Newbridge Tidy Towns Association

04/11/2026

Invasive species – there are biodiversity-friendly alternative plants readily available

There are issues with a number of non-native / alien plants being planted in gardens & more importantly in public places all around the country. It is acknowledged that most of the non-native plants we see in the wild are not having a major negative effect (at present), even as they “naturalise” on our roadsides, parks, farms, meadows and other areas managed for wildlife.

While we all have heard about Rhododendron, Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) & American Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) & are aware of their negative effect on our natural environment, other visually attractive invasive species such as Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), Winter Heliotrope (Petasites pyrenaicus) also have negative effects perhaps not so well known about.

Some of the most aggressive invasive species can outcompete our native species – take for example the Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) which can be observed almost everywhere in woodlands, parks etc. – apparently it hybridises with our native Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and outcompetes it – taking over from the native species & having a negative effect on biodiversity.

So whether you are planning a planting scheme for your garden, the green area in your residential estate, or elsewhere, chose non-invasive plants & by doing so do your bit to protect our natural habitats.

This guide - developed by the National Biodiversity Data Centre is a most interesting read & should influence plant selection hopefully guiding gardeners & others in planting wildlife & biodiversity friendly plants – they point out that:

“Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to our biodiversity and habitats.”
&
“They threaten biological diversity, food security, and human health and wellbeing.”

To download ‘Choosing non-invasive plants for the island of Ireland’ visit:

Non-native plants play an important role in the economies of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Introduced for gardening, landscaping, horticulture and

03/11/2026

Please note that Kildare County Council have advised folks not to recycle textiles in any Liberty Recycling units as they are currently not being serviced.

There are other options available - good quality clothing can be recycled via the charity shops in the town & non re-usable textiles can still be recycled at venues included in the approved list below.

03/11/2026

Saturday last was our second bulb planting project & we also completed a comprehensive litter pick along Athgarvan Rd. & in the vicinity of St. Conleth's Bridge.

We commenced planting our bulbs in the area behind the new seat which overlooks the Liffey near the boardwalk.

We planted a variety of bulbs - many biodiversity friendly species & some which will provide some floral colour for visitors to the

Bulbs planted included Hyacinthoides non-scripta (native Bluebell), Crocus, Muscari Armeniacum (Grape Hyacinth), Narcissi (Daffodil Tete-a-Tete & Minnow) & Fritillaria (Snakes Head Fritillary). Looking forward to some lovely colour next year.

Next we moved onto the two beds either side of the entrance areas to the Watering Gates - these are more "formal" beds bordering the Athgarvan Rd. and bulbs planted included Allium (Purple Sensation & Sphaerocephalon) & Tulip Negrita.

Our final planting this week occurred in the two beds near the park entrance at the bridge. One bed is somewhat shaded the other is well lit each summer - so we planted Anemone Nemorosa (Wood Anemone), Allium (Purple Sensation) & Tulip (Negrita).

We have more bulbs to plant in the coming weeks - some in formal beds (Piercetown, Moorefield Rd., Garda Bed on Main St.) & many more in "meadow" areas which will be planted with biodiversity friendly bulbs like Allium ursinum (Ramsons), Muscari Armeniacum (Grape Hyacinth) & more.

W**d removal from some paths was also carried out - loads more to do on this front & our volunteers will tackle weeds in a number of areas over the coming weeks.

A number of residential areas were also supplied with a selection of bulbs & happily many of them have completed their planting projects as well.

In addition we dealt with litter - a continuing problem in some areas & our crew cleared two bags of litter.

Thanks folks, we appreciate the time that our volunteers give to this community & to our town.
As usual others were present during the morning - but working on other essential projects.

27/10/2026

World Soil Day (WSD) 2026, will be celebrated on 5 December,
The theme is “Tackle soil compaction, boost food production”

It highlights the importance of healthy, well-structured soils for food production, water movement, root growth and biodiversity. Addressing soil compaction is essential to building more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

24/10/2026

Newbridge In Bloom Summer Display Takedown

We are currently in the process of dismantling our Summer display.

The railing planters are now removed from all locations around the town & most of the saucer planters have been removed.

Thanks to Jer Delaney for a designing & providing a wonderful floral display & ensuring they were tended to & watered – a time consuming task this summer.

Thanks to our Dead-headers who kept the display looking pristine over the summer.

Thanks Alan, Lenny & a selection of volunteers for your work maintaining the floral display in the

Thanks to Jer Delaney & all the volunteers who assisted in the takedown last week – it can be heavy work.

While our winter display is smaller than the summer one, soon a selection of saucer planters & the larger Amberol planters will be re-planted with a winter selection & positioned at Market Square, Moorefield Rd., Main St., Military Rd. in addition to the saucer planters on George’s St. & outside the Library. The planters on Cutlery Rd. will also be tended to very soon.

The success of this summer’s Newbridge in Bloom in generating a warm and welcoming atmosphere has been the subject of much favourable comment.

In addition to this work - other volunteers were tending to some of the flowerbeds - some being prepared for additional planting, others needed vegetation cut-back & a general "tidy-up".

Ní neart go cur le chéile!

23/10/2026

Tidy Towns National Awards 2026
Croke Park / Páirc an Chrócaigh

We were honoured to attend the formal announcement of the results of the 2026 National Tidy Towns Competition.

We are delighted that Newbridge has again been awarded the Gold Medal – a tribute to all in the town who contribute to making our town a great place to live, work, do business, recreate & learn in.

Thanks to everybody who contributed to this fantastic achievement – our volunteers, C.E. participants, Pick-A-Patch groups, Residents Associations, businesses, our service providers / contractors, Councillors & Kildare County Council MD & Parks staff.

We had the pleasure of meeting a number of County Kildare Tidy Towns representatives at the announcement of the results & look forward to presentation of the awards next year.

In all 936 towns & villages entered the national Tidy Towns competition this year – and 34 of those proudly represented County Kildare in all 8 population categories.

Congratulations every town & village from County Kildare who entered the competition & to our winning towns from County Kildare:

Kildare’s 12 GOLD medal winners included:
Ballymore Eustace, Broadford, Celbridge, Clane, Kilcullen, Kill (County Winner), Leixlip, Maynooth, Naas (County Highly Commended Award), Newbridge, Rathangan, Straffan (County Commended Award)

Johnstownbridge won an Endeavour Award.
Scoil na Mainistreach, Celbridge won the Midlands & East TidyTowns Schools Award.

Congratulations also to Ballinahown in Co Westmeath who were awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2026.

So for all of our towns – the work continues throughout the winter months – preparing for the 2027 National Tidy Towns Competition – if you have an hour to spare contact your local Tidy Towns group.

The Newbridge report – along with other County Kildare reports - is available at:
https://www.tidytowns.ie/the-competition/results/?report_year=2026&report_county=kildare

Kildare Community Stories

22/10/2026

Three representatives from Newbridge will attend this event tomorrow.

Thanks to all who contribute to making Newbridge a great place to live, work, do business, recreate & learn in.

Results will be available tomorrow - fingers crossed.

14/10/2026

12/10/2026

Back to Bulb Planting Season

We commenced our work on Saturday morning planting areas of the towpath running from the Watering Gates to the Strand with 650 bulbs. We commenced work on this earth bank a few years ago & decided to manage the banks for nature.

Over the last fortnight some of our volunteers were preparing these areas – strimming the long grass & preparing the area for bulb planting, we also added some Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor, Gliográn) to the areas.

In urban spaces we have planted some non-native pollinator friendly plants to help provide additional sources of food to pollinators – these areas are defined & limited to specific managed areas. We tend to prioritise planting native species of tree & will be planting a small woodland area on the Strand this winter consisting of only native trees, shrubs & wildflowers.

Many of the bulbs are pollinator friendly – some will bloom early, offering an essential source of nectar & pollen for bees, butterflies, hoverflies & more including:-

Bluebell - Hyacinthoides non-scripta – blooms April/May;
Crocus Jeanne d'Arc – blooms springtime;
Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant (Organic) – blooms in Spring;
Galanthus Nivalis (Single Snowdrop) – blooms February & later;
Muscari Armeniacum (Grape Hyacinth) – blooms March & later;
Scilla Siberica (Siberian Squill) - blooms February & later;
Fritillaria Meleagris (Snakes Head Fritillary) – blooms April/May;

We then moved on & planted 200 bulbs on the Fairy Walk.

Again we concentrated on pollinator friendly plants including:-
Allium ursinum (Wild Garlic, Native Ramsons) - blooms April/June;
Erythronium Pagoda (Dog's Tooth Violet) – blooms March & later;
Muscari Armeniacum (Grape Hyacinth) - blooms April/May;
Fritillaria Meleagris (Snakes Head Fritillary) - blooms April/May;

We plan to take down Newbridge In Bloom next week & if time allows we will continue some of our bulb planting in the park & in flowerbeds we maintain around the town.

As folks were working on various projects – not everybody in the photo – taken at the Fairy Walk. Thanks folks – looking forward to loads of spring colour & over time many pollinators visiting.