International Biodiversity day takes place today (Friday 22nd May) and Members of Carlow Town Development Forum have been busy preparing a Pollinator friendly project which will not only enhance Biodiversity in Carlow Town, but also boost the emotional and mental wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable in our community during COVID – 19 restrictions.
“As Sustainable Development Goal Champions, Carlow County Council are delighted to be in a position through our Town Forum, to promote the crucial link between Biodiversity and Wellbeing.” Says Kathleen Holohan Chief Executive of Carlow County Council and Chairperson of Carlow Town Forum. “Funding provided by Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine has facilitated several committed members of Carlow Town Forum to come together with our Local Enterprise Office and under the excellent advice of well-known Environmental Educators, Dee Sewell and Molly Aylesbury, to put together a suite of pollinator friendly window boxes and seed boxes to be distributed through several local organisations in Carlow Town.” She adds.
Scientific research has proven that gardening at any scale improves well-being and at this difficult time, we all recognize the increased pressure to take care of our mental health. This COVID -19 inspired project is designed to provide some access to nature for those who are isolated. It is anticipated the Blooming boxes will give participants a sense of purpose-however small and the opportunity to reconnect those in isolation to what is happening outside their four walls.
This innovative project was led by Mary Ryan, Carlow Farmers Market, Emma Lucy O Brien, CEO and Artistic Director VISUAL and local Businessman Bobby Quinn who are all members of Carlow Town Forum. “We hope that educating people on what plants are useful and how to grow them will inspire future gardeners beyond the lockdown to build up new interests and practices.” Says Mary Ryan member of Carlow Town Forum. “We hope that we can show everyone just how easy it is to contribute to improving biodiversity in an urban setting and empower everyone in our community to take future action.” Mary adds.
The current scheme has connected with local organisations including St. Catherine’s & St. Fiacc’s Meals on Wheels, Carlow Older Persons Forum, Eist Cancer Support, The Involvement Centre, Sue Ryder Apartment’s, Carlow Mental Health Association, Carlow Monastery Hostel and New Oak Centre in order to identify the most vulnerable of their current client base. Deliveries of these Biodiversity and Well Being supports will commence on Monday.
