Would You Like to Contribute to the Natural Heritage of County Cork Publication?

With an area of 7,500 km² and a coastline of over 1,100km, the nature that abounds in the county of Cork is incredible. From native trees and flora to EU protected species such as Otters, the Lesser Horseshoe Bat and the Kerry Slug, there is no shortage of natural heritage in the county. Since records began, over 427 species of bird have been recorded, and in the county at present there are close to 50 Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas for Birds.

Our natural heritage has sustained us for millennia and with it, we have amassed a wealth of customs and associations, from craft and furnishings to many musical instruments and place names. Of the 5,472 townlands in the county of Cork and its few hundred settlements, many locations are named after features of natural heritage, from close to 50 townlands named after the Oak tree alone, to small settlements also named from nature like Nad an Iolair (the Eagle’s Nest) in North Cork.

Cork County Council would like to increase overall awareness and understanding of the County’s natural heritage, which ranges from an overview of the county’s vast flora and fauna, to the uses of nature, past and present, and how this natural heritage has leant itself to so much of our cultural heritage from place names to folkloric beliefs. The book will also include a section on sites of natural heritage wonder(s) to be visited around the county.

This year’s publication will represent the eleventh instalment in the Heritage of County Cork publication series, first having commenced in 2013 with a publication that year and since. One of the key elements of each publication is the input from local groups and heritage enthusiasts. Past publications in the Heritage of County Cork Series have benefited hugely from a great number of public submissions including photos for use, stories, and indeed lists of recommended sites that should be featured in the book(s). With respect to the upcoming publication on the County’s Natural Heritage, the Heritage Unit of Cork County Council welcomes any and all submissions and suggestions. To this effect local heritage societies, community groups and individuals are requested to get involved in the project by submitting any specific information/stories/photos of interest to Cork County Council by Monday 3rd July 2023. The publication will set out to include and reference as many submissions as possible and for further information email corkheritage@corkcoco.ie or phone 021 428 5905/5935.