversity plan. 

We propose to leave an area of short meadow grass (cut every 6 weeks) around the trees in the smaller green opposite the larger green in Phase 2. The edge will be cut to keep a ‘maintained’ look  and please note: dog droppings should continue to be cleaned up on all grass areas in our estate, regardless of the length of grass.

We also propose to strim edges etc. rather than spray with pesticide, as has been the practice to date. 

In addition, we are trialling strimming the banks of the stream twice a year (Spring and Autumn) to enhance natural seed fall and germination of the already present seed bank. This is already bearing ‘fruit’ as you may have noticed the bursts of celandines, primroses, violets, lesser periwinkle, wild strawberry (all wildflowers) and the beautiful daffodils and snowdrops from previous plantings. And this is only after one year! 

To be successful however the cut vegetation from the swards and banks needs to be removed which we are working on to allow the naturally occurring wildflowers to flourish. We plan to keep you posted on a regular basis with a list of current plants.

Pledge your Garden For Pollinators! The All Ireland Pollinator Plan new 5 year plan has been launched – and here is a specific action that many of us can help out with! 

If we get it right for pollinators the whole food chain benefits. So many homeowners are beginning to see their gardens in a new light. They want to make their gardens more wildlife-friendly and contribute small patches of pollinator-friendly habitats to our landscape. In order to celebrate this, and to encourage more gardeners to follow suit, we are asking you to ‘pledge your garden for pollinators’, so that we can  track the creation of these pollinator-friendly pit stops dotted across the island. 

To help with this, we have produced a four-page brochure to help to explain this concept, and we’re delighted to get support from the Heritage and Biodiversity Officer network to produce this simple guide, beautifully illustrated by Aga Grandowicz. 

This brochure explains how anyone can make any garden – big or small – more pollinator- friendly. By taking simple steps in your garden, you will help to provide much-needed food and shelter for our pollinating insects, while at the same time creating a beautiful, colourful garden for you and your family to enjoy https://pollinators.ie/gardens/.