Busy Clare outdoor spaces to get spruced up with new 'enhancement' ideas

An upcoming open day to Knockshanvo Forest, Broadford, Co Clare is to look at wider community partnership in forestry initiatives.

This field day on Friday, July 12 which is open to all, will outline different biodiversity initiatives, including incorporating a pond in a felled and replanted forest area, water protection and 'enhancement measures and community partnership'.

The day will look at IForUT’s Knockshanvo forest, it’s recent management, felling and subsequent reforestation incorporating a pond and other biodiversity measures in the replanting of the site.

Additionally, in the early afternoon, participants will be invited to the nearby 12 O’Clock Hills Project.

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The 12 O’Clock Hills is a local and popular name for a group of hills in East Clare. The local ‘Twelve O’Clock’ Committee was formed with the idea of developing the area as an amenity.

The group will get an overview of the project and how it works in collaboration with Coillte and other local landowners to facilitate recreation and celebrate local heritage.

The group will also visit the partly restored Mary Anne’s stone cottage and other points of interest. The field day is a joint collaboration between the Irish Timber Growers Association and the Irish Forestry Unit Trust with participation from the Twelve O’Clock Hills Committee.

The day received funding assistance from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and commences at 10.15am on Friday, July 12.

Anyone interested in attending should email office@itga.ie for directions to the site.