Ireland’s first wild Butterfly Meadow at Nestlé’s Wyeth Nutrition Site in Askeaton, Co. Limerick has opened a bespoke "Insect Lodge" to provide a breeding and hibernation habitat for various insects. As part of its sustainability programme, the 1,800 square butterfly metre meadow and "Insect Lodge" will enhance local biodiversity and encourages an increase in the number and varieties of native Irish butterflies in the area. Wyeth Nutrition also announced that it is the process of planting almost 1,900 indigenous native trees adjacent to its site and at the Butterfly Meadow over the coming months. Assisted by the pupils and teachers from Askeaton National School new seeds for the meadow were sown at the official opening of the "Insect Lodge" and it will be an ongoing educational resource to local schools.
The Butterfly Meadow and "Insect Lodge" at Askeaton is a part of Wyeth Nutrition’s overall sustainable strategy which includes reducing environmental footprint and enhancing local biodiversity. This offers a practical way to make a real difference in the local community through enhancing the natural environment and provides a place for school children to come, see and learn on site first-hand about nature.
Brian Shiel, Safety, Health & Environment Lead, Wyeth Nutritionals said: “Natural pollinator creatures of butterflies, bees and birds are integral to the food we grow. Their habitats are under threat and we’re delighted that we can play a small role in reversing this trend. By restoring the natural habitat of the area we will hopefully see an increase in indigenous species of insects and butterflies in the local Askeaton area.”
As part of this local Sustainability Programme, almost 1,900 trees are in the process of being planted on the site; all trees involved are listed by the Native Woodland Trust as native to the Irish landscape and include Alder, Aspen, Birch, Hazel, Holly, Oak, Rowan, Scots Pine and Willow.
Nestlé’s Wyeth Nutrition Infant Formula plant at Askeaton, engages in a wide range of environmental sustainability activities that targets reductions in water use, energy, raw material procurement and waste.
ENDS
For further information:
Siobhan Molloy Weber Shandwick PR (01) 679 8600/086 817 5066
Notes to Editor: An insect lodge is a manmade structure created from natural and/or recycled materials. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the specific purpose or specific insect it is catered to. Most consist of several different sections that provide insects with nesting facilities, where insects can lay eggs, or hibernate in through the winter either as an adult or larvae.
About Nestlé in Ireland: Nestlé Ireland and Wyeth Nutrition are a subsidiaries of Nestlé SA, the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company. Nestlé has over 70 brands across six categories in the Irish market: beverage, confectionery, cereals, food, petcare and infant nutrition. Its iconic brands include Nescafé, KitKat, Rowntree's, Maggi, SMA as well as Bakers and Felix petfood.
Nestlé’s Wyeth Nutrition manufacturing site at Askeaton, Co Limerick produces infant nutrition products. Nestlé employs over 700 people in Ireland.