Cork Nature Network runs a number of long term and short term projects. Further details about these projects can be seen below.
ECO-CONNECT is a collaboration between University College Cork and Cork Nature Network. In 2023 research undertaken by Tracey Skillington and Johanna Marie Kirsch set out to explore the benefits of engaging with green spaces in the city and how it can improve both physical and mental wellbeing.
Beaumont Quarry has been referred to as an oasis in the city.
Beaumont Quarry is an open green-space much loved and well used by the public including schools.
The park contains a range of habitats, including open grassland and wetlands that supports a wide range of species. Notable wildlife include 3 kinds of bats including the Soprano pipistrelle. The Small Copper, Orange Tip & Coma Butterflies, the Emperor dragonfly and the 14 spot Ladybird. The Long-eared Owl, Reed Warbler, Meadow Pipit are included for the birds.
For a much fuller list see the appendix (page 29) of the Biodiversity Action Plan Tramore Valley Park.
If you visit Tramore Valley Park, let us know what species you find.
In 2022, Cork Nature Network secured funding from the Community Foundation Ireland and approval from Cork City Council to develop a Biodiversity Action Plan for the site. Additional funding was secured from the Local Waters and Community Project Office to undertake invertebrate surveys. The Biodiversity Action Plan was launched during National Biodiversity Week in May 2023.
The Biodiversity Action Plan is led by Cork Nature Network in partnership with the Local Waters and Community Project, Tramore River Community group, KinShip Project, Green Spaces for Health and Cork City Council.
The action plan can be downloaded here: https://corknaturenetwork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Tramore-Valley-Park-Biodiversity-Action-Plan-September-2023-pdf.pdf
If you are interested in helping out with this project or being part of an annual clean up/conservation group please email beaumontcnn@gmail.com
The use of target grazers, such as goats, has been gaining popularity as a management tool for controlling the spread of invasive plants.
We encourage all ages to attend; a wide range of events, from talks and seminars, to bug hunts for kids. The majority of our events are free and open to all. Some require us to limit numbers & a few events do have a an attendance or booking fee.
Landscape composition is a key driver of biodiversity at a local level, especially in rural areas [1].
“Eurasian otters are found across Europe and parts of Asia, but in parts of the range their numbers are declining. In Ireland, they’re staying stable enough, but anything could happen so it’s important to protect them” explained Emma.
The word “Dragonfly” is a wide term used for insects in the order Odonata, which encompasses both the Damselflies and Dragonflies. True Dragonflies have their own distinct suborder Anisoptera (meaning “unequal wings”).
On a warm and dry day, the rhythmic ‘chirps’ of grasshoppers can be a familiar sound from Irish grasslands, meadows or roadsides. The ‘songs’ that these insects produce are a fundamental aspect of the Irish summer and an essential part of the ecosystem functioning.
