National Biodiversity Week, a project supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service which is implemented by the Irish Environmental Network, various organisations and passionate individuals across Ireland, is a celebration of nature and nature connectedness.

To celebrate National Biodiversity Week, which runs from 17 - 26 May, the Office of Sustainability and Climate Action joined forces with the Glucksman Gallery and Cork City Council to run a special event called “Creative Wanderings” on Tuesday, 21 May 2024.

UCC Community Garden is now in full swing. Seedlings are being planted into warmer soil, birds (such as Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit and of course Robin, the gardener’s friend) are calling and singing. Peas, salad leaves and a plethora of herbs are amongst the greenery that’s ready to eat.

Accompanying this vibrancy is increased use of outdoor spaces on campus. With better weather, now is the time to study outside, take lunch time walks along UCC’s biodiversity trail, and soak up the diversity of the campus’ no-mow areas.

Ravens nesting on UCC's campus become part of nationwide conservation project.

Celebrating the awarding of UCC's fifth Green Flag are Mark Poland, UCC Director of Buildings and Estates, Deirdre O'Carroll, An Taisce Green-Campus Manager, UCC President Prof. John O'Halloran, Dearbhla Richardson, UCCSU Environmental & Sustainability Officer, and Dr Maria Kirrane Head of Sustainability and Climate Action.

Lots of Green Shoots Events coming up in March including the opening of the Cavanagh Way BiodiversityTrail. Be sure to take the time out to enjoy some of these events.

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. 

UCC's reassessment took place on 18th October 2023 by the following panel of experts from an Taisce:

1. Deirdre O’Carroll, An Taisce, Green Campus Programme Manager.
2. Joanne Scott, An Taisce, Green Schools Programme Manager.
3. Tracey Lydon, An Taisce, Safe Routes to School Programme Manager.

Registration is now open for the 2024 UW0005 /CPD1640 University Wide Module in Sustainability, a recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Sessions will take place online on Thursdays from 6-8pm, commencing Thursday 25^th January 2024. The theme of the module is “Putting Sustainability in its place, putting yourself in the picture” and it is open to students, staff and the general public.  The module can be taken for additional credit (5 Credits), Digital Badge, or Interest Only.