Biodiversity

Cork University Campus is 40.3 acres with approximately six acres of green spaces. The campus has two meadowlands and nine different gardens spread across the entire campus. The hospital is proud of the contribution the gardens make to the local environment and overall biodiversity of the area. CUH is committed to safeguarding and enhancing the gardens through its participation in Green Campus programme. Key to the success of the Green Campus programme is ensuring the progression of the biodiversity agenda across the campus.  

The campus has a number of natural pathways and beautiful walks along the back of the hospital. These areas are enclosed by numerous trees with an abundance of green foliage. The areas are safe, aesthetically pleasing and provide great walkways for staff.

CUH is committed to promoting a sustainable environment for the provision of healthcare and promotion of wellbeing. As part of the Biodiversity agenda, Cork University Hospital engages with Churchfield Community Trust on a food procurement project which started in 2016 and provides local, seasonal herbs and vegetables to the Catering Department at CUH. The partnership also facilitates the enhancement of the green spaces across the campus. CCTrust offers training, work and enterprise skills to disadvantaged young men in the North of Cork City with a particular focus on adult education, woodwork, catering skills and horticulture.

In October 2018, CUH marked Climate Action Week with our green campus partners Churchfield Community Trust by planting a birch tree, a plum tree and numerous plants in proximity to the Green Flag pole. The plum tree is particularly significant as it has many ribbon messages attached from children encouraging society to plant more trees and be more environmentally friendly.

Members of CCTrust with members of the Environmental Steering Group committee planting trees at CUH