The Tralee–Fenit Greenway kicked off 2026 with an inspiring community-led event focused on local biodiversity, citizen science and outdoor discovery. As part of the Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) for the Kingdom of Kerry Greenway, local groups took part in the first ever collaborative New Year Plant Hunt — recording winter-flowering plants and building skills to help protect nature along the route.

Engaging Communities Through Biodiversity Action

The Community Foundation Ireland–funded CBAP project in Tralee aims to enhance biodiversity along the Greenway while empowering the wider community to participate in conservation. Led by Tralee Tidy Towns, the initiative centres on:

  • Community Engagement — connecting groups from Tralee to Fenit in shared environmental action.
  • Citizen Science & Skills — helping volunteers identify native plants and monitor invasive species.
  • Habitat Enhancement — supporting native planting and potential future habitats for species such as swifts and swallows.
  • Long-Term Stewardship — encouraging collaborative, volunteer-led conservation across the Tralee area.

The project aligns with a growing interest in biodiversity, outdoor learning and nature-based recreation in Kerry.

Seven Plant Hunts, Three Days, Dozens of Species

Over three days (1st–3rd January), seven individual plant hunts took place across the 13km route. Each was supported by different community groups, businesses, clubs and NGOs — highlighting how collective action can deliver meaningful environmental outcomes.

Participants included Fenit Coast Conservation, Fenit Town Hall, Meadowlands Hotel (B Corp), Fenit Changing Tides, Spa Tidy Village, Tralee Tidy Towns, Irish Wildlife Trust Kerry Branch, Kerry FC and Cllr Mikey Sheehy.

Across the event:

  • 31 participants took part
  • ~40 winter-flowering species were recorded

Notable finds included Gorse, Primrose, Herb Robert, Knapweed and the invasive Winter Heliotrope

The survey formed part of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) New Year Plant Hunt, a nationwide campaign promoting citizen science and biodiversity awareness.

Invasive Speieces Plants from Tralee Tidy Towns Plant Hunt

Local Voices, Shared Spaces

Participants highlighted both the environmental value of the project and the sense of community it fostered along the Greenway:

“It’s really inspiring to see the support from all of the community groups… It’s wonderful to see the skills we’re learning being put into action.”
— Martha Farrell, Tralee Tidy Towns

“We were lucky it was a lovely crisp winter’s day… and great to get some interesting finds like Spanish Valerian and Spear Thistle.”
— Ciarán Forde, Fenit Coast Conservation

“It showed how even a small group can make a valuable contribution to citizen science and biodiversity knowledge.”
— Catherine Carty, Fenit Town Hall

“Initiatives like this really show the pride people have in their town and in the Greenway.”
— Cllr Mikey Sheehy, Kerry County Council

“As a certified B Corp, this collaboration aligns closely with our values of sustainability and long-term positive impact.”
— Heather McIver, Meadowlands Hotel

“Kerry FC were delighted to join in… and we look forward to further collaboration in 2026.”
— Ciarán Meagher, Kerry FC

“The plant hunt is a great way to build connection with the other communities on the Greenway.”
— Noreen White, Spa Tidy Village

Biodiversity Along the Greenway Corridor

The plant hunt demonstrated how the Greenway functions as both a recreational space and a biodiversity corridor linking Tralee Bay, Fenit Harbour and surrounding habitats. Initiatives like the CBAP build community knowledge about:

  • native plant species
  • seasonal flowering trends
  • invasive species management
  • wildlife-friendly land stewardship

These insights support future biodiversity actions across the Greenway and contribute to countywide efforts to protect nature in Kerry.