Dundalk Selected for Entente Florale

According to the Argus Dundalk has been selected for the EU Entente Florale, a sort of European version of the Tity Towns. The assessment criteria for the Entente Florale are a little different though, with a much stronger emphasis on biodiversity and integrating wildlife with town life. Points are allocated as follows:
- Vegetation and Landscape 50%
- Environment 26%
- Tourism and Involvement 24%

For example in terms of landscape the judges consider: Integration into the landscape, green corridors, long term objectives, programs, plans/strategies. Quality and maintenance of natural and protected areas, and of rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and their banks.

In practice the judges were very interested in native species being planted and allowing grass verges to grow wild. The reason is because it is now widely recognised that concentrating on native species and allowing the grass and "weeds" to grow has a much bigger impact on overall biodiversity than non-native exotic species. This is because Irish invertebrates co-evolved with our native flora and so are much more productive, more invertebrates means more food and better cover for native birds and mammals. An Taisce recommends various shrub and tree species for hedge planting, and as for the native wild flowers and grasses, they Will likely colonise naturally!

Best of luck to the hardworking Dundalk team in the competition and we look forward to the assessment report!