Athlumney Hall

"Native Irish Life-Hedge"

Proposed 2026

This page should be read in conjunction with the proposed Biodiversity Park for Johnstown.

The Biodiversity Park

Our Aim

Project Goal: Biodiversity Enhancement on Metges Road

We aim to transform 360sqm of traditional short-cut grass lawn into a thriving, biodiversity-rich habitat. This initiative features two key components: the establishment of 280sqm "six-week flowering lawn" and the planting of an 80-meter dense, multi-seasonal wildlife hedge along the boundary wall.

This project significantly extends our Metges Road biodiversity corridor while streamlining maintenance; by planting along the wall, we eliminate the need for petrol strimmers, reducing both our carbon footprint and noise pollution.

Existing Scene Looking North

The wall occasionally attracts grafiti and the enviromental dirt is becoming more evident.

Proposed Enhancement

Artists impression showing how the new hedge and tree planting might appear within the next decade.

Project Details

1. Key Benefits for the Community

Year-Round Privacy: The 160 Hollies provide a permanent green screen that doesn't go "see-through" in winter.
Natural Security: Holly and Hawthorn are naturally "thorny," acting as a gentle but effective deterrent.
Biodiversity Hub: This mix supports over 200 species of Irish insects, bees, and birds (like Redwings and Thrushes).
Air Quality: A thick hedge acts as a natural filter for dust and noise from the nearby road.

2. Seasonal Interest & Diversity

To avoid a "monoculture," we are adding 80 native trees. This ensures the hedge changes beautifully throughout the year:

Spring: White blossoms from Hawthorn and Guelder Rose.
Summer: Deep, glossy evergreen textures from the Holly.
Autumn: Fiery reds and oranges from Spindle and Rowan.
Winter: Golden "lamb’s tail" catkins from Hazel and bright red berries for birds.

3. The Planting Strategy

We will use a Double-Staggered Row (a zig-zag pattern).

Density: 3 to 4 plants per meter.
Total Length: Approximately 70–80 meters.
Maintenance Height: The hedge will be maintained at half the height of the wall (approx. 1–1.2m) to provide greenery but ensuring that ladders are not required during maintenance. Some trees can be allowed to exceed the wall height to provide privacy screening for the gardens currently overlooked by the apartments.

4. Proposed Timeline

Preparation: Digging a single 60cm wide trench and enriching the soil with organic compost.
Planting: Staging the "Blocks of Interest" (grouping 8–10 hollies followed by a 3–5 tree "biodiversity break").

Care: Mulching with bark to suppress weeds and watering during the first dry spell of spring.

5. Estimated Costs

📋 The "Shopping List" Summary

6. Optional Extra!

An Early Spring Feast for Our Bees.

This east-facing, sun-drenched slope, with good drainage, is the perfect stage for a vibrant display of early spring Crocus. These hardy blooms do more than just look beautiful in the morning sun; they provide a vital "first meal" for bees waking up from winter. For queen bumblebees emerging from hibernation, these flowers are a lifeline, offering the high-protein pollen and energy-rich nectar they need to start their new colonies.

For a significant display 1000's of Autumn bulbs will need to be planted.