Athlumney Hall Bank

"Native Irish Life-Hedge"

Proposed 2026

Status: On hold until 2027 — this project is being paused for now and, when it resumes, will likely be combined with the proposed Bailis Downs fence hedge, so the two can be planted and funded together.

Our Aim

We'd like to transform the grass verge along north Metges Road into a thriving, biodiversity-rich habitat — replacing a strip of short-cut lawn with a "six-week flowering lawn" and an 80-metre native hedge along the boundary wall.

This would extend our Metges Road biodiversity corridor and cut down on strimming — reducing noise and our carbon footprint at the same time.

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.

What Residents Can Expect

A greener boundary wall. A mixed native hedge of Holly, Hawthorn, Guelder Rose, Spindle, Rowan and Hazel — providing year-round screening, seasonal colour, and food for birds and pollinators.
Less noise and disruption. Once established, the hedge replaces the need for regular strimming along the wall.
A haven for wildlife. This mix of native species is known to support a wide range of Irish insects, bees, and birds, including Redwings and Thrushes.
A tidy, maintained edge. The hedge would be kept to roughly half the height of the wall, so it stays neat and easy to manage without ladders.

Why the Pause?

We're taking the time to align this project with the nearby Bailis Downs Fence Hedge proposal. Planning both together should mean a stronger funding application, more efficient use of volunteer time on planting days, and a more joined-up green corridor across the two sites.

What's Already Done?

Initial brief and concept design complete
Planting strategy, timeline, and cost estimates drafted

What Happens Next

When work resumes in 2027, we'll be looking for:

Formal support and approval
A combined funding application (with Bailis Downs)
Volunteers for a community planting day

We'll post updates here and on our Facebook page as the project moves forward. In the meantime, if you'd like to get involved or have questions, you can reach us at JohnstownTidyTowns@gmail.com.

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 need to remove the grass lawn for a half metre wide strip for the length of the hedge to prevent grass competing for moisture.
We will use a Double-Staggered Row (a zig-zag pattern) and use woodchip as mulch and weed suppressent.

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. Timeline

Late October

Site Prep - Clear the 80m grass strip and dig the trench.

Mid November

The Big Plant - Community Planting Day. Best time for bare-root survival.

December – Feb

Settling In - No action needed; let the winter rain do the work.

March

Mulching - Apply the bark mulch bags to keep weeds down for the summer.

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.

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