Monday, 06 February 2012 12:59

Spring is knocking on our doors at last, so the season of planting has begun in Balbriggan. On Saturday, 28th January, Balbriggan Tidy Towns Association acquired the help of 22 volunteers, and proceeded to plant 500 yew hedge bushes around the perimeter wall of the local garda station. They were joined by Scouts from the 34th/161st Troop, members of the Martello Residents Association, members of the local Green Party from Balbriggan, Donabate and Skerries and a number of volunteers. When work started at 11am, it seemed like a daunting task, but once they began, the team soon got into a rhythm, planting approximately 100 plants an hour. The last plant was put in place by Joe Troy, chairman of Balbriggan Tidy Towns. “The bland wall is now greatly enhanced by the dark green hedge plants which will develop over the next few years to soften the look of the wall and metal railings making the main R132 road into Balbriggan a more pleasant route. In addition, this type of hedging is very suitable for wildlife and will provide shelter and nesting sites for a variety of native birds,” said Zoe Nelson, a member of the hard working Balbriggan team. The plants were generously donated by Balbriggan Town Council who actively continues to support the Tidy Towns team in enhancing the natural Balbriggan environment. Balbriggan Tidy Towns Association will continue their green actions by more hedge planting for the next two Saturdays.