The arboretum at UCC is a teaching and outreach tool, as well as something that attracts visitors to the campus. These multiple functions of the arboretum are explored as part of the UCC Open Arboretum Project, The central aim of the Open Arboretum Project was to re-imagine the original purpose of the tree collection – as a STEM teaching and public engagement tool.

The UCC tree collection represents the oldest STEM public engagement tool in the university and one of the oldest such tools in any higher education institute in the country. The Open arb project has reawakened and reimagined the arboretum’s original purpose – as a teaching and research tool. It has explored the contribution that the trees make to the environment and biodiversity; as well as the health and well-being of those who study, work and visit UCC