Women's Shed & Strokestown Tidy Towns Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Actions for biodiversity in Strokestown Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Strokestown Community Biodiversity Plan This plan has been compiled to the guide the work of Strokestown Women’s Shed and Strokestown Tidy Towns for the next 3 years. The plan was drawn up following consultation with members of both groups through a number of workshops and meetings held during the summer of 2019. The plan does not set out to include all of the excellent work carried out by either group but rather, to provide direction for both groups over the next number of years. The first section of the plan is a general introduction to this LEADER Partnership funded project and some general biodiversity basics. Next, an outline of some of the identifiedKey Biodiversity Projects is provided. Finally, there is a schedule of projects that we suggest that the groups undertake over the next three years; the timeframe of this plan.

About Strokestown Women's Shed Leader Partnership and will participate, along with members of Formed in the summer of 2018, other community groups, in projects to Strokestown Women’s Shed provides enhance biodiversity and conserve social contact and an opportunity to habitats in the region. participate in classes, craft sessions and outings. The group gathers About Strokestown Tidy Towns weekly to share skills and stories and This group has been established since learn together. Regular activities the 1960s and currently has include mindfulness and Tai Chi approximately ten dedicated practice and creative writing volunteers. Recent projects include the workshops. With the support of painting and revamping of derelict GRETB, the group has organised short buildings in the town centre, notably at courses in Permaculture, Chair Yoga Connolly’s Corner and the Corner and Sign Language. Plans in the House and the creation of pollinator offing include the devising and friendly flowerbeds by the grotto. The performance of a theatre piece, Tidy Towns Group employs a Tus publication of a handbook and worker who helps with litter picking production of a tapestry based on the and other tasks. In 2016, the group local streetscape. commissioned the compilation of an Members of Strokestown Women’s urban appraisal report to identify steps Shed have taken part in Biodiversity they could undertake to revitalise their Training provided by the Roscommon historic town.

Acknowledgements Strokestown Women’s Shed and Strokestown Tidy Towns would like to thank all of their members and volunteers for their tireless work in helping to promote biodiversity, sustainable living and an attractive environment in Strokestown. This Community Biodiversity Action Plan was created by Seán Meehan with input from both groups. It is hoped that this partnership between the two groups will further promote biodiversity enhancement in Strokestown and surrounding areas Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

1. INTRODUCTION: The Roscommon Biodiversity Training Project About this biodiversity been completed and this phase project now looks to build on this knowledge by providing a plan for Ecologists Deborah D’Arcy, Seán biodiversity in each of the Meehan and Billy Flynn were participating communities. As commissioned by Roscommon well as including detailed LEADER Partnership to work information on how to carry out with communities in County projects, the plans will also be Roscommon to provide useful in raising awareness of how biodiversity training and to biodiversity is considered in these facilitate the development of local communities. This statement of biodiversity plans. The principal best practice for biodiversity will aim of this LEADER initiative also be useful to groups seeking was to increase awareness of the financial or material support for importance of biodiversity to future projects. communities but also to empower individuals and groups to make This biodiversity plan was drawn positive contributions for the do in their localities. This project up following a series of benefit of both wildlife and will help groups to incorporate workshops in each of the people. biodiversity matters into their participating communities which present and future projects, included field trips, review of It is to the credit of the participant maximising the benefits for past, present and proposed communities that biodiversity has wildlife as well as people. The community projects and meetings become such a part of what they training element of the project has with the organising committees.

What is Biodiversity? destination, a place to live and do business depends to a large extent on the rich biodiversity of the county. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. It Our country’s natural heritage contributes to the includes all living things (organisms) that make up the attractiveness of landscapes, villages and urban natural world (including humans). Biodiversity also centres. refers to the places where animals and plants live (habitats) and the complex interactions between living What's the Local Biodiversity things and their environment which we call ecosystems. Action Plan For? The purpose of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan Why is Biodiversity Important? (LBAP) is to set out appropriate locally based actions for the conservation, management and/or Humans are a component of biodiversity and we are enhancement of habitats for the benefit of native dependent on biodiversity to provide a range of species. This local biodiversity action plan: ecosystem services. Human activities such as agriculture, forestry and fishing depend on services • Makes recommendations for the conservation of provided by biodiversity. We rely on biodiversity for biodiversity through appropriate actions for the the provision of clean air and water, food and protection, management or appreciation of an area of medicines, natural landscapes, flood control, noise high ecological value. pollution control and much more A healthy environment is important for human health and well- • Identifies actions to improve or enhance local areas being. Biodiversity provides us with natural amenities so as to increase their value as habitats for species. to enjoy, parks and green spaces, wildlife and • Encourages actions to raise awareness of the landscapes to admire and thus improves our quality of importance of biodiversity and its conservation. life. The attractiveness of our country as a tourist Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

2. Key actions for biodiversity In this Section, we set out some of the actions that will be common to all of the participating groups and indeed all community groups interested in biodiversity. We also outline some of the guidelines that are accepted as best practice for biodiversity at local or wider levels. 2.1 habitat creation and management Habitat creation is one way to the build-up of nutrients in the increase the diversity of habitats soil. Wildflowers flourish in a and enhance an area for nutrient poor soil where they can biodiversity. Examples of small- compete successfully with the scale habitat creation that may be more competitive grasses. appropriate and practical for Gradually over the years the community groups, schools and number and diversity of residents to undertake include wildflowers within the meadow managing an area as meadow Hedgerows are wildlife corridors will increase. It may take several grassland or wildflower lawn, years before you see an increase. planting hedgerows, treelines or Meadow grasslands and Avoid using commercially groves of trees or creating a pond. wildflower lawns available wildflower mixes to enhance your meadow. These Habitat creation should only be The traditional hay meadows once mixes often contain species that attempted in an area that is widespread in are now are not native to Ireland and are currently of low biodiversity very scarce due to changes in really only suitable for gardening value such as amenity grassland. farming practices. Meadows are a and not for creating natural Introducing a habitat uncommon haven for wildlife in summer, habitats such as meadows. In in an area such as a pond may be being rich in wildflowers and the addition, some species in these of more benefit than planting insects, birds and bats that depend mixes are plants of disturbed more trees in an area that already on them. Managing little used ground or arable fields and are has good tree cover. Creating a grassland areas as a meadow is unlikely to thrive in a meadow small complex of habitats such as one way to increase the resources grassland. a small woodland or grove of trees available to wildlife. This allows along with some meadow the growth of wildflowers which Pollinator Friendly Planting grassland around the edges to provide essential pollen for our create a collection of semi-natural pollinating insects. Long grass Much is spoken about the habitats will be of more benefit to also hosts a variety of other importance of pollinators these biodiversity as it will provide insects and invertebrates and days, and rightly so. These are resources for a greater number of produce seed, both important food hugely important species for not species. sources for birds. Bat species will only our wildflowers and trees but forage over a meadow grassland also for many of the plants on Tree and Hedgerow Planting rich in insect life. Long grass also which we depend for food. Any biodiversity plan should have a Planting native hedgerows, trees provides cover and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals. strong focus on plants for and woodlands provide food, pollinators. shelter and niche habitats for a Making Meadows: Where and range of plant and animal life and How to Encourage Wildflowers While native plants are best for is one of the easiest ways of Naturally wildlife and should only be increasing the biodiversity value planted in wild areas, there are a of an area. Native trees and shrubs Meadow grassland can be wide range of both native and are best for wildlife. These species established in parkland areas or non-native garden plants which colonised Ireland naturally and along grass verges. In general provide food for pollinating have adapted to the environmental areas of meadow grassland or insects which can be used in conditions here and other plant long grassy verges should be cut gardens and formal plantings. and animal life have adapted to once a year in autumn and the However, some garden plants are co-exist with them. cuttings removed. Removing the not suitable for pollinators. cuttings is important to prevent Planting a range of pollinator Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

friendly plants which flower at waysides or wild areas. Grass any earth banks or stony banks to different times throughout year cuttings disposed of in waysides provide nest sites for solitary will provide an important source and other wild places smothers bees. Scrape back to bare soil of pollen and nectar for wildflowers. Beside watercourses, annually during October to pollinating insects throughout the grass cuttings can pollute water February to create bare ground for spring, summer and autumn. and even kill fish. Garden plants solitary bees to burrow into. which are disposed of outside Plants for Pollinators: garden areas can take root and Cavity nesting bees make their Naturally Native spread. Some garden plants can nests in south/east facing stonewalls, masonry, cavities in Here are some common (and become very invasive and spread to wild areas outcompeting our wood or dead plant stems. Visit sometimes overlooked) plants that such areas on a sunny evening are native to Ireland and County native plants and can lead to damage of our natural habitats. from May -September. If bees are Roscommon and are of great seen, protect these areas from benefit for our insect pollinators: Japanese knotweed,Fallopia japonica, is one such plant, and disturbance and, in particular, Dandelion, Daisy, Bluebell, the dumping of garden cuttings ensure that there is no herbicides Bugle, Red & White Clover, Ivy, along roadsides has aided its or pesticides used near these Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Forget- spread throughout Ireland. areas. Additional nest sites can be me-not, Heather, Bramble, provided by drilling holes in fence Primrose, Foxglove, Rowan, Spindle Plants for Pollinators: Non- native but beautifully beneficial Here are some widely available plants that are good for pollinators but also look great in any planting scheme: Nepeta, Rudbeckia, Aubretia, Cotoneaster, Berberis, Ribes (currants), Buddleia, Hydrangea, Lavenders, Privet, Dogwood, Hebe, Cranesbills, Achillea, Campanulas

Composting Bee nesting habitat posts (10 cm deep and 4-8mm in diameter). Compost your garden and food Honeybees live in hives and are waste in a designated composting looked after by beekeepers. Our Herbicides and pesticides area. Composting reduces the wild bees do not enjoy such amount of waste going to landfill protection and must find a suitable We would recommend that you and provides a source of nutrient place to nest. Bumblebee colonies avoid the use of herbicides and rich compost for gardening. This make their nest on the ground pesticides as they cause harm to reduces the need to purchase often amongst long grass or other wildlife directly and indirectly. garden compost often sourced vegetation. Cut such long grassy For example, using slug killer from peat bogs contributing to the verges between September and might result in fewer thrushes, loss of these treasured habitats. March so as to avoid disturbing hedgehogs and other slug-eating Your compost heap also becomes bumble bee nests. wildlife. Using herbicides to a habitat! Worms, beetles, slugs control ‘weeds’ along grassy and even hedgehogs will make Solitary mining bees make their verges and around trees kills themselves at home in a well- nest in tiny burrows in south/east wildflowers which wildlife managed composting area. facing banks of bare soil, sand, or depend on for food and seeds. peat. Keep vegetation sparse on Avoid tipping garden waste into Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

KEY ACTIONS FOR BIODIVERSITY (continued) 2.2 Protecting Biodiversity Conserving and protecting Hedgerows should be cut to an ‘A’ biodiversity is sometimes as shape which allows sunlight to simple as getting the time right. reach the bottom of the hedge, Scheduling management actions promoting a full and dense to avoid or minimise disturbance growth. The top of the hedge to wildlife is crucially important. should be left uncut to leave some fruit and seeds through the Without management, hedgerows autumn and winter months for can become ‘gappy’, reducing about every 3 years in rotation. birds to feed on. their value to wildlife and their This means that not all the stock-proofing function. Under hedgerows are cut in any one year, Similarly delaying the annual the Wildlife Act 1976, as allowing some to be left uncut to garden clean-up normally carried amended, it is illegal to cut hedges provide resources for wildlife. out in autumn until early spring between 1st March and 31st Hedgerows can be cut between provides some additional shelter August in order to protect nesting September and March but cutting for wildlife. Dead plant stems and birds unless there are clear traffic hedgerows later in the autumn, in fallen leaves provide places for health and safety reasons to do so. November or December is less invertebrates and other small disruptive to pollinating insects. wildlife to shelter and hibernate Hedgerows should be cut back during the winter months.

2.3 RAISING AWARENESS Community groups such as Tidy Towns groups and such as best wildlife-friendly estate, best garden for Resident’s Associations play a really important role. wildlife or a wildlife photography competition. Better Raising awareness of biodiversity and encouraging or still is providing opportunities for people to volunteer facilitating people to engage with and appreciate on a project, such as invasive plant species removal, wildlife is an important tool in biodiversity tree planting or encouraging people to get involved in conservation. Providing opportunities for people to citizen science projects. It is often the social benefits experience biodiversity is useful to draw peoples’ of such events that will attract people to get involved. attention. Even more effective, however, is increasing the amount of time people spend outdoors connecting When residents understand more about wildlife in with nature. Furthermore, the health benefit of their local area, this can instil respect, remind them of spending time with nature is widely recognised with the value of nature and lead to more effective known benefits for both physical and mental conservation. Where appropriate, interpretative wellbeing. signage highlighting the biodiversity present in an area or promoting a particular biodiversity project can Raising awareness of biodiversity can be facilitated be useful means to get people involved in Citizen by organising wildlife-themed walks, bat walks, Science. wildflower walks and bird watching or competitions,

2.4 Citizen Science: We can all be Environmental Scientists Citizen science engages the public is a great way to get people used in research, policy formation to participate in recording involved in biodiversity and contributes greatly to our wildlife. Keeping records of conservation, improve skills in knowledge of biodiversity and its wildlife species and submitting wildlife identification and foster a conservation. The NBDC runs these records to the National personal appreciation of nature. annual one-day wildlife Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) All records are valuable, even of identification training courses. (www.biodiversityireland.ie) or common species seen every day. other dedicated recording scheme Such data is very important and is Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

3. KEY PROJECTS FOR BIODIVERSITY IN STROKESTOWN Strokestown and environs ‘cross’ like street layout. Geyer’ Whorl SnailVertigo Strokestown House is a dominant geyeri. In addition, the site is also Strokestown (Béal na mBuillí ‘ historical building in the town and used by Whooper swanCygnus the mouth of the ford of the hosts the National Famine cygnus and Golden plover Strokes’ ) is a small town in Museum and mature gardens. Pluvialis apricaria, both listed as Central and EU Birds Directive Annex I is set amongst a mature landscape The nearest designated site for species . with many lakes and turloughs. nature to Strokestown is The landscape can be described as Annaghmore Lough SAC and Three key biodiversity projects, in rolling due to the presence of pNHA, NPWS site code 001626. addition to a number of smaller drumlins. Strokestown is This Lough is designated due to ones, have been identified and are noteworthy for its wide streets and the presence of alkaline fens and detailed below

KEY PROJECT 1 BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENT ALONG RYAN'S RIVER AND AT THE GROTTO

Works will involve the removal of non-native conifer tree species and replacing these with native species, including apple trees, preferably a heritage species. There are also a number of stands of the non-native invasive cherry laurel that require removal. The park is immediately adjacent to Ryan’s River and a wooden platform with guard rails, approximately 10 metres in length, is proposed for the southern riverbank that would allow the public to view the river close up and to appreciate the biodiversity. Discreet signage would describe the Location of the grotto area and Ryan’s River. Below, Ryan’s River biodiversity of the river. In the with the grotto park on the left. The proposed wooden platform would be located on the left riverbank. Photo taken from Bridge Street. future, a longer walkway along the river, linking Strokestown House via the grotto to Cloonslanor to the south west of Strokestown could be a potential project. A Slí na Sláinte walking route already exists in Cloonslanor. Flowerbeds in the park will be replanted with native flower species. The park has potential to be a showcase for the community’s efforts to enhance biodiversity in their area and increase the awareness of the wildlife value of Ryan’s River. Project Period: 2019-2022 Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 2 CREATION OF A WILDFLOWER MEADOW IN THE GROUNDS OF STROKESTOWN MEDICAL CENTRE The grounds surrounding this medical facility consist of tightly maintained lawns. There is potential to create a wildflower meadow in the grounds that would provide additional habitat for biodiversity and also bring aesthetic enjoyment for users of this medical centre. Management of the centre should be approached, and an area of the grounds identified for the creation of a wildflower meadow. The new cutting regime could be incorporated into the existing grounds maintenance program. Information about wildflower meadow creation and maintenance is provided in the table of resources in this report. Project Period: 2020 - 2022 The grounds at Strokestown Medical Centre

PROJECT 3 COLLABORATION WITH STROKESTOWN HOUSE TO ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY

The grounds of Strokestown House contain a mosaic of habitat types. One example is the large areas of grassland, some of which are being managed as wildflower meadows. Both groups should work closely with the Strokestown House management to design projects that will enhance biodiversity. The installation of bat boxes and bird boxes on the mature trees, managing additional grassland areas for as hay meadows and collaborating on holding public events for biodiversity awareness should all be pursued. Signage should be erected along areas of wildflower meadow and at other biodiversity enhancement projects to inform visitors and locals about these initiatives. The planned walkway linking the House to Cloonslanor is a means to further connect the House to the community and this walkway could additionally serve as a biodiversity corridor, with planting and habitat creation along its length. Members of Strokestown Women’s Shed visiting a meadow at Strokestown House during summer 2019 Project Period: 2019-2021 Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

4. STROKESTOWN WOMEN'S SHED & STROKESTOWN TIDY TOWNS BIODIVERSITY PROJECT SCHEDULE

No. Project Milestones Project Period 1 Biodiversity • Scoping brief of project completed 2019-2022 enhancement • Funding streams identified along Ryan’s • Consultation with Roscommon County River and at the Council and Inland Fisheries Grotto • Brief site surveys carried out • Desktop survey and research • Materials completed

2 Creation of a • Scoping brief of project completed 2019 - wildflower • Consultation with HSE management ongoing meadow in the • Funding streams identified grounds of • Ground works / management Strokestown implemented Medical Centre • Success of project monitored

3 Collaboration • Arrange meeting with Strokestown House 2019 - with management ongoing Strokestown • Discuss project ideas and funding sources House to • Implement projects further enhance • Arrange and collaborate on public biodiversity biodiversity themed events 4 Roadside Verge • Agreement by committee on 2020- Maintenance for management regime to be implemented ongoing Pollinators • Consultation/communication with Roscommon County Council 5 Japanese • Identify stands of this invasive species 2019 - knotweed • Notify Roscommon County Council ongoing Fallopia • Inform the public to not attempt to treat japonica this plant themselves; doing so may mapping increase its range 6 Citizen Science • Participate in a national citizen science 2020 - 2022 scheme such as butterfly monitoring. • Encourage the submission of records into the NBDC (National Biodiversity Datacentre) 7 Composting • Formalise a public composting facility 2020 - Projects (one is and encourage residents to use it ongoing already in place • Promote the value of compost and at Kildalloge reducing food waste Heights) • Promote the non-use of peat-based compost in gardens Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

5. PROJECT RESOURCES The following online resources are available to help Strokestown Women’s Shed and Strokestown Tidy Towns to promote biodiversity in their locality:

• Wildflower meadow information: https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp- content/uploads/Pollinator-How-to-Guide-4-wildflower-FINAL.pdf • Advice on Japanese knotweed http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/invasive-species/japanese- knotweed/ • Community actions for pollinators: https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Local- Communities_actions-to-help-pollinators-2018-WEB.pdf • Pollination related signage: https://pollinators.ie/resources/ • Citizen Science record submission: http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record-biodiversity/ • Bumblebee Identification guides: https://pollinators.ie/record-pollinators/id-guides/ • Butterfly identification: http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record-biodiversity/butterfly-monitoring- scheme/about/how-to-identify-butterflies/ • NPWS site synopsis for Annaghmore Lough https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected- sites/synopsis/SY001626.pdf • Composting information: https://stopfoodwaste.ie/

Biodiversity friendly gardening already in place on public green area at Kildalloge Heights, Strokestown

This Local Biodiversity Action Plan was written for s Community Development by Seán Meehan, Ecological Consultant. Thanks to all the volunteers and supporters of this biodiversity plan Photographs are by the author. September 2019 Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023 Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX A 1.1 Guidelines for Planting a Native Hedgerow Which species? Hedgerow Species Trees • The best guide is to look at These species survive routine These trees are suitable in hedgerows growing locally and trimming as a hedgerow while hedgerows, provided they are plant the same native species. individual stems can be allowed to allowed to grow up and mature and grow up and mature into trees. are not topped when trimming the • Plant native species which are hedgerow. adapted to Irish conditions and • Hawthorn (Crataegus benefit wildlife more. monogyna): Predominant • Alder (Alnus glutinosa): useful hedgerow species. Hardy, fast- for very wet sites and river banks. • Locally grown plants, tolerant of growing and tolerates most soils Adapted to most soils. Ideal nurse local conditions, are likely to except very wet. species as shelters new hedgerows thrive. and fixes nitrogen. • Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) • Plants grown from locally suits most soils except very wet. • Crab apple (Malus sylvestris): collected seed conserves local Suits exposed and coastal sites. thrives in all fertile and heavy soils. provenance. Spreads by suckers, good for gapping up. • Downy birch (Betula pubescens): • Thorny species such as hawthorn suits poorly drained peat. or blackthorn are essential for a • Holly (Ilex aquifolium): slow stock proof hedgerow. growing evergreen. Tolerates • Silver birch (Betula pendula): needs good drainage and sunny site. • A variety of species provides a exposed sites and shade. Suitable varied food supply throughout the under trees. Male and female • Willows (Salix spp.): useful for year for more wildlife. Include plants required for berries. wet sites and stabilising river banks. another hedgerow species or • Spindle (Euonymus europaeus): Tolerate flooding. Fast growing. climber approximately every metre prefers alkaline, but tolerates a for stock proof hedgerows. • Wild cherry (Prunus avium): wide range of soils. Open, infertile prefers fertile soils. Wet soils • If stock proofing is not a site better for fruit production. unsuitable. Shallow rooting. consideration plant 4 or 5 different • Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus): Tolerates some shade. Susceptible species for a species-rich prefers alkaline, fertile, clay soils to bacterial canker. hedgerow. and neutral wet soils. Acid soils • Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia): • Include a tree species at irregular unsuitable. Competitive in new grows in poor thin acid soils. Suits intervals, provided it will be hedgerows. exposed sites. More fruit in open allowed to grow up and is NOT • Hazel (Corylus avellana): prefers infertile sites. topped when routinely trimming heavier, fertile soils. Tolerates the hedgerow. • Wych elm (Ulmus glabra): some shade. Understory species. Suitable for sandy, loamy and clay • Avoid non-native trees that cast soils but prefers well drained soil. dense shade, such as sycamore, Climbers Suits acid, neutral and basic soils. beech and chestnut. Climbers colonise hedgerows, but • Pedunculate oak (Quercus • If native varieties are not can be planted. robur): prefers clay soils and damp available, do not use ornamental • Dog rose (Rosa canina): tolerates lowlands. Poorly drained infertile garden varieties as they crowd out wide range of soils. Provides rose soils unsuitable. the desired plants and are not so hips. good for biodiversity. • Ash* (Fraxinus excelsior): • Honeysuckle (Lonicera prefers well drained neutral to pericyclamen): prefers neutral to alkaline soils. Tolerates exposed or light acid soils. Notable scented coastal areas. Shallow rooting flowers. system doesn’t suit tillage fields. Casts shade. *Note: Due to the spread of ash dieback disease (Chalara fraxinea) planting large numbers of ash trees is not recommended and planting ash is not grant aided. Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX A 1.1 Guidelines for Planting a Native Hedgerow (continued) Hedgerow Planting On-going Planting • Prepare the ground and ensure management that plant roots do not dry out. This • Water in dry weather When? can be done by keeping them in Hedgerow planting should be done their bag in a cool place until • Control competing vegetation to during the tree planting season planting or dig them into a prevent smothering and allow between November and February. temporary trench. During planting, lower branches develop, giving a To make planting easier, cover the avoid exposing the plants to air. dense base. ground with black polythene at • Dig a trench and plant to the same • Manual weeding least 6 months before hand to depth as previously planted in the • Mulching immediately after supress existing vegetation. nursery. planting helps weed control. Spacing • Hawthorn, blackthorn and dog- Mulch such as wood chippings, rose should be cut back to 100mm paper or cardboard must extend • It is recommended to plant 150mm outside the plants. 7plants/metre in a double (4’’) from ground level to promote shoots at this level. Leave a few staggered row. This means a • Fence off livestock using hawthorns un-pruned, placing tree spacing of 300mm (1’) between temporary fencing. Consider shelters on them to identify and plants in each row and at least livestock reach and future access protect as single stemmed mature 300mm (1’) between the two rows. for machine trimming, when trees. Of the 7 plants in every metre, at positioning the fence. Rabbit proof least 6 should be hawthorn for a • Identify a few other species for fencing may be needed to protect stock proof hedgerow. retention as single stemmed trees. from rabbits or hares. Trees such as pedunculate oak, ash • The other plant in every metre • Replace plants which fail to grow. should come from the list above and rowan are also suitable. • For the first few years after which tolerate routine trimming. • Retain approximately ten single planting, cut hawthorn back to stemmed small trees per 300 m; • If stock proofing is not a 75mm (not other species) above too many make hedge cutting consideration then a more species previous level of cut, gradually difficult and cast shade on the rich hedge can be planted choosing shaping into a triangular profile. up to four species from the list hedgerow. above.

Bibliography: Teagasc (2009). Countryside Management Series 4 New Farm Hedgerows. Tree Council of Ireland. www.treecouncil.ie Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX B

The following table provides a list of some pollinator friendly plants. The list is not exhaustive and your local nursery can advise on other pollinator friendly plants. Important: In towns and villages non-native horticultural or ornamental plants can be an important additional food source for pollinators. It is important to choose species that are good sources of nectar and pollen. However, you should not plant these in natural or semi-natural habitats. They should also not be planted in farmland (outside of farm gardens).

SOME POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS

SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN/ WINTER TREES AND SHRUBS Apple (Malus sp.) Rock Rose Hebe

Field maple (Acer Horse chestnut Ivy campestre) (Aesculus)

Willow (Salix sp.) Deutzia Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.) Crab apple (Malus Firethorn Tree ivy sylvestris) (Pyracanth asp .)

Wild Cherry (Prunus Laburnum Barberry (Mahonia) avium)* Rowan (Sorbus Viburnum Musk willow acuparia)* (Salix aegyptiaca)

Broom (Cystisus sp.) Foxglove tree Sweet box (Paulownia tomentosa) (Sarcococca confusa) Forsythia Blackcurrant (Ribes Sweet box(Sarcococca nigrum) hookeriana)

Viburnum sp. Redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) Bird cherry (Prunus padus)*

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)* Juneberry Tree Amelanchier x Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

SOME POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN/ WINTER PLANTS AND Hellebores (Helleborus Columbine (Aquilegia) Heathers HERBS sp.) Rosemary (Rosemarinus Yarrow (Achillea) Lavender (Lavandula) officinalis)

Castor Oil plant(Fatsia Bistort (Persicaria Asters japonicai) bistorta) Bugle* (Ajuga reptans) Angelica (Angelica) Catmint (Nepeta)

Aubrieta Bell flowers Raspberry (Rubus) (Campanula) WallflowerErysimum ( ) Chives (Allium) Eupatorium

Cranesbills (Geranium) Comfrey (Symphytum) Scabious (Knautia, Scabiosa) Blueberry (Vaccinium) Foxglove (Digitalis) Snapdragon (Antihirrhums)

Skimmia (Skimmia Hebe SunflowersHelianthus ( ) japonica) Pasque flower Lupin (Lupinus) Ivy (Hedera helix) (Pulsatilla vulgaris)

Spurges (Euphorbia sp.) Monkshood (Aconitum) Chrysanthemums Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp). Sage (Salvia ) Borage (Borago)

Perennial candytuft Thyme (Thymes) Majoram (Origanum) (Iberis sempervirens ) Elephant ear Coneflower Knapweed (Centaurea) (Bergenia sp.) (Echinacea purpurea)

Leopard’s bane Bell Heather Larkspur (Delphinium) (Doronicum × excelsum (Erica cinerea)* Green alkanet Red Turtlehead Dahlia species & (Pentaglottis (Chelone obliqua) hybrids (Dahlia) Bugbane Salvia species (Sage - (Actaea simplex) autumn-flowering) Bee Balm (Monarda) Aconitum carmichaelii (Carmichael’s monk’s Oxeye sunflowers Helianthus × laetiflorus (Heliopsis sp.) (Perennial sunflower) Black-eyed Susan Leucanthemella serotina (Rudbeckia) (Autumn ox-eye) Wallich Mil Parsley Majoram (Origanum) (Selinum wallichranum) Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

SOME POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN/ WINTER BULBS Winter aconite Onion (Allium species Colchicum species (Aconitum) ornamental and edibles) (Autumn crocus) Bluebell*(Hyancinthoides Russian Sage non-scripta)

Crocus Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) Grape hyacinth Snowdrop (Muscari armeniacum) (Galanthus sp.)

Single flowered dahlia Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX C Constructing Bird Boxes and selecting their location 1. CONSTRUCTION Use a plank of wood about 150 mm wide and 15 mm thick. Cut out pieces to the dimensions opposite. The bottom of the entrance hole must be 125 mm from the floor. The inside wall below the entrance hole should be rough to help the young birds to clamber up when it's time for them to leave. 2. When assembling the box use screws or galvanised nails. 3. Attach the lid with a brass or a plastic hinge that will not rust, or hinge it with a strip of leather or rubber (an old piece of bicycle inner tube will do). Fasten it down with a good catch. Do not nail down the lid, since you will need to clean out the box in the autumn 4. By altering the size of the hole you can make a box to suit different species. 25 - 35mm diameter • Blue tit and coal tits~25 mm hole • Tree sparrow~28 mm • House sparrow~32 mm 5. It is best to use hardwood and leave the wood untreated. Softwood boxes can be treated with selected water-based Make the same box with the upper preservatives, which are known to half taken away altogether for be safe for animals, such as Robin, Pied Wagtail and Wren. Sadolin. Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

LOCATION SELCTION

Put your nest box up before the Nest box care start of the breeding season in February. If you put the box up in If birds take up residence in your winter and put a small handful of nest box, avoid going near the box wood shavings inside, birds may or disturbing the nest as this may roost in it for warmth. result in the parent birds abandoning their young. Observe Don’t use straw as this will and admire the activity from afar, become damp and mouldy over preferably from inside looking the winter. The box should be through a window. located at least 2 m from the ground (preferably 3-5 m) so cats, The box can be opened from the other predators and curious end of October and cleaned out. people (especially children) don’t Empty out old nest material and disturb the nesting birds. any unhatched eggs and clean the inside of the box with boiling Choose a location that is situated water to kill off any parasites that away from bird tables and feeders may be still in the box. as nesting birds are territorial and may feel threatened by other birds feeding nearby. Unless there are trees or buildings which shade the box during the day, face the box between north and south-east, thus avoiding strong sunlight and the wettest winds. Make sure that the birds have a clear flight path to the nest box without any obstructing vegetation directly in front of the entrance. Tilt the box forward slightly so that any driving rain will hit the roof and bounce clear. Use a wire strap to attach the box to a tree to avoid damaging the tree and check annually to ensure the wire is not cutting into the tree trunk. Open-fronted boxes for robins and wrens need to be situated low down, below 2 m, well hidden in vegetation such as dense bramble thickets.

Adapted from www.rspb.org and www.birdwatchireland.ie Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX D Constructing BAT Boxes and selecting their location

Bats are social animals and often that keep the bats warm. The bat • Pre-drill the holes to prevent the congregate in large numbers. box described below is for wood splitting. Providing bat boxes offer bats summer occupancy since it lacks additional roosting areas, or can the required insulating properties • Box should be made from often help to replace lost or to make it suitable for a untreated rough sawn timbers. degraded roosting sites such as hibernation site. • Timber should be about 20 mm demolition of old buildings. thick. Materials and Bat box • The box should be rainproof and construction draught-free. construction • The only critical measurement is There are many designs for bat the width of the crevices: between • Crevices can be between 15-20 boxes. Check the resources page 15-20mm. mm wide for alternatives. Bat boxes should • This kit requires approximately • Fixings may be by use of be draught free and preferably brackets, durable bands or wires painted black with a non-toxic 1.6m of rough wood and 25 paint to allow for maximum screws (8 x 1 ½ inches) to absorption of heat during the day assemble Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Locating your BAT Box Bat boxes are best positioned as box is not impeded, for example How long before high as possible but at least 4 or 5 by branches – clear away m from the ground in a sheltered underneath the box so the bats can bats use the box? and wind free position, exposed to land easily before crawling up Sometimes it may take several the sun for part of the day (6-8 into the box. years for the bats to find the box. hours). They can be fitted to walls, Be patient! other flat surfaces and trees. A If fixing the box to a tree, use clear flight line to the entrance is headless or domed nails not fully It is highly unlikely bats will shift important. Ideally put up 2-3 hammered home to allow the tree their roost from a well-used site to boxes in a group with varying to push the box off without a newly positioned box and there aspects ranging from south east to splitting, or strap the box to the may be plenty of other suitable south west, e.g. around a tree tree. Iron nails can be used on roosting sites in the area. trunk, as bats may move between trees with no commercial value. However, at other times bats will roosts to remain comfortable. Copper nails can be used on use the box within a few months, conifers, but aluminium alloy and if you are extremely lucky, Bats are nocturnal and adapted to nails are less likely to damage maybe even within a few weeks! low light conditions. Artificial saws and chipping machinery. light sources should not be directed onto bat boxes or flight On buildings, place the boxes as paths as most bat species find high as possible to reduce the How will I know if artificial lighting very disturbing. likelihood of the bats falling prey the box has been to cats or being disturbed by Don’t position bat boxes in areas successful? that are illuminated at night. humans. As with trees, the aspect of the box on the building should To check if the box is being used, Bat boxes are more likely to capture sun for part of the day. look out for droppings, urine succeed in areas where bats are staining, listen for ‘chattering’ and frequently found in buildings and Monitoring bat watch the box for an hour either where there is a good mixture of boxes side of sunset to observe any bats habitat such as trees nearby. Bat leaving to feed. boxes may be more successful if Making and erecting bat boxes is located close to a linear feature a great conservation action but Remember disturbance of a bat such as a line of trees or what is more beneficial is to roost is an offence under the hedgerow. Some bat species use establish whether they are being Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2000). these features for navigation used, at what time of year and by Therefore, a bat box should not between their roosting sites and which species. There are nine be opened or interfered with feeding grounds thus avoiding species of bat found in Ireland. unless the person is licensed to flying in open and exposed areas. do so. Ensure the bats approach to the Strokestown Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX E BIODIVERSITY RECORDING

Submitting records of species that you have observed grid reference feature” to easily find an accurate and submitting them to the National Biodiversity Data location for your record. Centre (NBDC) or another dedicated recording scheme is a great and practical means to become • You can also submit records for any wildlife species involved in biodiversity conservation. You are also using their Biodiversity Smartphone App. improving your wildlife identification skills and The number of conservation organisations running getting ‘back in touch with nature’. Such data is very citizen science recording projects in Ireland is important and is used in research, policy formation continually increasing: and contributes greatly to our knowledge of biodiversity and its conservation. • Birdwatch Ireland run the Garden Bird Survey and other more specialised recording schemes such as the The NBDC collate records of all species recorded, in Countryside Bird Survey, Irish Wetlands Bird surveys addition to running targeted recording schemes such (iWeBS). They also coordinate ‘species action as the butterfly and bumblebee recording schemes. projects’ such as the Swift Nest Box project and Barn Anyone can get involved and they are keen to recruit Owl Project which you may be able to get involved new recorders. Visit www.nbdc.ie for details. with. Visit www.birdwatchireland.ie How to store and submit • The Irish Wildlife Trust also run targeted recording schemes such as for smooth newt and common lizard. records Visit www.iwt.ie The information recorded needs to be as accurate as possible. To take an accurate record you need to: • For botanical recording contact the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI). The BSBI run • Correctly identify the species (or get help in doing several outings a year and are very encouraging to so) new and emerging botanists and members. Visit http://www.bsbi.org.uk/ireland.html • Record when (the date) and where you saw it. For the location, you need a grid reference. You can • Submit wildlife sightings and sightings of road kill submit records to the NBDC centre through their to www.biology.ie online records submission form. This has a “find a