Cork shares Diverse Stories from Nature
by Elena Canty, Leen Jamal Maarouf and Tomiwa Morris
- June 3, 2023
- 1:24 pm
Reflection from Elena Canty
I attended the Diverse Stories from Nature event along the Mardyke Walk with an awesome group of people in celebration of Biodiversity Week 2023.
I loved learning from Níamh O’Flynn, animal scientist and wildlife expert, who talked to us about the diverse range of nature that exists in our city.
From the stunning trees and plants, to the beautiful variety of wild flowers, to the river animals, the birds, and insects. Everything has a purpose, the trail was bursting with wildlife and it was wonderful to see it flourish.
I heard many sounds from the birds singing, the sound of a raindrop hitting the leaves, to the rustling of the branches in the trees. I loved smelling the wild garlic and the smell of the wildlife after rainfall.
I didn’t get wet because the majestic tall trees covered me and kept me dry until the rain passed. We were treated to a delicious picnic thanks to Bernie Connolly from Cork Environmental Forum.
I came away feeling uplifted, it was a therapeutic day and I look forward to attending many more events in the future.
Everything has a purpose, the trail was bursting with wildlife and it was wonderful to see it flourish.
– Elena Canty
Reflection from Tomiwa Morris
During the walk for Biodiversity Week with Good Day Cork and Cork Environmental Forum, I embarked on a captivating walk that awakened my senses and deepened my connection with nature.
As I strolled through the vibrant landscape, I marveled at the diverse array of the plants and animals in the ecosystem. With the guidance of knowledgeable experts, I learned about plant species I hadn’t encountered before, their unique adaptations, and their crucial roles in the ecosystem.
It was like a dream, hanging out with cool people who shared an interest for the environment. This whole experience really taught me a lot and made me realize just how incredible and precious our natural world really is.
I embarked on a captivating walk that awakened my senses and deepened my connection with nature.
– Tomiwa Morris
Reflection from Leen Jamal Maarouf
The walk was inclusive and accessible. It warmly embraced me, a refugee, along with people in wheelchairs and diverse cultures, ages, and languages.
As raindrops descended, the trees became our sanctuary, sheltering us from the downpour, while shared knowledge imbued us with the profound wisdom of inter-connectedness, human and non-human.
The walk was an educational odyssey, where we sowed the seeds of ecological consciousness, unearthing hidden narratives within every bluebell phonograph swaying to the robin’s melody, every sturdy tree trunk, and even within the curious taste of the creeping buttercup, whose flavor bore no resemblance to its name.
I also found aspects of myself in biodiversity: resilience, the key to withstanding the challenges of an ever-changing world. And as I listen to Aurora’s song ‘The Seed’ and pen down my reflection, I yearn for the revitalization of “locked” green spaces we encountered during the walk.
I also found aspects of myself in biodiversity: resilience, the key to withstanding the challenges of an ever-changing world.
– Leen Jamal Maarouf
About the event
Diverse Stories from Nature was held on 21st May 2023. It was a guided walk/roll of The Mardyke Walk in Cork City Centre.
The walk/roll was designed by Good Day Cork & Cork Environmental Forum (CEF). It was facilitated by Niamh Flynn and Bernie O’Connolly (CEF).
Everyone was invited to notice their observations and reflected to journal their thoughts. An ‘artifact’ from this event will be published in autumn 2023. Stay tuned for event details.
This event was made possible with support from CESCA and Irish Environmental Network.
Our sincere gratitude to Lee Daly for sharing his nature photography that we used to promote this event online. Thank you Dean Breslin for being our volunteer photographer for the day of the walk/roll.
