A site in Churchtown has been selected as one of five pilot locations for the PolliConnect Living Lab, a project aimed at improving habitats for pollinators through innovative land management practices.
Ballyhoura Development announced that Slí Eile Farm at Burton Park in Churchtown will take part in the initiative, which will demonstrate how modified mowing techniques can support wildflowers and increase food sources for pollinating insects.
The Living Lab approach will allow practical testing of biodiversity-friendly mowing regimes in real community and business settings. Ballyhoura Development staff will work with the selected sites to introduce new mowing methods designed to encourage the growth of flowering plants that provide vital food and shelter for bees and other pollinators.
Slí Eile Farm is a community-focused organisation that promotes mental health recovery while operating an organic horticulture social enterprise. Its participation in the project will help enhance local habitats while aligning with the farm’s community and environmental ethos.
Jess Angland welcomed the initiative, highlighting the benefits for biodiversity.
“Adopting new mowing techniques can help create better habitats for pollinators by allowing wildflowers to bloom and providing food and shelter,” she said.
The next phase of the project will focus on community engagement, with opportunities for local residents to learn more about pollinators and the importance of biodiversity.
Members of the public will also be invited to take part in citizen science monitoring, helping track the impact of the new mowing methods and gather data on pollinator activity.
Project organisers say the initiative will not only improve habitats but also help raise awareness locally while generating practical knowledge that can be shared across the wider Ballyhoura region.
