Knocknagrave Environmental Education Centre & Biodiversity Garden

This new centre, complete with biodiversity garden, has been developed on the site of a former national school in Knocknagrave, Co. Monaghan. It is the brain-child of the Tydavnet Group Water Scheme (GWS), who wanted to develop their offices in combination with an interpretive centre that would educate locals and visitors about water quality issues and water conservation. Biodiversity conservation is also a huge part of the centre’s ethos, in order to highlight the intrinsic link between having a healthy ecosystem and good water quality.

Flynn Furney Environmental Consultants were chosen as the ecological consultants on this project.  They guided the transformation of an approx. 1-acre plot of land on site, composed mainly of rank grassland, into a biodiversity garden. It now contains several habitats, including wildlife ponds, native hedgerows, orchards and groves, pollinator-friendly flowerbeds and species-rich, semi-natural grassland. The site has begun to attract more insect species, including bee, butterfly and dragonfly varieties. It is hoped more and more wildlife, including frogs, newts, small mammals and bird species, will arrive here over time!

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) and its related resources were key guides throughout the development of the biodiversity garden. It was a joy to work on this unique project, along with forestry company Allied Woodlands, Zebraproof (interpretive design consultants) and of course, the proactive and innovative crew at Tydavnet GWS. The centre is now open for visitors to enjoy, including school groups.