At Finnebrogue, doing what is right for people and planet is integral to everything we do as a responsible business.
Seeing the Bigger Picture means that we’re committed to conducting business in a manner that respects and preserves the environment. In addition, we acknowledge that as a business we can help protect the local environment beyond reducing our impacts and can take proactive positive actions for improving and supporting nature.
Finnebrogue has committed to increasing the biodiversity around its four manufacturing sites in Downpatrick, County Down. To support this initiative, Finnebrogue has become signatories to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP), which will help guide us in our efforts to make more pollinator-friendly sites.
What is meant by ‘biodiversity’?
Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you’ll find in one area – the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that exist in a specific area.
What is a pollinator and why they are important?
A pollinator is an animal or insect that helps plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another, enabling the plant to produce seeds and fruit for reproduction. Common pollinators include bees, butterflies, birds, and bats. Without pollinators many plant species would not be able to cross-pollinate or reproduce.
Key issues facing pollinators
One third of the 99 wild bee species from the island of Ireland are threatened with extinction. The key issues threatening pollinators in Northern Ireland, include habitat loss, such as the decline of wildflower meadows and hedgerows, increased pesticide use in agriculture, and the effects of climate change on flowering patterns and ecosystems.
What is the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP)?
The AIPP is a framework bringing together different business and community sectors across the island of Ireland to create a landscape where pollinators can survive and thrive. Implementation is coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. They work to help businesses, farms, community groups, gardeners, and individuals take evidence-based actions to improve and increase biodiversity and support pollinators.
What are Finnebrogue doing to support the AIPP?
As members of the AIPP, Finnebrogue have already begun to take action. In May 2024 we collaborated with EcoSeeds, a local seed provider based in Strangford, County Down, to sow 4000m3 of native wildgrass seed in the grounds of our vegetarian factory (OTB). The resultant wildgrass meadow is now home to a range of local native (non-invasive) grasses and flower species. The initiative is already playing a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, offering shelter, food, and habitat for pollinators and other species that are essential to sustaining our ecosystem.
You can make a difference – pledge your garden to biodiversity
You can take action and help make a difference by ‘Pledging Your Garden’ to pollinators and taking simple steps as suggested by the AIPP. Suggested actions include; reduce mowing, plant native wildgrasses and flowers, create nesting areas for solitary bees, and avoid the use of pesticides. These actions will create a healthier environment for pollinators.
More information:
https://pollinators.ie/gardens/
https://pollinators.ie/top-ten-ways-to-help-pollinators/pollinators-in-september/
