Raheny Biodiversity Action Plan
We’re excited to launch the Raheny Biodiversity Action Plan 2025 — a community-driven roadmap to help protect and enhance the amazing nature on our doorstep.
Developed with Dr. Mary Tubridy, Raheny Tidy Village Group, and Community Foundation Ireland, the plan highlights local treasures like the Santry River, Bull Island, and St. Anne’s Park, while tackling challenges such as pollution and invasive species. The goals include raising awareness, encouraging action, and making Raheny an even better place for people, plants, and wildlife.
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Over the coming years, we’ll be working together on projects like pollinator-friendly planting, citizen science surveys, habitat restoration, and fun community events. By getting involved, residents can play a big part in making Raheny a greener, more vibrant place — helping nature to thrive right in the heart of our village.
Our Pollinator Plan
In 2023, we delighted to be national winners in the All-Ireland Pollinator plan.
Examples of some of the pollinator friendly actions we have taken are:
- The planters in the village and the flower beds we maintain around the village all contain pollinator friendly species
- No pesticides or herbicides are used by the Raheny Tidy Village Group. This policy was decided in 2020 and has been very successful. Hand weeding can be time consuming, but it is worth putting in the time to protect pollinators and other wildlife.
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- We support 'no mow May' which encourages people not to cut their lawns in May and allow wildflowers to bloom. Several areas in the village have been designated 'no mow' areas.
- We run an annual seed swap in October. At this event we raise awareness about the importance of sustainable planting and using locally sourced seeds.
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River Santry
One of our long term goals is to make a river walk through the village. ​
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​The banks of the Santry river have been chosen as a protected habitat because of the different plants that grow there. Rivers are known as an excellent sites for biodiversity and the Santry river is an important habitat in our village.
We carry out regular cleaning and removal of rubbish from the river. We also do regular river testing.
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In 2022 a biodiversity study of the river identified tree species such as willow and alder which provide vital food for early pollinators and wildflowers such as dog violet and cuckoo pint.
Watermill Woodland
We identified the woodland area beside the shops at the corner of Watermill Road as one place that could be improved and enjoyed by the local community. It has been designated as an area in the village where dandelions flourish in the spring and there is a succession to other wildflowers in spring and summer. This area has ben chosen as it is in the centre of the village and is a different kind of habitat that could be valuable to ground nesting bees. The grass is not cut in the woodland to provide a habitat for a variety of insects and other invertebrates.
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A mulch path has been installed through this small woodland which discourages people from walking on the wildflowers. On advice from a local ecologist, Dr Mary Tubridy, we have planted an understorey of native ferns, shrubs and climbers to enhance the woodland. There is some control necessary of dock and goose grass until the new planting has become established and two dedicated volunteers manage the control of these plants.