Helping our Pollinators
All Hallows Area Association is planning to
work with local residents to explore the potential for a number of biodiversity
areas in our area. There are successful examples of such initiatives around the
city and within our neighbouring areas. With local residents' support and input, we would like to identify the potential for the selective and managed “wilding”
of some suitable grassy areas, using native species, increased planting of
daffodils and new plantings of crocuses and native bluebells. Such species are
important for our bees and other pollinating insects.
Dublin City Council has a scheme to assist local residents with these initiatives.
This could be an opportunity for our
members, particularly our younger ones, to learn more about protecting our
wildlife and to get involved in worthwhile and satisfying green initiatives,
for which suggestions and ideas are welcome.
The Association has met with Dublin City Council officials and we have jointly identified a number of locations close to Griffith Avenue which are suitable for growing some wildflower seeds. We intend to start in the Autumn and the seeds have already been acquired from the Council.
If you are interested in volunteering for this rewarding project, let us know by emailing allhallowsresidents@gmail.com
A word of caution when using commercial
wildflower seed mixes!
The All Ireland Pollinator Plan from the National Biodiversity Data Centre has some useful information and we include some extracts below. Page 23 of the Plan has the following advice.
1 Wildflower meadows can be created naturally by reducing mowing regimes. Over time this will gradually lead to a flower rich meadow and avoids the need to purchase wild flower seed. This is the recommended option.
2 If you do decide to deliberately plant a wildflower meadow with commercially bought seed, it is important to use native species collected and grown on the island of Ireland. Please be aware that not all wildflower seed mixes will be pollinator friendly. Often wildflower seed bought commercially in supermarkets will not be native and may not contain pollinator friendly plants. Creating and managing a wildflower meadow from seed can be costly and requires careful planning and management to have any chance of success. See website for a how-to guide.
3 If you are considering “seed bombing” as a quick way of introducing wildflower seed please be aware that it is unlikely to be successful and is not recommended by the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan other than for awareness raising. If you do use seed bombs please try to ensure they are made up of native pollinator friendly species collected in Ireland."
Important information on Page 18: In towns and villages non-native horticultural or ornamental plants can be an important food source for pollinators. However, you should not plant these in natural or semi-natural habitats. They should also not be planted in farmland (outside of farm gardens). "
Reference: All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, 2015-2020: Local Communities: actions to help pollinators (National Biodiversity Data Centre, Series No. 4: )
Additional Resources:- Dublin City Council Biodiversity Website
- All Ireland Pollinator Plan - Biodiversity Ireland
- Actions for Pollinators - Biodiversity Ireland
- Nature Diary Seed bombs
There is also an interesting article by Sylvia Thompson in The Irish Times of Saturday 5 October 2019 warning of some of the dangers of “Seed Bombs” when undertaking greening initiatives.
Bee Friendly Flower verges in Sandyford Industrial Estate
Wildflower verges on Botanic Avenue in Drumcondra