Biodiversity & Sustainablity

As custodians of the Kylemore estate, the Benedictine Nuns have as one of their central edicts the protection, preservation, and promotion of the unique biodiversity of the 1,000-acre Kylemore estate. As demonstrated in Pope Francis’ encyclical letter “Laudato si: on care for our Common Home” a central part of contemplative ecology is asking ourselves “What kind of world do we want to leave after ourselves?”.

To ensure this, a robust sustainability plan is is being implemented across the estate with an aim of making Kylemore a centre for biodiversity research and protection and national leaders in sustainable tourism.

One of the first actions is the commencement of a Biodiversity and Sustainability Stewardship Programme and Partnership with NUI Galway. Read about the recently launched partnership below:
Biodiversity & Sustainability Programme

Plans

Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework, in January 2020, Kylemore Abbey launched their sustainability plan which initially focusses on 8 of the 17 goals laid out by the UN framework.

  1. Partnerships for the goals
  2. Good health & wellbeing
  3. Clean water & sanitation
  4. Affordable and clean energy
  5. Climate Action
  6. Life on Land
  7. Decent work and economic growth
  8. Responsible production and consumption
Discover the UN Goals

What we are Protecting

  • The Freshwater Pearl Mussel - The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and is one of the 365 most endangered species in the world. The Dawros River that flows through the Kylemore Estate is one of the few places where there is still a strong, reproductive population of the Pearl Mussel.
  • Trees and our Oceanic woodland. We are very fortunate in Kylemore to have such a diverse woodland (we have 24 different species on our tree trail alone), and we feel it is our duty to protect these beautiful trees. 
  • Unique Flora & Fauna - we strongly encourage all visitors to take a walk on our brand new Flora, Fauna, & Folklore Trail, where you will learn about the vast range of plant and wildlife on the Kylemore Estate and will also learn the fascinating stories behind them and the folklore attached. 

Take a look at our Nature Blog to learn about Flora and Fauna on the estate and to find out what's been going on.  
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What We are Doing

  • Rhododendron clearing – The hugely invasive Rhododendron Ponticum has, for the past century gained a strong foothold of the Kylemore Estate. While undoubtedly very beautiful when in bloom in May, The Rhododendron Ponticuum has huge detrimental effects to native flora and fauna which it starves of resources. Extensive work is underway on the Kylemore to tackle this
  • Introduction of native species- Such as Connemara Ponies and more recently, hives of the Native Irish Black Bee.
  • Electric cars - our fleet of vehicles is transitioning over to an all electric fleet, reducing fumes and noise pollution. 
  • Eco packaging & locally sourced produce - The Kylemore Kitchen, the Gift shop and the onsite producers work with locally producers and sustainable suppliers to ensure local and entirely ethical products are made here in Kylemore.  
  • Gardening & farming methods - Our gardeners are always busy coming up with new and environmentally friendly ways to improve their methods. For example using local seaweed on our vegetable beds, and using the ground coffee from the Café to keep slugs and other insects away from the budding vegetables. 
  • Education – A developing partnership with NUI Galway will see Kylemore become a central hub o education in sustainability & biodiversity. We also provide interpretive signage along our woodland walks to educate our visitors on the beauty and nature around them. 
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How you can help

  • Support – to learn how to help Kylemore Abbey continue in it's biodiversity & sustainability mission., please contact info@kylemoreabbey.ie 
  • Look at our Resources page - as our new trails open and the summer continues, our Woodland expert will be added helpful guides to how to recognize the unique flora and fauna in your own locality. 
  • Leave no trace – You will notice the “Leave No Trace” symbol on the signage throughout the estate. We ask that visitors “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints”
  • Wild planting - we love our manicured garden here in Kylemore, but we know you need to let the wild areas flourish too, so why not mix up your own garden with some native wild flowers. 
Why not become a Woodland Conservation Volunteer? Contact us at the link below to find out when we will next be inviting volunteers to help out in the Kylemore Woodland while learning about how to protect your own gardens and woodlands from invasive species.  
Contact Us