Biodiversity at Union Locks
The term ‘biodiversity’ refers to the range of lifeforms that, through their interactions, create a mutually supportive ecosystem within an area. Union Locks supports a number of habitats which are important for local biodiversity.
Here are just some of the species that can be found.
Broad-leaved woodland
This is the main habitat supporting biodiversity at Union Locks. Mature woodland near the Blaris Road entrance includes native tree species such as: Ash, Alder, Pedunculate Oak and Wych Elm, alongside naturalised species including White Willow and Grey Alder which are especially prominent as both favour the wet soils found in this area.
Woodland towards the River Lagan end of Union Locks is younger, and includes Rowan, which bears clusters of red berries during the autumn and winter months, attracting a range of birds including, Blackbirds and Mistle Thrushes. Spindle is also present; this small native tree is most noticeable during autumn when its leaves turn a deep red colour before falling and it bears bright pink and orange fruits.
Photo includes a Blackbird collecting Rowan berries to eat.
Grassland
A rich variety of species can be found along the narrow strips of grassland that flank the path, including Red Clover, Black Medick, Bush Vetch and Common Vetch, all members of the pea family and important sources of nectar for pollinating insects such as honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees. These flowers produce nectar which is not only rich in sugars but also in protein, an important nutrient used for producing eggs during the spring and summer insect breeding season.
Aquatic Habitats
Shallow water within the portion of the old canal adjacent to the River Lagan supports the small but colourful Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly, both of which can be seen hunting small flying insects from their waterside hunting perches, most frequently during June, July and early August.
Pollinators
During spring, keep an eye out for the tiny Early Bumblebee, our smallest bumblebee, which emerges relatively early from its winter rest and can be seen on flowers from March through to June each year. Its small size, orange ‘tail’ and alternating lemon-yellow and black bands make it easy to identify.
Later in the year, keep an eye out for larger bumblebees including the White-tailed Bumblebee. Flying from late March through to August (you may also see a queen in flight during mild winter days), this common bumblebee has black-and-yellow banding on its body with a white tail.
Photo includes a White-tailed Bumblebee on a Thistle flower.
Other photos include:
- Common vetch in spring
- Blue-tailed Damselfly clinging to a stalk
- Leaves and fruit of the Spindle tree in autumn