THE Wild Atlantic Pool and Fitness Centre in Baltimore has welcomed recent grant support which will allow it to deliver a series of practical biodiversity actions, in line with the Baltimore Community Biodiversity Action Plan.

With the support of Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the project will focus on biodiversity-friendly lighting upgrades to reduce light pollution, pollinator-friendly planting around the centre, the installation of bird and bat boxes, and the creation of educational signage to raise awareness among pool users, schools, families, and visitors.

These actions will protect local wildlife while encouraging community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Welcoming the support, chair of the centre Noel Browne, said that the funding allows them ‘to take real, visible action for biodiversity while continuing to serve as a vital health and wellbeing hub for our community.’

‘By improving habitats and reducing light pollution, we are protecting local wildlife and showing how community facilities can play a positive role in addressing the biodiversity crisis.’ Congratulating the project, Denise Charlton, chief executive of Community Foundation Ireland, said:

‘We all know nature is in crisis. Once familiar bird songs, the fleeting sight of a passing animal and even our creepy crawlies and native plants are disappearing. Local actions are key to addressing this. Since partnering with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2019, we are now working with 300 communities on local biodiversity action plans.’

‘This unique partnership not only brings together the Foundation’s private philanthropic funds with public money, but it also partners communities with the insights and skills of expert ecologists. I look forward to hearing about the success of the work ahead.’

Niall Ó Donnchú, director general of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, added that this partnership between NPWS and Community Foundation Ireland allows support for nature at the local level.

‘We welcome the increasing focus on citizen science, community outreach and engagement with schools, all of which are key to addressing the biodiversity crisis.’