Things are taking shape at Eaton Square Park

I know many of you will have been looking at the rewilding biodiversity space in Eaton Square Park and wondering what has been happening since we got approval for the project from Dublin City Council (DCC) at the end of June 2023.

Here is a quick update of what has been happening.

The Terenure Growers Committee have met regularly and decided along with our no-dig site growing approach we would let the site grow for the Summer and see what happened.

Predominantly the rye grass flourished but there were a few plants too including hedge mustard, mallow, marigold, blue flax, spear thistle, raspberries, clover, dock, buttercups, dandelions, daisy and fungi.

We are now preparing the site for biodiversity enhancement. We will of course protect what is already there and healthy. We have taken delivery of mulch donated by DCC as well as top soil procured from varying local building sites. The builders/owners where only too delighted to have less top soil in their skips.

Once all soil and mulch is in place we will spread it evenly to enable planting. There will be pathways between what will likely be three growing spaces to allow for maintenance of the spaces, enjoyment and educational workshops.

In October we will be planting bulbs such as crocus and snow drops which will hopefully be enjoyed from January 2024. For beds that will not be planted until next year we will sow mustard seed for green manure. Mustard seed is particularly important for soil that lacks organic matter and will help improve soil and retain moisture.

Finally, we hope to commence workshops for children and their guardians from mid-September.

New volunteers are always welcome, you can get in touch by emailing terenurecsi@gmail.com