The second class children of Fossa National School in Killarney have helped Fossa Climate Action Group to begin the process of returning 30 per cent of the grounds of the local Prince of Peace Church to nature.
The last of the bulbs were planted in the ground this week in anticipation of them blossoming next spring.
Fossa Climate Action Group started the long-term project in September with a public consultation with parishioners to determine what could be done to increase biodiversity on the church grounds.
A leaflet on the proposed measures was distributed to Massgoers during the month of September with comments and suggestions invited.
The consultation period ended on October 4, the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, who is the patron Saint of Ecology.
The project aims to return 30 per cent of the Church grounds to nature by 2030, as proposed by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The first practical steps of this were realised this week with the purchase and planting of 320 crocus, 200 snowdrop, 200 daffodils and 60 native bluebell bulbs.
“We decided that we would begin by planting flowers that would be an early source of nectar and pollen to bees and butterflies as they emerge next spring,” said group secretary Mary Fitzgerald.
The project began with a collaborative effort by many in the locality with planting tools secured on loan from Johnny McGuire of the Killarney Tidy Towns committee.
A specific daffodil planting tool designed and made by Anthony Dennehy of Fossa Climate Action Group was very useful on the day as it made light work of the digging.
“It was especially beneficial with a class of eager school kids wanting to ensure that the 200 bulbs were planted in record time,” said group member Diarmaid Griffin.
The project will continue with the removal of invasive plants and smothering Lleylandi to allow nature to flourish. Other suggestions include creating habitats for insects and reducing the area of mown grass to allow islands of native meadow plants.
“We would like to thank Fr Geaney and Fossa Pastoral Council for funding the initial stage of this project and we are grateful for the feedback, suggestions and comments from parishioners during the initial consultation period,” said group chairman, Paul O’Raw.
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