PURE MILE ROUNDWOOD

March 31, 2019

The Roundwood and District Community Council are organising a Parish wide clean up this year on the 6th of April. If you would like to get involved this year please email info@roundwood.ie, leave a message on the Roundwood.ie Facebook page or telephone 087 2551579. There are a limited number of litter pickers but plenty of refuse sacks/recycling bags available. If you are new to the area or would like to tackle a litter black spot do get in contact ~ it’s a great way to meet the neighbours too.

February 17, 2019

2019 started great for the Baltynanima PURE Mile. Just a few small news updates about our little corner of the world. 

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At the beginning of February a white tailed eagle nicknamed 'Star' was in the area. He was roosting at a small block of forest near Glendalough. The White tailed eagles are known to like the Lough Dan area too, so keep your eyes to the sky!

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Our PURE Milers Bernadette & Pauline proudly represented us all at the Wicklow County Council Tidy Towns awards where the Baltynanima PURE Mile took the honours as the Best Wildlife & Natural Amenities Project 2018. A big reward for all our hard work.

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We have registered the Baltynanima PURE Mile again this year in the competition but just in the litter only category. After two years of researching our local heritage we feel there is little more we can add to that, but we do want to keep our streets clean and litter free. So that is what we will focus on this year. 

February 03, 2019

February started cold this year. Our PURE Mile looked gorgeous covered in snow. Luckily it only lasted a weekend this time, so it didn't disrupt normal life too much. Nothing compared to the big snow last March. We enjoyed it thoroughly with walks in the snow, building snowmen and sledding of the beautiful Wicklow hills.

January 06, 2019

Thanks to the talented members of Roundwood & District Men's Shed, the Baltynanima PURE Mile now has a wonderful craved Ogham stake beside our mountain ash tree to mark the Pure Mile win in 2018. Particular thanks to native Baltynanima brothers Tom & Bob Heatly for doing the honours of planting both tree and stake. Super job by all!  

October 16, 2018

After months of hard work, many meetings, litter picks and events we gathered at the Brook Lodge Hotel in Macreddin for the PURE Mile Awards last Tuesday. The Baltynanima/Old Bridge PURE Mile was well represented with eight members being present. It was a great evening, but it became even more pleasant when the award for BEST PURE MILE was presented by PURE Mile manager Ian Davis. After a long (nerve wrecking) pause, he declared Baltynanima the winner. A great achievement, as there were 60 groups competing.

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A big thank you to everyone who participated, joined us for the many events or helped in any other way and congratulations to all the Baltynanima, Old Bridge and Malones Lane PURE Milers who made this happen.

More photos of the night will follow soon.

September 30, 2018

Today the invitation to the 2018 Pure Mile Awards Night arrived and we are very excited. The awards night will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16th October 2018 in The BrookLodge Hotel, Macreddin Village, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow. The night will be presented by Mr. Andrew Doyle, T.D., Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture. All participating PURE Mile groups will receive a certificate of participation, native Irish trees, and all will feature in the 2019 Pure Mile Calendar.

Last year we had a great evening out and brought home the award for 'Best PURE Mile Interpretation'. Let’s hope this year will bring us more prices. If you want to attend. Please sent an e-mail to MonicaM.Byrne@chg.gov.ie by Friday the 5th of October. Hope to see you all there! 

September 16, 2018

The PURE Mile judges have visited our miles last week. We did the best we could and now all that is left is waiting for the verdict. If you are in the area, please check out our PURE Miles. It’s an informative walk, as the information signs are up at the moment. Feel free to have a picknick on one of the benches but remember to bring your rubbish home with you :-).

We also made a report of our research and the efforts to improve our PURE Mile. 

September 05, 2018

This week information signs were erected on the Old Bridge part of our PURE Mile. The signs give information about the history of the road as well as information about the nature and wildlife of the area. The signs are beautifully designed and contain colourful photos and drawings. Adjacent to the signs are wooden benches were walkers can rest their feet. This is a very welcome addition to the road as it is part of the Wicklow Way.

PURE Milers Marcus Dunne and Paul Brady put a lot of work into realising these signs. The signs are funded by local contributions and the Creative Wicklow grant received through Wicklow Co Council. The amazing artwork and design is by bird and wildlife artist Michael O'Clery. Well done to everyone who made this possible.

August 29, 2018

​Our PURE Mile now has a Kestrel Box. Talis Dixon a local Tree Surgeon and Bird Aficionado made it his business to site this Kestrel Box at a choice location 23mtrs vertical height. The box was built to BSC standard and included drainage holes. The site specification condition was that the bird needed a big vista and Tallis had the exact view picked out for the box. Hopefully we can welcome these beautiful birds on our PURE Mile soon.

August 25, 2018

Summer is coming to an end and nature has left its traces. Back in May we created a path near the bench at the Ballilam lane crossing and planted wildflowers around it. The wildflowers bloomed magnificent this summer and some flowers are still going strong. Unfortunately, the weeds also blossomed and grew through the woodchip of the path.

This Saturday morning, we went to work and cleared the weeds that grew on the path. We left the other weeds for the pollinators to enjoy. We also cleaned up the weeds that were blocking the name stones at the corner of the roads. We planted local heather for some immediate colour and planted daffodil and bluebell bulbs to bloom in the spring. We cleared the signs that were blocked from view by ferns, weeds, brambles and nettles to improve road safety and to top it all off we did a group litter pick.

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​It was a lovely sunny morning and we got to know some of the new neighbours while we were working, which is one of the best things about being involved in the PURE Mile project. The roads look great again, just in time for the judging of our PURE Miles 😉

Well done to all involved!

August 23, 2018

In July we found this historic Tayto crisp bag on our PURE Mile. The Jubilee Tayto packet of Cheese & Onion Crisps turned out to be from 1981, to celebrate 25th Anniversary of the firm as Tayto was founded in 1956. The packet was found during one of our litter picks by our PURE Miler Paul in a pile of earth that was moved to make way for the new picnic area in Old Bridge. The Pure Mile group contacted the Tayto Group LTD and the PR Manager, Mr Robert WG Brown, personally came down to Roundwood to collect the packet, he said he has personally never seen one of these packets. It will be now on permanent display in Tandragee Castle, Tandragee, Co. Armagh where Tayto crisps and snacks are made.

August 18, 2018

This year we extended our PURE Mile to Old Bridge. Adjacent to this is the historical Glendalough Estate. This is a 1,500-acre estate of mountainside, woodlands, pastures, rolling parklands and historic buildings. On Saturday the 18th of August we organised a historic walk and talk on the estate. Even though we didn’t advertise this event, there was a great turnout. About 30 people joined us on this walk. PURE Miler Paul grew up on the edge of the estate where his father worked at the time. He knows the estate quite well and took us on a walk to the Glendalough House. Along the way he shared local stories and his childhood memories. Derek Neilson and John Medlycott came along and shared some of their vast knowledge of the estate and its residents over the years. The weather was on our side and we had a great morning.

A short video of the walk and more information about the house and the estate can be found here.

August 15, 2018

PURE Miler Bernadette was born on the Green Road and is very passionate about keeping the road and the stones we placed here last year in good shape. Every week she picks litter along the road and she maintains the little garden adjacent to the Green Road stones. Her husband Philip and their dog Buddy help her occasionally.

Well done Bernadette, keep up the good work!

August 02, 2018

The last couple of months our PURE Milers have been working hard to keep the Baltynanima and Old Bridge PURE Mile litter free. In preperation for the judging of the PURE Mile we are organising another joint litter pick event om Saturday the 25th of August 2018. We will also use this opurtunity to do some weeding near the seating erea and around the stones with the street names. 

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We will meet the 25th of August at 11.00 am near the seat on the Ballilam lane crossing. Feel free to start litter picking on your way there. 

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If you need litter pickers or garbage bags, please contact Monica on 086-8055040

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Hope to see you all there.

July 26, 2018

On the 26th of July we had a wonderful evening in the Roundwood Parish hall with Declan Murphy, author of ‘A life in the trees’. He told us all about the Great Spotted Woodpecker in Ireland and especially Wicklow.

It turned out our own PURE Mile is home to some of these lovely birds. Declan told us where we could find some nests that were used this spring and loads of us went looking for it in the next couple of days.

Some of the attendees had read the book. Others rushed to the bookstore the next day to get one of the last hard copies of the book. A reprint in paperback will be in stores soon.  

July 25, 2018

In May the Baltynanima PURE Mile group did amazing work by cleaning up the seat on the Ballilam Lane crossing. Last year we placed a tree trunk bench here and this year we made a nice relaxing area with a path and wildflowers. Walker and cyclists can enjoy this place and it is used regularly. PURE Miler Fiona met a Dutch couple sitting on the bench in July. She had a lovely chat with them and took their photo. They were very happy with the seat and thanked the PURE Mile group for creating it.

July 21, 2018

What a wonderful afternoon in Roundwood Parish Hall on Saturday the 21st of July, when Mary Davies of the Irish Garden magazine recalled her time living in Oldbridge and read from a wide range of her 'Weekender' columns which appeared in the magazine over the years.

Mary was helped out by her friend Jane Powers, garden and wildlife columnist with the Sunday Times and by Roundwood local historian, John Medlycott.

The Baltynanima PURE Milers and other interested locals turned out in force and hope that this event will encourage Mary to publish that book of her 'Weekender' pieces.

July 15, 2018

In association with the Baltynanima Pure Mile, Annamoe resident, Declan Murphy will give an illustrated talk on the Great Spotted Woodpecker. Declan has followed and studied this woodpecker species at great length in the local woodlands which forms the basis for his sell out book ‘A Life in the Trees’. The talk will take place in Roundwood Parish Hall on Thursday 26th of July at 8pm. Children and adults most welcome.

June 30, 2018

The Baltynanima Pure Mile Walk to the Deserted Village in Carrigroe was a resounding success on Sunday the 1st of July. The 30 and more energetic souls that travelled from Roundwood, Dublin, France and Baltynanima – of course – could not have asked for a better day. There were fantastic views over Lough Dan and the cool green oasis of the ruins with its little well was a welcome sight for everyone especially one wee dog! The group were met by Sean Byrne and along with the Heatly Brothers, Tom & Bob and Jack Byrne, the Postman, the group were regaled with great local folklore and history. The children walked without complaint and completed a nature scavenger hunt along the way. On the forest boundary the group were treated to the vistas of the Lough Dan and Luggala Valleys with their ruins of former houses and lazy beds hidden in the ferns. What a wonderful area, steeped in history. Thanks to all the organisers, helpers and facilitators.

June 26, 2018

Mary Davies is a renown author, gardener, historian, books editor and a former resident of Oldbridge. She has written extensively over the years about the wonders of Wicklow – of times past and present.  As part of the Baltynanima Pure Mile, we are delighted to include this event where Mary will read a selection of her writings about Wicklow and there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask her questions.

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The talk will start at 3.30pm in Roundwood Parish Hall on Saturday 21st of July and will finish by 5pm. 

This is a free event.

All welcome

June 06, 2018

A walk to the deserted village as part of the Pure Mile project will take place at 11am on Sunday 1st of July. We are meeting at the Wicklow Way junction at Lake Park (look out for the poster & balloons). The walk will follow the Wicklow Way then veer off to take in some fantastic views of Lough Dan and Luggala valleys.

If it’s a fine day bring the kids and a picnic

All welcome 

Limited parking available

May 06, 2018

On bank holiday Monday eight of our PURE Mile members got out and about to clean up the seating area at the foot of Ballilam Lane. The day before some friendly helpers went out into the burning sun to plough the ground. Armed with spades, rakes, buckets and gloves the eight volunteers went to work. First, they made a bed of stones around the fantastic tree trunk bench that was placed there last year. This keeps the bench steady in its place and is great for drainage of rainwater, so people who sit here will keep their feet dry. With wood chips they created a path from the road up to the bench and made a small recreation area. To finish it off they planted wildflower seeds that will hopefully flourish this summer. The result looks great. Well done to everyone involved.

April 12, 2018

Tracks and Trails is a RTE One travel series following well-known personalities as they explore the many stunning walking and cycling trails of Ireland. Actress and former Fair City star Aoibhín Garrihy goes walking in Wicklow. She and her husband cover a part of the Wicklow Way from the J.B. Malone memorial to the Roundwood Reservoirs. 

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They visit the deserted village and walk part of our Baltynanima PURE Mile where they enjoy fresh blackberries. 

Click here to view the episode on the RTE Player: https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/tracks-and-trails-1821/10864198/ 

April 07, 2018

On Saturday 7th April 2018 Greenan Maze organised free talks about bio diversity and climate change. These free talks were a way to say a big thank you to all the local PURE mile groups who are busy cleaning up our local country roads and attempting to keep our garden county litter free and beautiful. 

Sarah Rubalcava of Rubalcava Heritage Services discussed "Biodiversity and Planting for Pollinators" and what that means in Wicklow and in our local areas.  Outlining the threats affecting our pollinators, especially bees, Sarah, a qualified horticulturalist, showed participants how planting different flowering plants for different seasons can provide much needed food and homes for our bees and insects at all times of the year. 

Sarah’s talk was followed by a presentation by Mairead Doherty, Wicklow's Cool Planet Champion, on "Climate Change - what it really means and what can we do about it?".  Cool Planet Champions is Ireland’s first national programme designed specifically at explaining climate change in as simple and understandable way. The Champions are local people at grassroots level who want to help you make a difference in the fight against climate change. Mairead's free interactive talk showed us what is going on with our planet and some of the practical and even fun things we can do in our daily lives to help inspire change. The program is an initiative by the Environmental Protection Agency and Cool Planet Experience, a new visitor experience which opened in Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow, in March.

March 27, 2018

On Saturday the 14th of April 2018 there will be a Spring Clean Litter Pick event on the Baltynanima PURE Mile. 

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We will meet at 10.30 am on the parking space at the Green Road. Feel free to start litter picking on your way there. 

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If you need litter pickers or garbage bags, please contact Monica on 086-8055040

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Hope to see you all there.

March 25, 2018

On monday the 26th of March 2018 PURE Mile Baltynanima held its first meeting of the year. We were happy to see some new faces among the attendees as well as some familiar ones. 

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New ideas for the comming year were suggested and dates were set for a litter pick event and the new meeting. 

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The next meeting will be on Monday the 30th of April at 7.30 pm in the Roundwood Parish Hall. All welcome.  

March 23, 2018

Prior to the first PURE Mile Baltynanima meeting, a newsletter was distributed to all the houses on the PURE Mile.  

March 07, 2018

Last week Ireland got hit by storm Emma. A cold snap brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions to the country. Roundwood got hit pretty hard and our Baltynanima Pure Mile almost completely disappeared under a thick layer of snow. We were cut off from the village and the rest of the country for a couple of days. Some people had no water and supplies were running low.

At the moment most of the roads are passable again and the snow is slowly melting away. Bit by bit life is returning to normal.

February 28, 2018

Will Goodbody of RTE reported about the snow in Wicklow from our PURE Mile. Click the link to see our 46 seceonds of fame. 

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