Birr residents reminded green areas are not neglected
Towns and villages around Offaly are playing their part to help biodiversity
Green areas on some of Birr's approach roads and cemeteries might look neglected for the next six weeks - but your local representatives want to remind you it is to help mother nature during what botanists and entomologists call 'the hungry season'.
The concept of 'No Mow May' is an annual campaign which has boomed in popularity in Ireland in recent years and will see Birr play it's part for the next six weeks to help biodiversity in our area.
The 'No Mow May' concept encourages individuals and local authorities to refrain from mowing their lawns during the month of May to support native wildlife, particularly pollinators like bees and butterflies. The goal is to create a more natural environment with wildflowers, offering essential food sources for pollinators at a time when food sources are scarce.
Several of Birr's green areas on approach roads, cemeteries and graveyards as well as cemeteries in Shinrone, Kinnitty and Ferbane will participate - but Councillors are concerned about a repeat of previous attempts to take part in 'No Mow May' where local people were not informed about it and began contacting their local representatives to express concerns about why public areas are not being adequately maintained to their usual well manicured condition.
"Communication is the key to its success," Cllr. John Leahy told the monthly meeting of Birr's Municipal Council on Monday evening, adding people support the concept when they are aware of it taking place around them.
"Publicity and signage help greatly with this", Cllr. Leahy said after the Municipal Council received an update from Brian Keenaghan about what areas will be included in the 'No Mow May' initiative this year.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Peter Ormond, said the lack of communication with the public in previous years was the main issue and saw people contacting their local councillor to ask why some green areas "are being forgotten about".