This page should be read in conjunction with the proposed Biodiversity Park for Johnstown.
To transform the Chestnut and Elm Estate Lawn, Johnstown Wood, into an affordable, climate-resilient, and biodiverse community space that supports national and local climate action goals.Β
Mitigate climate change by increasing tree and groundcover planting.
Build climate resilience through sustainable land and water management.
Enhance biodiversity with pollinator-friendly and wildlife-supporting habitats.
Engage the community through workshops, volunteer planting, and outdoor learning.
Reduce the financial burden of ongoing maintenance on residents.Β
Influence Other Estates to follow suit and create 'living lawns'.
To achieve our aims, we propose an ambitious 18-month plan that aligns with a potential funding opportunity.
Existing 2023 aerial view
Proposed for 2026
Β The proposal creates a mosaic of habitats featuring mini forests, an urban orchard, pollinator-friendly flowering ground covers, log pile habitats, areas of exposed soil for ground-nesting bees, bee posts, and bug hotels. These are complemented by a roadside hedgerow barrier, a connected short-grass access path, an annual summer meadow, rotational meadows on a four-year cut cycle, short-flowering edge zones maintained on a six-week cycle, and a resident-managed short-flowering lawn, together with a short-grass play area. Leaf mould cages, grass composting areas, and an outdoor classroom for community learning further support the site.
Estate Short Grass Lawn REDUCED by 95%
β Tidy Towns Committee
β Elm & Chestnut Committee
β Residents
β Lighthouse Church Navan
β Navan Men's Shed
β Biodiversity Officer
β Climate Action Team
β Environmental Education & Awareness Officer
β Meath Partnership TUS
β Wild About Navan
β Stepping Stones Forests
β Ecologist Fintan Damer
β Colaiste Na Mi Secondary School
Brief βοΈ
Concept Design βοΈ
Support & Approval βοΈ
'Feasibility, Design, & Costing' βοΈ
Funding Application
Detail Design & Scheduling
Community Call To Action
On-Site Works