Laois Offaly Branch Timahoe Project update

Many local heritage sites are prime areas to create and celebrate natural spaces. In November 2022, the IWT Laois/Offaly Branch installed 16 nesting and roosting boxes and two interpretive panels at Timahoe, an early Christian monastic site in Co Laois.

The interpretive signs raise awareness about the wildlife at Timahoe. One sign highlights a few species that depend on, and indeed enhance, the built environment at the site, particularly bats that nest in the church and rooks that congregate in the roundhouse tower. Another panel focuses on inhabitants of our nearby Timahoe River, which forms a boundary to the site.

The signs are part of a wider project to enhance biodiversity at Timahoe. The project also involved installation of bat roost boxes and bird nesting boxes for starling, grey wagtail, and dipper.

The project was completed in partnership with the Laois Heritage Office with the support of the Local Biodiversity Action Fund of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The signs were designed by Penhouse Design with original illustrations by Aga Grandowicz. Because of the sensitivity of the site, all work has been monitored and overseen by Colm Flynn Archaeologist, in consultation with National Monuments Service - Archaeology. The project had the support of the local community, Tigh Mochua Le Cheìle and Timahoe Heritage Centre.

To see a full list of all our IWT branches and to their contact details see www.iwt. ie/get-involved/our-branches/

CAMPAIGN

By Pádraic Fogarty