Fedamore Community National School (CNS), part of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB), has launched a Community Biodiversity Action Plan to protect and enhance local wildlife and natural habitats, creating a greener, richer environment where students, families, and wildlife can thrive together.
Last year, the school received funding from Community Foundation Ireland to engage professional ecologist Áine Ní Fhlatharta, who worked with the school to develop the plan in consultation with staff and pupils. Their innovative plan has now been recognised nationally, with grant support from Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), enabling the school to put their ambitious plans into action.
Principal Jacintha Mullins welcomed the support, saying: “Receiving funding for this work will make a meaningful and lasting difference to both Fedamore CNS and the wider local community. It will allow us to develop high-quality habitats, biodiversity signage, outdoor learning spaces, and pollinator-friendly planting that would otherwise be beyond our resources. These improvements will enrich pupils’ daily learning experiences, support their wellbeing, and deepen their connection with nature, while providing learning opportunities that strengthen local engagement and environmental care.”
Donncha O’Treasaigh, Director of Schools at Limerick and Clare ETB, congratulated the school: “Congratulations to everyone at Fedamore CNS on this exciting initiative. It’s inspiring to see students, staff, and the local community come together to support wildlife and learning. Projects like this show the real impact schools can have on both the environment and education.”
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, praised the initiative: “We all know nature is in crisis. Local actions are key to addressing this. Since 2019, we’ve worked with 300 communities on biodiversity action plans, combining philanthropic funds with expert ecological support. I look forward to seeing the success of Fedamore CNS’s work.”
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the NPWS, added: “This partnership supports action for nature at the local level. Citizen science, community outreach, and school engagement are all vital in tackling the biodiversity crisis, and initiatives like Fedamore CNS’s are a perfect example.”
The Community Biodiversity Action Plan focuses on managing and enhancing the school grounds, creating wildlife corridors, supporting endangered Irish species, and expanding biodiversity education. Activities also involve the wider community through talks, signage, outdoor events, and hands-on learning experiences.
These grants are funded through Community Foundation Ireland and its donors, including a major contribution from the Sunflower Charitable Foundation, alongside support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
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