KCETB Supports EU Green Week 2026 Through Biodiversity Action Across Kilkenny and Carlow
KCETB is proud to be a participant in #EUGreenWeek 2026 through a coordinated programme of biodiversity initiatives across our campuses and offices.
This year’s EU Green Week, the 26th edition of the European Union’s flagship environmental event, focused on the business case for nature, highlighting how a nature-positive economy is essential for Europe’s prosperity, resilience and competitiveness. Organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment, the initiative brings together policymakers, businesses, educators, investors, communities and citizens to explore practical solutions for building a more sustainable future.
As an official EU Green Week Partner Event participant, KCETB carried out activities that built awareness of biodiversity, encouraged community action and showcased how nature-positive spaces are being developed across the organisation.
A Shared Commitment to a Nature-Positive Future
KCETB’s participation in EU Green Week demonstrated how local action can contribute to wider environmental goals. By creating biodiverse spaces, supporting pollinators, enhancing habitats and engaging staff and learners in sustainability initiatives, KCETB is helping to foster a deeper appreciation of nature and the role each of us can play in protecting it.
Through our Staff Portal, colleagues were invited to watch our “Seeds of Change: KCETB’s Regional Commitment to a Nature Positive Future” video which included a message from our Chief Executive, Dr. Lindsay Malone, as we celebrate KCETB’s contribution to this important European initiative. Our Climate Action colleagues at Carlow County Council shared a webinar with staff titled Community and Local Food Growing, for staff to watch in their own time during the week.
Seeds of Change Across KCETB
On Wednesday, KCETB offices in Kilkenny and Carlow took part in a coordinated biodiversity initiative centred on planting wildflowers.
With the initiative entitled “Seeds of Change: KCETB’s Regional Commitment to a Nature Positive Future”, colleagues at KCETB Headquarters on Athy Road, Carlow and Seville Lodge, Kilkenny come together to enhance biodiversity on our grounds.
Staff planted wildflower seeds to create pollinator-friendly spaces while newly constructed Bug Hotels were installed to provide habitats for insects and other beneficial species. The Bug Hotels were kindly designed and built by Philip Doyle, Buildings Officer, whose work helped bring this initiative to life.
The project provided an opportunity for staff to come together outdoors while making a practical contribution to local biodiversity. The wildflower areas will add colour to the grounds while providing essential food sources and shelter for pollinators and wildlife.
Learners Lead Biodiversity Projects at Joinersfolly
At Joinersfolly in Kilkenny, learners participating in the BTEI Horticulture Programme have been demonstrating their commitment to biodiversity through a range of innovative projects.
One of the exciting developments has been the creation of a wildlife pond designed to attract wildlife and increase biodiversity on site. Learners took responsibility for the project from concept to completion, drawing on their horticultural knowledge to design and implement the pond independently.
The group carefully selected aquatic and flowering plants to ensure the pond would develop into a thriving ecosystem capable of supporting a diverse range of wildlife. The design also incorporated natural processes that will help maintain water quality and create a self-sustaining habitat.
The wildlife pond is one of several biodiversity initiatives underway at Joinersfolly. Learners who recently completed the Level 4 Teamwork module constructed and installed bird boxes around the site, while another group planted fruit trees and began rewilding the surrounding ground to encourage greater ecological diversity.
The success of the biodiversity projects reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of the learners involved, including Ciaran Bergin, Carmel Bergin, Terry Boland, Bernie O’Brien, Breda McLoughlan, Jennifer Mitchell, Noel Touhy, Dylan Foley and Roseann Drea.
Watch:
#EUGreenWeek