Aviva Ireland has officially opened its new community garden at the Aviva Stadium to those who might be visiting the stadium.
Aviva’s Home Turf, located adjacent to the Stadium and Lansdowne Road Dart Station, is Aviva Ireland’s latest initiative to support biodiversity in the area and represents a major boost to Aviva’s ambitions to reach Net Zero emissions by 2040.
The project builds on previous biodiversity measures put in place by Aviva Stadium including the construction of an artificial otter holt in the river Dodder, and the installation of bat-friendly lighting installed along the Dodder Walk.
The flora planted at Aviva’s Home Turf has been specially selected to support birds and pollinators in the area. The plants grow berries and seeds for birds to eat, while the colourful flowers in the garden produce nectar and pollen which are a key source of energy for pollinators all year round.
Aviva’s Home Turf welcomed well-known sports broadcaster Marie Crowe, and her children, Timmy, Billy and Davie to the garden to explore its wonders, with Aviva Ireland staff taking them through the biodiversity installations and the rich variety of flora on display in the garden.
To further support the launch of Aviva’s Home Turf, Aviva Ireland has also worked with experts in the field to develop a biodiversity curriculum for primary schools across the country.
Schools that successfully complete the curriculum will be entered into a competition which will see one lucky school win a replica of Aviva’s Home Turf for their own school. Aviva Ireland will provide the essential materials to kick-start their biodiversity journey including plants and planters for the winning school.
“As long-term supporters of grassroots sport in Ireland, we understand the importance of sustainable growth for a better and greener tomorrow,” said Senior Sponsorship Manager Lisa Bergin.
“We are delighted to build on our previous biodiversity efforts here at Aviva Stadium and look forward to welcoming fans from across the country to visit Aviva’s Home Turf during November’s football and rugby internationals.”
Onw of the first to experience the new feature was sports broadcaster Marie Crowe and her family.
“Everyone has fond memories of trips to Aviva Stadium for big occasions with their families and now, with ‘Aviva’s Home Turf’, there is a new space for them to visit as part of the match day experience,” she said.
“It was a pleasure for Timmy, Billy, Davie and I to spend the afternoon here and learn all about the positive impact this garden will have for the local area. I would encourage all those coming to November’s internationals to get down early and do likewise. It is important we all do what we can for a greener future, on and off the pitch.”
