In parts of Tallaght and Greenhills there are unimproved esker soils, and these offer great potential for species-rich grasslands. This potential was realised when the grass cutting management practices in Tymon Park were altered by South Dublin County Council to facilitate flowering species and pollinating insects. Most of these meadows are now cut only once a year, and clippings are removed to continue to decrease fertility and to encourage further wildflower species.
A biodiversity monitoring programme commenced in 2020, with support from NPWS’s Local Biodiversity Action Fund. These surveys found that significant areas of the meadows now align with ‘Lowland Hay Meadows’, and some with ‘Species-rich Calcareous Grassland’ (both listed for protection on Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive). This botanical restoration supports healthy insect and pollinator populations, offering a critically important green infrastructure resource to a wide range of species in an urban environment in a time of biodiversity and climate challenge. In 2023, a pilot project was undertaken to collect and store seed from some of these meadows, with the potential to use this seed in other appropriate restoration projects in the locality.
Having seen the decline and loss of wonderful species-rich grasslands across Ireland over the course of my career, l jumped at the opportunity to help restore South Dublin County Council’s esker grasslands and the invertebrate biodiversity they support. To see such a diversity of plants and insects on my urban doorstep is a pure joy!
