We are into the second week of May already and into week three of exceptionally fine weather. The fine weather has brought drought like conditions that have some plant species struggling. The cool evenings and that dew that falls with them appear to offer some respite to our plant species. Some grasslands are awash withg colour as early bloomers like Primrose, Daffodils, and Bluebells give way to Ragged Robin, Cuckoo Flower, Daisies, and Buttercups.
We are glad to report that our rainwater planters are thriving and it was worth waiting for native plant species to become available. Ragged Robin brings a pretty shade of pink, while Yellow Flag Iris beams a bright yellow flower. Water Mint brings a freshness and a hint of colour to the planters. The photo attached illustrates our largest planter to date, at Loughquitane Primary School, Killarney.
The Kerry Biosphere is thrilled to be taking part in an educational awareness programme in Kerry's libraries which is being delivered by Kerry County Council Biodiversity Officer Eleanor Turner. The programme will include the preparation of an "educational table" at each of the nine libraries in the County. The educational pieces will have a biodiversity theme and the Biosphere is delighted to contribute towards the items provided.
Summer has well and truly arrived at the Kerry Biosphere. Grassland species are coming into bloom and woodland floors are awash with Bluebells, Wood Anemone, and Wood Sorrell. Colourful native species such as Ragged Robin and Yellow Flag Iris are blooming together with dainty Cuckoo Flowers. Pollinators are making the most of the fine weather where solitary bees, bumblebees and butterflies are flittering busily from plant to plant.
Our three rainwater planters at national schools in the Killarney region are looking great. Spring has definitely sprung and our native plants are coming into bloom. As the planters are prone to getting somewhat waterlogged we have chosen hardy species that can withstand wet and dry conditions. Our planters are planted with the likes of Water Mint which brings a beautiful aroma, Cuckoo Flower, Yellow Flag Iris, and Ragged Robin which bring great colour and food sources for pollinators.
Our Creative Ireland funded book 'Our Wild Woodlands' is well underway. Our Biosphere Officer, Brendan Kirwan has written a short story that describes 24 hours in a native oak woodland. The story focusses on the flora and fauna that inhabit the woodland and the interactions with eachother and with humans. The story aims to highlight the importance of our woodlands and the fauna activities that occur in secret in the woodland.
We were delighted to weclome Mr Féidhlim Harty back to Kerry for our second in-person workshop. Our workshop was held in Kerry County Council's Anam Cultural and Arts Centre on the morning of April 7th. The morning sun was high in the sky and blue skies reigned in Killarney as our spell of beautiful weather continued to flourish. The fine weather was bittersweet for the Biosphere, as there were many absentees on the day, possibly sidetracked by the fine weather!
What’s it all about?
Are you a homeowner with large volumes of water run-off from your downpipes? If you live in Kerry then the chances are that a big ‘YES’ is the answer to this question. Excess rainwater from your roof run-off may lead to puddles and even some flooding in the vicinity of your home. Thankfully, there are ways to alleviate the pressure on your drains, including a nature-based solution.
We have applied for funding from Creative Ireland through the Kerry County Council Arts Team. We have been successful in securing funding from Creative Ireland over the past number of years and are hoping to continue working with the team in 2025. Our application for this year is focussed on our native woodlands. 'Our Wild Woodlands' initiative will engage with an illustrator and a poet to help promote the conservation of our native woodlands through the medium of art. Further details of the initiative will become available should we be successful in our funding application, watch this space!
We are delighted to welcome back Féidhlim Harty for a second workshop. Our first workshop back in January was a huge success with a sell out crowd gathering in the Garden Room at Killarney House. We were treated to an entertaining and informative morning and left thinking about what actions we can take to tackle the negative impacts on our natural watercourses.
