Biodiversity in action at Mayo shrine grounds

BIODIVERSITY actions have been brought to the fore in the grounds of Knock Shrine.

And other parishes around the county could benefit from the church Return to Nature project in the future.

Mayo County Council's biodiversity officer, Sheila Murphy, updated members of the local authority's environment and climate change committee about the project.

The project was first rolled out in Clare in 2023 after the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference agreed on a policy that parishes would return 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030, following a letter from Pope Francis about protecting the world.

The Mayo biodiversity office got in touch with Knock Shrine and they have worked together on a plan for the grounds.

Areas of ground have been left for pollinators, they have created orchards, and bird and bat boxes are also among the works to date.

The feedback, said Ms. Murphy, has been very positive and it is hoped to develop the project with other parishes.

Knock Shrine, it was noted, was influential, both on a national and international level.

Last weekend, Knock hosted an event titled Raising Hope for Our Common Home, dedicated to caring for our environment and promoting sustainability.

The inspiring event featured renowned guest speakers Éanna Ní Lamhna, Jane Mellett, and Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe, sharing insights on ecology, faith, and action for a better future.