Cross-Border Bee Kind Initiative Champions Biodiversity and Inclusion
The success of the Bee Kind Project is continuing to bear fruit across Counties Louth and Down, with communities on both sides of the border benefiting from an initiative that combined biodiversity action, community inclusion and cross-border collaboration.
Delivered by Variety – the Children's Charity of Ireland - in partnership with Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the project brought together schools, community groups, disability organisations and volunteers in April to create a lasting environmental legacy
Built around four key principles - Bee kind to yourself, Bee kind to others, Bee kind to your community, and Bee kind to nature - the project promotes biodiversity, inclusion, wellbeing and community participation.
A central aim is to raise awareness of the important role that heritage fruit trees, local seed varieties and pollinators play in supporting healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. As part of the project, heritage fruit trees were planted and beehives established to encourage pollinator activity and environmental education.
The cross-border initiative brought together participants from communities in both counties. Community groups from Newry travelled to Omeath to plant 30 heritage fruit trees, while groups from Omeath later travelled to Newry to participate in a corresponding planting event.
In advance of the planting events, Men's Shed groups in Omeath and Newry prepared handcrafted benches, which were exchanged between the two communities as a symbol of cooperation and friendship.
The project brought together schools, disability organisations, sports clubs, community groups and local residents, highlighting the value of collaboration and shared responsibility in creating more sustainable and inclusive communities. It also provided an opportunity for participants to learn about biodiversity, pollinator conservation and the importance of preserving heritage fruit varieties for future generations.
Among those taking part were pupils from Scoil Naomh Lorcáin, Omeath, alongside representatives from Omeath Tidy Towns and a wide range of community organisations from both sides of the border.
Cllr Fiona MhicConchoille, one of the organisers of the initiative, said:
"I was absolutely delighted to be involved in the Bee Kind Project and to see months of planning come to life in such a positive and meaningful way.
“Working alongside Kevin O'Brien from Variety Ireland and Laura Savage from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, we spent several months developing this initiative to ensure it would deliver lasting benefits to communities on both sides of the border.
“This project was about bringing people together, strengthening community connections, promoting inclusion and fostering a shared commitment to protecting our environment. Seeing schools, disability organisations, sports clubs, Men's Sheds, community groups and residents working side by side was a wonderful reflection of what can be achieved through collaboration.
“The cross-border nature of the project was particularly important, demonstrating the value of partnership, friendship and shared purpose between neighbouring communities. The trees planted will provide a lasting legacy for future generations while supporting biodiversity and creating greener, healthier spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Men's Sheds for the beautiful benches they created; Simon from the Irish Seed Savers Association for his invaluable advice, and all the volunteers and participants who contributed to the success of the project.
“The Bee Kind message — be kind to yourself, be kind to others, be kind to your community, and be kind to nature — was reflected throughout the initiative, and I look forward to seeing its positive impact continue in the years ahead."
A promotional video showcasing the initiative, Bee Kind Project Connecting Co Down and Co Louth Communities, is available to view at the top of the page and on Variety Ireland's YouTube channel.