PolliConnect Living Lab: Pilot Sites Selected Ballyhoura Development has selected five pilot sites to take part in the PolliConnect Living Lab. These sites will demonstrate how innovative mowing techniques can support wildflowers and improve habitats for pollinators. The Living Lab approach allows practical testing of biodiversity-friendly land management in real community and business settings. At each site, Ballyhoura Development staff will introduce modified mowing regimes designed to increase flowering plants, providing essential food sources and shelter for pollinating insects. This phase of the project aims to raise awareness locally while generating practical learning that can be shared across the region. Pilot Site Locations Ballyorgan – Community School Field The community school field in Ballyorgan, managed by the Ballyorgan Community Group, is located adjacent to the local preschool. This site provides an opportunity to integrate biodiversity awareness with community and educational settings. Barnahown – Mitchelstown The grounds at Barnahown, a regenerative tourism business in the foothills of the Galtee Mountains near Mitchelstown, will test how different mowing approaches impact an existing wildflower meadow. Ciara O’Brien, property owner, commented: “We have been working to understand how native and pollinator-friendly planting can support biodiversity at Barnahown. Being part of PolliConnect will help us learn how management techniques influence our meadow habitat.” Slí Eile Farm – Burton Park, Churchtown Slí Eile Farm in Burton Park, Churchtown, promotes mental health recovery and operates an on-farm organic horticulture social enterprise. Participation in the Living Lab will support habitat enhancement while aligning with the organisation’s community-focused ethos. Jess Angland, Chief Operations Officer, stated: “Adopting new mowing techniques can help create better habitats for pollinators by allowing wildflowers to bloom and providing food and shelter.” Castleoaks Hotel – Castleconnell Part of the grounds of the Castleoaks Hotel will be managed by Ballyhoura Development staff as part of the project. Pollinator monitoring will be supported by volunteers from Castleconnell Tidy Towns, incorporating a citizen science element into the site. Parochial House – Granagh, Co. Limerick The grounds of the Parochial House in Granagh, currently managed by volunteers from Granagh Tidy Towns, include an established wildflower meadow. The PolliConnect Living Lab will explore how novel mowing techniques can further enhance this habitat. Next Phase: Community Engagement The next phase of the project will provide opportunities for community members to: Learn more about pollinators Take part in citizen science monitoring Contribute to tracking the impact of new mowing methods This engagement will help strengthen local awareness of biodiversity while gathering valuable data to inform future land management practices. Polliconnect Project Manage Cookie Preferences