Plans underway to manage ivy and vegetation growth at historic Skreen church and graveyard
The sub committee have been concerned about the extent and weight of ivy on the medieval church ruins and infiltration of ivy within the church, vaults and box tombs on the site. Ivy management within historic graveyards such as this requires consultation with National Monuments Service and National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure no detrimental impact to important habitats or historic fabric is caused in any short or long term maintenance plans.
The group have appointed a team of inter-disciplinary specialists to carry out a preliminary Conservation Assessment of Skreen Medieval Church & Graveyard. This work will be helpful in drawing up a phased programme of vegetation management, conservation and interpretation for the site.
Enniscrone based consultants, Atlantic Archaeology are documenting the various archaeological and historical features on the site and assessing their significance and vulnerabilities.
Sligo based archaeologist Mary Timoney who has spent many years documenting, researching and publishing on the magnificent carvings on the box tombs at Skreen and elsewhere has been advising around the various tombs, their significance and conservation.
Oran Ecology are mapping various habitats and ecological sensitivities on the site and advising on a vegetation management plan. Molloys Conservation Architects are advising on vulnerabilities and conservation of built heritage aspects of the site. A detailed survey of the site is being carried out in the coming weeks to inform future phases of work subject to funding.
The enthusiasm, guidance and expert local knowledge of the members of Skreen Select Vestry Monuments Sub-Committee has been invaluable to the various specialists who have visited the site to date. The care and ongoing maintenance in the graveyard and surrounds is inspiring and shows the determination of the local community to ensure this highly significant archaeological and historic site can be appreciated by all for many years to come.
The heritage week event will be led by Archaeologist Erin Casson of Atlantic Archaeology and will pay particular focus on the History and Heritage of Skreen medieval church ruins. The talk will explore the site's origins, its role as a Medieval parish Church and its enduring importance as a sacred place and communal space within the community to the present.
Skreen, in County Sligo, takes its name from An Scrín ('the Shrine'), reflecting on its early Christian heritage. Tradition links the area to St. Adamnán, biographer of St. Columbkille, suggesting it was an important ecclesiastical site in the early medieval period. Situated along the fertaile coastal plain between knocknarea and the Ox Mountains, Skreen lies within a rich Archaeological landscape marked by megalithic tombs, early monastic remains and a medieval
church.
Throughout the Middle Ages, it was associated with the powerful local lordship of Sligo, its religious and strategic significance making it a noble centre in both ecclesiastical and secular history.
The programme will include: - A short talk on the History and Archaeology of Skreen Church. - A guided walk around the site, highlighting details of the ruins - Details around conservation plan, ecology surveys etc being generously funded by the Heritage Council - Time for questions and discussions within an informal setting to encourage storytelling and shared memories of the site amongst the public. Tea and refreshments afterwards organised by Skreen Select Vestry Monuments Sub-Committee
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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Plans underway to manage ivy and vegetation growth at historic Skreen church and graveyard
The event will highlight the history of the medieval parish church ruins at Skreen, tracing its origins, medieval role, and ongoing significance as a sacred and communal site. The sub committee have been concerned about the extent and weight of ivy on the medieval church ruins and infiltration of ivy within the church, vaults and box tombs on the site. Ivy management within historic graveyards such as this requires consultation with National Monuments Service and National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure no detrimental impact to important habitats or historic fabric is caused in any short or long term maintenance plans. The group have appointed a team of inter-disciplinary specialists to carry out a preliminary Conservation Assessment of Skreen Medieval Church & Graveyard. This work will be helpful in drawing up a phased programme of vegetation management, conservation and interpretation for the site. Enniscrone based consultants, Atlantic Archaeology are documenting the various archaeological and historical features on the site and assessing their significance and vulnerabilities. Sligo based archaeologist Mary Timoney who has spent many years documenting, researching and publishing on the magnificent carvings on the box tombs at Skreen and elsewhere has been advising around the various tombs, their significance and conservation. Oran Ecology are mapping various habitats and ecological sensitivities on the site and advising on a vegetation management plan. Molloys Conservation Architects are advising on vulnerabilities and conservation of built heritage aspects of the site. A detailed survey of the site is being carried out in the coming weeks to inform future phases of work subject to funding. The enthusiasm, guidance and expert local knowledge of the members of Skreen Select Vestry Monuments Sub-Committee has been invaluable to the various specialists who have visited the site to date. The care and ongoing maintenance in the graveyard and surrounds is inspiring and shows the determination of the local community to ensure this highly significant archaeological and historic site can be appreciated by all for many years to come. The heritage week event will be led by Archaeologist Erin Casson of Atlantic Archaeology and will pay particular focus on the History and Heritage of Skreen medieval church ruins. The talk will explore the site's origins, its role as a Medieval parish Church and its enduring importance as a sacred place and communal space within the community to the present. Skreen, in County Sligo, takes its name from An Scrín ('the Shrine'), reflecting on its early Christian heritage. Tradition links the area to St. Adamnán, biographer of St. Columbkille, suggesting it was an important ecclesiastical site in the early medieval period. Situated along the fertaile coastal plain between knocknarea and the Ox Mountains, Skreen lies within a rich Archaeological landscape marked by megalithic tombs, early monastic remains and a medieval church. Throughout the Middle Ages, it was associated with the powerful local lordship of Sligo, its religious and strategic significance making it a noble centre in both ecclesiastical and secular history. The programme will include: - A short talk on the History and Archaeology of Skreen Church. - A guided walk around the site, highlighting details of the ruins - Details around conservation plan, ecology surveys etc being generously funded by the Heritage Council - Time for questions and discussions within an informal setting to encourage storytelling and shared memories of the site amongst the public. Tea and refreshments afterwards organised by Skreen Select Vestry Monuments Sub-Committee
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- RTÉ News
Asian hornets could 'wreak havoc', warn beekeepers
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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Castlebar park set to become more greener through biodiversity project
The Biodiversity Enhancement Project is being supported by funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Plan Fund. Transformative works have already taken place in the park, including the planting of over 30 potted native trees, 220 bare-root native whips, 70 metres of native hedgerow, and the creation of large perennial pollinator flowerbeds. Native trees have been used where possible in the park as they support larger numbers of diverse insects, lichens and bird species. In 2025, more funding was allocated to help the park further develop habitats and actions for nature and wildlife. The planting of native hedgerows was proposed to help this development. Hedgerows help provide shelter and a food source for mammals, as well as nectar and pollen sources for pollinators. An important part of the biodiversity project's success is down to community involvement. Castlebar Tidy Towns has played a key role in preparing a biodiversity plot within the park. Town gardener Adrian Roche and his team planted nearly 400 pollinator-friendly flowers and plants, giving a major boost to the area's biodiversity. The project has been a collaborative effort, with members from tidy towns working alongside international protection applicants and Mayo County Council. Ger Deere, a member of Castlebar Tidy Towns and a local councillor, said he was thrilled to see the community coming together to create something beautiful and beneficial for the town. 'We are working with the international protection residents and they are making a huge difference. It's all about integration. We had about 40 international protection residents volunteering with us and a lot of them had never planted flowers before. It was a great day for them and a great sense of achievement and being part of the community,' he said. The project has provided a meaningful opportunity for integration and community engagement all while working to enhance the town park's biodiversity. Biodiversity Officer for Mayo County Council, Sheila Murphy, said the project also hopes to make use of the park's wetter ground, through appropriate wetland planting and with the addition of a willow structure. 'All these features will lend to greater habitat connectivity within the park, via treelines, hedgerows and the Castlebar River riparian margins. The creation of a willow structure will help create a piece of natural infrastructure which will support biodiversity within the park. Native willow can support up to 266 insect species.' Mayo County Council are signed up to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. Ms Murphy said an important yet simple measure to help support actions for pollinators is to implementing grass cutting measures: 'Our native pollinators are struggling with over half of our 100 bee species in substantial decline and 30% are threatened with extinction,' she added. Ms Murphy continued: 'The Town Park supports extensive areas of managed grassy areas, however by changing how often areas are cut, if gives greater opportunity for natural native wildflowers to grow, providing a vital food source for pollinators and grassy swards for insects to nest and shelter in, 'In 2025, sections of the park have been left to develop into meadow with striking native species emerging such as the cuckoo flower, bird's foot trefoil, clovers, ox eye daisies and common spotted orchid. Such a diverse species sward in a short period of time is a fantastic achievement illustrating what can be achieved for biodiversity by simple actions and giving nature a chance to thrive, 'It is hoped that a more diverse combination of habitats will not only be beneficial to local biodiversity but also create a much more interesting and enjoyable experience for park users and visitors to Castlebar.' Through a combination of native planting, habitat restoration and strong community involvement, Castlebar Town Park is becoming a centre for biodiversity. With further developments planned in 2025, the park will help to offer environmental benefits while also creating a welcoming space for both residents and visitors. This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
