NO SPRAY NO WAY
2022 saw Cork City Council stop the use of weed killers/ pesticides. Ballincollig Tidy Towns worked long and hard for this to happen and the benefits are already evident throughout Ballincollig.
This is a reminder to all Residents Associations to ensure the ban extends to all estates. Please remember that all contractors are employed by each Residents Association and it is your responsibility to make sure they do NOT use any pesticides.
These pictures show the damage done when pesticides were used as opposed to how things look now pesticide free.
CHURCH GATE COLLECTION DATES
Ballincollig Tidy Towns Church Gate Collections will take place on 24th & 25th June at the Church of St Mary & St John and Church of Christ Our Light.
SUMMER READY
This week the winter planters were removed to make way for the summer planters.
Those near Maxol, Quish’s SuperValu, The White Horse and Muskerry Estate junctions were taken to the Allotment. The bulbs will be removed and tended to over the summer and autumn and will be reused towards the end of the year.
LITTER PICK
Last Sunday morning we had 17 Volunteers and 3 Transition Year students out for the weekly litter pick.
Two Volunteers and the TY students planted another batch of fruit trees in Cleburne Mews. One more batch will complete this year’s schedule. It is great to see the blossoms appearing on both this year’s and last year’s planted trees.
Although, thankfully, we are seeing an overall decline in the amount of litter, last Sunday Main Street was unusually dirty mainly with Fast Food Wrappings. By noon, however, it was all cleaned.
When all the work was done for the morning, we relaxed with some lemon drizzle and a cuppa at The Plaza.
Litter picks are still being carried out each day during the week by some of our Volunteers.
SATURDAY MORNING PLANTERS
Last Saturday morning, we began putting the Summer Planters in place starting with the 52 poles on Main Street. As in other years lots of planning went into getting everything ready and put in place.
A very special guest joined us. Rory came to give his Grandad a helping hand and was a great help.
In the coming weeks the planters will all be installed and Main Street will be looking blooming lovely. We have increased the number of Pollinators in our planters by 20% this year.
POLLINATOR GARDEN PLEDGE
https://pollinators.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Pledge-your-Garden-for-Pollinators_WEB.pdf
GREAT JOB
Dermot from An Post painted the Post Boxes throughout Ballincollig last week. They have certainly cheered these boxes up.
BEAUTY AT ITS BEST
Some of the flowers in the Allotment after some overnight rain.
WINDOW STICKER CAMPAIGN 2023
To maintain the highest standards in the various projects we undertake, as with every voluntary organization, funding is always a priority.
We are indebted to both Cork City Council for their support with grants and the City Councillors for donations through Ward Funds.
Every year BTT writes to businesses, schools, sports organisations etc seeking support. Many businesses have been fantastic supporting us regularly. Unfortunately, others are not so supportive.
Donations are critical to our efforts and so we are looking for your support. As is the way, each donation will be acknowledged and each will receive a Window Sticker for their premises. The names of all our sponsors will appear on the website’s 2023 Sponsors Page.
TUESDAY WORKNIGHT
Tuesday evening 14 Volunteers were out doing a variety of jobs. Some put up the remainder of the 104 pole planters while others cleaned kerbs, litter picked, planted flowers and edged. Great that so much work was completed in the hour.
PLANTERS
On Saturday morning the wooden planters on Main Street got an overhaul. John removed the existing plants and freshened up the compost using our own compost. He planted more pollinator friendly plants including Salvia, Erigeron and English Lavender.
ALLOTMENT WILD FLOWERS
Tuesday evening last we planted a section with wildflowers courtesy of National Tidy Towns. It will be exciting to see how they grow in the coming weeks.
GREENFIELDS
The flowerbed revamp at the Greenfields roundabout has been completed.
LEADING THE WAY
Cork City Council Parks Department are certainly leading the way when it comes to biodiversity. Throughout the Regional Park there are several large grass areas left uncut. These areas are having a very positive effect for pollinators.
PEACEFUL
During the day our Allotment is always so busy and alive. Once the sun goes down all the beauty goes to sleep. Even beauty takes a rest.
