Wildlife Trust seeks volunteers to help with quarry clean-up

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is looking for volunteers to help it carry out a clean-up at a limestone quarry in Cork which is home to some rare plants.

Its Cork branch first took interest in Beaumont quarry, Ballintemple, about three years ago and carried out a number of surveys of its history, flora and fauna and potential recreational value which it presented to Cork City Council.

“It supports the Red Data Book (endangered) plant Little Robin (Geranium purpureum), as well as several plants that are scarce within Ireland including Pale Flax and Common Toadflax,” Wildlife Trust spokeswoman Jo Goodyear said.

“It also supports naturally regenerating woodland and provides a microclimate suitable to a large number of butterflies, hoverflies, bumblebees as well as breeding birds. In short, it is an oasis of biodiversity within a residential suburban area, and it is also well used by local residents as a peaceful place to walk, or to enjoy the views from the top of the hill.”

Ms Goodyear, a botanist and medical herbalist, said the trust has provided plant and wildlife walks within the quarry over the past two years, and the charity was committed to raising awareness of Ireland’s rich natural heritage and protecting it for future generations.

In conjunction with the city council, the IWT branch will hold its first clean-up at the quarry on Saturday from 11am until 1pm. Volunteers over 18 are welcome and safety equipment will be provided.

* People wishing to help can phone [phone].