GREEN Skibbereen has been given a boost in its efforts to protect local wildlife and habitats thanks to a grant under the Biodiversity Fund.

The funding is thanks to a partnership between Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The grant will allow the project to work with local people throughout 2026 to identify the best opportunities for practical action for nature across the town.

‘This grant will make all the difference,’ said Mark Robins, biodiversity coordinator for Green Skibbereen.

‘We can now crack on and plan a really positive way forward for nature in Skibbereen.’

First steps include a steering group to combine knowledge of the town’s natural spaces with the expertise of a professional ecologist.

‘The goal is to create practical, oven-ready, mini-plans for a range of actions—some simple and quick, others requiring more time and resources—that can be implemented in the coming years,’ said Mark.

‘The focus will be on working with willing local people, businesses, and clubs to turn plans into reality on the ground.’

The initiative is part of a national drive to empower local communities. 

Locally, the grant has been warmly welcomed for its potential to shape the town’s development.

Cllr Caroline Cronin, chair of the Town Centre First Plan for Skibbereen, said: ‘This success is thanks to a fantastic, hard-working team and everyone who cares so much about our environment. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results.’

Cllr Isobel Towse agreed, noting the timely alignment with broader plans.

‘Hopefully, this will help keep biodiversity to the fore as our town continues to develop and grow.’