Limerick parishes plant pollinator friendly bulbs, boosting local biodiversity

LIMERICK CITY and County Council (LCCC) have distributed spring pollinator-friendly bulbs to participating parishes as part of the Limerick Faith Communities Biodiversity Project.

Supported by the Heritage Council, the project involves 10 church grounds in Limerick parishes actively promoting pollinator-friendly practices and enhancing biodiversity.

The initiative aims to showcase how even small, community-led actions can make a significant difference in supporting local ecosystems and protecting vulnerable pollinator species.

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The spring bulbs were distributed from the Limerick Diocesan Centre on Monday, November 24.

The early-flowering varieties were carefully selected to support pollinators at a crucial time of year, providing vital food sources when other pollinating plants don’t tend to bloom.

The initiative also aims to encourage communities to engage more deeply with local biodiversity, helping parish groups understand how small changes in land management can create significant long-term ecological benefits.

Sinead McDonnell, biodiversity officer at Limerick City and County Council, said: “This has been a wonderful project to work on. It’s inspiring to see the enthusiasm of parishes as they embrace a journey towards managing church grounds in harmony with nature.”

In addition to bulbs, Irish-provenance crab apple, rowan, and hazel trees, grown by Seed Savers and Hometree, will also be provided.

These trees not only offer pollinator benefits but also support a wide range of wildlife, from insects to birds.

Canon Michael Wall, property liaison officer at the Limerick Diocesan Centre, commented: “By returning parts of our church grounds to nature, we create spaces of beauty and biodiversity. This project is a practical way to offer a haven for pollinators and wildlife for the good of the whole community.”

Parishes taking part in this biodiversity project include St John the Baptist, Our Lady Queen of Peace, St Mary’s parish, and St John the Baptist in Fedamore.

Also taking part is Dromcollogher-Broadford parish, Templeglantine parish, the parish of Mungret–Crecora–Raheen, Kilmallock–Ballingaddy, Kilcornan, and Newcastle West.

In March 2023, the Irish Bishops’ Conference committed to returning 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030.

This pledge responds to the global biodiversity crisis, the call of Laudato Si’, and commitments made at the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP15).

Ultimately, this Limerick project will help create healthier, more resilient church landscapes across Limerick.

This will also support local wildlife, such as pollinators, while strengthening community awareness to the importance of protecting biodiversity for generations to come.