Mini forests and urban orchards set to transform Johnstown estates

Over 7,000 trees will be planted in mini forests and urban orchards in Johnstown as part of a major environmental transformation in the Johnstown Wood estate in Navan.

Johnstown Tidy Towns has laid out an ambitious, 16 month project to overhaul the current Chestnut and Elm Estate lawn into a climate-resilient and biodiverse "Living Lawn." The project sets out to tackle climate change, boost wildlife habitats, and reduce the financial burden of traditional lawn maintenance for local residents.

The group has received funding of €40,467 for the project which will also include a short-grass access path, a simple children's football play area, and an outdoor classroom space intended for workshops and community learning, which will allow the lawn to be used and enjoyed by residents.

Johnstown Tidy Towns chairman, Robin Marshall, explained that the project would result in a 95 per cent reduction in grass cutting.

“With 10,000 square meters of lawn to manage, households were facing ten times the annual upkeep compared to neighbouring estates. It simply wasn't financially viable. In response, we developed a green, sustainable alternative that not only solves the problem but has now won backing from the MCC Climate Action Fund.”

The group plans to introduce a vibrant mosaic of natural habitats, including over 7,000 trees planted within several mini forests, hedgerows and urban orchards.

Increasing tree canopy cover will capture carbon, provide shade, air filtration, fruit, wildlife habitats, screen the ever increasing road traffic, and provide an area for residents to enjoy.

Wildlife hubs will be created by installing log piles, bug hotels, bee posts, and areas of exposed soil specifically designed to support ground-nesting bees. They will create shelter, safety, and food to simply encourage more wildlife.

"Initial local enquiries gained positive community feedback even before funding was granted," Mr Marshall said. Alongside the Tidy Towns Committee and the Elm and Chestnut Residents, the project has secured the support of Meath County Council's Biodiversity and Climate Action teams, Meath Partnership Tus Scheme, the Navan Men's Shed, and the Lighthouse Church.

"We are also keen to involve local students from Coláiste na Mí Secondary School, those seeking team building experiences from businesses, local sporting groups and also individuals keen to play a part in supporting the environment.

“If you want to plant a tree in the new year then we will have thousands,” he said.

The Tidy Towns group hopes the Chestnut and Elm Biodiversity Park will serve as a model blueprint, inspiring other housing estates across the region to ditch high-maintenance lawns in favour of climate-resilient community parks. They have already drawn up a potential masterplan for a 40,000sqm Johnstown Biodiversity Park.

Cllr Alan Lawes who is also a member of the Johnstown Tidy Towns Committee said it was a very exciting project and he was thrilled that the project, which was the brainchild of Robin Marshall, will now receive grant funding.