Biodiversity in Cork

There are many biodiversity sites in Cork. Biodiversity sites include all different kinds of life including animals, and plants (to name a few) all in one area.

We are so lucky in Cork that almost 2 thirds of the city's urban landscape support biodiversity and are worth visiting when you are in Cork City:

The Lough

Cork Lough is a shallow, freshwater limestone lake that is an 18 minute walk from the Imperial Hotel. The average depth of the Lough is one metre at both the north and south basins, and is a total area of 4 hectares. It is a well known and important wildfowl area. Many birds take refuge at the Lough, where there is a large population of Swans.

The Lough is also popular for coarse angling. Each year, the bulk of Irish Carp are caught in this lake. The Lough is also habitat to a number of other fish such the Eel, Tench, Perch and Rudd.

The island in the centre of the Lough provides shelter for numerous species of wildlife, attracting many nature lovers.

The Atlantic Pond

The Atlantic Pond is a unique site for the city. Its combination of freshwater, surrounding woodland, and proximity to Cork Harbour makes it an ideal habitat for freshwater, coastal, and woodland bird species, including the Grey heron that can be easily spotted nesting on the small island at the centre of the Atlantic pond. If you are very lucky, you might even spot one of the city’s incredible urban otters at Atlantic Pond. Otters are a very elusive animal, but they have been spotted here on rare occasions!

Just down from the Atlantic pond is a marshy wetland surrounded by woodland, boasting an impressive diversity of native tree species which have attracted woodland birds and insect species. Blackrock Castle Observatory is the perfect habitat for wading birds and coastal plants. When the tide is low, a wide variety of bird species can be seen foraging together on the muddy banks.

Fitzgerald Park

Fitzgerald Park is a well-maintained park a short distance from the hotel. The park is manicured to suit most species of wildlife. It is a large green space with many mature trees and is home to good populations of many common bird species that on bird species that favour this parkland such as Mistle Thrush, Chaffinch and Greenfinch. The park includes a lot of mature coniferous trees, which are favoured by Coal Tits and Goldcrests. Moorhens and Mallards can be seen on the small ornamental pond and the park’s beautifully maintained flower beds play host to bees, hover flies