Doorly Park is home to a range of mature native trees, like oak, ash, alder and willow. These woods are a biodiversity haven, with a diverse structure that provides shelter and food for many species of invertebrates, birds, and mammals.
Walking along the park during spring and summer, you’ll find the path naturally decorated with different colours, as wildflowers come into bloom. Some of the most common flowers you’re likely to spot along your way include daisy, dandelion, buttercup, cuckooflower, primrose, speedwell and vetch.
Wildflowers along a path at Doorly Park
Water lilies on the Garavogue
Underneath the trees, you find the ideal conditions for woodland plants that like to live in the shade, like many ferns.
In spring, you’ll be able to witness the delicate beauty of bluebells and the fragrant smell of wild garlic.
The proximity to the river also provides a perfect habitat for plants that favour damp or wet conditions, like the beautiful marsh marigold and yellow iris, as well as the water mint, with its fresh sweet scent. You’re also likely to spot the unusual looking horsetails: these prehistoric plants are survivors of an ancient plant family that goes back 300 million years.
In the river itself, the yellow water lily stands out with its large floating leaves and distinct yellow flowers.
Wildflowers at the riverside
Maidenhair spleenwort growing on a stone wall
along the Garavogue
ANOTHER FERN IN THE WALL
Biodiversity can be found thriving even in man-made structures. Some of the stone walls along the Garavogue are adorned with a variety of different fern species, like maidenhair spleenwort, wall-rue, and the rustyback fern. Take some time to admire their intricate beauty!
