MIXED FORTUNE FOR WILDLIFE AS COUNCIL TACKLES ‘WEEDS’ AND GRASS
The unwanted plants - popularly called ‘weeds’ - in New Market Square in Mitchelstown will be removed by Cork County Council using a product called ‘Ultima’ - “a herbicide and non-hazardous chemical”. ‘Ultima’ is the brand name for a chemical called Sethoxydim.
Furthermore, the council have committed to reduce the overall area sprayed by 50%, in what will be welcome news for those concerned with the health of both humans, animals, and the environment at large. The removal of the plants was sought by Cllr Kay Dawson in April’s district meeting.
The cost of weedkiller to Cork County Council for the county has fallen slightly in recent years, from €15,449.17 in 2018 to €14,717.18 in 2021.
GRASS CUTTING
Some residents across the Fermoy district may have noticed the grass growing long and lush; this is not a purposeful policy by the council, however, but a bureaucratic issue. A delay with the tender process means that the first cuts are due about now, with a minimum number of 16 cuts by November.
This is contrary to The National Biodiversity Centre’s guidance, who is this month promoting ‘No Mow May’. In 2021 Cork County Council announced it had signed up to the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
No Mow May is ‘an annual campaign asking everyone to put away the lawnmower during the month of May to help our native wildlife.’
According to The National Biodiversity Centre: “Native Irish wildflowers like Dandelions, Clover, and Birdsfoot trefoil provide the best source of pollen and nectar for our hungry wild pollinators. By mowing less, we can give them a chance to appear naturally – no seeds needed! Taking part in No Mow May couldn’t be easier – just lock away the lawnmower for the month of May and wait and see what grows. You might be surprised by what appears over a few short weeks. You might see plants like Dandelions, Red and White Clover, and Birds-foot trefoil, all of which are excellent sources of food for pollinating insects, as well as bees, butterflies, and birds, all attracted by the feast on your lawn.”
“On the island of Ireland, one third of our wild bees are threatened with extinction. This is mainly because of hunger – there isn’t enough food to support them in our landscape. If all of us chose to put our lawnmowers away for one month, we could start creating a network of places where pollinators can survive and thrive.”