Pond Building for Loughrea’s Biodiversity

By Aisha Phillips

On August 31, 2024, Loughrea Tidy Towns volunteers, students from Gaelscoil Riabhach, and members of the local community joined forces for a pond building workshop aimed at promoting biodiversity and enhancing local wetland habitats. The event, made possible by a small grant from the Local Authorities Waters Programme (LAWPRO), proved to be an inspiring day of learning, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

Expert Fèidhlim Harty of FH Wetland Systems led the workshop, teaching participants about pond building techniques and their role in supporting biodiversity. Armed with new knowledge and enthusiasm, volunteers worked together to construct a 3-pond mosaic and plant native wetland species, such as Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Feileastram as Gaeigle, transforming the grounds of Gaelscoil Riabhach into a thriving habitat for local wildlife.

This project perfectly exemplifies the power of collaboration and the importance of community involvement in preserving our natural heritage. By engaging with students and local residents, Loughrea Tidy Towns hopes to foster a deep appreciation for biodiversity and the vital role wetlands play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Special thanks go to Pól Mag Lionáin, principal of Gaelscoil Riabhach, for supporting this initiative and actively encouraging the school community to participate in environmental conservation efforts. The pond building workshop has not only improved biodiversity on the school grounds but has also served as a valuable educational resource for students, instilling in them a lasting commitment to preserving our wetlands for future generations.

To learn more about Loughrea Tidy Towns' events and initiatives, follow our Facebook page or join us as a volunteer.