Where I get my nature fix this Spring?

7 Mar 2024

UCC is privileged to host a variety of green and blue spaces on its grounds. On main campus, we have numerous places where you can enjoy the benefits of time spent in nature. Some spots to note are:

1. The Lower Grounds, which house the Glucksman Gallery
2. UCC’s Wildflower Meadow, established in 2017
3. The President’s Garden, which is manicured but hosts an interesting diversity of trees
4. The Hawthorn Sensory Garden, adjacent to the O’Rahilly Building
5. UCC Community Garden on College Road, behind No. 6 Carrigside
6. The River Lee, which is bordered by walkways across main campus

This week, a pair of Greenfinches was spotted beside UCC Community Garden. This is heartening to see, given that Greenfinches have suffered badly from  trichomoniasis recently, and their Irish population has been badly affected. Doing what we can to support nature is more important now than ever. Immersing onself in green spaces fosters a sense of nature connectedness, and reminds us of our reciprocal relationship with other living things. Connecting with nature is also enormously beneficial for reducing stress, fatigue and loneliness, improving cognitive function and supporting good physical health.

If you’d like to get outside and participate in food growing, join us in the community garden every Monday and Wednesday between 12:30 and 14:30. Some amazing work has been done by UCC students and staff to prepare the garden for spring sowing – see Tiktok coverage here and photo highlights here !

Ella, Greenshoots Garden Intern, will be hosting an Organic Gardening workshop as part of the Greenshoots Sustainable Skills series next Wednesday (13^th March, 2024) from 1-2pm in the Maker Space in the Hub.  Learn about organic gardening concepts, companion planting and gardening with nature in mind. Planting session included! Thank you to UCC Skills Centre and UCC Environmental Society for collaborating with us on this event.

Keep your eye on Greenshoots updates for the latest news on upcoming outdoor events and activities!