4 days ago
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.
