New biodiversity demonstration garden unveiled at Laois Education Support Centre

Laois Education Centre celebrated a milestone in its commitment to environmental education with the unveiling of its new Biodiversity Demonstration Garden.

The event was a vibrant affair, drawing a diverse crowd of community members, educators, and environmental enthusiasts.

The garden, designed as a living classroom, showcases a variety of native plants and habitats. It aims to promote awareness and understanding of biodiversity among students and the broader community. The event underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering environmental stewardship.

The inauguration was graced by key figures from Portlaoise Tidy Towns, including Chairperson Vincent Booth, Secretary Catherine Donlon and Treasurer Gerry Brown. Service users and staff from St Fintan’s added to the inclusive spirit of the occasion. Notably, Director of Services, Donal Brennan and members of the Climate Action Section of Laois County Council were in attendance, highlighting the broad support for this initiative.

The Biodiversity Demonstration Garden was made possible through generous funding from the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Special thanks were extended to Thomas Carolan, Heritage Officer, for his invaluable assistance in securing this support and guiding the project. 

Ross Boland from Boland Landscaping, along with his team, played a crucial role in transforming the site into the vibrant garden now enjoyed by the community. Their work was guided by the landscape plan designed by Dee Sewell, who mentioned that the design was based on the "Gardening for Biodiversity" booklet. The garden features principles from the booklet, making it both beautiful and educational. The signage, created by author Juanita Brown and illustrator Barry Reynolds, further enriches the learning experience. All resources are available on the Laois Education Support Centre website.

Executive Parks & Landscape Officer of Laois County Council, Michael Buckley was also acknowledged for his extensive knowledge and guidance throughout the project. His contributions were key to overcoming challenges and ensuring the garden's success. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

The garden is designed to offer hands-on learning opportunities, encouraging active participation in conservation efforts and fostering a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s rich natural heritage. This project aligns with the Portlaoise Low Carbon Town (PLCT) initiative and the "Town in a Garden" concept, which aim to integrate green spaces into urban settings, enhancing quality of life and promoting sustainable living.

A key figure in the garden’s development, Suzanne Dempsey, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "This garden is a fantastic resource for both students and teachers. It offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about local flora and fauna in their natural habitats. We hope it inspires a new generation of environmental stewards."

Director of Laois Education Support Centre, Catherine Doolan emphasised the educational benefits.

"The Biodiversity Demonstration Garden is not just about planting and observing; it's about integrating these experiences into the curriculum. It provides a dynamic and engaging way to teach important ecological concepts," she said.

Board member of Laois Education Support Centre, Liam O’Neill highlighted the community effort behind the project. 

"This garden is a collaborative effort that brings together the passion and knowledge of many individuals. It stands as a symbol of our collective dedication to preserving biodiversity and educating our youth about the importance of environmental conservation."