This is a park with many different habitats, including the River Soar and several lakes. There are many mature trees, ornamental planting areas and interspersed less managed areas. The outer walls of the park provide sheltered sun spots and are good places to find insects. Bees are attracted to the nectar-rich flower plantings especially the Lavender garden, Chinese Sensory garden and more formal planting by the Education Centre.  The Bee Walk has been carefully planted to provide a long flowering season from spring to autumn and has additional log piles and hibernation boxes to provide shelter for pollinators.   There are always water birds to be seen on the river and lakes. There is a good range of fungi to be found particularly in the autumn amongst the woodland areas.

In 2011, a bioblitz was held in Abbey Park, organised by the City Council. A report describing this event and the species seen can be viewed here.