PICTURES: Laois Tidy Towns tour of biodiversity centre inspires ideas for local areas

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Members of the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns visited a biodiversity centre this month to learn knowledge for their local areas. 

The members toured the Biodiversity Demonstration Garden at the Laois Education Support Centre in Portlaoise on Wednesday July 17, with the visit inspiring ideas for biodiversity initiatives around the county. 

The garden was created to educate visitors about Ireland’s native plants and animals, demonstrating how to create habitats for local wildlife in their own gardens and community spaces. 

Garden designer Dee Sewell brought the group around the entire site which includes a composting demonstration site, an edibles area including a polytunnel, and a native wildflower meadow. 

They were shown examples of a creeping thyme lawn, red clover underplanting, a green wall and a pocket forest to name just some of the wonderful examples of how to create a biodiversity garden in all types of green spaces. 

The garden provides habitats for birds, frogs, butterflies, hoverflies and other native Irish species. 

This project aligns with the Portlaoise Low Carbon Town (PLCT) initiative and the 'Town in a Garden' concept, which aims to integrate green spaces into urban settings, enhancing quality of life and promoting sustainable living. 

The Laois Federation of Tidy Towns works to enhance the natural and built environment of Laois, improving sustainability and civic pride.