County of Galway Virtual Tidy Towns Project

Fri, 01 May 2020 20:57:00 BST

Tidy Towns groups throughout the County of Galway are coming together virtually to stay connected while staying safe and at home during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Williamstown Tidy Towns led the way by starting a Virtual Tidy Towns Facebook group for their area to provide a platform for people to show what they are doing in their own place in these challenging times for their family, community and the environment, and to celebrate their local heritage and biodiversity.
While everyone is staying at home and maintaining social distancing many people are still doing things such as cutting the grass (remembering to leave areas uncut for pollinators!), planting bee-friendly flowers in the garden, feeding the birds, preventing, reducing and segregating their waste, composting etc. Williamstown Virtual Tidy Towns are encouraging people to send in a photo or description of what they are doing to share with others in their village and stay connected.
If people are out for a short walk near their homes while maintaining social distancing, they may hear or see some beautiful nature and wildlife, maybe a robin or blackthorn in blossom, or encounter built heritage of interest such as a holy well, milestone or old graveyard. Consider sending a photo, poem, story or picture to your local Tidy Towns group Facebook page to share with others.
There are many active Tidy Towns groups in the county of Galway with a strong record of supporting their community and working to enhance their towns and villages. Galway County Council are encouraging them to stay connected while staying safe and at home following HSE Guidance.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Jimmy McClearn said “Anyone can set up a ‘Virtual Tidy Towns Group’ for their area or keep connected using an existing Tidy Towns Facebook page to post photos of what they are doing in their own gardens and homes while staying safe.”
For tips and ideas check out the County of Galway Virtual Tidy Towns Facebook page or email Galwayvirtualtt@gmail.com.