A new collaborative biodiversity initiative is taking root in Ferrybank in South Kilkenny as Connecting to Nature and Kilkenny County Council have joined forces with local students to create a vibrant wildflower meadow at the Ferrybank Neighbourhood Play Park.
The project, which comes just ahead of National Biodiversity Week, will see native Irish wildflowers planted throughout the park to enhance local biodiversity, create important habitats for pollinators, and add a beautiful natural feature for families and visitors to enjoy.
The Ferrybank Neighbourhood Play Park, which recently benefited from a major €750,000 investment by Kilkenny County Council, is the largest council play park in the county and serves as a valuable community amenity for local families.
As part of the initiative, fourth class pupils from St Mary’s Boys National School in Ferrybank took part in an educational and hands-on planting session at the park with their teachers, Mr Coogan and Ms Quillinan.
The children attended a talk on the importance of native Irish wildflowers and biodiversity before helping to sow the seeds and bed them into the ground.
Connecting to Nature, a Ferrybank-based family business dedicated to environmental education and nature connection, worked closely with Kilkenny County Council on the initiative.
Shona Dubois, General Manager of Connecting to Nature, said “we are delighted to collaborate with Kilkenny County Council on this wonderful local biodiversity project.”
“Creating native wildflower meadows not only supports pollinators and local wildlife, but also creates colourful, engaging natural spaces for the whole community to enjoy,” she said.
“It was especially meaningful to involve local schoolchildren in the planting process so they can learn first-hand about the importance of protecting Irish biodiversity.”
Thomas Moore, Executive Landscape Architect with Kilkenny County Council, said that the initiative “is a fantastic example of how local partnerships can enhance public spaces while supporting biodiversity goals”.
“The Ferrybank Neighbourhood Play Park is an important community asset, and the addition of a native wildflower meadow will further enrich the environment for park users and wildlife alike.”
1. Students help bring vibrant wildflower meadow to community in Kilkenny
Connecting to Nature | Wildflower Seed & Bird Food Ireland
2. Students help bring vibrant wildflower meadow to community in Kilkenny
Connecting to Nature | Wildflower Seed & Bird Food Ireland
3. Students help bring vibrant wildflower meadow to community in Kilkenny
Connecting to Nature | Wildflower Seed & Bird Food Ireland
4. Students help bring vibrant wildflower meadow to community in Kilkenny
Connecting to Nature | Wildflower Seed & Bird Food Ireland