CONFIDENTIAL. NOT FOR PUBLICATION.

An Foras Forbartha Teoranta The National r Institute CONSERVATION AND AMENITY for Physical ADVISORY SERVICE Planning and PLANNING DIVISION Construction Research

A PRELIMINARY REPORT ONAREAS OF SCIENTIFIC INTERESTIN COUNTY CARLOW

n v

Teach Mhairtin R®thar Waterloo Ath Cliath 4 EDWARD FAHY, Telefon 764211 December, 19 75. St. Martins House Waterloo Road Dublin 4 CONFIDENTIAL. NOT FOR PUBLICATION. r, u r-1 u An Foras Forbartha u Teoranta The National CONSERVATION AND AMENITY Institute ADVISORY SERVICE for Physical Planning and PLANNING DIVISION .Construction Research

A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON AREAS OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST IN COUNTY CARLOW

7 Teach Mhairtin Bothar Waterloo Ath Cliath4 EDWARD FAHY, Telefon 764211 December, 1975. St. Martins House 7 Waterloo Road U Dublin 4 J

List of Sites(Group E)

SECTION A

k Woods at Bunclody J ,Bagenalstown Esker

J /Ardristan Marsh 21 ell, Oak Park Pond 23

,Baggots' Wood 27

30 11 yris Estate

7Pollmounty Valley 33

Deciduous woodlands in the River Barrow Valley 36

wed Bod, St. Mullin' s 39

Scrubland South of Borris 43

Mount Leinster Mountains 45

J Birch Scrub at Clongarran 48

Xianey Valley at Ardattin 50

,'ullow Ponds 52

,loughristick's Wood 54

Bahana Wood 56

Iazel Scrub in River Slaney Valley 59

J //allynakill Marsh 61

J 7 Li SECTION B

Introduction - Layout of Report

Co. Carlow is an intensively farmed region in whichlarge field systems have developed at the expense of hedgerows. Theprimary purpose of this report is to identify areas which are worthy of preservationbut in this case an additional approach is considered worthwhile.The descriptive section (F) deals with areas which should bemanaged in the future in much thesame way as they are now. The following Section (G) describessites which at present have little value as areas of scientific interestbut which could be managed to develop diverse biological communities.A successful conservation policy in the county will necessitate thecreation of worthwhile areas as well

as the maintenance of existing sites.

J

J

J

3 M LJ SECTION C

M GENERAL INTRODUCTION u

This report concerns country-planning. It should enable the County Council to pick out those areas that are important on anational or local level and whose conservation can be based on strong grounds, either scientific, educational or amenity.. The Conservation and Amenity Advisory Sorvlcc is attempting to identify a representative range of natural and semi-natural J habitats throughout Ireland and also to list sites of specialsignificance, usually containing a rare species or a rare natural phenomenon.Around these areas development can proceed with relative impunity, once amenity J and waste-disposal problems have been surmounted.It may be stressed that the amount of land available is such that development willvery seldom mean J the impoverishment of the national heritage, if it is properlyplanned. On the contrary, in particular examples it will allow more peopleto obtain meaningful recreation from the countryside.

J However, conflicts will arise in scenically attractive areas where someor all of the elements of water, hills , woodland androck are combined to make

a desirable landscape., sought after by housing or recreational interests. At the same time, such places often contain communities ofplants and animals interesting because of their isolation from rural or urbandevelopment Usually it will be possible to compromise between the opposingforces but occasionally development will have to be curtailed to preserve thescientific interest in an area.

Conservation of natural communities may be important for amenity, scientific or recreational reasons or any combination of the three.Frequently, the natural vegetation of an area gives to it a characteristicatmosphere, an inde finable value but very real to those who walk ordrive through it.Diversity is the key quality of the environment that attracts peopleto an area or that J makes them find relaxation there:the contrast between cultivation and wilderness, between water and land or between trees and grass. Fortunatel} diversity is also the sine qua non of rich biologicalcommunities .

4 n u Examples of all habitats must be reserved for scientific research.Uncul- tivates areas are essential as reservoirs for organisms thatmay be useful for soil conditioning or pest control in the future.Quite apart from their inherest interest and complexity they are needed alsoas control areas. J Without them it would be impossible to judge the effectivenessof, or to improve man's attempts at land management.For example, how can pollution be controlled if no unpolluted watercourse or lake remains inwhich to deciphe n the natural breakdown processes? Or how can the great productivityof marsh, U and seasonally flooded land be harnessed, other than by ricegrowing, if no natural swamps are left?Finally, how can cutover bog be best used for tree growing if no natural self-sustaining bog community orno wooded peaty areas exist?These questions are of growing importance in a competitive world u that demands efficiency and an optimum level of food productioncompatible r1 J with little damage to the ecosystem.

In education, field studies of all sorts are of immensevalue; and biological field studies are a stimulus that many other disciplines n envy.Natural U communities provide some of the clearest expositions of the ecological principles that operate through all growing and harvesting methods. In addition, there is the challenge of identifying and getting acquaintedwith numerous and very different species. Field work attracts practically all J children at some stage and enables everyone to better appreciatebeing in rural surroundings. Already, since the introduction of biology teaching, there is a greater awareness of the environment and interestin wildlife. Such constructive recreation should be encouraged by the maintenanceof J variety in the countryside.

It is the intention of this survey to encourage theuse of the countryside

by drawing attention to scientifically interesting places. All of those J mentioned can support much greater numbers of people- less so in certain cases of marshes and bogs, or at certain times of r1I the year.But the J carrying-capacity of each site will eventually have, to be analysed.How much recreational use can co-exist with a nesting wildfowl population? How many people can walk a woodland floor without damagingthe plant

r1 S. cover?Or what number of trees can be felled each yearwhile preserving rl J the attractive features of the wood?The idea of preserving any but the smallest areas intact and without change is unrealistic and multipleuse should be encouraged.Many of the areas would respond to sound manage-

rl ment and become much more productive.The majority of the sites listed j are now productive in the crude sense of producing fish,game birds or timber.All are productive if they encourage people to visit thearea and :J make use of services nearby, and we believe that allcontribute to the relaxation, mental health and happiness of the community, ospocialiy the 1 generation of town-dwellers that now form most of our nation.

U 7 LJ 7 J

n 1J

J n

J J

SECTION D

CARLOW AS AN AREA OF BIOLOGICAL ANDGEOLOGICAL INTEREST

Because Co. Carlow is a non-maritimecounty one dimension of its potential biological interest is lacking; this hasgeological implications also forone frequently finds formations of geologicalinterest exposed as coastal structureE

The distribution of the solid geology isshown in Fig.

J

7

C C Y E O m ° 0 v i 0 v .v oe 261d n N V p o ,f+ 1000 I' a ; J - < < r_''L

7 1 i . 1 h' 1, ict;/ /:.,; J Limestone is of limited extent in the county, the mostcommon rocks being granite and diorite, neither of which is noted for thediversity of its flora.To date there have been no noteworthy discoveries of solidgelogical formations which should be preserved but quarrying on the MountLeinster range may reveal interesting structures in time.

The solid geology, apart from its intrinsic interest, has determinedthe shape

of the county (Fig. 2). When formulating a conservation policy for Carlow J it would be desirable to ensure as far as possiblethat a wide range of habitats occurs in each of the regions identified.

J

Bored on the Ord-ce Sur.eybr pvmrtnon of the Go.ernment.

F ii,. 2 -Crurrh C'nr/ufr-,cMount Leinster chain which borders the county to the East.The second phase u has left more widespread traces.

As is the case elsewhere the evidence for glacial activitytakes the form of single rock fragments (erratics etc) and inclusions,fluvio - glacial deposits J and outwash gravels.From a research point of view none is singled outas worthy of preservation with the exception of an esker atBagenalstown which n J could be of benefit for educational reasons. The only otheresker in the county is at Aghade and is not regarded as being particularlyinteresting.

The glacial phase is important also as a determining factorin the kinds of soil that exist today.Fig. 3 shows the distribution of the main types whichare a result of glacial deposits interacting with climate. Rainfall isa critical J factor here, the amount of water deciding the degree ofwaterlogging or leaching of the surface sediments.

J

Fig. 3. Greatly simplified soil map of Co. Carlow showing the approximate distribution of Gleys (G), Podsols (PO) , and Peat (P) .

9 U L_: i L7 U LI U L1 LI L_7 LJ C _ 7 L.J . U L;] L__3 r, -I r -I LJ LA LJ L- B SAGITTIFOLIASAGITTARIA 56S I a b B OSMUND s/1 B 358/1 e B 192x19 A rrorl,eadBe-1030. 193)rceaoleonw,rdr ur L 1930REGALIS onwardsRoyal Fern . Orycocc ANDROMEDAPOLIFOLIA L1930 onwards _C FRAGIFERUMTRIFOLIUM tan,ra.n wrr°CJC- Xo Before 1930 Introductions .a-'i- Pers. (s, 3/' Before 1930 } w Ly . Strawberry Clover A s6s 3 (Li Cranberry E 1930 onwards RIGIDASACITTARIA Pur,h I?SJ °n..a-ds : T r._ o Before 1930 1930 onwards rr u" /:1 ' II,fr o Beforex Introduction 1930 k 'r'il/ lo, 1 ov v?JJ f/f-I ' I : to t lJ C -T Ai---nn ft O a of i` I I o { . f o o O O r I^ o ° 0 o o O 010 `J r 2l o G No O O o O __ O 1 i u-N:" o o ; Jr 00 O O 00.0 .f,. w r ) JJJ ;KoRo. o .O 00 OGO - 10 ! O o , 0 d. k Fig. 4. onSome(b)(a) bogland A types S.E. (e) ofIreland plant distribution which are Shannonrepresented basin in Co.species whose distribution is influenced by a canal central distribution, and (f) coastal distribution (c) Western Ireland distribution (d) distributed 0 C= rl J On first appearance the soils of Co. Carlow are notvery productive : podsols lose much of their nutrient value by leaching and gleysare waterlogged, poorly aerated andunproductive in winter.Drainage and fertilisation will improve either of these conditions and both practices arecarried out in the county.Their use has resulted in considerable changes in the natural floraand the fauna could, in certain situations, be adversely affectedalso. There are now few wetlands remaining in the county andheavy machinery whicl- was originally introduced for the cutting of drainage trenches hasbeen put n to work clearing granite boulder:, which, indirectly by piuvcntiny tillaye, were responsible for the survival of scrub-patches. M 1J Extantwoodlands in the county are mainly coniferous and large areasof the Barrow valley have been set with species which yielda worthwhile J commercial crop.There is no naturally regenerating native tree species at n the closed canopy stage.The few oak trees which remain.are obviously of U planted origin and in one or two cases beech treesare in danger of over- running and out-regenerating them.Serious consideration in Co. Carlow should be given to managing coniferous plantations so that theirbiological interest and diversity is maximised and, in some cases, toallowing beech woods to gain a foothold.Attention will be drawn to these points as the sites in question are dealt with. A general point should atthis stage be stressed: J woodlands of whatever kind are the customary habitats of birdsand animals; such a rarityas the pine marten has been reported from Co.Carlow inrecent J times and this species is found exclusively where there isforestation.

The flora of Co. Carlow, although it includes some rarities,does not have any noteworthy communities such as the Burren in Co. Clare.However, several types of plant distribution are represented in the county andthese are shown 7 in Fig. 4. LJ

J Co. Carlow i.s an intensively farmed area, the softly undulatingterrain lending itself to large field patterns in which machinery canoperate.Dividing hedges are minimal in extent. Areas of the county whichhave not been cultivated (Co. Carlow, according to figures available, has a relativelysmall

M 11. LI percentage of land in cultivation) have been put under conifers.In these cir- , cumstances it is important that marginal areas should be managedas reservoirs of wildlife, that uncultivated and unused lands should be convertedto reserves and that all woodlands should have a conservation function aswell as a commercial purpose. The following report suggests how some of theseobjec- tives might be achieved.

r't U

J r" U

J

J

12. L7 1 L] L-3 L-1 L_ 7 U L] SECTION E r LIST OF SITESI U MERITING LI PRESERVATIONL_3 U U L_J L_J L] L L_J L_3 L OakName Woods of Area at Bunclody Page No. 16 Grid Reference S.910,575 Regional Rating Priority A andEcological,Interest ornithological: botanical, zoological Bagenalstown Esker 18 S.727,620 Regional A Geologicalfloraa planted and fauna.andoak botanical:wood; diverse Ardristan marsh 21 S.830,705 Regional A Ecological,inthe county. only listed botanical glacial and feature zoological: Oak Park Pond 23 S.735,803 Regional C aecological: populationOrnithological,marshshallow community lake of withwildfowl. botanical ofa diverseplants and and anima' 3orris3aggot's Estate wood 3027 5.720,495S.930,822 RegionalLocal- A deciduousEcological,aBotanical small oak and wood, woodbotanical ecological: largelyand andmarsh. of zoological: oak,with Pcllmounty Valley 33 . S.747,355 Local A aEcological floratypicalsmall valley flora and andwith botanical: fauna. an interesting . J LU LJ LJ L _ ] L _ J L _ ] F I CI L _ ] L] L:] LJ CJ C _ J LI C - A LJ CJ LJ L WoodName in the of areaR. Barrow Valley Page No..36 Grid Reference 3.737,367S.726,413 & Local Rating Priority A Ecological,andRemnantInterest fauna. scrub botanical with anda typical zoological. flora Red Bog, St. Mullin's 4339 'S.714,577S.730,384 ` Local A smallBotanical raised and bog. ecological: ScrubMount sguth Leinster of BorTis Mountains i 45 5.820,520 Local A andEcological,Ecological:fauna ornithological: and florahazelbotanical, scrub zoological with typical Birch scrub at Clongarran 48 S.913,639 Local B Ecological:Birchmountain scrub faunawith typicaland flora. fauna and ti TullowR. Slaney ponds Valley at Ardattin 5250 S.839,721S.865,670 Local CB woodedEcological,Ornithological river botanical valley and botanical: and zoological: Cloughristick's wood 54 S.701,698 Local .rare aandBotanical,wildfowlplant wet ornithological: woodland.species feeding ecological, grows. area at zoological which a C:] L7 C] C_> C_] CI L] U L] LJ C1 L] U L1 C___J C__J L] U L-1 U C__- BahanaName woodof area Page No. 56 Grid Reference S.723,395 Local Rating Priority C Ecological,Interest botanical,,and zoological: I Hazel scrub in Slaney 59 S.898,610 Local C Ecological,coniferous wood botanical nearing and maturity. zoological: Ballynakill marsh Valley 61 S.747,602 Local C deciduousaEcologicaland small insect wildfowl scrub communities.and withornithological: refuge associated her`..

cn iJ n u SECTION F n u SITES MERITING PRESERVATION

J Name of Area OAK WOODS AT BUNCLODY J Acreage 150 (North):70 (South) = 220 acres n Grid Reference S. 910,575 J Scientific Interest Ecological, botanical, 'zoological and ornithological Rating 7LJ Regional Importance Priority A

7UI Li

J Description of Area 7 Both sites which are outlined on the accompanying six inchmap are woodlands LJ composed of a mixture of coniferous and deciduous species.Oak trees which 7 make up the greater part of the canopy, were originallyplanted and, at the J present time, are not regenerating. Some beech were also includedwhen the we n was first set and beech scrub is regenerating actively.In time, if permitted, IJ the wood will probably go to beech.A fair number of yew trees (Taxus baccata) have also reached a large size and these, togetherwith holly, give J the aspect of a south-western oak wood to the site.The lowest ground in eac wood is occupied by birch and hazel scrub.

rl Evaluation LJ These sites are the largest area of deciduous tree canopyin County Carlow 7 U and are probably the most valuable site from a conservationviewpoint. Although in the strict sense artificial (planted) they contain theelements of some of the best known "natural" oakwoods and have inaddition a typical and diverse herb flora.Passerine birds are numerous and include garden warblers.Jays are frequent and badgers occur.A rare plant species n (Pyrola minor) which sometimes occurs in planted woods is saidto be u present in one of them.

7 16. J J Threats to the Area

J A number of possibilities could threaten the character and survivalof the woods.Being close to the town of Bunclody they are vulnerableto clearance J for building purposes. The majority of the trees are nearing or have reached J the felling stage and their removal has begun.Their replacement is however, by coniferous species which, so far, are being introduced in . r small blocks J Recommendations Because of their scientific value and their proximity to acentre of population these woods should be maintained as mainly, if not entirely,deciduous stands J in the future.A high percentage of newly set trees should therefore be deciduous species, preferablyoak.

The ideal method of achieving these ends would be theplacing of a Tree J Preservation Order (Planning & Development Act, 1963) or a Conservation Order and this should be considered without delay.At a more distant time 7 J the woods could be set out as a nature trail.

J7

n 18. u Name of Area BAGENALSTOWN ESKER Acreage More than 200 acres esker has a more irregular shape Grid Reference S. 727,620 than is shown on the 1" map. Scientific Interest Geological and botanical Rating Regional importance Priority A

J Description and Evaluation of the Site 7 The site is shown on the accompanying 1" map.The feature is a long hill of s; Li & gravel running in a North, South-East direction.The hill is composed of sand deposits which show some water-sorting where they areexposed. J Sand has been quarried at frequent intervals along the structureand only . the northern-most section, which supports pine trees, is intact. The vegetation occurring on the sand-hill is similar to that inneighbouring fields on flatter terrain but a wide range of typicalesker herbs occur. During a brief visit to the site it was notpossible to examine the flora in

detail but a thorough search might reveal some rarities. n Threats to the Area LA As mentioned above, the hill has been extensively quarried andthe outline disturbed. Quarrying is likely. to continue.

Recommendations

The rarity of this phenomenon in the county and. theoccurrence nearby of outwash gravels suggests that a switch in emphasis to greaterutilization 7I of the gravels would be a good idea.If the sand deposits are of particular J value, such as to warrant their exploitation then this shouldbe done in the ri following way: J 1. The site should be landscaped so that removal of sandwould not alter the outline more than necessary. 2. The sediment range should be investigated so that structural

differences in the hill could be exposed for educational purposes.

19. 20.

, , -. . l ' 1 ,. I ..1 ..f 1 1.. 1 1 J 1. J .:/ w hI 1 .1 ... u ... w ,.. r J .1 1 1 J rt a 1 I r nj9jn? j

C

L u

3Z.,. f ,r s e : Y -. s . 1)) u

rl atc A,u 20 ~Z oh`,o.,;r n,/,rn//,//7/. \is nrr .y --,i^ ` E

E ro]u it , Y.+,,._

E J J

E rt

I L J

1 i11.r{1/1tf C nJ

*oz u rl

J Quarrying need not be wholly detrimental; indeed the sand faces at the Southern end of the esker are valuable froman educational J point of view. 3. A botanical survey of the esker surface should be undertakenas J soon as possible with a view to identifying any raritiesor unusual associations that occur.

General Planning control would serve to protect this site butin the future, should an interesting structural featureor. botanical community on the esker come to light, acquisition of a part of the hillmight be considered. n U

J

7 U

.7

LJ

.J n u

V

I Li

21. 7 Li r1 J Name of Area ARDRISTAN MARSH Acreage 91 acres

Grid Reference S.83 0,705 r, ui Scientific Interest Ecological,botanical and zoological Rating Regional importance `1 j Priority A n LJ Description of the Area r% The site which is illustrated on the accompanying map isa waterlogged area supporting a wide range of plant species.Phragmites communis (common reed) is the most abundant but, where the wateris deeper, there J are others in large quantities, Menyanthes trifoliata (bog bean) beingthe n most obvious of these.Mentha aguatica (water mint) and Hippuri s vulgaris .J (mares-tail) are common and there are some small trees (alder). rl

i Evaluation rl

1.1 The area is selected as a comparatively large marsh containinga wide range of plants and invertebrates.Birds which have been seen there u include gulls, herons and duck. A rare speciescfUtricularia (bladder wont) has been taken at the site. 7 LJ Threats to the Area Ardristan marsh is surrounded by large tilled fields.The flat nature of the site would suggest it could be easily drained and 17 this is not an unlikely U possibility.Contamination of the water by fertilizer run-off from the land is probably occurring at present.

Recommendations Every effort to preserve this area should be made anda Conservation Order under the Local Government Planning Act (1963) might be considered.In the meantime the condition of the site should be kept underscrutiny. General planning control should be exercised and especial care taken withthe safe disposal of farm and/or domestic wastes. n 22. u j

MAP SUOWINIG AREA OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST n -

Scale:G Inches to 1 Mile

lr% Li

L1 n

LJ

Li n U

L1

U

i 4'.. Rallcnt+h IT!.M t}

0

G

23. Ji

n Name of Area OAK PARK POND. Acreage 43acres Grid Reference 17 S.735, 8 03. Scientific Interest J Ornithological, botanicaland ecological. Rating Regional Importance Priority C ri v Description of Area

The site is a shallowartificial pond in which thereis a profuse growth of Phragmites communis (common reed). A map of the sitefollows (over); it ison J the borders of Carlow and Kildare.The lake is picturesquewith woodlands around it and small islandsbearing coniferous and deciduoustrees in the n centre. J Evaluation J n The area is rated highlybecause it is the largestarea of still water in the J county. A 1969 mid-wintercount of wildfowl and waterfowl (theonly one available) revealed the following:- rl J mallard n 200+ teal 4 L1 pintail 4 tufted duck 12 (possibly more) pochard 2 goldeneye 50 mute swan 2 coot 100 TOTAL 374+

This count, which isa minimum estimate for somespecies, represents about J 65% of the total wildfowl recorded in the county duringthe winter of 1969.The flock of goldeneye is particularlynoteworthy for its size- on the largest Irish lakes a figure of 40 wouldbe regarded as exceptional. r, U In addition toa typical marsh flora a Utriculariasp. (bladderwort) has been 7 J recorded.

J 24. 77I U MAP SHOWING AREA OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST-

Scale:G Inches toIMile

N

1 U

it . 1, 1 11 178 / 0 Inc73d%ny 0 0 20 Gr_ /

11 .B, A 11 1, _.i ; YT ,75 vo

P 295 .3 4

o .i°:IYfaOUn ° o . 4 Rc' . J' -..

f o 9 ° , \° \

01

..-. ` , as a v.'. 1 r a°p y f !71) rS J r Y r. r f ' °' > :; 11i A ao fpeo:.F i°.tl.YOQ L..v IIMbf 9. o t $u fc. ,f R :.l.r16J.? ,'y-.. o I ' / d1 i Y . o '° '' .iFcM'viryl . a .a' ° :f //\/`` (vi:l" ark Ho. o ;': o , .i o rT, a c-. yi' _ i < i ,, -^ '' ° i .v. w rf °. .o i"'' ..: l 'oa ,Y C . v{..v'---: .v.,.i ° a .LiltI41e ° f -::°1 .-+..- AZ t', f r _ ,]cnil I.. , 1/ o °'a.o.n,nr Iw (,-n:ttse ; 7oD UI o ° oo ° ° {. 'r.f :. =. .i a o°, aR Q°`ieh /J".' 1vv P' -4a'n. o', a-- . \-.o.ofca et- i;'Opo / 41 to

.q .-o-0-9

.o :ko-".a

.'d Pn /0p0 V%F a n '. !'346 q . /i 0- :/Q; hI y r.e. SO e L7, , peqd +ygl9 q $6 rain ,.. l q of ,1tIL .y , r . ° O ja o

1.11/ o u ro to u q o ,o .e o o.vq o Y no, ,,[y '' u .. \` .4. . 200 li l ' N +, p,..-.c ., E o. a o,,9.0 100 ° 01 -- o . ;., ° ,o ` .1° loop i°d . 00o a:- P1 Zqoq .jun. o°/S v e ` (..1.°6lQ ..9° may `' _,y.'?'i.<... °oo % d r i J y/0 q .LM d :.. ai44 91L.1 °q` °LOO , ( ,

p ("3,;, j,' i .eMJm'O .. o o¢ . af./' :

1 .q S f ._. ..fop o. ... 1

25. 7 LJ

Threats to Area The wetland is at present maintained for its conservation andamenity values J and there is no obvious threat to its survival i.e.it is not likely to be filled in for agricultural purposes. The profuse reed growth is howevera potential threat at least because in time it could result insiltation of the lake.Further investigation of this feature should be carried out very soon.In practicethe biological diversity of this site will diminish if it isallowed to do to ono specie of vegetation.

Oak Park is intensively farmed and, in places, chemical dressingsand sprays are employed. It is important that these should be keptout of the water and a check on the concentration of obvious- potential pollutants should becarried out all the time. Associated with this problem is thatof dumping. Some

rl chemical containers have been deposited on the east side ofthe lake, close J to the water's edge.The long term prospects of this tip should be critically

r9 examined. u 7 Recommendations Li The future of this site should be borne in mindwhen any development on its J7 margins is considered. A re-organisation of research should where possible be carried out in order to keep the mostnoxious chemicals atas great a distant as possible from the water-side.The flat terrain would lend itself to the con- struction of opendrains around the lake margins which would catchand re- route chemicals in solution, thus by-passing the area of interest. U7

7I 7U These remarks are made simply to record the kind ofaction which will contribute to a maintenance of scientific values here.This site is in the hands of a conservation conscious body and no actionis recommended n J by the local Authority.

26. Behind Oak Park House and to the north of theestate there are deciduous woods which were briefly inspected when the area was visited.The main tree species is oak which is all of the same age andis ready for felling,and there is an understorey of hazel which has been displaced by rhododendron.. Theouter fringes of the woods display a range of typical herbspecies but the inner parts are, as a result of rhododendron growth, bare on theground. The oak is-not r-1 , regenerating. . U

7` Planted woods like this pose a problem. On the basisof what is known else- L__l where it will not be possible to eradicate rhododendron whichcan regenerate n from root-stocks once it has been cut.The result of pesticide application have i U not been fully evaluated for this species. n U The problem is thus a considerable one, made more acuteby the age of the oak, at this site.Although coniferous re-planting appears to be the rule at Oakpark some deciduous woods should be set.Urgent consideration should be given to this problem and there should be consultation between theLocal Authority U7 and An Foras Taluntais. r'1 U

Li

7 Li

U7 n U

U

27. n U J

J Name of Area BAGGOT'S WOOD J Acreage 29 acres Grid Reference S. 93 0, 82 2 J Scientific Interest Botanical and ecological Rating Local - Regional iJ Prioity A

Description of Area

The site which is shown on the accompanyingmap is a small mixed deciduous coniferous tree wood consisting largely cf oak whichvas originally planted.There is some, but very limited, oak regeneration at this time. Non-deciduous trees in the stand include yew and there isan understorey of hazel and holly.The woodland ground-flora is typical including:- Oxalis acetosella wood sorrel n Luzula sylvatica greater wood rush J Anemone nemorosa wood anemone Lonicera periclymenum n honeysuckle v At the southern foot of the slopeon which thewood is situated there is a small marsh whose water level is maintained by astream flowing through it.The dominant plants to be seen are:- Carex paniculata panicle sedge n Juncus spp. rushes J Caltha palustris marsh marigold Evaluation

As an oak woodland this site deserves preservation.In the vicinity of the site there are few examples of this communitytype and the n presence of a small marsh adds diversity to the site. U n Threats to the.Area U As with the other planted deciduous woods in thecounty the trees at this r-i site are all of the same age and nearing maturity.Their replacement should u be considered without delay. M

L-)

28. i

1. ,. [.. t Y I. cf, f .C 1. ....f

vc ll1 f

J 1'

? l 1

0- /.41'1

29. :ii i Recommendations .

The likely fate of this wood will be replacement withconiferous vegetation and this should be avoided.Instead deciduous tree cover should be set ui - beech being a possible alternative to oak.This would produce a larger timber yield, and thus be a more acceptable alternative.As beech ^l LJ is regenerating well elsewhere in the county, it would probablybe self-perpehatin here.From the scientific viewpoint a deciduous wood of any kindwould 7 LJ be preferable to a coniferous stand.This site is visible from the Hacketstown Road and represents the only deciduous trees in a LJ predominantly treeless region.For amenity reasons as well. as for for conservation therefore a deciduous species should be maintained here. A Tree Preservation Order under the Local Government Planning Act(1963) should be used if necessary to protect the existing trees.Alternatively a management agreement with the owner(s) might be considered.

n U

i

7 Li n

s

r1

1 LJ n

LJ n u

30. r-, Name of area BORRIS ESTATE L-) Acreage 220 acres Grid reference S. 720, 495 J Scientific interest Ecological, botanical and zoological 7 Rating Local importance but could be regional J Priority A

Description of the area u7 The site is shown on the accompanying map. The woodson the western side n of the estate form a thick band adjoining the RiverBarrow. The woodlands u are composed of several tree species but at the northernend of the estate oak predominates though it is notregenerating well. Hazel, beech and LJ holly also occur. The ground flora is typical for oak woods in thispart of n the country with Scilla non-scriptus(bluebell) in large numbers and wetland U plants like Chrysosplenium oppositifolium (saxifrage) occasional where surface fl L water is plentiful.

Evaluation Borris estate contains one ofthe largest areas of deciduous woodland in Co. Carlow. Although the woods are not in the bestcondition (there are some

stands of conifers and appearances are that more will follow). Passerine birds are diverse and plentiful and insect life in thewood is, like the ground flora, typical.

Threats to the area

Some clearance of the wood has so far occurred to-providemore land for ri agriculture and to make way for conifers in one or u two places .The asterisk on the accompanying map indicates a point at which treeclearance has taken place and a feeding lot for cattle has replaced theearlier scrub. Rhododendron ponticumis growing in isolated clumps in the wood and could ri J spread if not kept in check. Rhododendron is in othercases responsible for

31. fl MAP SHOWING AREA OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST r1 U Scale:6 Inches to 1 Mile

J -,

Li

n

LJ

LJ j

U

Li J

r-, u n U

r1f lJ

32. J

the destruction of woodlands and is a major pest whereverit gets the opportunity.

Some of the deciduous trees in the wood have reachedmaturity and are ready to be felled. They. should be remo ed andreplaced by the same species.

Recommendations In view of the large size of this site everyeffort should be made to maintain i it. A mixed tree cover would be desirable if apurely deciduous wood is not to be preserved.In this case the ratio of deciduous to coniferous speciesshould be at least 1 .4 (see also p. 58).If necessary a Tree Preservation Order could be used to attain this objective.

n LJ

J

n u

J

33. Name of Area POLLMOUNTY VALLEY J Acreage 45 (in Carlow)acres Grid Reference S. 747, 355. Scientific Interest Ecological and Botanical. Ratite Local Importance.

Priority A L.J

Description of the Area

U The site which is marked on the accompanying 6"map is a steep-sided valley in whose floor a small tributary of the RiverBarrow flows. The river bed is composed of large boulders which bearan abundant cover

of Fontinalis antipyretica(a moss). The soil beside the river in the lower part of the valley is saturated and thispart of the site is covered n in a rich display of Bryophytes (mosses and liverworts). L)

I On the steep valley sides the dominant vegetation is composedof trees, J Corylus avellana (hazel) and Salix soo.(willows). A selection of woodland ground flora also occurs and this has colonizedthe coniferous woodlands above the road on the eastern side of thesite.At the northern n end of the site coniferous plantings encroach to the valleyfloor and, U further still, on the western side of the valley surface-soilhas been removed.

At. the lower part of the valley where the streamjoins the Barrow the tidal influence of the latter is obvious in the floraand there are n elements of a salt marsh community here. u

n Evaluation U n The Pollmounty River formerly containedan interesting mixture of the u common calcicole,calcifuge and salt marsh plant species, Scutellaria minor lesser skull cap; Osmunda regalis- royal fern- Ranunculus omiophyllus - 1 moorland crowfoot; Dryopteris aemula- a fern, (Stellaria palustris - marsh stitchwort; Salix triandra- almond willow) and Trifolium fragiferum - strawberry headed clover; Oenanthe fistulosa- common water dropwort.

34. MAN SHOWING AREA OF SCIENTIFICINTEREST- L] Scale:C Inches to1 Mile J

7

7

-1/ Li

r r c l YS- - y a r V L. (;.Churclit `1. i 8N t saa v fit.r;:r i r n Li

J

r-1

r"1 u

J 35. J

Threats to the Area Already considerable changes in this valley have resulted from planting with coniferous trees and the casual dumping of rubbishover the walls LJ which separate the valley from the road.

Recommendations This site is included because its earlier diversity might berestored. It is outside areas of major population pressures so thepossibility of conserving it should be good.The first step in a conservation programme would be the preparation of a detailed plan of actionand steps in the J procedure would be as follows: 1. A resurvey of species listed above and an assessment oftheir J survival.Possibly the reintroduction of some that have disapperared. could be considered. J There should also be an appraisal of neighbouring areas to ascertain the presence or absence of the flora listed above in other parts of this andother valleys. 2. A relocation of coniferous vegetation possibly involving removal of some trees. 3. Clearance of rubbish which, in time if dumping continues, could J7 cover and thus destroy some of the ground flora. 4. Part of the valley might be set ous as anature trail.

The Pollmounty valley is under the control of the Departmentof Lands (Forestry Division) and is thus outside the jurisdiction of theLocal Authority.Representations by the Local Authority to the Departmentare rl J recommended but not the implementation of any of the statutorymeasures available under the Local Government Planning and Development Act (1963).

LJ

36. i u

Name of area DECIDUOUS WOODLANDS IN THE RIVER BARROWVALLE- Acreage 27acres north;south, not calculated but Forestry -I suggests 10 acres.cat, u Grid reference S. 726, 413 and S 737, 367 Scientific interest Ecological, botanical and zoological 7 Rating Local importance but could be regional Priority A

-, U Description of the areas The sites which are marked withan asterisk on the accompanying map are

patches of deciduous woodland and scrubamong conifer plantations. r-,

LJ The northern patch of scrub is dominated by beech andelder (Sambucus nigra). The ground flora at this point consists ofa typical selection of woodland herbs J including Oxalis acetosella (wood sorrel), Dryopterissp. (a fern), Hedera

helix (ivy) and Viola riviniana (violet). 71 The dominant species in the ground Li flora is Scilla non-scriptus (bluebell).

The southern asterisk marks the location ofsome of the pre-coniferous deciduous woodland with oak trees of 40 feet.In common with the woods of J south Co. Wicklow there is a well established understorey of holly. The herb flora is varied but Rubus fruticosusagg.(bramble) is abundant. J Evaluation J These sites are valuable as reservoirs of r-t native plant and animal life in a u predominantly planted, coniferous afforested valley.

Threats to the area r-, Further clearance of deciduous trees and associatedscrub is likely. U Recommendations

Theplantedwoods in the Lower Barrow valley are composed ofconiferous

3 7. ., r1 , . u

-1 J

,,, E

,1 1 11 j.a . 1 11 7U n Y;, p 7I1

III- . 4-- 7 J Li

LJ n u n u

.Ie

1', . o[ c .y t

1

n u

Se'Iie:6 hiches toIl"iile

Z8 . i j a ir r

t I a .

.6 .1, l dL .. .o4/r,'7,ILor,E J i f . v1!I i I Ii Sc3-. wCfi.c'in9 8

:. I J i I Il I . I .'4 f L

J

I

i.i+..aitr:

f

O.JS to l11e

r J Naine of Area THE RED ST. MULLIN'S Acreage J 34acres Grid Reference S. 73 0, 3 84 Scientific Interest Botanical and ecological Rating Local importance Priority A

J Description of Area

J The site is a cutover anddrained raised bog situatedon the Aughavano River.The bog has been considerablyaltered by human interference anda section of it on the north-westis now planted with conifers. The remainder of the bogis deeply trenched and frompart of it peat is being removed LJ and spread over neighbouringfields.

Evaluation

As a result of its alteration,the Red Bog is 'dry andsupports a growth J of Calluna vulgaris(ling) and lichenswhich appear asa typical lichen heath.In places some wateris retained by theuneven surface and deep gullies and here Sphagnum has regeneratedprofusely.There are some birch trees ona part of the bog and theserepresent a natural climax vegetation.

J Praeger, who visited thissite before drainage began,describedit as having a hummock-hollow systemon which grew Andromeda polifolia (marsh andromeda), Vaccinium oxycoccus (cranberry),Rhynchospora alba (white beak sedge),Carex limosa (mud' sedge),Other species were recorded J in the vicinity.None of the species helists was found- duringa brief visit to the site and someare possibly extinct tt-ereas a result of a change in habitat. It seems likely, however,that others could remain,although in greatly reduced numbers. J Raised bogs are generally located only in themidlands of Ireland. One of the plants which characterises habitats of. this kind isAndromeda and

* Thelypteris palustris (afern) Filago minima (cudweed) Fumaria boraei (fumitory) Campanula trachyelium (narrowleaved bellflower) Milium effusum (wood millet) E uisetum_hyemale (ahorsetail) 40. J

J MAP SI- OVVI NG AREA OF SCIENITIFIC INTEREST

Scale:C Inches to1 Mile J

u

7 Li

J

...i\1

IC \ .0 4, \, '°.'..°I;.a

^. o °,,:9\ri ^ ^. o .9 l +,.o {" !h httit `\ , :?i2!)1f1)(,f tat; r. -.ryt _

o0..Q°C, '° \ \ .. 50

J ao a_a x!11 I! \/ \ ... n u ......

-...,3_\ YS

I - _ n.rttig

J

41 a map of its distribution in Ireland is n given below U

U

J

The Red Bog, although largely destroyed,is similar in appearance 7 to the Holdenstown bog in Co. Wicklow.These two are outside the Li geographic area of Irish-raised bogsand, as such, deserve to be n preserved in order to maintain theiranimal and plant associations. u n Threats to the area s Continued drainage and peat removal n could further reduce the J scientific. interest remaining at thesite.Any accentuation of the existing drainage pattern will increasethe biological hazards from fires.

Recommendations

A comprehensive exploitation planshould be drawn up for this site, making provision for the retention ofsome part of the wetland and the utilization of the rest for afforestation.

Present developments at this relatively small siteare proceeding so fast that a re-assessment of it will be required atany time before M action is formulated.The urgency of such a reassessment is the u only recommendation made here to the Local Authority.

42 J

Name of Area SCRUBLAND SC H OF BORRIS

Acreage 3 acres 7 J Grid Reference S. 714,5t7 Scientific Interest 7 Ecological J Rating Local Importance Priority A

7 J Description of Area

The site is shown on the accompanying6 map.It is a small hazel coppice J containing some scrub birch,a Salix sp and hawthorn.There is a typical woodland ground flora of: J Primula vulgaris primrose 7 Rubus fruticosus agg bramble LJ Lonicera periclymenum honeysuckle Filipendula ulmaria meadowsweet Lysimachia nemorum yellow pimpernel J Viola riviniana violet Scilla non-scriptus bluebell Ranunculus spp. buttercup Glechoma hecteracea ground ivy Ajuga reptans bugle Fragaria vesca strawberry

Evaluation J From the appearance of other fields in this vicinitythey were formerly occupied J by scrub interspersed with granite drift.The area was also largely water- logged.Recent agricultural improvements have includedthe cutting of drainag channels,so that only small patches of marshlandsurvive, and clearance of boulders and scrub by machinery.The site which is listed here is the only remaining scrubland for some distance around. n J Threats to the Area

This scrub-patch is likely to meet thesame fate as others in the. neighbourhood

Recommendations

While it would be desirable topreserve this and other similar patches of J scrubland, action should not be-taken on them before larger andmore important areas have been dealt with. 43. U MAP SHHHOWII~ G AREA 0. SCIENTIFIC J Scale:6 Inches to 1 vile

7 U n 0

n U Note: Precise location of the boundaries of this site requireconfirmation.

44. Name of Area MOUNT LEINSTER MOUNTAINS Acreage 5000 acres Grid Reference S. 820,520 J Scientific Interest Ecological, botanical, zoological and ornithological Rating Local importance, Priority A u

Description of Area

The mountainous area is shown on the accompanying one inchmap.It is the highest land area in Co. Carlow and, on theCarlow side, its slopes are 7 lJ covered with a typical moorland plant cover in which Moliniacaerulea (purple moorgrass) is dominant.The higher parts of the mountain are covered in a

Calluna vulgaris (ling) dominated association of plants. Some parts of the higher moors have been planted with coniferous trees.

Evaluation

The Mount Leinster chain is the only example of moorlandabove 1, 000 feet in Co. Carlow.Its plant and animal (invertebrate and bird) communities are typical of uplands and the growth of heather isparticularly profuse, rivallir some of the larger areas of heather cover in Co.Wicklow.Calluna is an important food plant of grouse and it is noteworthy thatthis game bird is conserved and managed in parts of southern Wicklow on similarterrain. * Several species of unusual plants are recorded from the MountLeinster site. ri u and hen harriers have nested among the heather.

Threats to the Area n It is possible, even Likely, that the existing limits ofconiferous plantations LJ will be extended to encompass more of the high Callunazone.The associated spreading of fertilisers would change the nature of the groundflora and possibly lead to peat erosion in time.If fertiliser spread were accomplished by aircraft, overshooting the existing target area could have consequenceson the unforested parts of the moor.

*Thelypteris oreopteris. (mountain fern),Ranunculus omiophyllus(crowfoot), Hypericum elodes (bog St. John's wort), Pignicula lusitanica(butterwort), M Saxifraga stellaris (starry saxifrage). rJ LS. j

r- I u rtr 1 y i it. ll :i..7 1 t'i

. :EEL;: t uL E E1 ! E Sri

ix,

III u JV'

44 0 0 I\ n .. I e.. s . J GGG 1 001 ,'1 O p ° °0 - 0 1a- '-s 'r 0 O0 0 0 0 9 00 0'a O L1a ` n O U O O- 9:;.., `til ice,j J00 0 0 b V LJ , eny 000p O _ O OO 0 p O O O o .r / 0 O 0 000 ' ^'1 0 OOp 0 Oo 0 0 mar' O i 0 } 0 0 O O u J r 0 0 p 0 0 00 o p 0 0 bb'O O 0 O O O 0 p O 0 C T-;d O. 0 O O O O 000 C. - 0 0 0 00 0 O i' O 0 ` 00 0° '. 'ooo6 b °c. CAQ. W 0'.0 O 0 ° 0 0 0p 0. o. 0. 0 "0 ° 00 0 00 00 0 i0 J O: l 0a -0 0 0 ° 0 0 0 -i0. & o o oa 0 o,,,0 0 - o 3., o 0. 0 0400 0 0 000O o 0b0O o o cio 0 nl bop p p o o 0 .0, o 0 b, ,0000°O° 1100oo o00 o° or 0 O0 0 0°00 0 0 Y 1 00 0 00 ..p O,w< C ° 4,0 o,;p a P °; o o o pop O O 0 00O 0 0 o O C / 0 O 0 0 0 0O n 0 0 0 C .1.o 0 oO 0 0 00 O ,O 0o O° O bb..:O: .u^r..,..,.!'e. 00 )0'000 000 0 0 0-0-- 0 00 0 0 o o0 0 o., ° < IOj° d0 o006 pr'O °.0 0 00-O O 0" 00 0 0O O °Of F 0 °0 O O _ ° pIIO0 0 0-° O 00 0 0 O C. 1 0,r 0 0 0 O o0 o 0 0 n00O 00° 0 O .o 0 Op O901-_s°O O,p Li C. -\ p0'0 00 0 0 .,0O O °0.00. p0"O O G O 0 0 0O0-. 01.0 0 0G,2,, ,. 0 a 8o 0 - rtrrl , ) ;fit,' I'd / . L o- lr. - o op u 3` t,f p 0 opd / \ oc f-. r \Oob° °o ooob i ooo o` S ii~i .. :b r ifit ,. y

R1,N, .

A J J. 12 V

1 Ornamented area is the area of interest. 46 . LJ n u

r1 Recommendations J Alternative management plans for this area should be compiled and n u considered without delay.If land use in the area is to change consideration should be given to the best way of doingthis and n U incorporating into any new techniques provisions to maintain as characteristic a fauna and flora as possible.:Alternatively J characteristic areas could be selected for preservation and the remainder of the area might then be planted.

A Conservation Order under the Local Government, Planning and Developmen 7 J Act (1963) should be used if a small, botanically diversearea is to be preserved.Before this is done hosever, the remaining heather 7 L1 dominated land should be considered for a single use only.

n u n J

7

71 J

L J7 a

47. LI J

LA

Name of Area BIRCH SCRUB AT CLONGARRAN Acreage not calculated Grid Reference S. 913, 639. Scientific Interest Ecological J Rating Local importance Priority B n Description of Area J The location, though not the precise boundaries of the scrub,are marked with ri an asterisk on the accompanying 6" map. The canopy wasnot inspected in J detail but appeared to be fairly closed. An adjoining coniferousplantation rl contains some oak which was left as a nurse-species whenthe ground was J originally prepared for replanting. r7, Evaluation 7 J Again this scrub, and the deciduous trees included in thelarger coniferous stand are remnants of an,at one time, larger area ofbroad leaved trees.

U Threats to the Area 1-1

I rJ Clearance of at least part of the birch scrub isa possibility and the scientific 7 values of the vicinity could be furtherdisimproved by felling the remaining J oaks. 7 J Recommendations Consideration should be given to enhancing the existing values ofthe site by:- (1) Planting a higher proportion of deciduous trees among the existing conifers. (2) Maintaining the largest and most closed area of the scrub. These objectives could be achieved by application of a TreePreservation Order under the Local Government Planning and Development Act (1963) but this should not be considered before larger areas havebeen dealt with.

48. r J

I

dM OI-IS 7111 VIHV 10 gBINIMS LSI031N1

31 Corn :81e3S

C 11*

C

L

C

C ...... -

C 348

C rrarol t L !:

C J

......

C J

E

E

Y1OJ If IIICIIE G Scale: E V INTEREST SCIENTIFIC OF AREA S[iOWlG MAP

Li 66 ' J J rl J n Name of Area SLANEY VALLEY AT ARDATTIN U Acreage 300 acres Grid Reference S. 865, 670. Scientific Interest Ecological, botanical and zoological. Rating Local importance

Priority B

Description of Area The site is a U-shaped valley on the Slaney River.Some of the flatter parts of the area are used as grazing land but thesteeper sides are covered in a thick scrub out of which some taller trees protrude. Oak is the largest of the deciduous trees and there are also some highconifers.The scrub layer is provided by holly and hazel and the herb floraincludes the common species normally found in such situations.

Evaluation The uneven terrain in this area makes it unlikely thatgrazing land. will replace the existing scrub.The scrub thus i,_N..:sents a remnant of uncultivated grounc in an otherwise tilled and grazed region.

Threats to Area

Down-river from this site conifers have been planted and thisform of land use co take over the area of interest.

Recommendations General plannning control should be exercised in order to preservethis small part of the Slaney valley in its present state.The low values of the site in scientific Terms do not however warrant further action to preserveit.

50. M u J

J .r,,.,

n E(. .,r, ,i ` t;.:e. I. 1tr.liL;. (:[aIS 10 6 t lilt

J r\. - J4t

J

J ,h, 'I It

J

Li

11.,,..,

111,111,111,

51 . j

M Name of Area TULLOW PONDS u Acreage 5.5 acres

I Li Grid Reference S. 839,721 Scientific Interest Ornithological and botanical

Rating Local Importance

Priority C 0

Description of Area The site is composed of several shallow ponds which areprobably flooded seasonally.There is virtually no vegetation around the water bodies 7, J which are thus open; the fields surrounding the site affordsome protection to feeding birds.

Evaluation n u When the ponds were visited small numbers of swans, ducks,gulls and moorhens were recorded.It is unlikely that this area will be converted to other agricultural uses in the future and the pondsthus represent a small wildfowl habitat.*

Recommendations J Althoughit could be desirable to retain the existing features ofscientific rl interest at this site,the small size of the area reduces its potential. J Perhaps the most valuable long term improvement at the sitewould n J be a more ` permanent water table.It mitt be possible to obtain this artificially.Further enquiries on this aspect should be attempted before more specific recommendations are made.

* A rare plant species, Carex vesicaria,is said to occur but was not seen when the ponds were visited. n 52. u r:

I U .:i!cJ Lll ci'kelr

H U It

J n

J

v ( 1 r Tullmrv! Gol/-,0 ourse f'' 11IYiew /i irJ 1K - X HoLme

J

53. Name of Area CLOUGHRISTICK'S WOOD Acreage 23 acres Grid Reference S. 701, 698. Scientific Interest Botanical, ecological, zoological and ornithological. Rating Local Importance J Priority C n U Description of Area This is an interesting area of wet woodland forming afringe on the river J Barrow where it flows through Milford. The wide flood-plain isoccupied by a variety of trees, both coniferous and deciduous. Oakand beech occur but both are outnumbered by a Salix sp. (willows). Hazel isabundant in the wood and the herb flora comprises a range of wetland andwoodland species.

Evaluation This stand of trees is, by standards prevailing in Co.Carlow, quite large. Its passerine bird and insect faunaare abundant and there is a typical, if unremarkable, herb flora.

Threats to Area None is obvious here at present, the waterlogged soil onpart of the site being non=condusive to utilizing the land for grazing or forestrypurposes. However, the area should be kept under review. n uJ Recommendations Some improvements to the wood such as the removal ofdead trees would be useful in increasing its production of timber and clearing thearea for educationa -1 iJ purposes.

* Uncommon plants which are recorded from Milford - thoughthey have not yet been verified at this site are:- Linum bienne (pale flax) , Minuartia hybrida (fine leavedsandwort) and Linaria viscida.The last two species- are aliens which occur on the railway line. 54. '' ft Ir!1ri rl MAId S nI 1"llp - ur iti ilrEUIN-it .f !.,s to1 file lo4

I' i 3\ "' _ i I I 4r ^ Cress Roads.' _ .. _ a I F..fJI,..+ ^ft i 1 1.. .'_J t Fir l:r^ 1\`.1 s. rf. t x .. 66. -- 'J f i 1 a / i

Sfream M llo `x:re t \ J

L l Lenham Lodge e

"for -M a;",.l is L;l(;rd Lod;!

b,'iircrd Lost

r r u Fr,4S9A r-L"R : - 1--P 11 -''`"frKIudng 13 3 II wafer P 17/ r d98 , 0; !6 i 1 , -VcCluding 14 1 1 22 water ':e i _r CJ0. I,ns:i9k Rouse--- L-

c J 770 n s A ax I Piere

y- TJ),WA_ D

Lin; r 0J' 15 ..-.;

°

901 L J

\" c, n Tonlard U t'' P Y .N 3' n F .- (Ddffl_xL'!i 1.)-:G9 "W213 A R P r1 LJ n 55. tJ j

J n Name of Area BAHANA WOOD U Acreage 185 acres Grid Reference J S. 723, 395. Scientific Interest Ecological, botanicaland zoological Rating Local importance Priority C

Description of Area n The site is shown U on the accompanying -six inchmap.The woodland isone of the best developed coniferouswoods in the Barrow Valley. r-I The trees are U as high as 20 m (60 feet) and permitlight to reach the ground florawhich n is consequently well developed.Passerine birds are abundantand seven spec lJ were' noted when the woodswere briefly inspected. Pheasant, foxand badger also occur.

More recent plantings in thewood are of coniferous seedlingsinterspersed with s.ome deciduous trees (oak).Felling of the larger trees is takingplace at a slow rate and block clearanceratherthan clear-fellingappears to be J the procedure. n

I L Evaluation

7 Bahana wood is L more noteworthy as a site which couldbe managed to develop interesting features thanas an area which at present meritsconservation. The practise of plantingand retaining deciduous treesis to be encouraged but these should be set in largernumbers and could usefully beinterspersed throughout a stand rathern than plantedas a fringe round coniferous material.

Threatsto the Area and Recommendations

No threat to thearea is obvious as long as it ismanaged as a wood. As is J stands the site could be plantedand felled to producea commercial yield at n the'same time as providinganinteresting and educational'reserve'.Certain j methods and principles of procedure shouldbe incorporated into thefuture

* Two uncommon plant species Polypodium australe (afern) and Milium n effusum (wood millet) are recorded from this vicinity. 56. L_, J

management of the site:-

1. There should be an even interspersion of deciduous trees with coniferous species in a ratio of approximately 1:4.Interspersions of this order have been observed to contain moderate amountsof ground flora and large numbers of invertebrates when the treesare 20 feet high or so.Planting distances and different tree species will create different sub-canopy conditions of course.A greater proportion of deciduous trees would be desirable. 2. Clear felling of neighbouring blocks of larger than one acreshould be rl avoided and instead smaller non-contiguous areas should be harvested. J 3. The spacing of young trees should provide for a reservoirof herb species on the woodland floor i.e. light penetration should bepermitted by preventing overcrowding.Some consideration might also be given to the growth of larch in lieu of other conifers;.the genus Larix sheds its leaves during the winter months and so allows lightpenetration resulting in proliferation of ground flora. J 4. In time the access to the wood could be enlargedand improved and a nature trail might be developed.

The fact that this area is large together with itsrecreational and educational potential would suggest it should be used for amenity n as well as commercial purposes.The Local Authority should J confer with the Department of Lands on its future assoon as possible.

J 7 rj

rl J

n 58. u Name of Area HAZEL SCRUB IN RIVER SLANEY VALLEY. Acreage 22 acres Grid Reference S. 898, 610 Scientific Interest Ecological, botanical, and zoological Rating Loca 1 Importance J Priority C

J Description of Area The site is occupied by J a thin strip of bankside vegetationon the eastern side of the river valley.The greater part of the vegetation is J composed of hazel although other deciduoustrees also occur.The ground flora includes the usualrange of herb species, dominated in thiscase by bluebell.

J Evaluation This area of scrub is without distinctivefeatures but containing deciduous J trees in an otherwise cultivatedarea.

Threats to the Area Some of the scrub has been cleared for J agricultural purposes and this is likely to continue especially where the terrainis flat. 7 J Recommendations

Any further plans for this valley should includeprovision for the scrub remaining there.The low biological values of this stand howeverdo not warrent any official action on it.

J

59 U n MAP S1,1010WING AREA OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST J Scale:6 Inches to"IMile

''-7 71114 .o yIoeilcts 77, q 0 ,71 r

,r,

^

.. P 930 23 99 ^

O ti' \ n\. Kikarry °°ttagtS. 9.J41 9137 7

^

,urrw .i,_ . Cr

G 3!9

^ n3ff 0 j! 29 Ixllin T/ Yr ""l r, ;r \

^^ ^

J Name of Area BALLYNAKILL MARSH

Acreage 5 acres Grid Reference S. 747,602. Scientific Interest Ecological and Ornithological Rating Local Importance Priority C

Description of Area

The site whose location is shown on theaccompaning six inch map is a small pond at the western end of which there isa profuse growth of Scirpus lacustris (bulrush) and elsewhere the flora is Potamogeton sp. (pond weed), Menyanthes trifoliata (bogbean),,Equisetum fluviatile (horse tail) and Lythrum salicaria (loosestrife). The pond is enclosedin a natural hollow J between two roads.

Evaluation

Notices which have been placed at intervals in the pondannounce it is a wildfowl sanctuary.It is not clear whether the sancturay is purely for preservation or shooting purposes.

When the area was visited the following wildfowl and waterfowlwere counted: 4 mallard, 6 waterhens,1 swan and some gulls.This count is low.The situation could however possibly be improved by screening the pondwith i vegetation and possibly by the provision of nesting boxes. Threats to the Area Over-shooting is the only obvious threat.

Recommendations

J The creation of sanctuaries for whateverpurpose is to be encouraged but the limited interest of this site does not warrantany official action.

i 61. U i.. 1.* ,%i..i ..ii: i!5 (C 1i r. ;-ij

i 1 rt i , . n Cl! f f

7 tJ

J

li

62. J SECTION G

Sites in Central Carlow Which Might in Time Become WorthwhileConservation J Areas.

J In the course of the survey several areas of roughand non-cultivated ground were noted.These were hilltops where large numbers of granite boulders J lie about and have not been cleared. Among the boulderssome small trees and bushes are growing : oak, beech, birch and hazel.In some circumstances these would provide a woodland habitat but in the twosites listed below r, the trees are small and too scattered to form aclosed canopy. The ground u flora inlcudes a mixture of woodland species but because ofthe open nature of the tree cover bracken (Pteridium aguilinum) predominates. Location of areas described (See attached maps): 7 J 1. S. 758, 603. 2. S. 752, 653. 7 J Evaluation 7 J Both areas are listed because they contain a natural floraand fauna. Because of their rugged nature they are unlikely to be usedfor agricultural purposes.In addition they are two areas in central Co. Carlowwhere n naturalnon-cultivated vegetation and animal communities occur. J 7 Threats to Area LJ In similar habitats inother parts of lowland Co. Carlow there has been wide- n spread clearance of the granite drift which is responsible fora site being L uncultivated.The advent of modern machinery facilitates such clearance which, once it was taken place, leaves the way opento economic agricultural management and the application of fertilisers which in turn givesgrasses an advantage over other forms of vegetation.

Recommendations The feasibility of clearing these sites and the benefits ofleaving them to develop as scrublands should be examined.P ending a full evaluationno further action should be taken.

63. u MAP AREA OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST -1

Scale:6 Inches to T1 Mile n J

J

7 L]

P

886 I '., . 84 644 7 I J IncluQing 0 0 , 26 water i "

GN 0

f1

IJ

J

n u MAP SHOWING AREA OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST-2 Scale:O Inches to1 Mile 7 J 'IN

7LJ Li

n

i LJ

..,!M

7 8.Y.103 8 Li

._ 17L '.411 Al nRurn.

Rim

65. n u 3. Clongrenan Wood.S.680, 728

J Description and evaluation of the area.This small scrubland, like the two preceding sites, has developed from grassland and J now contains small trees, shrubs and some ground flora. In time this could develop to the closed canopy stage with theconsequent elimination of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) which now dominates the more open spaces between the trees.The area at present contains no noteworthy biological features, either botanical or r-1 zoological, apart from a grazed flora which supports a typicalinsect fauna.It is however the only remnant of deciduous vegetation inan 7 J area which has been planted up with conifers.

Recommendations are as for two previous areas.

7 J

r, J

r, u

M 66.

L- 7 Li n MAP SHOWIH AREA CF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST-3 u Scale: G Inches to 1 Mile J 110

J

J

1

. _.._.... I ,

J 1466..... 0 36 jk7rc'uy 3\ 1 99 Hate. J

I U 7 J

7I Li r- J Jfl

7 Li

67. Section H.

Sites requiring further exploration

Botanical records particularly have sometimes entered the scientific literature in a vague and imprecise form. An exampleappears in Section E (Cloughristick's Wood) where plant records from the vicinity, but outside the,site, are included. Others, coming from Leighlinbridge and other areas are added here;effort should be expended in their location:

Leighlinbridge S. 690,6 55 Cynoglossum officinale green hound's tongue, a rare species, is recorde from a gravel ridge in this locality 7 J Calaminta ascendens common calamint, normally occurring in calcarec banks, was formerly found by roadside here. ri J Torilis nodosa knotted hedge parsley, is a locally common species found in this vicinity. Orobanche minor lesser broomrape, parasitic on certain Angiosperms, occurred and possibly still does, it fields close to Leighlinbridge. Trifolium fragiferum strawberry clover, occurs commonly, locally in Ireland. At Leighlinsbridge it has been recorded near the canal.

Carlow S. 715, 766 Chenopodium rubrum grows on lime slurry from the beet factory.It is an introduced species.

Roadside, Borris Mount Leinster Papaver argemone long rough-headed poppy, found normally in cornfields and dry places. Stachys palustris X sylvatica a woundwort hybrid.

68 J

J Killedemond S. 775,519 rl J Cystopteris fragilis brittle bladder-fern.A native species which is, widespread but uncommon. ' Orobanche minor lesser broomrape, parasitic on other vegetation. Potentilla procumbens creeping cuinquefoil; uncommon throughout the British Isles

7 Li Bagenalstown S. 690,615 Myostis ramosissima early forget-me-not, locally common in the British Isles.Occurs in the vicinity of 7 Li Bagenalstown on walls.

U r. Kilcarry Bridge S. 894, 525 J Galeobdolon luteum yellow archangel,a rare species occurs at this point. n Ui

Gowlin S. 77,44. Asplenium obovatum lanceolate spleenwort. Formerly taken here.

J

East Bank of the Barrow above Leighlinbridge S. 695, 665. Rorippa sylvestris Here a species of watercress was taken by earlier workers. Elsewhere it is rare. n J

69. C._] LJ] C__] C_J L 7 C-- LJ C_J L1 C_] SECTION J C.I L>SPECIFIED ACTIONA NEEDLIST OF NOT RECOMMENDATIONS BE IMMEDIATELY TAKEN FOR SITES LISTED IN SECTION E C_j L_ L ;1 _ C C_) C_. LJ L 7 1 No attention required General Planning Control ! Conservation Order vationTree Preser- Order Actiondescriptionrefer moreto site complE BagenalstownOak woods at BunclodyEsker ** * or or * * ArdristanOak park Marsh pond * or * I Baggot's wood I * or i Borris Estate I j i Pollmounty valley i I I RedDeciduous Bog, St. woods Mullin's in Barrow valley i * ScrublandMount Leinster south of Mountains Borris * or C-] C_ ] C___] L1 C-] L] LJ CU L] L_] C_J E-1 C_J CU LJ LJ r_ 'I L_] C_J LJ L^ j No attention required General Planning Control i Conservation Order vationTree Preser- Order descriptionrefer to site more comp Birch scrub at Clongarran i i or *(?) Cloughristick'sTullowSlaney pondsvalley at wood Ardattin ** BallynakillHazelBahana scrub wood Marsh in River Slaney valley * * j 1 J

J Section K:

7U 7U The distribution in Ireland and Britain ofcertain plants occurring in Co. Carlow.The species are those whichwere listed in the report (see also Fig. 5) or where referredto in earlier survey work on the country (see Section L.Bibliography). J

J

72. J n J

J :a l a dQ°IC° J

. 71. J I' ri J o

V, i 0 7f L

LJ -L-41

1 J ( 6 `l

IY

'y9 ri J n

U 'dab. l YI I

.. a all.

off A

4- W

E= Io Q 1 w . 10

k[ w x ' .i w 'l [4 U e} fA o

n /J . u C_ ] U C____J L-1 C_> L_] C-3 C_j L_-] C_3 C -A L_J L__] C_J C_i L] L_J C_] L 7 C_J Cr B 102!3 737 B 115;14 SYLYESTRISRORIPPA(L) Hess. MarshPERICUM [ % fc F ° 2_fore 1930 19-0Yellow-cress onwards Creeping St. John's Wort 1930 onwards ODES L 9k-}- i 31 nti --. O I J I F- - --- . 1 I I O (rs Y tv'- I I 1 O.O Q f .o iC i oi i\ l O 0 ' , o I o. - al1 aT. 00 oe o- c' . s . j M

I LA

J

J n u

7 Li n U 7 Li VC J ,r

o .r it - s w . 3 I co ... oa l N 0 - 0 i :qtr . I I'

N I 1 J

-mar --$-- i I L.j I Z Q r ; I .q Q1, Q - oo ou ti- o N VP m . O

rl 75.

i iJ L_J C_ J U LJ U L7 C--3 `J r I U LJ C_] L_J U CJ CJ CJ C__J LA r I C Water DropwortFISTULOSAOENAF L ITHE :i',ry fit} .-fir: All records r o BeforeAlmond 1930 Willow 1930 onwards " 4 .;' I E -4 I D x Probablc ducclons intro- e --_ / ' .y !y -~d 6 . :*.If ...... ° .... r i 0:.:: 0: O O ; see 1 i19, I L-I C-J L_J r -I C J C___J C-J L_-D C-J U L._J L_] U LJ CJ LJ LJ L..._J CL] 1 r z PYROLA 359/1 00'7d B LINARIA 420,3 -F E MINOR L . -c i I Pale Toadflax (L)REPENS Mill. 4 Wintergreen Common H is Nnaturalised, a t i v e 1930 o r [1 o Before 1930 1930 onwards a a i+ I o Native or naturalised.onwardsbefore 1930 it i o x Garden escapes ,I F -,k o /f ruI t J ( r1/.yo l / e o 01 0 o o a 00 / o a o. I S 9V o0 wt I a o S I I '3i..! 1 o It= 1 08 0 0 ( I O JR/"1 o O b 0000 0 41 0 O a 1 QO Oq a C ._I C_1 E_ __j L_7 L_J C_1 C_J L_J C-_] L_J U L__] C___3 L_J L_J r____. -1 1_3 L_] C- B 444,1 0 0 Before 1930 1930 onwards : northCasual only in the r F 6f

0 1 9' . 0 00o I 1 oo 'I I tl .... F. f HBO.. a . . ..a 16.4 fiisaa i.i 0 TI W ^1 O v f u O. 0.. 4b O ! J 1 ' _ .... .0 .a> YYY/ 0 Oft- -J ,o 1. . W C__J C U L_ L7 CJ C__J C C___3 L_7 U CJ C__-3 U LJ LI L__7 L_7 L.._] C__J C-) L-

RAMOSISSIMA MYOSOTIS 1 .1 SchlechtM. hispido Rochel 1930 onwards i countiesRecordso Before from1930 ocher probably a rya e Introductions I i I 6 y -7-Fl -- N! I '! I I ; _ I _ _ __ >:ie .ice /j A. 00 I I r j :::: ' :.... I a : .. .. . ' ' :ai i ... 1 ' . s i [.. u.. t ` a . e a e i :: '' i e e c .a J w.a ..mYJi- I I 11 I } ' i F t I I v 3 1 . 0 C. U L-3 L C _J C. J L7 C--3 L_] CC_ C J CJ L--_J L_J LA L_J L_-3 L-J LJ L 4741 C 48S/10 WAHLEN- BERGIA ULIGINOSUM GALIUM 9 i q a? HEDERACEA(L) Reichb. Fen Bedstraw L ..2 ao ProbableBefore 1930 ductions1930 onwards intro- s .I All records _F L--T :_ r o !i< IJ`Y 'Vrt o wnu I ,r I / .u N. 4 s . _ I. 7 4 n o o . rr OO s I A tiY O `i17 -4_ 7 'rt.,SWy N oo ...:. a. Q; I 0 7 I Y 9 4 I 0 VJ C^I - 0 1 L_J C__7 L_] C_.J LCI L_] C ] C_J C__JJ L_.J L.-j L__J L=l LJ C_] LA C_-] LA LJ L=

i ofo. ' o °:: O J J : u° . c o o ! :i o 0 OIi i a _ M :!J O WO %O O'D . JI w T - Y i I Ih'! A" o -5 r,o . r i: M 0 J

O

. iI -X D' o ov, i oooorr o0 J I ('

LJ

10 \? o o 1

oo n o0

V o I r o r. C O 3 ONofY 00S .P-. m O J

J

1 J

r-I

LJ

U 7 J

7 Li

J

82. b J

'-1

O U 7

n5jr I I s i -i nRe+ w e o ' I le J

J I u }Lk

J

U L -, 1j

, -1 `I. I Itf I I.- I.- i T? I t .'1 ' b I I'fl I u ! J

u

a

J

83. - J C_] C-] C-] C_] L_] C-] U C___7 C-] C.-I C_-.] L_] C_ 1 C__7 C_J C-- j CI L1 C__:] C_.= GIM-Eo- 461 1 LJ7`-JII Huds. ArchangelE'v:LON Yellow tiL P .: c intro- r

j 01 LJ ) . . M I I t o or to 0 1-to 0 to, a*. to 4. Oalu) : i to.. 0 to 1 o ° 0. : : 1 fy ' I I I M ( y SECTION L BIBLIOGRAPHY J CONRY, M.J. & (1967)Soils of Co. Carlow P. RYAN National Soil Survey of Ireland (No. 17) An Foras Taluntais CO. CARLOW COUNTY (1967)County Plan i COUNCIL

FLANAGAN, P.J. & (1972) The National Survey of Irish Rivers: P.F. TONER A Report on Water QualityAn Foras Forbartha HART, H. C. u7 (1885)The Botany of the Barrow Journ. Bot.(1885):9 -18 O' LEARY, M. (1934)Epilobium nummularifoliumon the Blackstairs Mountains.Ir. Nat.J. 5: 20 rl PERRING, F.H. & (1962)Atlas of the British Flora J S. M . WALTERS r1 PHILLIPS, R.A. (1915)Trichomanes speciosum & Asplenium J lanceolatum in Co. Carlow Ir. Nat. 24 :170 PRAEGER, R.L. (1889)A Botanist in the Central-Plain Ir. Nat. J. 8: 87 STELFOX, A.W. (1927) Galeobdolon luteum in Co. Carlow rl Ir. Nat. J.1 :203 L1 WEBB, D.A. (1943)Rorippa sylestris in Co. Carlow 7 Ir. Nat. J. 8 J : 115 WEBB, D.A. (1958) Pyrola minor in Co. Carlow Ir. Nat. J. 12: 249

rl

1 Lj

J

85. J SECTION M

Map of County Carlow showing theareas visited in the course of the field survey associated with this report.Each dot represents a site or the part of a large site inspected.

J

7

M Ji

r1 J

J

J

n J

86. I COVERAGE MAP OF CO. CARLOW. J

u

ri l J U

u )

II U . 0

o U /i G . 1 ri

Li

1

. J

n u

\1

IiQ I II_J.._15

87. SECTION N

rl RATING OF AREAS OF SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE

L1 This is a measure of the relative importance ofareas of scientific importance.

The importance of each area is indicated in terms ofthe following M categories:- u

International Importance n I. Only area of its type in Europe. u 2. One of a few such localities in Europe. 3. One of a natural series in Europe. 4. Recognised international importance. 5. Specialised educational importance. J

I National Importance

1 . Only area of its type in Ireland. 2 . One of a few such localities in Ireland. 3. One of a natural series in Ireland. 4. Recognised national importance. 5. General or specialised educational importance.

Regional Importance

1. Only area of its type in province.

2. One of a few localities in Ireland. 3. One of a natural series in region. 4. Fine example of its kind. S. General or specialised educational importance.

J

88. Local Importance

1 . Only area of its type in county. 2. One of a few localities in province. 3. Fine example of its kind. 4. General educational importance. n U PRIORITY OF AREAS OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

This is a measure of the relativeurgency necessary for protection JI of the areas of scientific importance.

M

i J Each site is given a priority rating of A, Bor C. 7 U The rating of any area is based on' a combinationof the following criteria: - J a) the importance of the area J b) the vulnerability of the area . ' c) the nature and imminence of any threats to thearea. J

J

J n J l LA

J 89. n J MAP SHOWING AREAOf: SCIENTIFIC:INTERES1"-

LJ Scale:6 Inches to1 Mile

Li

7 L_J

r-j

I Li n J

n

i

7 L)

7 LJ n u

u

:ii

57, 57,

\/. limetrot/

IIT,IL 17 lS"° . \. 153 \I 22 biel sling 9 } S YqG r

1 :o ;Ynrnchinl J / I 4l Jlovac . 1 1 .,( lLbtli. t l.' .i..i .. t 1. I .

r. L'= i.,.'ll

.... 3. 00,.. '>. 1 +. J ....;.... / 'age v 310

/, `$ ! Ali i ,.v L 698