Leixlip
Biodiversity Action Plan
by
Leixlip
Biodiversity Action Plan
by
i
Acknowledgements & Contact Details
This action plan was produced as part of the Community Foundation Ireland funded project where towns and villages across Ireland were encouraged to work with an ecologist to compile a Biodiversity Action Plan for their local area.
Getting Involved:
Like all TidyTowns groups, Leixlip Tidy Town Association is completely voluntary so we’re always happy to welcome more help! As this BAP shows there’s plenty of different kinds of projects worth getting involved in whether that be the weekly litter pick or maybe just working on one particular project that interests you. If you wish to get involved with any of the actions outlined in this Plan, please contact us at our Leixlip Tidy Town Association Facebook page:
Leixlip TidyTowns: https://www.facebook.com/LeixlipTidyTownAssociation/
Photographs: Photos used in this Plan are courtesy of Dr Fiona Mac Gowan and Brian Gaynor of Green Pine Consultants.
Section 1
Introduction
This Biodiversity Action SectionPlan1aims to guide the local community and stakeholders in their efforts to protect and restore some of this natural heritage and maximise the benefits that nature can provide for the people of Leixlip. The Plan is not intended to be a static document but rather to be regularly reviewed and updated over its life
A healthy natural world is crucial to our way of life; it provides us with clean air & water, food, shelter, and much more!
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What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of all living things including plants, animals, microbes, fungi and people. It also includes the places where plants and animals live (known as habitats), the interactions among living things (the web of life) and their environment (ecology).
Biodiversity is all around us, everywhere and in our everyday life. It forms complex systems that sustain life on Earth. Each part of the system is important no matter how small or trivial it may seem to us. Think of it as a puzzle; having a biodiverse system allows us to see the full puzzle but when we start to remove different pieces, or species, the picture loses important parts.
We rely completely on biodiversity to provide us with the basic elements we need such as clean air and water, food, fuel, building products and medicines. We also rely on it for the many free ‘services’ such as nutrient recycling, pollination and water filtration etc. It is therefore vital that we make space for nature in our towns, villages and countryside for us to continue living full and healthy lives.
“Biodiversity underpins the functioning of the ecosystems on which we depend for food and fresh water, health and recreation, and protection from natural disasters. Its loss also affects us culturally and spiritually. This may be more difficult to quantify, but is nonetheless integral to our wellbeing”
Ban
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Section 2:
Biodiversity in our area
An historical village with a rich history of its own, Leixlip now forms part of the greater western suburbs of Dublin city. The village, however, features a green heart running through its centre in the form of the
Leixlip is home to some prominent mature deciduous trees, a historical legacy of large estates and
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Main Biodiversity Sites
There are numerous places of important biodiversity value in Leixlip. The following are some of the main ones in and around the village.
River Liffey: This river is famous as the river of Dublin city but before that it rises in the Wicklow Mountains and meanders its way through much of the plains of Kildare. The Liffey is a font of biodiversity especially as it winds through the centre of Leixlip with its adjacent walkway making it more accessible than along other stretches of its length. It is also noteworthy that the stretch of the River Liffey from Leixlip to Chapelizod is protected as the Liffey Valley pNHA 000128 (see p.22 for the NPWS site description).
Silleachain stream and Lane: The Silleachain is a small tributary of the Liffey that rises in a former wetland with the poetic name of the Moor of Meath north of Leixlip, just over the border into Co. Meath. While classed as a stream, the Silleachain cuts through a deep, wooded gorge, along the western side of St Catherine’s Park. It runs into the Liffey on the east side of the village. The Silleachain Lane runs parallel to the stream forming a beautiful walk with a rural feel from the Glendale Road down through to the village centre beside the entrance to St Catherine’s Park.
Royal Canal (pNHA 002103): The Royal Canal is a
Leixlip Residential Estates: Several residential estates in and around Leixlip have begun to manage sections of their green spaces for pollinators. These areas dotted across the locality are part of the national effort to halt the decline of this valuable habitat which supports native pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
Rye Water Valley/Carton (SAC 001398): The Rye Water river begins its journey to the west near Enfield. For a short section of its journey through the Carton Estate and into Leixlip it is designated with the highest level of conservation importance as a special Area of Conservation. This is because it features important rare petrifying springs habitat as well as two very rare species of whorl snails. These latter species are incredibly difficult to find but their presence
indicates a high level of ecological quality in the area which features many other species that will delight the
The Leixlip Wildflower Bed: In recent years, LTTA began to manage the triangular green area on Station Road opposite the Garda Station as a wildflower meadow. This lovely spot is a biodiversity highlight of the locality with several species of wildflowers growing happily alongside the grasses and trees providing excellent habitats for many of our beleaguered pollinator species. Local awareness has also been increased through the provision of information signs, inviting mown grass paths and benches where the locals can sit and enjoy the
peace and the hum of happy insects. A beautiful Pyramidal orchid was found during a summer visit demonstrating how nature will quickly reward our efforts!
St Catherine’s Park: This public park, jointly run by Kildare, South Dublin & Fingal Co. Cos. is a green lung in an increasingly urbanised area formed from what was orignially a Norman estate. The park is a mix of amenity grassland, hedgerows and woodland thus featuring examples of several different habitats where Leixlip residents can explore their local biodiversity.
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Recent Progress
In the summer of 2020, members of Leixlip Tidy Town
Association met to organise this BAP.
A lot of work has been carried out in recent years already to enhance Leixlip’s biodiversity. The following are some examples of these:
∙A wildflower area has been managed on the Station Road for several years.
∙Wildlife information boards have been erected at the Rye Water walkway, along the Grand Canal & at the Louisa Bridge.
∙A Community Orchard was planted along the Rye water river.
∙A simple Biodiversity Trail extending to over 1.5km with 3 information panels and necessary guide posts was completed in early 2021
∙A Leixlip Tree Trail is being developed
The wild Pyramidal orchid species has started growing in the wildflower area on Station Road, a sign of increasing biodiversity in Leixlip as nature is allowed prosper here
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Local actions have begun to make a big difference for Leixlip’s biodiversity – for example native tree planting, wildflower meadows, pollinator friendly planting have all increased the habitat for wildlife in the village
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Section 3: A call to action
This is a shared plan of action for the village to build on the recent progress made to improve areas for biodiversity and to start developing other opportunities to maximise the village’s full biodiversity potential. In doing so this will hopefully engage new people and groups in managing their local green space with biodiversity in mind. The plan has four main objectives, each with several targets and actions:
1.Objective 1: Making Leixlip wildlife friendly
2.Objective 2: Raising awareness of local wildlife and how to protect it.
3.Objective 3: Collecting evidence to track change and measure success.
4.Objective 4: Build local capacity to manage and record biodiversity
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Objective 1: Making Leixlip biodiversity friendly
All types of land can be used to increase the levels of biodiversity in the village including built features and green spaces. Each landowner whether public or private can also play their part in enhancing their lands for biodiversity.
Target 1.1 Make the village’s public spaces more biodiversity friendly
No.
1.1.1
1.1.2
1.1.3
1.1.4
1.1.5
1.1.6
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Action |
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Who |
When |
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Carry out the following biodiversity habitat enhancement |
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works within the Rye Valley Park: |
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A. Consult with the Kildare LAWCO in relation to |
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LTTA & LAWCO |
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vegetation in the river at the Rye Bridge |
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B. |
Reduction of existing |
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LTTA |
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Snowberry, Cherry laurel) over the course of |
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(outside bird |
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Allow natural regeneration of native ground flora and |
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nesting |
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augment with native shrub / small tree species such as |
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season) |
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Holly, Hazel, Rowan, Hawthorn, Spindle, Elder etc. |
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C. Plant |
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LTTA |
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Muscari, Alliums) under the shrubs along the paths |
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Sep |
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D. The path edges from the Penal Church to the village |
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LTTA |
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could be planted with Hardy Geraniums and Lady’s |
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Spring/Autumn |
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mantle perennials. |
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E. |
Augment the planting of the small raised flowerbeds |
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LTTA |
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along the paths with |
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perennials (see Appendix for suitable pollinator- |
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friendly |
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The wildflower banks on either side of the Mass Steps need |
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manual weed clearance and then planting with a mix of |
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shrubs and herbaceous perennials that will give good ground |
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cover, thus leaving no room for the weeds! Recommended |
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opulus); Spindle (Euonymus eurpoaeus) and Broom (Cytisus |
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sp.) interspersed good ground cover perennials such as: the |
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hardy Geraniums; Astrantias; Penstemons; Hellebores; |
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Japanese anemones; Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Nepeta etc (see |
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Appendix for further suggestions) |
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Ensure planting of tubs and pots in public spaces in Leixlip are |
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herbs and colourful summer bedding plants. See Appendix for |
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suggestions. |
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The small plaza featuring the sculpture of the meeting of the |
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Rivers Liffey and Rye could be softened with: |
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A. |
tubs of flowering bulbs, herbs and colourful summer |
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bedding plants. |
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B. |
A large tub with a small tree such as an Irish |
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Whitebeam would give a lovely backdrop to the |
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statue if situated in the corner behind. |
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A bare wall along the Rye river path could be planted with |
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native Ivy and Honeysuckle. |
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Liaise with Kildare Co. Co. and TII to ensure grass verges along |
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the main roads are managed as short wildflower meadows, |
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cut every |
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P.T.O.
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Target 1.1 Make the village’s public spaces more biodiversity friendly
No. Action
1.1.7Liaise with Kildare Co. Co. to:
A.ensure the lawn area at the Library is managed as short wildflower meadows, cut every
B.Explore the possibility of planting a pollinator friendly herbaceous perennial border in the lawn at this prominent road junction
C.Explore the possibility of planting a pollinator friendly herbaceous perennial flower bed (perhaps raised to prevent soil slippage onto the road) on the lane at the back of Confey Church up against a palisade fence.
1.1.8Continue to manage the Leixlip Wildflower Bed
A.Add small 4x4 posts with lots more information through the meadow.
B.Manage with a cut and lift in Feb/Mar annually followed by a cut and lift in September
C.Mow short cut paths through
D.Keep some small areas as
Who When
Target 1.2 Make the village’s private lands more biodiversity friendly
No.
1.2.1
1.2.2
Action |
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Who |
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When |
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Explore the possibility to liaise with various Residents |
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Associations around Leixlip where biodiversity habitat |
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enhancement works could be carried out: |
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A.Management of large grass areas as long wildflower meadow by cutting and lifting them each year. Plan for this at the beginning of the year. Augment with native wildflower plugs (spring) and seed (autumn).
B.A short wildflower meadow, cut every
C.Explore the opportunity to plant native and pollinator friendly climbers along any bare block walls in housing estates. Species mix can include native Ivy (Hedera helix), Honeysuckle and Pyracantha. Plants to be planted @ 3/m. (all actions should be agreed with the residents).
Explore the opportunity to maximise the campus of local |
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schools for outdoor learning and biodiversity by: |
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A. Managing the lawn spaces (where games are not |
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played) as a wildlife garden which could include a |
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wildflower meadow), sensory garden and signage |
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(made as part of art activities) |
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B. |
Work with school on a herb garden used raised |
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beds / containers at selected site in the grounds |
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C. |
Infill planting in the flower beds with pollinator- |
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friendly plants that flower during term time such as |
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Hellebores, Japanese anemones, Sedum ‘Autumn |
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joy’, hardy geraniums, Pin cushion plants |
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(Astrantias), Lady’s mantle. |
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D. |
Explore the potential to plant school boundaries |
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with native hedgerows |
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Target 1.3 Make the village’s surrounding lands more biodiversity friendly
No. Action
1.3.1Participate in a Himalayan Balsam control project for the River Liffey catchment area. The study should include other Invasive Species recorded.
1.3.2Carry out a hedgerow resilience project by augmenting existing hedgerows in the surrounding landscape with new trees such as Oak, Wild Cherry, etc. This will
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Who |
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When |
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LTTA with |
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2023 |
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Kilcullen |
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CA/Newbridge |
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TT& Ballymore TT/Kildare Co. Co./LAWCO Officer/Local Angling Groups/Inland Fisheries Ireland/National Biodiversity Data Centre
LTTA/Trees on |
2023 |
the Land |
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Target 1.4 Deliver
No. |
Action |
Who |
When |
1.4.1Install more open style bird boxes around the village to encourage larger bird species following on from erection of small bird boxes in 2020.
1.4.2Take part in the citizen science project: Irish Hedgehog Survey ideally in conjunction with the local schools & then use this information to install Hedgehog retreats around Leixlip.
See: www.irishhedgehogsurvey.com for more information.
LTTA, Local
eNGOs such as Wild Kildare &Birdwatch Ireland
LTTA, Local eNGOs such as Wild Kildare, & local schools
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Objective 2: Raising awareness of local biodiversity & how to protect it
It is important to raise awareness so that the public, community & residential groups, and businesses know how to help our wildlife.
Target 2.1 Increase the number of people within the community who are aware of their local biodiversity and who understand the need to conserve it
No.
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
Action |
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Who |
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When |
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Run a minimum of 2 wildlife related events (e.g. walks, talks, |
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Outside |
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workshops) each year. They could include: |
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experts invited |
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of year is |
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● A half day practical workshop on the traditional uses of |
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in by LTTA |
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dependent |
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plants, e.g. Dandelions. This ties in with the idea of |
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on each |
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changing people’s attitudes to ‘weeds’ such as |
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specific |
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Dandelions and the need to control them using |
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event) |
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herbicide (see Action 2.3.1). |
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●A wildflower walk around the village
●A summer’s evening bat walk that could be followed by a community barbeque
●Trees of Leixlip
●Birds of Leixlip
●Hold an event to highlight the ecology and lifecycle of the Salmon which Leixlip is called after!
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These can be delivered as Leixlip only events or in partnership |
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with other neighbouring communities where appropriate. |
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Use any empty /derelict shop fronts on Main Street to display / |
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interpret the local natural, built and cultural heritage of Leixlip. |
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Use local social media to raise awareness of local biodiversity |
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and conservation issues. |
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Continue to hold Bat awareness events in partnership / |
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LTTA, local |
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conjunction with Bats Kildare (Mad About Bats) and further |
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eNGOs such |
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awareness locally of these species. |
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as Kildare Bat |
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Group |
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Continue taking part in Daubenton's Bat (a.k.a the water bat) |
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LTTA, Kildare |
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surveys. |
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Bat Group |
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Target 2.2 Support education opportunities in schools at all levels
No. Action
2.2.1Check that the local schools have downloaded their copies of the
Who When
LTTA/Pollinator
Group
Target 2.3 Provide clear information to different sectors within the community on how they can take actions to enhance their spaces for biodiversity
No.
2.3.1
2.3.2
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Action |
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Who |
When |
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Use local social media to raise awareness locally of the harmful |
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LTTA |
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effects of herbicide use on human health and for biodiversity to |
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different landowners around the village. Cover alternative weed |
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control solutions where weed control is necessary and |
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encourage a change of mindset in other situations where |
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‘weeds’ could be allowed to grow. |
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Engage with the industrial estates about biodiversity |
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LTTA |
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enhancement projects they can undertake. |
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Target 2.3 Provide clear information to different sectors within the community on how they can take actions to enhance their spaces for biodiversity
No.
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5
2.3.6
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Action |
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Who |
When |
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Ensure the different sectors within the community have copies of |
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LTTA |
2022 |
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the relevant |
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sporting organisations, faith communities, etc. |
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Post links to the |
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LTTA |
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media each year. |
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Implement a policy of no Invasive plant species in new planting |
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LTTA |
TBC |
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schemes in the village. |
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Engage with Kildare County Council on any new developments |
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LTTA |
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in the village that they should incorporate best practice green |
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infrastructure design principles and biodiversity features (e.g. |
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Swift bricks, see Action 1.4.1). |
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This should ideally be done at the planning stage. Where plans |
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have developed beyond planning, engage with the developers |
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about the benefits that green infrastructure design can deliver |
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for them. |
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Objective 3: Collecting evidence to track change & measure success
To ensure that our actions are making a difference we need to gather a baseline of data on our wildlife and then measure our success or lack thereof against this. This data can be gathered through regular surveys and Citizen Science efforts. This plan sets out the following targets to achieve this:
Target 3.1 Build a baseline of data on local biodiversity and track changes
No. Action
3.1.1Monitor the Swift population numbers in the village annually and the uptake of newly installed Swift boxes.
3.1.2Facilitate Wild Kildare’s ‘Moth Atlas’ for the county
3.1.3Develop at least 2 bumblebee transects in the village and submit records to the NBDC
3.1.4Develop at least 2 butterfly transects in the village and submit records to the NBDC
3.1.5Record all biodiversity records onto the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Encourage other members of the community to do likewise.
3.1.6Record and map all biodiversity actions delivered at: https://pollinators.biodiversityireland.ie/
3.1.7Monitor any bird boxes installed around the village for successful nesting
3.1.8Install and monitor Dipper boxes with the help Birdwatch Ireland
Who |
When |
LTTA – local |
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eNGOs |
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LTTA – Wild Kildare |
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LTTA |
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LTTA |
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LTTA, local |
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eNGOs. |
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LTTA |
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LTTA |
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LTTA |
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Target 3.2 Measure progress of this Plan on a regular basis
No. |
Action |
Who |
When |
3.2.1 |
Set up a |
LTTA |
2022 |
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out an annual review and steering the delivery of this BAP. |
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This should include representatives of different sectors within |
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the community. |
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3.2.2 |
The |
LTTA |
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Action Plan. |
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3.2.3 |
Carry out a more detailed |
LTTA |
2024 |
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Plan. |
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3.2.4 |
Carry out a full detailed review of the Action Plan in the final |
LTTA |
Summer 2026 |
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year. |
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3.2.5 |
Plan for the updating / renewing of a subsequent |
LTTA |
2026 |
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plan to run from |
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Objective 4: Build local capacity to manage & record biodiversity
The following targets and actions aim to ensure that we have the resources and capacity to carry out the actions identified in Objectives
Target 4.1 Build the capacity within the community to manage and record biodiversity
No. Action
4.1.1Identify all wildlife groups active in Leixlip, then make contact and offer help / partner on local projects.
4.1.2Identify sources (sites) of native wildflowers (this should include Yellow Rattle e.g. Castletown House meadow) as places for community seed collections - this can include other donor sources in the county
4.1.3Create an email list of local volunteers who can be called upon for practical conservation volunteering events throughout the year such as management of wildflower meadows, invasive species removal, tree planting, etc.
4.1.4Hold an event to communicate this BAP to the local community
4.1.5Participate in a meeting of the other 10 Kildare 2020 BAP applicants to discuss opportunities for collaboration to deliver selected projects outlined in this Plan.
Who
LTTA
Work with other
Co. Kildare TT groups & Kildare Heritage Officer
LTTA
LTTA
LTTA, KCC
When
2022
TBC
Target 4.2 Build up local resources of materials and equipment to manage and record biodiversity
No.
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
Action |
Who |
When |
Source meadow maintenance equipment for community use. |
Work with other |
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Options available are to 1) purchase equipment, potentially |
Co. Kildare TT |
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in partnership with other neighbouring towns and villages; and |
groups & Kildare |
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2) work with the private sector to build up their capacity for |
Heritage Officer |
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managing meadows (hire companies and / or local |
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landscape contractors). |
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If working with other neighbouring groups then an annual |
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schedule for its use, maintenance /servicing plans, insurance |
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& other costs should be agreed in advance. |
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Build up a stock of biodiversity educational resources. Liaise |
Library / LTTA |
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with the local library. |
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Build up a stock of biodiversity recording equipment such as |
LTTA |
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bat detectors, moth traps, etc. |
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Mapping the Actions: Map of Leixlip pinpointing the
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Section 4: Resources
It is not necessary to
Did you know: Of the 62,000 townland names in Ireland,
13,000 have reference to trees and 1,600 have some derivation of ‘dair’ the Irish word for oak. For example, Cill Dara (Kildare) meaning ‘Church of the Oak’ Kildare.
This leaf vacuum can be used to harvest native wildflower seed from local meadows which can then be used to increase diversity in new community meadows.
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Links to useful online resources
The following is a list of useful links to guides on a range of common biodiversity subjects.
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Potential project funders
The following table outlines some of the potential sources of funding to help deliver the actions outlined in this Plan. It is also worth remembering other traditional forms of fundraising such as working with local businesses, bucket collections, table quizzes, etc.
Fund / Funding Body |
Description |
LEADER Programme, |
To discuss potential project ideas and the availability of funding, contact |
County Kildare LEADER |
the County Kildare LEADER Partnership offices at (045) 895 450 or email |
Partnership CLG |
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Kildare County Council |
For additional information in relation to funding for biodiversity and heritage |
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projects, contact the Heritage Officer - Tel. 045 980791 or email |
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Community Environment |
Formerly known as LA21, this fund covers small community environmental |
Action Fund – Kildare |
projects. |
County Council |
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Community Foundation for |
The Community Foundation for Ireland has funded biodiversity surveys and |
Ireland |
action plans under their Environment and Nature programme. |
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Heritage Council |
The Heritage Council supports a wide range of heritage projects throughout |
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the country through our annual grants programme. |
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Waters & Communities |
Their aim is to support communities and stakeholders in the delivery of local |
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water quality projects and initiatives and have an annual grant package |
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available. Contact your local officer to discuss potential projects by |
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searching: |
Trees on the Land |
This charity aims to increase the amount of native Irish trees across Ireland. |
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NeighbourWood Scheme |
This Forestry Service grant supports the creation and enhancement of new |
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native community woodland schemes over 1ha in size (up to 12ha size) |
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including the improvements to woodland facilities such as trail infrastructure. |
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https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/forestry/grantandpremiums |
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19
Useful contacts & sources
To help deliver the actions it will be important to work with a range of local and national stakeholder groups. The following outlines some of these. It is worth remembering that there may also be local individuals in your community who have particular interests and skillsets worth tapping into to deliver the actions. Remember that skills other than ecological skills can be an important asset when delivering certain actions.
Organisation / |
Area of Expertise |
Contact Details |
Group |
|
|
Kildare County |
The local Heritage Officer is |
Tel. 045 980791 or email |
Council |
available to discuss and provide |
|
|
information on biodiversity and |
|
|
heritage related matters and |
|
|
projects. |
|
Kildare Public |
Public Participation Networks |
Telephone: 045 980700 |
Participation |
(PPNs) act as an independent |
Email: admin@kildareppn.ie |
Network |
structure to facilitate public |
Website: https://www.kildareppn.ie/ |
|
participation in policy and |
|
|
decision making with the local |
|
|
authorities. |
|
|
Community and voluntary, social |
|
|
inclusion, and environmental |
|
|
groups are encouraged to join |
|
|
Kildare PPN. |
|
County Kildare |
If your idea is eligible in principle |
Telephone: (045) 895 450. Email |
LEADER |
for LEADER funding, a Project |
info@countykildarelp.ie. Website: |
Partnership CLG |
Development Officer will work |
|
|
with you to develop specifications |
|
|
of your project, help you with |
|
|
procurement, and assist in bring |
|
|
forward an application for |
|
|
funding. Funding is available in |
|
|
the following categories: capital, |
|
|
training, marketing, and analysis |
|
|
and development |
|
Wild Kildare |
Local volunteer environmental |
|
|
organisation. |
|
Irish Wildlife Trust |
National environmental charity |
|
|
covering all aspects of |
|
|
biodiversity. |
|
BirdWatch |
For information on Ireland’s birds. |
|
Ireland Kildare |
|
|
National Parks |
Responsible for managing the Irish |
|
and Wildlife |
State's nature conservation |
|
Service |
responsibilities. |
|
National Plan with the aim of |
||
Pollinator Plan |
creating |
|
|
an Ireland where pollinators can |
|
|
survive & thrive. |
|
National |
National centre for the collection, |
|
Biodiversity |
collation, management, analysis |
|
Data Centre |
and dissemination of data on |
|
|
Ireland’s biological diversity. |
|
|
|
20 |
Vincent Wildlife |
National environmental charity |
|
Trust |
with the aim of conserving and |
|
|
research into selected Irish |
|
|
mammals. |
|
Botanical |
National organisation that |
|
Society of Britain |
promotes the study, |
|
& Ireland |
understanding and enjoyment of |
|
|
British and Irish botany. |
|
The Local |
A shared service working with |
|
Authority Waters |
Local Authorities and State |
|
Programme |
agencies to meet obligations |
|
(Waters & |
under the EU Water Framework |
|
Communities) |
Directive for the development |
|
|
and implementation of River Basin |
|
|
Management Plans in Ireland. |
|
Bat |
An |
|
Conservation |
promotes |
|
Ireland |
the conservation of bats and their |
|
|
habitats. |
|
Kildare Bat |
Members of Bat Conservation |
|
Group |
Ireland with a particular interest in |
|
|
Kildare bats. |
|
Kildare Animal |
A local |
|
Foundation |
dedicated to the welfare of cats, |
|
|
dogs and small animals. |
|
Irish Peatland |
A national charitable organisation |
|
Conservation |
with the aim of conserving and |
|
Council |
protecting a representative |
|
|
sample of Irish bogs, and to |
|
|
campaign on |
|
Kildare |
This is a network of groups and |
|
Community 4 |
individuals who are working |
|
Climate Action |
together for climate action and |
|
|
community resilience in Kildare. |
|
|
The network originated as a result |
|
|
of the |
|
|
“Communities 4 Climate Action” |
|
|
training programme that was held |
|
|
in 2019. |
|
21
The
https://pollinators.ie/resources/
22
NPWS SITE SYNOPSIS: LIFFEY VALLEY pNHA 000128
(a map showing the extent of this pNHA is freely available to view at:
The Liffey Valley site is situated along the River Liffey between Leixlip Bridge on the
The river is a Salmon river and there are a series of weirs along the river between Palmerstown and Leixlip. The water level in the Mill Race has dropped and the channel has been filled with vegetation in a number of areas as a result.
The main terrestrial habitat included within the site is mixed deciduous woodland on fertile, limey alluvium and boulder clay, in which Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is dominant in some areas. Elsewhere Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and willow species (Salix spp.) are common and there are also some stands of larch (Larix spp.) and Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris). Toothwort (Lathraea squamaria) has been recorded on a number of tree species.
The ground flora commonly includes Ivy (Hedera helix), Primrose (Primula vulgaris), voilet species (Viola spp.),
A wet marsh occurs on the strip of land between the Mill Race and the river east of the metal bridge and west of the paint factory. This marsh is fed by seepage from the Mill Race and plant species such as Bulrush (Typha latifolia),
The threatened Green Figwort (Scrophularia umbrosa), a species listed in the Irish Red Data Book, is recorded from a number of stations along the river within the site. This stretch of the river Liffey has the greatest number of recently recorded populations of this species in Ireland. The rare and legally protected Hairy St. John'swort (Hypericum hirsutum) (Flora Protection Order 1987) has been recorded from the woodlands in this site. This species has only been recorded in Kildare and Dublin, at sites on the river Liffey, since 1970. The threatened Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), listed in the Irish Red Data Book, is also recorded from these woodlands.
The section of river within the site is used by canoeists. The West Link Bridge spans the valley west of Palmerstown. Recent management of woodlands at Brooklawn and Quarryvale has cleared a lot of Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and undergrowth. Some mature Beech have been removed from this area.
This site is part of the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Areas Order 1990. The site is important because of the diversity of the habitats within the site, ranging from aquatic to terrestrial. A number of rare and threatened plant species have been recorded from the site.
(Written 5/11/2009)
23
Habitat Management Guidelines
Wildflower Meadows:
Before creating any new meadows, it is important to consider and plan for the maintenance requirements. If the proper planning is not done at the outset it may cause considerable hassle down the line. This is particularly important for the end of season cut of a hay meadow as the grass could be knee height. Remember meadows are managed landscapes! You will need to consider the following:
∙Who is going to cut the meadow?
oIs it volunteers, the local authority or a contractor?
oOr for larger meadows can it be conservation grazed?
∙How are they going to cut it?
oHave they got the right equipment suitable for the site?
∙How are you going to gather and remove the cuttings from the site?
∙What are you going to do with the cuttings after they have been removed from the site?
There are a few different types of wildflower meadows that you may consider depending on your site and preferences. Each requires different management. We have listed two such types of meadows here:
Hay Meadows:
∙Cut
∙Mow the fringes along paths, car parks and roadsides
∙Mow paths through larger meadows to encourage people to use them
∙Put up signs to let people know what you are doing
∙Increase species diversity as needed by harvesting local seed and either
∙Control listed noxious weeds.
Short Cut Meadows:
∙Cut approximately every 6 weeks from
∙Mow the fringes along paths, car parks and roadsides
∙Mow paths through larger meadows to encourage people to use them
∙Put up simple signs to let people know what you are doing
∙Increase species diversity as needed by harvesting local seed and either
For more information, visit the
24
Designing and Planning for New Tree Planting in Community Spaces:
For the creation of new areas of community woodlands, copses, avenues or individual trees on community spaces the most important thing to remember is ‘Right Tree Right Place’. Remember that for all larger woodland creation projects and works on existing woodlands, you should always seek expert advice before proceeding.
The following are some of the practical considerations that should help guide you in the design and planning for smaller tree planting projects:
Local Site Considerations
Soil - is it very wet or free draining?
Is the site designated (as natural, built or archaeological) or adjoining a designated site or site of particular biodiversity interest? If so, check with relevant organisation for approval.
For larger planting schemes, do you need to prepare the site for planting?
Do you need to protect against rabbits / hares / deer?
Check for overhead powerlines or underground services.
Practical Design Considerations
Consider safety and sightlines - set back from primary paths in public spaces or at road junctions
|
Consider whether |
|
|
advance |
|
|
Where possible, include other community amenities as part of larger planting schemes - |
|
|
paths, outdoor classrooms, natural play, picnic tables, etc. |
|
|
Consider neighbouring houses before planting. |
|
|
|
|
|
Where possible, plant small groups of trees in public spaces instead of lots of individual |
|
|
trees. This will be easier to maintain. |
|
|
When planting trees at larger sizes you'll need to stake and tie them. Remember to |
|
|
adjust tree ties each year and remove after |
|
Community & |
Consult with local community to gain support for the works. Be innovative with how you |
|
Stakeholder |
engage local families and children in the development of the woodland e.g. dedicate a |
|
Consultation |
tree to each family resident next to the project, carry out volunteer tree planting events, |
|
develop ancillary amenities such as benches and natural play, etc. |
||
|
||
|
|
|
|
Communicate the plans with the person or organisation responsible for maintaining the |
|
|
green spaces (i.e. local authority, contractor or local volunteer) to avoid accidental |
|
|
damage to the trees. |
|
|
|
|
|
Agree a plan for managing around the base of individual trees to avoid damage from |
|
|
lawnmowers and strimmers. |
For more practical information, check out the Trees on the Land website:
25
Managing for Pollinators:
∙Think about their essential needs – food, water, & shelter – and try to provide these where possible because just like us they cannot survive without them.
∙Use pollinator friendly perennials (and small shrubs such as lavender) instead of annual bedding plants in flower beds and containers (see Appendix 2 for some options).
∙For butterflies and moths, consider the larval foodplants of these species. For example, the nettle is the foodplant for the caterpillars of 5 species of butterfly.
∙Minimise the use of herbicide for managing weeds. Where possible try to embrace these native wildflowers for their visual interest and biodiversity value.
∙Check out the
Did you know: 100 crops provide 90% of the world’s food. Of
these, 71 are pollinated by bees!
26
Planting for Biodiversity
flowerbeds
|
Herbaceous Perennials – tall for the |
|
Herbaceous Perennials – short for the front of beds |
||
|
back of beds |
|
|
|
|
∙ |
Japanese anemones (Anemone x |
∙ |
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (autumn); |
||
|
hybrid) – pink and white (autumn); |
∙ |
Masterwort (Astrantia major) (available in various |
||
∙ |
Verbena |
bonariensis |
(late |
|
shades of pink and white, long flowering from summer |
|
summer); |
|
|
|
into autumn); |
∙ |
Foxgloves (Digitalis spp) (early |
∙ |
Yarrow (Achillea spp) (summer into autumn); |
||
|
summer) – both pink and white |
∙ |
Avens (Geum sp.) – brightly coloured with |
||
|
varieties; |
|
|
|
flowers; |
∙ |
Mullein |
(Verbascum |
spp) |
∙ |
Columbine/Granny’s bonnet (Aqiliegia sp) (early |
|
(summer); |
|
|
|
summer) |
∙ |
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare); |
|
∙ |
Macedonian scabious (Knautia macedonica). |
|
∙ |
Teasel (Dipsacus sp.) - Goldfinches |
∙ |
Hardy Geraniums/Cranesbills (Geranium spp) in a |
||
|
love their seeds in winter. |
|
|
mix of colours, blue, pink and white. These plants |
|
∙ Some Rudbeckia daisies will add |
|
(particularly blue varieties such as ‘Johnson’s blue’) |
|||
|
bold colour too. |
|
|
partner well with Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
which are particularly lovely planted along the edges |
|
|
|
|
|
of beds. |
|
|
|
|
∙ |
Lenten Hellebores (Helleborus orientalis) will give |
|
|
|
|
|
winter and spring interest. |
|
|
|
|
∙ Penstemons: A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
flowers that last from early summer right through to |
|
|
|
|
|
late autumn. |
|
|
|
|
∙ Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis): attractive green |
|
|
|
|
|
|
flowers and leaves that flop over bed edges. |
Also consider:
∙Herb species are great for pollinators as well as providing food for ourselves: chives, thyme, rosemary, oregano / marjoram and sage.
∙Native wildflowers add great colour and biodiversity interest & will be a great addition to flowerbeds. Some may be crucial for different species of native biodiversity as food plants.
Shade tolerant
∙Irish bluebells (Hyacinthoides
∙Wood anemones (Anemone nemorosa)
∙Aquiliegia/Columbine (Aquilegia spp)
∙Wild garlic (Allium ursinum)
∙Wood Violets (Viola
∙Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium caeruleum)
∙Bleeding heart (Dicentra)
∙Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
∙Hellebores/Lenten roses
∙Penstemons
∙Wild strawberries (Fragaria sp.)
27
General list of shrub and tree species recommended for biodiversity enhancement:
flowerbeds
|
|
||||
∙ |
Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) – |
∙ |
Fruit bushes e.g. the native Raspberry (Rubus |
||
|
prefers neutral/limestone soils |
|
idaeus) and Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus). Also |
||
∙ |
Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) – |
|
Currants and Gooseberries (Ribes spp.). |
||
|
prefers slightly acid soils |
|
∙ |
Ling heather (Calluna vulgaris) - prefers acid/peaty |
|
∙ Willow (Salix spp) – good for damp/ |
|
soil conditions |
|||
|
waterside conditions |
|
∙ |
Bell heather (Erica cinerea) - prefers acid/peaty soil |
|
∙ |
Hazel (Corylus avellana) – likes |
|
conditions |
||
|
neutral to limey soils |
|
∙ |
Broom (Cytisus scoparius) terrific colour, blooming |
|
∙ |
Alder (Alnus glutinosa)– good for |
|
through April & May. |
||
|
damp/ waterside conditions |
∙ |
Firethorn (Pyracantha)* - a very thorny climber, |
||
∙ |
Aspen (Populus tremula) |
|
|
good for wall cover with creamy blossoms in |
|
∙ |
Silver birch (Betula pendula) |
|
summer and colourful berries in autumn. Different |
||
∙ |
Downy birch (Betula pubescens) - |
|
species have different coloured berries ranging from |
||
|
good |
for damp/ |
waterside |
|
yellow through orange to scarlet red. |
|
conditions |
|
∙ |
Honeysuckle/Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum) – |
|
∙ Yew |
(Taxus baccata) – |
note that |
|
a climber with beautifully scented flowers, |
|
|
‘fastigiata’ is the upright form (Irish |
|
particularly in the evening when they attract nectar- |
||
|
Yew) |
|
|
|
seeking moths. |
∙ |
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) |
|
∙ |
Dog rose (Rosa canina) – a climber with beautiful |
|
∙ |
Rowan / Mountain ash (Sorbus |
|
flowers in June and red rosehips in autumn. |
||
|
aucuparia) – flowers and fruit for |
∙ |
Elder (Sambucus nigra) – creamy flowers (most |
||
|
spring and autumn interest |
|
important ingredient in a very tasty cordial!) in June |
||
∙ |
Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) – flowers |
|
and black berries in autumn (only edible when |
||
|
and fruit for spring and autumn |
|
cooked, great for jams and jellies) |
||
|
interest |
|
∙ |
Spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus) – strikingly |
|
∙ |
Crab apple (Malus sylvestris) – |
|
beautiful orange seeds carried in bright pink |
||
|
flowers and fruit for spring and |
|
capsules called ‘cardinals’ hats’ |
||
|
autumn interest |
|
∙ |
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) – featuring sloe berries in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
autumn |
∙ |
Wild cherry (Prunus avium) – flowers |
∙ |
Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) – an |
||
|
in spring and colourful fruit and |
|
uncommon shrub – the favourite food plant of the |
||
|
leaves in autumn |
|
|
Brimstone butterfly |
|
|
|
|
|
∙ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
also favoured by the Brimstone butterfly. |
|
|
|
|
∙ Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) |
|
|
|
|
|
∙ Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) – beautiful flowers |
|
|
|
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|
|
and berries. |
|
|
|
|
∙ |
Gorse (Ulex europaeus) – the heady, coconut |
|
|
|
|
|
aroma of its bright yellow flowers is the smell of an |
|
|
|
|
|
Irish summer’s day. |
*indicates a species not native to Ireland but
28
Selecting Plants
Point of Note |
Reason |
Use native plants including wildflowers |
∙ Native wildlife has adapted alongside these species |
where possible |
and so they will typically support more wildlife than |
|
exotic species |
|
∙ It conserves our local flora |
For native species; only use Irish |
∙ They are better suited to the Irish climate |
provenance stock |
∙ It helps conserve local genetics |
|
∙ Minimise the risk of importing new pests and |
|
diseases. |
|
∙ Supports local Irish growers |
|
|
Native hedgerow mix species to select from: |
Planting & managing native hedgerow for |
||
|
|
biodiversity: |
|
The main hedging species is: |
• |
Plant @ |
|
• |
Hawthorn / Whitethorn (Crataegus |
• |
Plant in a double staggered row |
monogyna) |
where possible |
||
Smaller percentages of the following species: |
• |
Allow |
|
• |
Elder (Sambucus nigra) |
hedge – the wider the better! |
|
• |
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) |
• |
Cut on a |
• |
Hazel (Corylus avellana) |
can flower and fruit |
|
• |
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) |
• |
Cut outside the bird nesting season |
• |
Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) |
(1st |
|
• |
Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) |
safety reasons |
|
• |
Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) |
|
|
• |
Dog rose (Rosa canina) |
|
|
Trees such as Oak (Quercus robur), Crab apple |
|
|
|
(Malus sylvestris), etc. should be planted randomly |
|
|
|
along the length |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29
Invasive Alien Species
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are plants or animals that were introduced and are causing problems for native biodiversity. It is important that we can recognise the main IAS and take appropriate steps to control them:
∙Avoid using IAS in new planting schemes and where possible remove existing ones. Encourage other local groups, landowners and the local authority to do the same.
∙Raise awareness of IAS by delivering talks and posting on social media about them and the problems they cause.
∙Carry out IAS surveys and submit records to the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the local authority.
|
Species |
|
|
|
Problem(s) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Some of the Common Terrestrial Plant IAS |
|
|
||||
|
Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens |
|
∙ Can dominate riverbanks and outcompete native flora |
||||
|
glandulifera) |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia |
|
∙ Can dominate riverbanks and outcompete native flora |
||||
|
japonica) |
|
∙ Can negatively impact built structures |
||||
|
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum |
|
∙ Can dominate riverbanks and outcompete native flora |
||||
|
mantegazzianum) |
|
∙ Can cause serious skin burns to humans |
||||
|
Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera |
|
∙ Can dominate riverbanks and outcompete native flora |
||||
|
tinctoria) |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Monbretia (Crocosmia spp.) |
|
∙ Can dominate grassy areas and outcompete native ground flora |
||||
|
Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides |
|
∙ They hybridize with native Bluebells |
||||
|
hispanica and hybrids) |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cherry laurel (Prunus |
|
∙ Can take over woodland and prevent native ground flora & saplings from |
||||
|
laurocerasus) |
|
growing. |
||||
|
Rhododendron ponticum |
|
∙ Can take over woodland and prevent native ground flora & saplings from |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
growing. |
||
|
Pheasant Berry (Leycesteria |
|
∙ Can take over native woodland and prevent native ground flora & saplings |
||||
|
formosa) |
|
from growing. |
||||
|
Some of the Common Aquatic Plant IAS |
|
|
||||
|
Floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle |
|
|
∙ Can grow up to 20cm per day and may quickly dominate a waterbody. |
|
||
|
ranunculoides) |
|
|
∙ Forms thick mats which can look like land & so be a danger to people & |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
livestock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
∙ Impedes water flow and chokes waterways which can make it difficult for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
boats and angling and can increase the risk of flooding. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
∙ Poses a threat to plants and fish by blocking out light and impeding access to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
fish feeding and resting spaces. |
|
|
|
Curly Leaved Waterweed |
|
∙ Capable of forming very dense infestations in suitable habitats & occupying |
||||
|
(Lagarosiphon major) |
|
the full water column in waters up to 6m deep with significant impacts on |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
native wildlife. |
||
|
|
|
|
|
∙ Serious threat to tourism, angling, boating & other recreational pursuits as well |
||
|
|
|
|
|
as conservation goals. |
||
|
Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum |
|
|
∙ Can produce a thick raft of vegetation. |
|
||
|
aquaticum, Myriophyllum |
|
|
∙ A fragment as small as 5mm can |
|
||
|
brasiliense, Myriophyllum |
|
|
∙ Poses a threat to plants & fish by blocking out light & reducing oxygen levels. |
|
||
|
proserpinacoides) |
|
|
∙ Can choke waterways so increasing the risk of flooding. |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
∙ Can regenerate from tiny fragments & therefore easily takes over new areas. |
|
|
|
New Zealand pigmyweed |
|
|||||
|
(Crassula helmsii) |
|
|
∙ Forms very dense mats which overgrow native plants and reduces light levels. |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
∙ Currently only recorded from one site in Ireland. |
|
|
|
Water primrose (Ludwigia |
|
|||||
|
grandiflora) |
|
|
∙ Grows into a thick carpet which can |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
waterways. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
∙ Produces a thick mat of floating vegetation. |
|
|
|
Water fern (Azolla filiculoides) |
|
|||||
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∙ Danger can lie when people and livestock attempt to walk on it. |
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∙ The plants are so small, at no bigger than 2.5cm, that it can easily be |
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transported on other plants as a contaminant. |
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∙ Reduces oxygen levels in the water. |
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Equipment Checklist
The following is a list of some useful equipment to help manage your wild habitat and carry out Citizen Science work. Please make sure that any tools or machinery are only operated by suitably trained persons, that they are kept in good repair, all necessary health and safety precautions are followed, and that they are fully insured. The same applies to any contractors hired to undertake works on your behalf. Please note that due to Covid 19 it is worth considering any other special health measures and equipment that may need to be taken when carrying out community work.
Equipment
Description
Tick ()
Wildflower Meadows
Polytunnel |
It is useful to have at least one community polytunnel to grow wildflower plugs from |
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locally harvested seed that can then planted out into local public meadows. It is |
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ideally located in a secure place where dedicated person(s) responsible for |
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managing the plugs can have access to it. Suitable venues include a community |
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garden / allotment garden and in schools (where the pupils can grow some trays |
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on as part of a school project). These can double up during the main growing |
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season for fruit and vegetable growing. |
Meadow |
For larger meadows: consider using a local contractor with the right equipment. |
Cutting Tools |
Where it’s not practical to get a contractor then some of the following machinery / |
/Machinery tools may be considered:
∙Power scythe with hay rake and
∙Brush cutter
∙Hand held scythe, hay forks and rakes
Seed |
There are a few ways of harvesting your own wildflower seed. For most, it may be |
Harvesting |
simply harvesting seed by hand, in which case you will need something to put it |
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into e.g. a paper yogurt cup or cotton pillow sack are ideal. To collect certain seed |
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such as Yellow Rattle seed on a larger scale it would be worth purchasing or hiring |
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a leaf vacuum. |
Seed |
To dry the collected wildflower seed you can simply spread it out in cardboard |
Storage |
box(es). If the seed is fully dry when collected it can also be stored in breathable |
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pillow cases / sacks in a cool dry room. Do not store in plastic bags or containers as |
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the seeds may sweat and spoil. |
Everyday Habitat Management
Hand Tools
Hand Held
Power Tools
Safety
Equipment
P.T.O.
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Equipment checklist cont.
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Equipment |
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Description |
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Tick |
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Citizen Science & Community Events |
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Identification |
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There are identification books for all the common species groups and habitats. The |
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resources |
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National Biodiversity Data Centre also has swatches available from their online |
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shop. |
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Bats |
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Consider having a few bat detectors (and torches!) for bat events, as most people |
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may not have one. The Magneta Bat5 is a good starter model. |
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River |
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River sampling events are great for families and children. For these you’ll need |
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Sampling |
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some trays or buckets, charts and fishing nets. |
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Butterfly and |
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Pollinator workshops and events are always popular to run during the summer. They |
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Bumblebee |
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are even better when there is a field element to it and it is useful to have a few |
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Events |
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butterfly nets and some potting jars to help identify specimens. |
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Moth |
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Another really great Citizen Science project is the identification of moths. It is useful |
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Identification |
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for the community to have (or have access to) a few moth light traps with suitable |
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batteries and chargers and the identification guide books (both for micro and |
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macro moths). |
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Bird |
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For bird identification events it can be useful to have a few spare pairs of |
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Identification |
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binoculars (although it is normal to ask people to bring their own). |
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Examples of Wildflower Meadow Maintenance Equipment
Polytunnel used to grow |
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Pillow cases used to store dry |
plugs |
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wildflower seed |
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Leaf vacuum used to harvest wildflower seed
A power scythe is ideal for cutting smaller to medium sized meadows
The hay rake can help gather hay for ease |
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Larger machinery may be |
of collection |
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necessary for bigger meadows |
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Examples of Equipment for Citizen Science and Community Events
Moth trap used to identify moths |
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Swatches from the NBDC |
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Butterfly nets |
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Did you know: The National Biodiversity Data Centre has taken in over 650,000 species sightings as of November 2020
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Mood Board
Interpretation
Sculptures
A biodiversity sign, useful on sites with lots of natural interest.
Murals are a great option to brighten up a dull wall. |
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Biodiversity interpretation post, a |
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relatively inexpensive option. |
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An artistic willow weave sculpture on the |
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A bespoke sculptural feature in Ennis Village Centre. |
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roundabout beside Kildare Shopping |
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Centre. |
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Wildflower Meadows
Encourage people to use them by mowing paths and installing seating and breakout points.
They are great for natural play and add interest to otherwise dull mown grasslands.
They can be used in a range of different settings to deliver multiple economic, social & environmental benefits.
They are a part of our cultural heritage and landscape and can be used to encourage tourism.
Pollinator Beds
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Perennial |
Use native wildflowers in mixes where possible as they |
visual interest, reduce annual work and |
have added benefits for wildlife and they are every bit as |
costs, and are great for wildlife. |
attractive as |
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Natural features such as earth banks and |
Natural play uses natural features to create play |
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planting make great play features and can be |
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used in combination with slides, etc. |
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opportunities. |
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Woodlands Natural Play
They can be much more cost effective to install and maintain and are often much more interesting.
Natural habitats such as meadows and woodlands are great natural playgrounds.
Edible
Forest gardening is a way of managing woodlands for |
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Edible hedges are a form of linear woodland |
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productive uses such as wild food and timber |
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which uses a wide range of fruit and nut |
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products. Each layer of the woodland is managed for |
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species to create a hedge. |
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this including the canopy, shrub and ground floor. |
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They have been developed in a wide range of settings |
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including private gardens, schools, public green |
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spaces, residential spaces (such as above in |
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Manchester, England), etc. |
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Greening the Grey
Bioswales can be used in urban areas to manage and treat rainwater runoff from roads, car parks and other hard surfaces. They allow the water to drain slowly into the ground. Vegetation helps treat the water and add biodiversity value & visual interest.
This bioswale, in an urban park setting, is allowed to fill up during heavy rain water events and drain slowly after. It has become an amenity within the park and has significantly increased the amount of biodiversity within the park. Residential and public green spaces should be designed to deliver multiple benefits like this park achieves.
Green roofs, even on small canopies such as above, deliver a wide variety of environmental benefits such as clean air, retain and improve water quality, have air cooling effects add visual interest and are great for biodiversity.
Green walls can soften grey urban spaces and deliver a wide range of other benefits such as sequester carbon, reduce the urban heat island effect, increase biodiversity, etc.
In a lot of cases green walls can simply be created by planting climbers such as native ivy (Hedera helix) on bare walls – they are particularly good to cover up dull block work walls (photo above shows a newly planted wall in Portlaoise).
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This Community Biodiversity Action Plan Project was funded by the Community
Foundation for Ireland.
Produced by:
Dr Fiona Mac Gowan wishes to thank for their helpful input her associates at:
Bridge Street Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.
(M)+353 (0)87 7829477 (E) greenpineconsultants@gmail.com
(W)www.greenpineconsultants.com
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