Cabra castle is set on 100 acres of rolling parkland surrounded by mature stands of native broadleaf woodland, comprising of Sessile and pedunculate Oak, Beech, Birch, Ash, evergreens such as Holly, Yew, and rhododendron.
Up until 4 years ago, our 2018/19 season, Cabra Castle played host to many golf enthusiasts with an onsite 9-hole golf course, however, as part of a major redevelopment, the decision to close the course was made, & we have returned our grounds to nature allowing us to focus instead on our beautiful surroundings.
Since then, 40% of the grassland was returned to native meadow, which is sensitively managed. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are applied and meadows are only cut once per year. Native wildflowers including the Marsh Orchid have returned & this species rich Meadowlands is attracting, many pollinators, moths and butterfly such as the meadow brown, painted Lady, and marsh fritillary.
A 1 km wooded walkway has been introduced to allow our guests to fully immerse themselves in Nature, while also providing a wonderful home for these many pollinators present on site.
Copse planting along the boundaries comprising of 5000 native transplants were planted in the 2019 -20 season. Native species such as oak, Alder Birch, Beech and pine were planted. Pollinator friendly species such as Rowan, Blackthorn, whitethorn, Holly, Willow, Guilder rose ,beach rose and dog woods were planted as understood planting .
Extensive planting of trees has continued over the past 24 months with over 400 native species bedded with plans in place for further planting.
The recently constructed Granary at Cabra Castle, - is surrounded by many pollinator-friendly species - to ensure our Biodiversity efforts are continued. Emphasis will continue on Carbon offsetting.
Mapping of our grounds flora and Fauna is currently underway.