Heritage Week 2026: Biodiversity and Sustainability

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. The event forms part of the official National Heritage Week programme and is suitable for families, gardeners, nature enthusiasts and anyone interested in helping the environment.[1]

Understanding Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living things that share our environment, including plants, insects, birds, mammals, fungi and microorganisms. These species work together to create healthy ecosystems that provide essential services such as pollination, clean water, healthy soils and climate resilience.[2][3]

In Ballincollig, biodiversity can be found everywhere, from the woodlands and waterways of the Regional Park to community gardens, pollinator planting schemes and residential green spaces. Ballincollig Tidy Towns has been actively promoting biodiversity for many years through projects such as its Pollinator Corridor, habitat creation initiatives and Biodiversity Action Plan.[4][5]

Sustainability starts with everyday choices

Sustainability often sounds like a complex concept, but many sustainable actions are simple and accessible. Small changes made by individuals and families can collectively have a significant impact.

These are all approaches that Ballincollig Tidy Towns has embraced through its own projects, including its long-running rainwater harvesting system, pollinator-friendly planting programmes and biodiversity initiatives throughout the town such as ‘Proud to be Spray Free’.[3][4][5] By making sustainable choices today, we help ensure that future generations inherit a community and a planet that are healthy, resilient and full of life.[1]

Working together for nature and our future

One of the most important messages of the day is that protecting biodiversity and encouraging sustainability is a shared responsibility. Positive environmental change happens when communities work together.

The success of Ballincollig Tidy Towns initiatives over many years has been built on the efforts of volunteers, residents, schools, businesses and community organisations who have chosen to take action for nature and sustainability. Their work demonstrates that small actions, when multiplied across a community, can produce significant and lasting results.[3][4]

Join us for our Heritage Week event

Visitors to the event will learn about practical sustainability measures including:

• Rainwater harvesting

• Composting and soil improvement

• Pollinator-friendly gardening

• Reducing the use of pesticides

• Growing your own food

• Reducing waste and increasing recycling

• Creating wildlife-friendly spaces

Where and when?

Event: Learn about Biodiversity, Sustainability and how we can all help
Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026
Time: 11.00am – 1.00pm
Venue: Ballincollig Tidy Towns Allotment, Innishmore, Ballincollig
Cost: Free admission
Suitable for: Families, gardeners, environmental enthusiasts and members of the public[1]

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing practical ideas about how we can all help biodiversity and sustainability thrive in Ballincollig and beyond.

References

[1] National Heritage Week (2026). Learn About Biodiversity, Sustainability and How We Can All Help. Available at: https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/learn-about-biodiversity-sustainability-and-how-we-can-all-help (Accessed: 27 July 2026).

[2] Cork City Council. Natural Heritage & Biodiversity. Available at: https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/arts-culture-heritage/natural-heritage-biodiversity/ (Accessed: 27 July 2026).

[3] Actions for Biodiversity. Ireland's Portal for Biodiversity Action Plans. Available at: https://actionforbiodiversity.ie/ (Accessed: 27 July 2026).

[4] Ballincollig Tidy Towns. Nature and Biodiversity. Available at: https://www.ballincolligtidytowns.ie/our-work-nature-and-biodiversity (Accessed: 27 July 2026).

[5] Ballincollig Tidy Towns. Ballincollig Tidy Towns Website. Available at: https://www.ballincolligtidytowns.ie/ (Accessed: 27 July 2026).