Sowing the seeds of a new national pollinator plan
The first of February, St. Brigid’s Day, was traditionally the start of Spring in Ireland; however, in recent years the seasons often seem confused in each other.
Many who would have started their garden planting in February are now waiting until March or April; one example being National Tree Week which will take place towards the end of March, traditionally having always taken place at the start of the month. There will be more on National Tree Week in the coming weeks and in particular, how communities can get involved locally.
Regardless of how far climate change has gone, or is yet to go, it remains important for us humans, as part of this earth, that we undertake our endeavours in ways that compliment nature and its processes, i.e. not to go against the grain as it were.
A wonderful initiative that has resulted in real beneficial change in recent years is Ireland’s first Pollinator Plan, published in 2015. This plan (and indeed associated plans which have been tailored for many different sectors from businesses to schools) sets out real achievable actions that can be undertaken to improve the immediate environment as a place where conditions are promising for pollinators – be they in either an urban or rural context.
The first All-Ireland Pollinator Plan comes to an end in 2020 and the National Biodiversity Data Centre is now preparing a new Plan for the years 2021 – 2025, to build on the success of the first plan and to increase the charge in the fight against the decline of Ireland’s important pollinators.
Everyone has the opportunity to submit their ideas and suggestions, whether big, small or radical, for consideration in the devising of the plan and to find out more about this opportunity visit https://pollinators.ie/news/.
A number of groups in County Cork have undertaken some wonderful pollinator initiatives in their local areas, some of which have been recognised on the national level, with particular regard to the National Tidy Towns Pollinator Award which was established a number of years ago by the Local Authority Heritage Officer Network. Carrigaline and Kildorrery have both seen recent success and over the coming years and the many years ahead it is hoped that many further groups from Cork will see some great news stories.
Undertaking local initiatives takes a great amount of community involvement at the volunteer level and occasionally an element of support through some appropriate grant schemes. One such grant scheme is the Cork County Council Community Fund Scheme 2020, operated through each of County Cork’s eight Municipal Districts. There are three categories under the scheme: the Capital Fund Scheme; Community Contracts and the Amenity Fund Scheme.
The Amenity Grant would in principle cover a range of nature-friendly local initiatives, up to a maximum grant of €20,000. Applications are being accepted up until February 14th and for more information visit www.yourcouncil.ie.