An Insight into an Urban Wildlife paradise.

Heritage expert Tom Cuffe will give a talk on his wildlife research findings of the Terryland Forest Park at 7.30pm on Tuesday July 1st in the Menlo Park Hotel.
All are welcome to attend.

With its diverse range of habitats including meadow, river, wetland, pasture and woodland, this unique man-made wildlife sanctuary of 180 acres boosts an impressive array of insects, birds, mammal and aquatic species that would be the envy of any urbanized environment in the world. 

In both the spring of 2013 and of 2014, Mr. Cuffe used transect surveys to scientifically estimate the density of the bird as well as the butterfly and moth populations. His research identified forty eight bird species in one defined area alone thus highlighting the importance of the park to the biodiversity and ecology of the city.
The presentation will include a wide selection of the beautiful photographs taken by Tom of the varied wildlife that live in this unique forest park created by the people of Galway in conjunction with Galway City Council.

The event hosted by the Conservation Volunteers Terryland Forest Park group will also include presentations on native wildflower maintenance by horticulturalist Padraic Kerins and proposals for a major ‘Outdoor Classroom’ in the locality by Brendan Smith.

Wildlife Safari of Terryland Forest Park

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Award-winning wildlife photographer, ecologist and ornithologist Tom Cuffe will bring people on a wonderful wildlife safari through Terryland Forest Park at 12.00pm on Saturday next (March 8th). The event is being organised by the ‘Friends of Terryland Forest Park’ as part of national Tree Week.

As part of a nationwide monitoring and conservation programme, Tom last year undertook a ground-breaking scientific survey of the bird, moth, butterfly and other insect populations of the Terryland Forest Park.

Though his survey only covered a small geographical enclave of this urban park, nevertheless he recorded  48 bird species, 12 Butterfly species, 6 Bumblebee species, 12 Damsel/Dragonfly as well as 85 other species of wildlife and 27 flowering species.

His research has provided the scientific evidence of how Ireland's largest man-made publicly owned urban forest park project, containing nearly 100,000 native Irish trees planted by the ordinary people of Galway city in conjunction with local authority staff, has dramatically enhanced the biodiversity of the urban landscape.

Organisers are welcoming everyone of all ages to come along on Saturday and be introduced to the winged creatures of Terryland. Rendezvous point: 12.00pm (mid-day) Car Park in front of Galway Bay FM on the Sandy Road.

Wildlife photographs courtesy of Tom Cuffe