Caltragh Loop Walk
The Ballina Community Clean Up Group are working across Ballina and North Mayo to enhance our area with various projects including the restoration of the old swimming pool area by the river Brusna & Caltragh walking loop.
In 2020 the Ballina Community Clean-up Group refurbished what is known as the Caltragh Loop Walk as part of its Beelieve in Ballina initiative.
One of a series of specialised projects geared at nurturing biodiversity in Ballina, Beelieve in Ballina is a local response to the major threat posed to Ireland’s bee species.
The newly refurbished Caltragh Loop Walk links the Bonniconlon and Downhill Roads via a picturesque trail that crosses a small pedestrian bridge at the River Brusna. The Ballina Community Clean-Up Group has worked hard to clear the route of brambles and overgrowth to create a biodiversity nature loop walk for locals’ enjoyment
Highlights of the amenity include a wildflower border and a beautifully reclaimed area on the banks of the Brusna Falls.This area was once a popular swimming spot for Ballina locals. It is now home to the new “Twin Bees” bug hotel which, it is hoped, will become a popular educational resource on biodiversity for local children.
Freeze 4 February
The restoration of the walking trail also involved the clearing of extensive overgrowth and debris from the banks of the Brusna, resulting in the discovery of additional falls that had been hidden under trees.
This was the location for the very successful Freeze 4 February charity fund raiser in 2021 that saw two teams of volunteers submerging themselves in icy cold water every day for February. Team Flow and Team BEElieve were loaded with well-known personalities taking the plunge for the cause of creating a more inclusive community for people with disabilities and voluntary enhancement/biodiversity projects across north Mayo.
Ballina Community Clean Up Group
The Ballina Community Clean Up Group continues to develop and implement similar projects in fulfillment of its mission to enhance the town both for residents and wildlife and more information of the work of the Ballina Community Clean-up Group can be found on their Facebook page HERE.