Miriam Mooney sent ECI this update:
The Laudato Si Group in Rathgar Parish was originally formed to read and reflect on Pope Francis’s Encyclical Laudato Si. Arising from Francis’s exhortation to take action to protect Our Common Home the group undertook many educational, environmental and spiritual initiatives in the Parish. In recent times an opportunity arose in the grounds at the rear of the Church. Following upgrading of the Parish Centre the Laudato Si group put forward the idea of developing a Biodiversity Garden, with only pollinator plants, which was accepted by the Parish. The ground was rotavated and had topsoil (peat free compost was included in this topsoil) applied thanks to generous funding from our Parish. Covid-19 has delayed the progress of this project however we have already planted some plants and bulbs! The Biodiversity Garden is our community response to Pope Francis’s call for action to protect and enhance our precious, declining biodiversity. Many of our beautiful pollinator species are vulnerable and require support to survive. We are clear that all plants and shrubs must be excellent pollinators and we will be using the All Ireland Pollinator Plan as a guide. Should any Eco-Congregation Ireland reader wish to know more or link with us we have set up an email address for this purpose. [email protected] and would be happy to receive your advice or plants! We hope to be sharing photos of the Biodiversity Garden in 2021 with our Eco-Congregation friends!