AUGUST’’S SEEDS FEED NEXT YEAR’S BEES
Many of us with flowering meadows may be tempted to mow them as they have begun to look dead and somewhat untidy. Hold it!! Don’t mow!! As from mid-August many of these plants will be producing seed, ready to drop into the soil for next year. Allowing this to happen will be rewarding for next year.
Although many local authorities have begun to mow large meadows for logistical reasons, leaving the meadows unmown until September is a good idea. The clippings should be removed once cut to slowly reduce the soil fertility and give the wildflowers for next year a chance to compete with the more dominant grasses.
Collecting small amounts of seed from a native meadow can be a useful way to boost people’s small meadows or areas. If managed correctly most meadows will develop on their own.
THURSDAY WORK NIGHT
On Thursday evening of last week, we called off our Work Night due to the terrible rain.
Denis took the opportunity to paint a utility box in Muskerry Estate which had been the victim over time of so much graffiti. Rather than trying to remove all of it, he felt it was easier for him to paint the entire box.
LITTER PICK
Last Sunday morning 24 Volunteers turned out for the weekly litter pick. Because of the large number we were able to cover a very large area including quite a big section of the paths in the Regional Park.
Pat collected 17 bags (3 of which came from the daily litter picks) of general waste which was segregated on Monday morning.
When we finished, we all met for a cuppa and some lovely treats at The Plaza.
There was quite an increase in glass including large quantities of empty naggin bottles. Pat collected 1 bag of Cans, 2 bags of Glass and 1 bag of Plastic as well as 1 bag of Green Waste from Leo Murphy Tce. and 8 bags of Kerb Cleaning from Aylsbury.
SUNDAY’S WORK
On Sunday morning Denis and Cillian cleaned Weeds and Grit from the kerbs on the road near the original Aldi. They filled 25 bags from this area.
TUESDAY
Tuesday morning’s work began with the lads filling the reservoirs in the planters at Eastgate. Seven hundred litres of water and feed were used. Tommy and Sunday cut back overhanging branches, bindweed and briars on the Inniscarra Road on the path to the Regional Park’s pedestrian entrance.
One plastic bag of Flower Cuttings, 6 bags of Weeds and Grit together with 1 one-ton bag of cuttings were collected.
TUESDAY’S WORK NIGHT
Ten Volunteers met at Bridgewater for Tuesday’s Work Night. They weeded and cleaned the Cycle Lane from the former Carrigrohane Post Office to Poulavone. Hopefully the area is now safer for cyclists. We hope to return the next night to work on the other side.
While we were working here two other Volunteers were busy preparing areas for edging with the edging machine.
IRISH STOAT SURVEY
The Irish Stoat Survey inviting the public to report sightings of the Irish Stoat throughout Ireland. Any observations of stoats, including live animals or dead specimens such as roadkill are welcome. The survey is a collaborative project between Vincent Wildlife Trust National Biodiversity Data Centre, University of Galway and the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (Northern Ireland). The Irish Environmental Network and National Parks and Wildlife Service have provided financial assistance for this survey.
HOLLYHILL SEED LIBRARY
People can borrow (and donate!) seeds at Hollyhill Library. Why not join community gardener, Ellie Donovan, at Hollyhill Library for a Seed Saving Workshop Saturday 19 August at 11.00 am and find out more.
The importance of seed saving and simple ways to begin will be discussed. This is a Green Spaces for Health and Hollyhill Seed Library event for Heritage Week.
For more information contact Hollyhill library at (021) 492 4928
CORK CITY GOAD MAPS
The Cork City Libraries dedicated Local History website, Cork Past and Present, has recently had an interesting addition made in the shape of insurance plans for the commercial heart of the city.
The wide selection of maps details the changing landscape and businesses that filled the city centre from 1897 to 1961.
To find a more in-depth background on the maps in the latest blog visit https://corkcitylibraries.tumblr.com/
CORK CITY LIBRARIES 3D PRINTERS
Many of the city’s libraries have 3D printers which are free for public use.
The City Library, Glanmire Library, Bishopstown Library, and Hollyhill Library all have Ultimaker 2+ Printers.
The new Ultimaker S3 on the right which will soon be available for use!
Check out the website for more information: www.corkcitylibraries.ie
COURSE INFORMATION
The Substance Use Issues & Community Work Course (QQI Level 5) is designed to promote good practice among those who work (paid/voluntary) with young people and communities who are affected and impacted by various issues.
It provides a critical perspective on some of the issues that affect young people and communities. And it encourages the development of coherent responses at individual and organisational levels.
Together the components should promote the ability of learners to work safely and effectively in youth and/or community work settings.
It also aims to provide participants with the necessary knowledge & skills in sourcing and/or resourcing applicable support systems both within and outside their communities.
On completion graduates will receive QQI Level 5 Certification.
For further information please contact: Jacqueline Daly / Margo Hayes 087-1962030 / 087 -962023
jdaly@partnershipcork.ie / MHayes@partnershipcork.ie
WEST VILLAGE
John and Sunday tidied the path in front of the Bicycle Shop and other businesses at Hodder’s Villas in West Village on Thursday morning.
VMWARE
Eight VMware Volunteers did fantastic work edging in front of MD O’Shea’s on Thursday morning under Ger’s guidance. Thank you all so much for giving of your time.
THREE CHEERS!
Well done to O’Keeffe’s Bakery whose landscaper did a fantastic job on Saturday edging around their site.
WEDNESDAY’S WORK
On Wednesday a great job was done edging on the Link Road. So much more footpath was revealed. Plenty of work still to do.
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL INVITES PROPOSALS
FOR THE 2023 TOWN AND VILLAGE RENEWAL SCHEME
Cork County Council has announced a call for Expressions of Interest for projects under this year’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD recently launched the 2023 Fund which is designed to revitalise and regenerate our rural towns and villages. The Fund will focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction, as well as bringing additional footfall into town centres.
Supports will also be made available for outdoor projects such as new plazas, parks, playgrounds and green spaces along with funding for towns and villages that wish to develop their own farmer or artisan markets. Funding will be ring-fenced to support projects in the island communities.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is administered through local authorities, who work with local communities and businesses to develop and implement proposals.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added, “The 2023 Fund is an exciting opportunity to revitalise and regenerate our rural towns and villages. With a focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction while attracting more footfall into our town centres, we aim to create vibrant and thriving communities. We are committed to working closely with local communities and businesses on their valuable proposals, so that we can put forward projects that will make a real difference in our communities.”
The 2023 Scheme outline along with Expression of Interest forms are available on Cork County Council’s website at www.corkcoco.ie
The closing date for receipt of forms is 4:00pm on Friday, 22nd September 2023.
(munitir na tire news)
BISHOPSTOWN LIBRARY
IRONMAN 2023
In partnership with Cork County Council the IRONMAN Group is again bringing IRONMAN Ireland and IRONMAN 70.3 IRELAND to Youghal and the surrounding areas of East Cork on the 19th and 20th August 2023.
Over 2,500 athletes take on the full distance of a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle, followed by a 42.2km marathon distance run on Sunday 20th August, with the IRONMAN 70.3 on Saturday 19th where they will take on a 1900m swim, 90km cycle and a 21.1km run.
The official Spectator Guide is available on the IRONMAN website which includes details on Park and Ride facilities (pdf) (including pre-booking) and suggestions on the best locations to watch each stage.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE 20/08/2023 The event organisers are working in partnership with An Garda Siochana and Cork County Council to ensure that traffic disruption along the route is kept to a minimum where possible during the event, but with an event of this size there will be delays on the route and surrounding areas. Members of the public are advised to avoid travel near the course route where road closures will be in place on Friday 18th August and Monday 21st August, 2023.