For many local families and visitors alike, the Fairy Trail has become a treasured part of childhood. Hidden among the trees of the Beech Walk, it has delighted generations of young explorers who have searched for fairy doors, discovered magical surprises and immersed themselves in a world of imagination.

When people think about litter picking, they often picture volunteers collecting bags of rubbish from roadsides, parks and public spaces. While this work remains an important part of what Ballincollig Tidy Towns does, the story behind our litter collection data tells a much bigger story, one of community pride, environmental awareness and positive behaviour change.

As part of National Heritage Week 2026, Ballincollig Tidy Towns is delighted to host a special community event that will explore how each of us can play a role in protecting nature and creating a more sustainable future.

Taking place at the Ballincollig Tidy Towns Allotment in Innishmore on Saturday, 15 August 2026, from 11.00am to 1.00pm, this free event will provide an opportunity to learn about biodiversity, sustainability and practical actions that can be taken at home, in schools, in businesses and throughout our community.

For several years, Ballincollig Tidy Towns has been working to create a greener, more biodiverse town through the development of its Pollinator Corridor. Stretching across Ballincollig and connecting key green spaces, this initiative helps pollinating insects move safely between feeding and nesting habitats while creating a richer natural environment for everyone to enjoy.

Most people pass utility boxes every day without a second glance. Our idea was to transform these functional pieces of street infrastructure into something that contributes positively to the public realm. What was once a plain metal box could become a point of interest, adding colour, character and conversation to the streetscape.