Mayo community groups send a resounding message of kindness
They unite to plant Heritage Orchards at Lough Lannagh for ‘Bee Kind’ project
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Pictured at the Beekind project to plant 55 native Irish Apple Trees across two community apple orchards at Lough Lannagh are Amy and Helen McHugh. PHOTOS: JOHN MEEImage 2 of 12
Steph Kilkenny with her sons Fiachra and Tadgh.Image 3 of 12
Mary and Jarlath Cunningham.Image 4 of 12
Theresa Quinn, Helen Murrihy, Harry McHale and Valeria Mulroy of Castlebar Mitchels.Image 5 of 12
Sean Corrigan of Variety Ireland with his parents.Image 6 of 12
Sean Corrigan of Variety Ireland with representatives from Mayo Mental Health Association.Image 7 of 12
Members of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children pictured after planting and apple tree as part of the BeeKind project.Image 8 of 12
Members of 1st Mayo Scouts Troop, Castlebar.Image 9 of 12
Castlebar Tidy Towns volunteers.Image 10 of 12
Marian Robinson, Castlebar Celtic, Joe Butler, Castlebar Tidy Towns, Ann Cresham, Tidy Towns, Marita Murtagh, Tidy Towns, Councillor Ger Deere, Alan Mee, chairman, Tidy Towns, Padraig Cresham, chairman, Castlebar Celtic, Marie Cresham, Castlebar Celtic, and Geraldine Cresham, Castlebar Celtic.Image 11 of 12
Members of Mayo Beekeepers Association with Variety Ireland director, Sean Corrigan.Image 12 of 12
Castlebar Community Clean-Up Group with Shiela Murphy, biodiversity officer, Mayo County Council, and Sean Corrigan of Variety Ireland.In a time of global uncertainty when kindness and empaty are more important than ever, 54 diverse community groups, made up of mostly volunteers who give their time freely for the betterment of their local community, gathered at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, to plant two community orchards of heritage apple varieties as part of the Bee Kind project.
Conceived by Variety Ireland, the children’s charity, the initiative was supported by Castlebar Tidy Towns and Mayo County Council.
The project brought together a range of groups contributing positively to Castlebar and beyond, with a shared goal of supporting nature, climate, and fostering community spirit and wellbeing.
The event not only strengthened local biodiversity but also encouraged collaboration and mutual learning among groups facing similar challenges.
The resounding message from everyone on the day was to Bee Kind to each other, Bee Kind to yourself and to Bee Kind to Nature.
Seán Corrigan of Variety Ireland highlighted the project’s benefits.
He stated: "Spending time in natural spaces surrounded by trees and water has proven benefits for mental and physical health.
"We’re fortunate to have such fantastic facilities here in Castlebar."
The event saw the planting of 100 heritage apple trees, which will enhance biodiversity, support pollinators like bees, and encourage public engagement with nature.
Alan Mee, chairperson of Castlebar Tidy Towns, emphasised the long-term impact.
"Lough Lannagh is a treasured asset enjoyed daily by many. As these trees grow, they will enrich Castlebar’s natural heritage and deepen appreciation for biodiversity."
Once mature, each apple tree is expected to produce 500 apples, providing food for both people and wildlife.
Additionally, the trees will help tackle climate change by storing 40 tonnes of carbon and releasing an equal amount of oxygen over their lifetime.
The newly planted orchards are open to the public and can be found near the Lough Lannagh Loop walk entrance, the playground, and the new cemetery.
The organisers would like to thank everyone who participated and the support of Mayo County Council.