Biodiversity of 'magical' Cork city woodland ecological corridor highlighted 

A perfect sunny morning greeted local volunteers for Douglas Tidy Towns’ annual litter pick and biodiversity walk at Doman’s Wood in Donnybrook last Saturday.

The event always attracts a fantastic turnout, and this year was no different, as around 30 locals turned up to learn more about one of Douglas’ hidden treasures of natural beauty — some even discovering the area for the very first time.

As well as the usual cans, bottles, etc, some more unusual items were also removed, including what appeared to be a nearly-new Calvin Klein golfing jacket, a fishing rod, a bicycle frame, and even a basketball hoop.

Local biodiversity experts Ellen Murphy (LAWPRO community water officer), Karen Loxton (WildWork ecologist), Rosemarie McDonald (Cork City Council biodiversity officer) were also on hand to provide insight into the biodiversity of the woodland, as well as to analyse water samples from the stream that runs through it.

Magical secret woodland

“Doman’s Wood is like stepping into a magical secret woodland in Douglas,” said Ms McDonald.

“An ancient woodland with wet grassland habitats, it is home to many stunning plants species."

“If you are very lucky, you may spot evidence of red squirrels eating some pine cones or even spot the shy animals high in the tree canopy.

“This woodland is an important ecological corridor in Cork city, and provides space for a wide variety of species from bats, pine martens, grey wagtails, bumblebees, and many more have space to create their homes and feed along.

“For us humans, it is a space we can share with nature and revel in its wonder.”

By the end of the morning, around a dozen black bags of rubbish were recovered from the beauty spot, to be collected later by Cork City Council.

After the work was completed, volunteers enjoyed some well-deserved refreshments, generously donated by Ryan’s SuperValu on Grange Road.

There are even plans to help further maintain the area, with an extensive tree-planting project set for later in the year.

New volunteers are always welcome at Douglas Tidy Towns events such as this, as well as its regular Saturday litter picks.