Work starts on innovative new Mallow ‘NeighbourWood’ project
SCHEME CREATE A WOODLAND WALK FROM LOVER’S LEAP TO MALLOW BRIDGE
WORK has commenced on an ambitious new project that will see the creation of a new ‘wooden heart’ for Mallow with a 25-acre woodland set to spring up beside Mallow Castle and along the River Blackwater.
A joint scheme between Cork County Council and the Mallow Development Partnership (MDP), with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, the Mallow NeighbourWood’ project will consist of three separate elements with one overarching aim.
The first of these will be the rejuvenation of an existing almost four acre stretch beside the old lime kiln through the planting of a new, predominantly oak, woodland.
The project will also entail the upgrading of existing open areas and installation of new information and recreational facilities and seating along the development from Mallow Bridge to Lover’s Leap.
The MDP said the project was less about “gortex and hiking boot forest recreation’ and more about creating a facility that can be used for leisurely strolls, walking dogs, jogging and other outdoor activities.
They say it will benefit both locals and visitors alike, reinforcing a “sense of place” by linking the town to the river.
“The enhanced woodland will also be a ‘ broad brush’ tool for sustainable planning and development, particularly in the urban fringe areas of Mallow, and will be used strategically to reinforce existing greenbelts and emerging greenways,” said the MDP.
Speaking during last Monday’s launch of the project in the grounds of Mallow Castle, John McDonnell of the MDP said a lot of hard work had been undertaken to develop the initiative, singling out John Casey of Teagasc for particular praise.
“John and I took a walk by the castle a couple of years ago and he started talking about the NeighbourWood watch scheme. To be honest, I did not have a clue what that was, but he said it would be an ideal location for it,” said Mr McDonnell.
“He began to work with his contacts at Teagasc and elsewhere and after a lot of hard work we are here today,” he said.
“The input of different groups epitomises the success that can be achieved when the community we represent and statutory bodies come together with a common purpose,” he added.
The acting chair of the council’s Mallow/Kanturk district, Cllr John Paul O’Shea praised the authority and the MDP for pushing the project.
He also praised John Casey, saying that “without his help we would not have come as far as we have today.”
“This project will be a huge asset and resource for the town and will help realise the true potential of Mallow Castle,” he said.
Mr Casey said the NeighbourWood project would become “the lungs” of Mallow and would be good for the physical and mental health of the local community.
“Once complete, the project will be a complete park from Lover’s Leap to Mallow Bridge and beyond,” he said.
“It will also serve another purpose as a ‘ living lab’ for children from local schools studying environmental science and social studies.”
“I am really looking forward to see this project developed over the next couple of years. I believe it will be a great thing for all the people of Mallow and visitors to the town.”