SDCC's Management of Nature Restoration; Biodiversity and Plant Protection
As part of the management of parks and open spaces, SDCC has been increasing land managed for nature restoration. This includes managing extensive natural wildflower meadows and managing areas for natural regeneration. To deliver this successfully mowing patterns were restructured.
In 2024:
- 3651 trees were planted across the County, exceeding
the target of 3500, - 195 hectares of biodiverse meadowland is maintained
- Hedgerow mapping commenced. This is done as part of
the Green Infrastructure County Mapping. There are
1,700km of linear metres of existing hedgerow mapped. - 18,882 whips were planted as part of Mini Woodlands in
the following areas: Dodder Valley Park, Dodder Valley
Park/Mount Carmel, Tymon Park, Corkagh Park, Griffeen
Valley.
SDCC also has a Biodiversity Action Plan that is currently in its third year. To date 13 out of the 19 actions have been completed or are on a continuous basis.
The Council is also endeavouring to minimise the use of glyphosate-based products to help protect our environment and is expecting to reduce usage as alternative weed control methods and products become available and established. Kildare County Council led is leading this reduction of harmful products.