Kerry Group in partnership with North, East and West Kerry Development presented the July 2018 Community Vibrancy Certificate to the Castleisland Community Garden on Monday morning.
The award was presented in recognition of its valuable contribution to the community vibrancy of the Castleisland area. Its role in Social Supports; Leadership in Community, Environment and Rural Development were also counted in as award worthy attributes.
Inclusive Community Development
Castleisland Community Garden is an all-inclusive community development project that involves gardeners with diverse abilities, various backgrounds and all age groups, to promote sustainable growing and the harvesting of organic produce.
The garden was started in 2012 by NEWKD’s Rural Social Scheme (RSS) with the support of the Presentation sisters giving a lease of the ground at the Crageens.
Broad Based Committee
The committee which runs the project comprises of representatives of: St. John of God and Oilean Beo; Castleisland Women’s Resource; Kerry Diocesan Youth Service; Castleisland Branch of Kerry Mental Health; Castleisland Community College Transition year students; Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and other groups and interested individuals.
The project has 32 gardeners and 53 plots fully planted and growing, three large poly tunnels and an orchard with several rows of more than 20 different types of trees and bushes.
Ponds and Hedging
The garden also has a pond for frogs, with natural hedging planted on the boundaries, as well as some native Irish trees, all creating bio diversity corridors throughout the garden.
Kerry Education Training Board has organised several courses on vegetables, growing in poly-tunnels, herbs, composting, rain harvesting and cooking.
In terms of future plans, the group hopes to facilitate the collection of rain water, the manufacture of a large compost sieve, the roofing of the Eco Hut, and also are looking at getting chickens and ducks, adding to the variety in the garden.
Positive Environmental Initiative
“NEWKD congratulate the Castleisland Community Garden and all individuals and groups involved in making this such a positive, environmental, inclusive and vibrant community-led initiative that is going from strength to strength,” said John Stack, NEWKD chairperson.
Frank Hayes, Director of Corporate Affairs, Kerry Group, also offered his congratulations and best wishes to all involved:
“Well done to all involved with Castleisland Community Garden. It offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals to connect with nature and their community and as part of a productive and sustainable initiative,” said Mr. Hayes.
The Maine Valley Post has, is and always will be a free resource for the people of the locality and its wider diaspora.
When we started in 2013, the intention was to be a weekly, online newsletter. Over time, the site has evolved into a much different beast with multiple updates on a daily basis.
Because of its nature as a digital publication, it brings with it certain expenses: computers and cameras that require updating and maintenance; internet hosting and access; to say nothing of the time and hard work that goes into the site. It all adds up…
Our online community has always been our greatest asset and a vocal supporter of the Maine Valley Post since day one.
Please take a moment to click on the link below to see how you can directly contribute to our continued growth and success. Thank you for taking the time……..John Reidy
