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Biodiversity Map and Trail

UCC's Biodiversity Trail along the Cavanagh Way

This Biodiversity Trail spans the length of the Cavanagh Way trail. It has been designed to be accessible for those who are new to wildlife watching, as well as being enjoyable for seasoned naturalists. UCC is privileged to host a variety of habitats on its campuses, with our city-centre main campus boasting an arboretum, wildflower meadow, community garden, manicured and wild landscapes and close proximity to the River Lee.

UCC's commitment to biodiversity

UCC is committed to managing its grounds with biodiversity in mind. Nature-friendly initiatives in place on campus include a native planting scheme, companion planting scheme and multiple bird and bat boxes. UCC’s knowledgeable grounds’ personnel maintain green areas for biodiversity through reduced mowing and no-mow areas. No pesticides are used on campus, and nature is factored sensitively into plans and practices administered by our gardening team.

Celebrating nature

This biodiversity trail celebrates nature along the Cavanagh Way. It showcases commonly found species, some of which are sometimes overlooked or misunderstood. Through interaction with UCC’s biodiversity trail, we hope that all users of and visitors to our campus enjoy and connect with nature on campus in a way that is meaningful and restorative. UCC’s Office of Sustainability and Climate Action and UCC Green Campus are committed to nurturing nature connection at UCC to create a mutual relationship of care between people and the world of which we are a part.

Downloadable UCC Biodiversity Trail

The Cavanagh Way: Background

Dr Tom Cavanagh graduated from University College Cork (UCC), with a Bachelor of Commerce degree (1951) and a Higher Diploma (1952). He was an accomplished athlete and played both hurling and football for the University and won many intervarsity medals. Tom married Marie O’Neill (an Arts graduate of Queens University Belfast) and they lived in Fermoy, Co Cork.

After an exceptional career in the motor industry and in finance, the success of which enabled Tom and Marie to embark on a journey of philanthropy, the effects of which were far reaching.

The Cavanagh Way is named to acknowledge and perpetuate the memory of Tom and Marie Cavanagh, in recognition of their extraordinary, sustained and enabling philanthropy, which over many years has had a transformative effect on University College Cork.

Tom Cavanagh

Dr Tom Cavanagh RIP with his late wife Marie. Picture: Tomas Tyner

Office of Sustainability and Climate Action

An Oifig um Inbhuanaitheacht agus Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide

G.08 North Wing, Main Quadrangle, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork T12 K8AF,

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