John Murray and Éanna Ní Lamhna help launch the UCD Woodland Walks
UCD recently invited alumni and friends of the university to join RTÉ presenter, John Murray and wildlife expert, Éanna Ní Lamhna at the official opening of the new woodland walking trails at Belfield.
With over eight kilometres of woodland paths, the official opening was enjoyed by a large crowd who turned up to celebrate the event. After a brief introduction to the walks by John Murray, Éanna Ní Lamhna delivered a short talk on the various autumnal flora and fauna that can be seen along the five beautiful walking trails, highlighting the different native and historic trees on the campus.
(Above) John Murray and Éanna Ní Lamhna deliver a talk in O’Reilly Hall at the opening of the UCD Woodland Walks
Visitors to the campus had the opportunity to collect a special limited edition map of the different trails and enjoy a guided tour of one of the new walking routes that encompass the Belfield Campus.
(Above) Left to Right; Éanna Ní Lamhna, John Murray and Dr. Hugh Brady (President of UCD) at the opening of the UCD Woodland Walks
(Above) John Murray takes a walking tour of the campus
Since its inception in 1998, the ongoing tree planting programme has doubled the tree cover on the Belfield Campus. Today, with over 50,000 trees including 76 different types of species, and 15,000 mature or semi-mature trees, this project has been extremely successful as it ensures that the leafy sylvan setting of the Belfield Campus will be enjoyed by future generations.
(Above) Map of the UCD Woodland Walks
Complementing the woodlands boundaries of the original estate houses, the UCD Woodland Walks create a comprehensive network of attractive and meandering paths. There is a walk for every ability and fitness level and students, staff, alumni and friends are invited to enjoy the parkland setting of the Belfield Campus while discovering more about the University, the original estate houses including their surrounding landscape, and UCD sculpture trail.
Highlighting some of the unique features of these walks, the UCD Woodland Walk Map and Guide provides an overview of each walk and gives an insight into many interesting trees and wildlife species that can be found on the campus. With contributions from both academic and administrative staff across the University, the guide highlights the importance of the landscape as a social and recreational amenity.
Click to Download your copy of the UCD Woodland Walks Map and Guide .
