Hi everybody,
Before we all left school The Environmental Committee had started working towards our Biodiversity Flag. For this flag we have to try and increase the biodiversity in Holy Child and raise awareness around this issue, but unfortunately, most of our projects have had to be postponed. Despite this we wanted to keep promoting biodiversity to the HCK community and throughout this summer we are launching an initiative to improve biodiversity in everyone's gardens. So here we are posting some simple tips and tricks we as a committee have put together to attract a range of bees, butterflies, birds and some bigger animals into your gardens! We would love to see everyone's progress so if you’re doing any gardening or see any new friends remember to take a picture and send it to nmooney@holychildkilliney.ie ! We will put these photos up on the website displaying the biodiversity in all of our gardens. Hopefully by the end of the summer we will have our own HCK virtual garden with all the photos we have taken. We have also included a piece on Biodiversity that was put together professionally for those more committed enthusiasts out there.
Good luck and happy gardening,
The Environmental Committee
Positives
- Wildlife loves their natural habitat so why don't you give yourself a break and leave an area in your garden untouched ! Long grass and native plants are incredibly beneficial for wildlife; they provide shelter, food and allow the wildlife to thrive. So by doing nothing you’re helping the wildlife to flourish!
- Old pots and pans can clutter up the house but by upcycling them you can turn them into a fun and unique plant holder ! This benefits the environment in so many ways as you are reusing and adding to the biodiversity in your home. For some more ideas look at the document attached below.
- Different plants attract different species eg. butterflies or bees by planting these plants you can bring colour and beauty to your garden ! Many of the plants that attract these animals are bright and look gorgeous ! In the next while there will be advice posted about what plants attract certain wildlife so be sure to keep an eye out!
- Lastly, gardening can be a great way to relax and get out in the air particularly at the moment as gardening centres are one of the few shops that are allowed to open. You can do it alone or as a family but however you do it be sure to check out our guides to promoting wildlife in your gardens!
Hannah Quigley
Bees by Elodie Ducorroy and Ava McCambridge
Birds by Amelia Ryan and Eve McGann
Butterflies by Anabel Hassett, Abigail McCartan and Sarah O'Brien
Animals by Lucia Cullen
Up cycling by Charlotte Bourke
Professionally produced Biodiversity Booklet by Juanita Browne