Laois biodiversity boosted by big grant for Abbeyleix

Efforts to protect and restore nature in Abbeyleix are receiving a major boost with the confirmation of a €10,000 grant for the Abbeyleix Biodiversity Programme, a long-term, community-led initiative focused on reversing biodiversity loss and strengthening local climate resilience.

The funding has been approved through the partnership between Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), supporting community action for nature across the country.

A statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said Abbeyleix has already demonstrated what is possible through its Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP), which has helped build strong partnerships, guide evidence-based action, and deliver practical biodiversity improvements across the town.

It said this new funding will support the next phase of delivery, enabling the programme to expand habitat creation, strengthen ecological connectivity, and deepen community participation.

The initiative brings together practical biodiversity works with wide community involvement that includes schools, residents, landowners, voluntary groups, businesses and volunteers.

Actions will build on successful projects such as the Nature Corner initiative, which celebrates and enhances everyday spaces for nature, alongside broader habitat improvements throughout the town.

The programme will also support the development of a refreshed five-year biodiversity roadmap and a series of community biodiversity case studies, including short videos, designed to share learning and help other towns replicate successful actions.

Robbie Quinn of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns welcomes the support for the town where the environment has been put at the centre of many community initiatives. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: The Abbeyleix Community Garden is one of the many eco projects advanced in Abbeyleix.

“This funding will allow Abbeyleix to build on the momentum of our Community Biodiversity Action Plan and expand projects that people can really see and be part of.

“Initiatives like our Nature Corner Project show how small pockets of space can become thriving habitats while also inspiring the wider community to take action at home, in schools and across the town.

READ ALSO: Over €40,000 earmarked for Laois community groups to boost biodiversity

“By combining practical works with storytelling and shared learning, we’re strengthening nature locally and helping other communities see what’s possible,” he said.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, congratulated the recipients.

“Since partnering with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2019, we are now working with 300 communities on local biodiversity action plans.

“This unique partnership not only brings together the Foundation’s private philanthropic funds with public money, but it also partners communities with the insights and skills of expert ecologists.

“I look forward to hearing about the success of the work ahead,” she said.

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, said the is partnership between NPWS and Community Foundation Ireland supports local action for nature.

“We welcome the increasing focus on citizen science, community outreach and engagement with schools, all of which are key to addressing the biodiversity crisis,” he said.

This year’s grants are supported by philanthropic funding from Community Foundation Ireland and its donors, alongside funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.