A Preliminary Report on Areas of Scientific Interest in County Kilkenny

r in AnForas Forbartha CONSERVATION ANDAMENITY Teoranta ADVISORY SERVICE The National Institute for Physical Planning and Construction Research

A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON AREASOF ! ECOLOGICAL ANDGEOLOGICAL INTERESj IN COUNTY KILKENNY

R. Young An Foras Forbartha

r September, 1972

Teach Mhairtn BotharWaterloo Ath Cliath 4 Telefon64211 St. Martin's House Waterloo Road Dublin 4 J

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

A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON AREAS OF ECOLOGICAL AND GEOLOGICALINTEREST IN -COUNTY KILKENNY J

R. Young An Foras Forbartha i September, 1972 Teach Mhairtin Bothar Waterloo , Ath Cliath 4 Telefon 64211 7 St. Martin's House Waterloo Road Dublin 4 J

This Report is based on incrmation in the files ofthe Conservation and Amenity Section, An Foras Forbartha;on published literature and on observations made in the field during the period May-July, 1972. n J Dr. A. Flegg, Geological Survey of Ireland, supplied details ofgeological sitesincluded in this report and his help is gratefully, acknowledged.

J Maps1-17 are reproduced from the Ordnance Survey by permission ofthe Government (Licence No. 121/72)

J CO?N?TENTS

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J SECTION A Preface 1

B Vulnerability of areas of scientific interest 3

C Introduction to the areas of scientific interest 5 in County Kilkenny

D Explanation of the criteria used in rating areas 7 of scientific interest and in deciding upon their J priority

E Table summarising details of the areas of 9 J scientific interest in County Kilkenny

F Detailed reports and :naps of each of the areas 12 J of scientific interest:

Kiltorken old quarries Dunmore cave Riverside at Thomasto n Kylecorragh wood J Brownstown wood Ballylogue wood Lough Cullin Tibberaghny marshes J Quarries near Whitehall Castlecorner Estate Scrub near Urlingford The Loughans Fiddown Island J Tullanvooly bog Ardaloo fen Fen near Monroe Field near Bennettsbridge

G Table summarising the priority of the areas of 58 scientific interest and the recommendations for their protection J

J CONTENTS

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APPENDIX Figs 1 - 31 ;Maps showing the distribution in 60 Ireland and Britain of the rarer plants referred to in Section F

J SECTION A

PREFACE

In the present day, Ireland can still justifiably be calledThe Green Isle'. In comparison with most countries in the western world,a very high percentage of the country is still 'natural', unspoilt countryside, untouchedby industry, urbanization and often, even by modern farming techniques.

It is unrealistic to think that this situation will continueindefinitely.If the national economy is to improve, many areas ofour countryside must be taken over by industrial and urban development and traditional farming methodsmust be 'modernised'. These trends have already become manifest andcan be expected to continue over the coming years.

Fortunately, it is now realised that unspoilt countryside is itselfa valuable asset to the community.It is generally appreciated that in the peace and quiet and scenic beauty of such countryside,many people find relaxation and recreation - this is surely the basis of the Irishtourist industry.In addition to such amenity values however, many parts of the countrysideare of scientific importance, either because of their research potentialor their educational value. J The essence of conservation is planning, in whichthese intrinsic values of the countryside are weighed against the needs of agricultural improvement and industrial and urban expansion.Its aims are, firstly to ensure that as far as possible the areas of countryside that will be 'lost' todevelopment are those of least value from the points of view of amenityand scientific interest, aria secondly, to ensure that development does not polluteor in any way clash with the intrinsic values of the surrounding countryside beyonda degree that is absolutely essential.Thus development can proceed withoutunnecessary impoverishment of our rich heritage of beautiful and scientificallyimportant areas.

The responsibility for conservation in Ireland lies largelywith the County Councils in the preparation and implementation of County Development J Plans

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n However, if County Development Plans are to be based onthe principles of conservation outlined above, it is clearly essential that adequate dataon areas of scientific interest should be supplied to the CountyCouncils because, whilst such a characteristic of an area as scenic beautyis readily apparent to the discerning eye, the scientific values of a site areoften hidden from all but J the specialist.

It is the aim of the Conservation and Amenity AdvisoryService, An Foras to provide this information in a series of reports, eachof which will deal with the areas of scientific interest within a single county.

2. SECTION B

7 n VULNERABILITY OF AREAS OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST u

Areas of scientific interest can be damaged in many ways.They can, for example, be completely and rapidly destroyed by scrub or treeclearance, by turf cutting or by arterial drainage, or they cansuffer insidiously through pollution, fertilisation, grazing or overuse for recreations.

Of these various instances the first poses the greatest threatbecause of the rapidity with which it can occur.in the absence of a fine large enough to

M be a sure deterrent, co-operation to maintain the county's deciduouswood- u lands at all levels of landowner, forester and the generalpublic must be actively sought.It may not be sufficient merely to put a TreePreservation Order on an area which would lose its value immediatelythe trees are felled. The voluntary organisations have a role to play in this 7 acting as observers J throughout the county.

Turf cutting on a small, private scale presents little threatto the countries' boglands in comparison with the activities of cord na Mona.A representative series of Irish bogs should certainly be left untouched bycommercial exploi- tation.

Drainage schemes of all kinds can have serious effects onwetland sites. Marshes, fens and bogs may dry out, lake levels mayfall arid the dredging of rivers results in the steepening of their banks andan increased rate of water flow.All these changes can result in the disappearance of particular r1 communities or species. L] The effects of pollution are most often encountered in aquaticsites, which are particularly vulnerable because the incoming material cannot be localised. but is transported throughout the water body. Toxic chemicals canobviously

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3. 7 have disasterous effects on aquatic communities but equally serious effects can be produced by sewage if sufficient quantities pass intothe water. Such influx of sewage causes the nutrient levels of lakesto rise with consequent effects on the aquatic communities and water quality. Asign of this rise in nutrient levels, known as eutrophication, isthe production of algal scums or 'blooms' on the water surface inwarm weather.

Several farming operations are potentially destructive, apart from straight- forward pollution by silage effluent or intensive livestock units. Excessive

LA fertilization produces run-off of nutrients, especially nitrates and these are particularly bad for nutrient-poor ecosystems such as acid lakes andbogs. Introducing such run-off into any natural community will change thespecies composition.

Grazing has a similar effect.It can select out of the vegetation those species that are most resistant to ccnstant cutting and/or those thatare unpalatable,

and therefore not grazed, and allow them to multiply atthe expense of others. This reduces the diversity of the flora and often alsoits interest.Light grazing is seldom detrimental except that it prevents the naturalcolonisation of grassland by shrubs and trees, but as it isintensified such changes as those mentioned above occur and in extreme cases the vegetationmay not UI be able to persist at all.Eskers and sand dunes are particularly vulnerable as their dry soils do not allow a fast recoverygrowth by grazed plants.

The last influence to be mentioned is recreation, the effectsof which are most obvious today on sand dune systems. Heavy recreational useof dunes results in destruction of the vegetation which stabilises the dunesand serious erosion can result.The destructive effects of flower or plant collecting should n perhaps also be mentioned .Opening up of areas with a rare noticeable plant u may damage that species, but in general enough individuals escapenotice so that it persists from year to year.

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SECTION C

INTRODUCTION TO AREAS OF' SCIENTIFIC INTEREST IN COUNTY KILKENNY

J A study of the County Development Plan, September, 1967, indicatesthat Kilkenny County Council are well aware of the need toprotect sites of amenity and scientific interest in County Kilkenny.Few sites of scientific interest are actually scheduled for protectionhowever, because.of the paucity of information about such areas that was available when the DevelopmentPlan was drawn up. J This report contains details of seventeen areas of scientific interest,along with rl assessments of their relative importance, and it is hoped thatit will enable the J County Council to take any action necessary to preserve thescientific interest n of these sites.Where areas are already known to be threatened and their preservation is considered to be justifiable, specific recommendations are made for their protection.An indication is also given as to the degree of urgency necessary if protective action is to be effective.As will be seen, though immediate J none of the areas are in imminent danger of destruction, consideration should still be given to means of protecting theareas with 'B' 7 J priority. rl A definite statement of intent is really required with regardto areas of scientific Li interest. They should certainly be listed as such in theDevelopment Plan: areas within which the first priority is to maintain orimprove the scientific values.Many of the disagreements that have arisen in the paststemmed basically from a lack of knowledge.The developer did not know that his chosen site had any scientific interest and his imagination andself-assurance did not allow any graceful retreat from his stand.This could be largely avoided if the areas of scientific interest were widely publicised.Such firm action by the Council might elicit a response from the public ingreater awareness of the environment.A developer would be inclined to work more closely withthe planning authorities rather than against them.Where permission has to be refused for a certain development, it should be qualified bysuggestion of an alternative course of action.

5. As a first step, the landowners should, in almost allinstances, be told of the importance of their land.They should be advised that their present form of land J use is that most suited to the maintenance of suchinterest, if this is so;if not, 7 recommendations of slightly varying stocking densities, etc. should be passedon. L__!

I As developments occur and as scientific knowledge increases, the importance u and priority of the areas will change.Continual reassessment is required to J monitor such changes.If a particular site loses its value through pollution or physical disturbance, the others of its type will immediately becomemore J important in the regional context.Likewise, if a new and particularly interesting organism is found in an unlisted site, one of theexisting ones may be deleted r1 u after comparison.Priority for a site's protection may also vary as developments in its vicinity are proposed or begun.As the countryside becomes more intensively J used for agriculture, housing, industry and recreation however, action willprobably be needed to preserve all sites in their present condition.

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6. SECTION D

RATING OF AREAS OF SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE II J This is a measure of the relative importance of areasof scientific importance.

The importance of each area is indicated in terms ofthe following categories: n International importance

1. Only area of its type in Europe. 2. One of the few such localities in Europe. n 3. One of a natural series in Europe. U 4. Recognised international importance. 5. Specialised educational importance.

National Im crtF, nce area of its type in. Ireland. 2. One of a few such localities in Ireland. 3. One of a natural Seri s in Ireland. 4. Recognised national importance. 5. General or specialised educational impcrtan-;e. 7 LJ Re ional Importance rl U 1. area of its type in province. 2. One of a few localities in Ireland. 3. One of a natural series in region. l 4. Fine example of its kind. Li 5. General or specialised educational importance.

LocalImportance

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.

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J PRIORITY OF AREAS OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

This is a measure of the relative urgency necessary forprotection of the areas rl of scientific importance.

Each site is given a priority rating of A, Bor C.

The rating of any area is based on a combinationof the following criteria:- J a) the im.pcrtance of the area 7 b) lJ the vulnerability of the area c) the nature and imminence of any threats to the area. ri U

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8. `I U U C -._J L7 C__-1 C_ _j C__7 C_i Ll CJ LJ C_) LI CL] C_J C__i C__] L _ L J C--" AreaKiltorken old quarries S.559,343Grid Ref. InternationalImportance Rating Priority ExposuresGeological.Interest of one of the most important r Dunmore Cave S.509,650 ImportanceNational C AstoneGeomorphological; seriesUpperfossil formations, of plantDevonian large bearing caves etc.of historical. the horizons withbut world. whose some in drip- mainthe Riverside at Thomastown S.580,409 ImportanceNational B AnumbersBotanical;interest riverside is ofmeadow historical. ecological;plants ofin thewhich zoological. very grow rare large autumn bothbycrocus, an of area (Colchicumwhich of swamp hold richautumnale) and and a river interesting bordered channel, . Ky.lecorragh wood S.682 , 3 03 ImportanceRegional B AnunderstoryEcological.invertebrate of populationshazel and holly.area of damp, oak woodland with an Brownstown Wood S.656,297 ImportanceRegional ` B AnThisoakEcological. area high wood of canopyoak provides woodland, and a a marked mixed with aundocontrast pure storey. (D toating Kylecorraghcompletely.different freely and Wood, the ground as it is flora regoner is - . I L .7 L_J r, -I Li C.__d Lj L-3 LI L_I L-3 1-3 L_1 U U C-3 U L_J L_2 AreaBallyvogue Wood S.676,325Grid Ref. RegionalRating Priority B Ecological.Interest Lough Culiin and the S. 61, 18 ImportanceRegional C AEcological;hollysome small understorey.ash area and of botanical; riversidebirch and woodland zoological.a hazel and with surrounding area importanceRegional. C Aofhydrosere, small marsh, Lough, fen, surrounded withbog anda very byswamp. wellextensive developed areas QuarriesTibberaghny near marshes Whitehall S. 44,64, 2162 Importance Local C An andOrnithological;important geese. wintering ecological area for duck Castlecomer Estate S.542,753- 536,718 Importance Local C AreasornamentalEcological;interestingTwo of neglected lakes. plant botanical; estate communities. woodlands zoological. and areas of disused quarries harbouring A local refuge for Scrub near Urlingford S. 33, 64 Importance Local C AtheofEcological.woodland fine, hazel northwest representative scrub plants of typical theand county.patchanimals. of the of hillsides the areas in c 1 E_3 L__j r U c_j L___3 cj U r____) rI L-) LA r'I LA LA u c__3 ci C___1 AreaThe Loughans S.Grid 31. Ref. 63 Importance LocalRating C AnInterest Ecological,area of small, botanical. shallow ponds and Fiddown Island S.465,195 Importance Local C AwillowEcological;containingwinter low-lying wetcarr. rivermeadowsseveral botanical. island uncommon with covered a rich species. with flora There is an interesting Tullanvooly Bog Local C theirvarietyBotanical.flora various andof willow fauna hybrids (Salix)is also and of speciesthe interest. associated and Ecological. Ardaloo Fen S.S.291,685 46, 62 ImportanceImportance Local C AnAorchid, Ecological. arealarge of Ophrysarea fen ofcontaining, Phragmites insectifera. the reedswamp rare fly Fen near Monroe S . 52, 30 Importance Local - C AnEcological, surroundedarea of swamp botanical. by marshyand fen fields.with a variety of Field near Bennettsbridge S.553,478 Importance Local C Ecological,pastureplantsplant communities with botanical. a rich and and several interesting uncommon. flor. A small damp n U

P-1 u SECTION F 7 LJ DETAILED REPORTS AND MAPS OF EACH OF THE AREAS OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

Each report is written under the following sub-headings:- 7 Li Name of Area Acreage Grid Reference n Scientific Interest U Rating Priority 7 U Description of Area Evaluation Threats to the area Recommendations U n In the descriptions the abundance of the species may beindicated U according to the following scale:-

7 a - abundant v c - common f - frequent j o - occasional n r - rare U 1 - locally (as a prefix) J

7 Botanical nomenclature follows that of "Flora of.the British Isles" Clapham, lJ Tutin and Warburg.Second Edition, 1962.

J 12. fl r1 U Name of Area KILTORCAN OLD QUARRIES Acreage c. 2 acres I LJ Grid Reference S. 559, 343 Scientific Interest Geological Ratin International Importance n Priority C U

I Li Description of Area The area of interest, which is shown on Map 1,is an important fossil site. The two small, shallow quarries within the area yielded largenumbers of magnificient fossils and many of the species found were previouslyunknown to science, e.g. Cyclostigma ki.ltorkense, Archaeopteris hibernica,Kiltorkensi< '1 J kiltorkensis (all plants) and the fossil freshwater mussel, Archanodon jukesi. The quarries are now disused and their floors overgrown withvegetation, but there are still some rock exposures around the vertical sidesof the quarries. n J Further details of the fossil flora and fauna of thequarries can be found in:- Chaloner, W. G. ,1.968. The cone of Cyclostigma kiltorkense'.journal of the Linnaean Society (Botany), 61 (384), p. 25-36.

Forbes, E. 1853.On the fossils of the yellow sandstone of the S.of Ireland'. Report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science.Belfast 1852: 43 . 7 ,J Further references are cited by Chaloner, 1968.(see above).

Evaluation This area includes exposures of one of the most importantplant-bearing horizor in the Upper Devonian of the world and is thusof international importance.

The Kiltorken new quarry is working a slightly higher horizonin the Kiltorken M beds which has poor scraps of plant material, but nothingto compare with the specimens yielded by the old quarry when it was beingworked in the first 20 years of this century. 13. J The area has im1r;ezse research potential and probably also amenityvalue.

` rU Threats to the Area n This site was scheduled for protection in the County Development u Plan, Septei:iber, 1967.It appears to be in no danger at the moment,but dumping or any other development that would prevent furtherexposure of the beds, would seriously impede further scientific researchin the area.

Further quarrying would probably increase the value of the site.

Recommendations

Any development that would prevent or hinder furtherexposure of these J fossiliferous beds should be prevented.

"l J A geological examination of the site is needed.This could be followed by careful excavations in search of further fossil material. J An on-site display of fossil plants could possibly be developedas' a tourist amenity.

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n I5. u Nacre of Area DUNMORE CAVE Acreage c. 8 acres J Grid Reference S. 509, 650 Scientific Interest Geomorphological (Historical) J Rating National Importance Priority C

rl J Description of Area Within the area of interest,shown on Map 2,are the entranceand the under- ground chambers of Dunmore Cave. u

rn The cave entrance is situated near the summit of asmall hill, at the head of u a tongue of Upper Carboniferous Limestone exposed by the removalof shales

r1 and flagstones. The entrance is in the face of a limestone cliffsome 60 ft. U high exposed by the collapse of a large subterranean chamber.The huge shaft

r, resulting from this collapse is vertically walled to the west,south and east, u while the north side is a steep slope composed ofthe debris which has fallen n into the chamber below.This rubble slope is overgrown with hawthorn, hazel u and blackberry bushes, and leads directly to the cave mouth.The entrance is

r-1 38 ft. wide and 20 ft. high, being roughly semi-circular,and leads into a

! LJ series of large tunnels and chambers, as shown in thefollowing diagram,

,1 (redrawn from Coleman, J. C. 1965.'Caves of Ireland').

LI A detailed account of the history and topography of thecave can be found in Coleman, J. C. 1965, 'Caves of Ireland' p 14-16, whichalso cites various

other references.

Because of its historic importance the cave was taken overas a National Monument by the Commissioners of Public Works in 1944.It is presently in the course of development as a tourist amenity and asan educational site. Concrete stairways and paths and electric lights are being provided. n

16. KEY

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lJ Evaluation The historical importance of the cave and its geomorphological interest result in this area being of national importance. rl Threats to the Area U 'Unscientific' development and vandalism owing to poor supervision may both rl J be dangers, as removal of dripstone formations etc. could seriouslydiminish the geomorphological interest of the cave.

When the cave was visited it was noted that thebulbs were broken in several n of the arc-lights which will eventually illuminate the cave.This may well be an early sign of possible vandalism. n

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J Recommendations The development of the cave should be compatible with itsgeomorphological u interest.

There should be strict supervision over parties and individuals touringthe n cave and particularly vulnerable dripstone formations should be protected by Li guard-rails.

It might well be necessary to prevent access to thecave, or parts of it, at times when a guide is not available to conduct partieson a tour.This is done in many similar caves in Britain and Europe.

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Name of Area RIVERSIDE AT THOMASTOWN Acreage c 16 acres Grid Reference S.580,409 Scientific Interest Botanical, ecological Rating National importance Priority B

J Description of Area rI U The area of interest is shown on Map 3.The majority of the area consists of a damp, species-rich, riverside meadow.Dactylic glomerata (cock's foot) U and Cynosurus cristatus (crested dog's-tail) are the ccmmonest grasses, but the following were also noted:

Anthoxanthum odoratum (sweet vernal grass) Arrhenatherum elatius (oat -grass) Bromus mollis (top-grass) n Festuca pratensis (meadow fescue) u Holcus lanatus (York shir^ fog) Lolium perenne (rye -grass) Phleum pratense (timothy grass) Poa pratensis (meadow-grass) Trisetum flavescens (yellow oat) r-I With the grasses grow an abundance of grassland herbs, notableamongst which are the autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale and the rough hawk's-beard,Crepis biennis,the former being common in several parts of the meadow,the latter ;ouch n rarer (See Figs 1 and 2).

ri Bordering the meadow on its south sideis a wide strip of reedgrass, Phalaris u arundinacea, backed by a long, narrowswamp containing n Irispseudacorus (yellow flag la u Eauisetum fluviatile (water horsetail) c Mentha aquatica (water mint) f Solanum dulcamara (woody nightshade) f Rumex hydrolapathum (great water dock) o (See Fig 3)

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The remainder of the area consistsrace, of whichthe containsold mill a rich r9 variety of aquatic plants and animals, and the adjacent bankdominated by a

LJ dense, tall herb community of meadow-sweet, Fiiioendula ulmaria, and nettle, n Urtica dioica, with scattered plants of nettle-leaved bell flower, Campanula LJ trachelium, (See Fig. 4). 7 J Evaluation This small area is rated as being of national- importancebecause of the occurrence within it of the autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale, and thenettle-leaved bell flower, Campanula trachelium.Both these plants are rare in Ireland with their headquarters here in Kilkenny (See Figs 1 and 4) andevidence indicates that both are now less abundant than was previously the case.

9 The general richness of the flora and fauna adds toits interest of the area. LA Threats to the Area UJ Any change in land use affecting the area might resultin erradication of the J Colchiciurn and/or the Campanula

Recommendations Every effort should be made to maintain this area inits present condition. rl J As a first step, the landowner should be informed ofthe scientific importance of J the area and of the necessity of maintaining the presentsystem of land use. If the landowner is not agreeable to maintaining the areain its present condition, the area could be protected by a Conservation Order, underSection 46, Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.This could be drawn up in draft form by the Conservation and Amenity Advisory Service, AnForas Forbartha. n U r1 U

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S r R ZZ U 7 n Li Name of urea K`'LECORRAGH WOODS Acreage C 100 acres u Grid Reference S. 682, 303 Scientific Interest Ecological Rating Regional importance

Priority B n LJ Description of Area

J The area of interest, damp oakwoods on fairly steep slopesrunning down to the River Nore, is shown on Map 4.

In the area examined (` 3Aon Map 4), which appearedto be representai: ve of the wood as a whole, the high canopy is almost pureoak, Quercus so, but incli.:des a few sycamores, Acer_pseudoplatanus.In contrast the und,erstor.ey contains several species and its composition varies from place to place. Wherethe high canopy is thickest the understorey is of holly, Ilex acL:ifol um,, whilstgreater light peu.etratio results in the growth of a mixed understorcy of holly,haze', (Codas avellar.a

blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and occasionally gorse (Ulex europaeus). In very %,et patches near the river willows (Salix spy.) are dominant.

The ground flora of the area is rich, though noparticularly rare species were noted, and there is interesting variation in its composition in relationto such environment variables as slope, soil moisture content and particularly the densityof the canopy which controls light intensity in the woodland.

Large numbers of woodpigeons were heard calling within the wood.

r, Evaluation

LJ This is a fine area of untouched, relict oakwood withconsiderable variation in the composition of the understorey and ground flora.The woods are of regional importance in view of the fact that few such areasremain in this region, many of n the original deciduous woodlands of the river valleys having beencleared, often to be replaced by ecologically less interesting conifer plantations.

23. The woods are also of amenity v'aluc,being an il::portant componentof the 7 scenery in this part cf the river valley . J Threats to the ArcI J No imminent threats are known of.

Clearance, or und.erplanting with conifers, could threatenthe woods in the future.

Recommendation U The woods should be protected by a Tree PreservaticnOrder, under Section 45, Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.This could be drawn up in draft form by the Conservationand Amenity Advisory Service, An Foras Forba rtha .

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Name of Area BROWNSTOWN WOOD Acreage c 42 acres J Grid Reference S 656,297 Scientific Interest Ecological Rati' Regional importance

Priority B

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Description of Area This area of fine oakwood is shown on Map S.

Although developed on the same major soil type as Kylecorraghwoods, i.e. acid brown earths Brownstown wood is completely different from thesewoods previously described (page 23) in terms of the species cornpositiort.ofits various 7 Lj vegetation layers.The high canopy is exclusively oak (Quercussnn) with an rl understorey of birch (Betula spp_) oak saplings, rovran (Sorbus aucucaria)and J some holly (Ilex a ui.folium),whilst the ground zone is largelydominated by a thick carpet of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtilus) and cow-wheat (Melamrum syivaticurn). Heather(Calluna vulgaris) hardfern (Blechnum sppicant) and bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) are all locally common.This contrasts markedly with the ground flora of Kylecorragh woods in which the aboveground zone -species are only occasionally encountered and which, though less dense, hasa much greater variety of species present.

Another important difference between the two woodlands is that whilstno evidence of regeneration was noted in Kylecorragh woods, there is ampleevi.dance of its occurring in Brownstown wood, large numbers of seedlings and saplingsof birch, rowan and oak being present in the wood and theoak also producing shoots from old stumps.

Evaluation

The wood is rated of regional importance in view ofthe dearth of deciduous woo d- lands in this area and the fact that it providessuch an interesting contrast to Kylecorragh woods.

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7 Threats to the Area LJ No imminent threats are known of.Clearance, or underplanting with conifers,

f could threaten the wood in the future. rU

Recommendation The wood should be protected by a Tree Preservation Order,under Section 45, J Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.This could be drawn up in draft form by the Conservation and Amenity AdvisoryService, An Foras Forbartha. 7 Li

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Name of Ara BALLYLOGUE WOOD 7 Acreage c. 18 acres Grid Reference S.676,325 J Scientific Interest Ecological 7 Rating Regional importance J Priority B

Description of Area The area of interest is shown on Map 6.

J The wood is dominated by cal- (Quercus son , buthas some ash (Fra,:in s excelsior) and birch (Betula spp) in the high canopy.The understorey is of holly (Ilex acuifoli.u^r) and hazel (Corv?us avellanaand there is a typical damp oakwood ground flora, similar to that of Kylecorraghvioods

7 Unauthorised access to the wood is currently prohibited by theowner. L

Evaluation Of regional importance as another example of oakwood inthe Nore Valley.

Threats to the Area No imminent threats are known of.

Clearance, or underplanting with conifers may threatenthe wood in the future.

Recommendations The wood should be protected by a Tree PreservationOrdcr, under Section 45, Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.This could be drawn up in draft form by the Conservation andAmenity Advisory Service, An Foras Forbartha. n i li ,"rt' p C

\O l? r 4 L) .

7 J

`CrtJas yJ

r1 J 30. Namc of Area LOUGH CULLIN AND SURROUNDING AREA Acreage c. 580 acres Grid Reference S.61118 Ecological; botanical L. Scientific Interest Rating Regional Importance J Priority C

J Descri.ntion of Area J The area of interest is shown on Map 7.It contains the lough itself and surrounding areas of swamp, fen, bog, marshes and damp fields.

Because of the extensive surrounding wetlands it isextremely difficult to walk to the lough, though, in fact, when the areawas visited, penetration as far as the marginal reedswamp provedpossible.The,hydrosere around the whole lough is exceptionally well developed with successive zonesof waterlilies (? Nuphar lutea), bulrush (Schoeronlectus lacustris) and water horsetail (Eguisetum fluviatile) , and reed (Ph ragrnitescommunis). Around the edges of the reedswamp is the beginnings ofcarr development, a fringe of willows being present.

In the lough and the surrounding wetlands and fields ,whose flora is rich and varied, were noted several species which are local inIreland and rare in the south west: - Carex hostiana (tawny sedge) Carex lenidocarpa (yellow sedge) Cirsium dissectum (marsh thistle) Osmunda regalis (royal fem) Platanthera bifolia (lesser butterfly orchid)

Other species recorded here are:- Bidens cernua (nodding bur-marigold) Bidens tripartita (tripartite bur-marigold) J

Care:; elata (tufted sedge) Sparganium angustifoliurn (floating bur-reed) Utriclilaria minor (lesser bladderwort) 1 i See Figs. 5 - 14 . n J Evaluation With the exception of three very small lakes near johnstown,and the Castlecomer lakes (see p. 38)Lough Cuilin is the only area of permanent stillwater in County Kilkenny.In view of this and the ecological diver :;ity and floristic richness of the surrounding wetlands and fields, thearea must be considered as being of regional importance. r1 J n Threats to the Area No imminent th:rcats are known of. 7 J A number of diverse threats could arise in the futurehowever.The most 7 likely of these are drainage and eutrophication by fertiliser run-offor J sewage.

Recommendations n Every effort should be made to preserve this area inits present condition.

It would appear likely that the ownership of the areais divided.If this is J so, the co-operation of all the owners in maintaining thepresent condition and land use pattern of the area will he difficultto obtain.It is, therefore, recommended that the area be protected by a Conservation Order,under Section 46, Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.This could be drawn up in draft form by the Conservationand Amenity Advisory Service, An Foras Forbartha.

32. L3 L U L_3 L_] CA L ] C---3 L_1 L_3 L_J L_I L_] L_] L 7 L_3 L_> U L_-] U C- v L.

!X,We ,-\ ,I \ . --' - =-=j\ V J

Name of Area TIBBERAGHNY MARSHES Acreage c. 3 70 acres J Grid Reference S.44,21 I'1 Scientific Interest Ornithological u Rating Regional Importance Priority C n u Description of Area n Li The area of interest is shown on Map 8.This is an area of swamp, marshes 7 and wet fields important as a wintering area for duck,notably mallard, widgeon J and teal.

Evaluation

The richness of this area, in a part of thecountry not noted for ornithological J sites, results in it being of regional importance.

Threats to the Area The area could be adversely affected in either of twoways, by physical disturbance of the bird populations or by altering the natureof the marshes r-1 U by drainage or eutrophication etc.

No imminent threats are known of however, and thearea is, in fact, scheduled for protection in the County Development Plan.September 1967.

Recommendation

Any development that would have undesirable effectson the area should be prevented.

34. coLO ` 1 I ,... S ...... Y.,...,....% ..._ ...... I 14 I Q 1 17+9 ...... i l Nom, ;, t _ J // 1 1 i i. i t \ ! i ff .S ,.1'': I. i ^ y Il .A Ez 'mar \, ., ..... t I` I .ice r /1 } ...r tr 7 r .S .1 >' a zo'.. . a , , I,... " I.,Ins r aao. 1 Giri 1 IY, iii i II . 1 I I ` 1r I % 1 r I.I i j I 7 . I i V.' i -. I I i +LC ,rplY7Pt, W ;t'. v . V j . / , I I. . 1' ' s tc 'a v Inf' _ r it r 1 ice' ,1 / Ir, i J 1 l % If\ i % I . li I \\ \ ----I C---3 Cl] -C-7 C-7 C-7 CT7 C-7 C--7 [ -7 C- 7 C-7 E---3 C-3 C- ] C-7 I- C-7 C-7 [---3 C-7 C-7 J rl

Name of Area QUARIIIES NEAR WI-HITEHALL 7 c. 30 acres J Acreage Grid Reference S .64 , 62 Scientific Interest Ecological Rating Local Importance J Priority C

7 J Description of Area The areas of interest are shown on Map 9.

These are old, disused quarries in Yoredale shales.The quarry ties and

rl the floors of the old working areas now provide arich variety of dry acidic .inhabit: J the substrate varying in stability and particle size etc.These have been colonised to a greater or lesser extent by a varietyof pints- typical of such 7 U dry habitats .

r1 J Evaluation The flora of this area presents a sharp, contrast tothe flora of the surrounding region and as such is of local ecological interest.

J Threats to the Area n None likely to arise.

Recommendation

r- I Any development plans affecting this area should take into accountits U scientific interest.

36 J

f. 4: t is e J ...,r , ..e G, ...... ,......

R /1 . t C UU, U.

rl LJ

7 Li

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37 J

Name of ;r-,,?a CASTLECOMER ESTATE Acreage c. 615 acres Grid Reference S.542753 - S36,718 J Scientific Interest Ecological; botanical; zoological Rating Local Ir-:,ortance Priority C

Description of Area The area of interest is shov.,n on Map 10.

The most interesting parts of the area are the olddeciduous woodlands. Clearlyoriginally planted and maintained for ornamental and amenity

purposes , the woods contain many exotic conifers and ornamentalshrubs,

7 as well as the dominant native deciduous species, i.e. oak(QuCrcus spp.), LJ ash (Fraxinus excelsior), hazel(Corvlus avella,a) etc.They are now neglected and have become overgrown and degenerate.

Also included in the area are some conifer plantations, manyacres of grassland, a large quarry in the north-east (*on Map 10)and two partly overgrown, ornamental lakes.The reservoir shown on Map 10 appears no longer to exist, presumably as a result of the quarrying.

Evaluation

The area is of scientific importance as a local refugefor v.,oodland, tall

grassland and aquatic plants and animals. J Threats to the Area No threats to the woodlands are likely to arise asthe trees in this area were protected by a Tree Preservation Order in 1968, under Section45, Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.

The grasslands may be planted with conifers in the future.

38 J Recommendations The co-operation of the landowner should be sought in maintainingthe present methods of land use.

If the landowner does wish to plant the grasslands with.conifers at some date in the future, it is not recommended that the CountyCouncil should try to prevent this.

7 J

39. J

I:I o` ELI': a SCRUB NF \R URLINGFORD c. 175 acres 7 Acre-) Ge Li Grid Reference S.33,64 r- Scientific interest Ecological u Rating Local Importance Priority C J

Description of Area M u The area of interest is shown on Map 11 .

The area is compl etriy dominated by hazel scrub 'witha typical ground flora. Amongst the dense hazel (Corvlus aveliena) are a faw isolatedbirch trees and some hav:hcrn bushes (Crataec;; s I:;on ?c?vna) .Occasional seedlings of hawthorn , ash (Fraxinus excelsior ,holly (Ilex aauifolium) and biaccthorn, (Prunes s )inosa) were also noted.

Evaluation There are several areas of hazel scrub on the hillsidesin the north-west of County Kilkenny and this area has been chosen as afine, representative patch of this type of formation with its associated plant andanimal communities .

Threats to the Area No imminent threat is known of, though clearance may beproposed in the future.

RecommPri .ation Any development plans affecting this area should take into accountits scientific interest.

The fate of the various patches of hazel scrub inthis region should be carefully documented and, if all the patches appear likely to bedestroyed by clearance, a Tree Preservation Order should be drawn up to preservea representative area of the scrub.The area shown on Map 11 would be ideal forthis purpose.

41 J 7 J

t. 7 1J f,

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7 J

ri J

7Li 'IX

rt Name of Area- THE LOUI_il ' S Acreage c. 62 acres Grid Reference S.31,63 J Scientific Interest Ecological; botanical Rating Local Importance J Priority C

Description of Area The area of interest is shown on Map 12. 7 Li The area consists of calcareous meado-.vs and winter-wet pastures, which

contain several shallow ponds connected by drainage ditches. The flora is very rich an,,! several uncommon species occur:- Antennaria dioica (cat's -foot) Care,: hostiana (tawny sedge) Carer 1 eniclocarpa (yeliov,1 sedge) Cirsium dissectum (meadow thistle) Dactylorchis incarneta. (meadow orchid) J Epipactis p.alustris (marsh helleborine) Op ioalos s ,m vulaatum (adder's --tongue fern) Orchis morio (green-winged orchid) Parnassia oalustris (grass of Parnassus) J Ranunculus trichoohyllus ("water buttercup") J Thal ictrurn flavum (meado,a-rue)

See Figs 5, 6, 7 and 15 - 22.

An area of particular interest is marked on Map 12.Here in an uncut meadow the meadow thistle, the meadow-rue and the marsh helleborine were all flowering profusion.

43. J

Evaluation Areas of rich, calcareous gislandl sucjact to temporary flooding, are rare in this region and the Loughans is thus of local ecologicaland botanical ini:erast.

Threat: to the Area More efficient drainage or changes in the land use patternof the area would be deleterious to the scientific values of the area.

No imminent threats are known of however.

J Recon-mrendation Any development plans affecting this area should take into accountits J scientific interest .

44 E jj pp V ,'r is {{ a n a' ,. fir' ! s '" a Y' 1 5

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J Name of Area TIDDOW114 ISLAND Acreage c. 52 act-as Grid Reference S. 465 ,19S J Scientific Interest Ecological; botanical 7 Ratin Local Importance J Priority C

Description of Area The area of interest is shown on Map 13.

The island is completely covered by willow woodland and scrub(Salix spp.) and bordered by reedswamp Phra mites communis) on the southside. Beneath the willows is a rich tall herb vegetation indicative ofvery wet conditions:-

, Carex pendula (pendulous sedge) Epilobium hirsutum (great hairy willowherb) Eupatorium cannabinum (hemp agrimony) Filipendula ulmaria (meadow-sweet) Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag) Phalaris arundinacea (reedgrass) Oenanthe crocata (water dropwort) Valeriana officinalis (valerian)

The main botanical interest of the island lies in thewillows.At least four different species were recorded in a quick walk across thebridge and it was noted that the species are hybridizing freely.

The island almost certainly supports on interesting invertebrate fauna.

7 Evaluation .J The island is of general ecological interest as an unusualhabitat for plants and animals and its willow populations are of interest tothe pure botanist.

7 Li

n 46 u J

Threats to the Irea In view of its position and low height above riverlevel, the island is unlikely to be threatened by development.

Some small-scale dumping of domestic refuse on to the islandwas noted.

Recommendation Dumping on the island should be prohibited.

7 Li n J

7 LJ n u

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47.

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f r r. cf 9 1 ..1 .1 S Ci L Y5 ..'v. YCYa.A C Fa a....C $ W' 4 s V G'.,7 v +a .F.. t..r 13

d, kF Je f 4t,,:e ..

FAIR

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48. J

lJ Name of Area TULLAIN VOOLY BOG 7 J Acreage c 28 acres Grid Reference S.291,685 7 J Scientific Interest Botanical; ecological

Ratingcc Local Importance Priority C

.1 J Description of Area The area of interest is shown on Map 14. This is an area of bog and fen containing severaluncommon plants, the most notable of which is the rare fly orchid, 21 hrs insectifera (See Fig. 23).This species was refound at this site in 1971 having lastbeen recorded in 1837. Other species of interest found here are:- Equisetum variegatum (variegated horsetail) Schoenus nigricans (bog-rush) Selaginella selaginoides (lesser clubmoss) See Figs 24-26

Evaluation The plants found here result in the area being oflocal botanical interest.

Threats to the Area No imminent threats are known of.Drainage might be a threat in the future.

J Recommendation Any development plans affecting this site should take into accountits scientific interest.

49. J

; r r sq 1 . may. ,, ]-r lt' rr a11 i[ i-i 3P4 4 ("- . ('y a n o 7n . :WJ li ar ti .. G ! ca I w w ..w J 14

Z 4 el ".JS Oct.,G INN 10 1

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Name of Area ARDALOO FEN Acreage c 92 Acres Grid Reference S.4662 Scientific Interest Ecological Rating Local Importance Priority C

J Description of Area The area of interest is shown on Map 15. This is a large area of swamp, dominated by thereed, Phragmites communis, J surrounded by marshy field with an interesting flora.

Evaluation The site is of local, ecological interest as an areaof Phragmites reedswamp, a habitat not well represented in the county.

Threats to the Area The most likely threat to this area is drainage.

Recommendation The scientific value of this site is not sufficient tojustify opposition to any drainage scheme.

51. J

PP C' (^ fa T P^ t ;" 1 a5 l.{ .j to fw. t'.1 c._# :-i2 1

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1?.3

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1 . a A %, .... i \\..` ;\ ` ,- ' iii -.717.1 R :T z 0 A17151"'T

52. J

J Name of Area FEN NEAR MONROE Acreage c 114 acres Grid Reference S.52,30 Scientific Interest Ecological; botanical Ratio Local Importance J Priority C

Description of Area J The area of interest is shown on Map 16. The northern third of the area is a dense swamp,dominated by reed, Phragrnites communis, but further south there is rich fen dominated bya tall herb community in which meadowsweed Filipendula ulmaria, wild angelica,Angelica sylvestris, water horsetail, Equisetum fluviatile, reed mace, Typha latifolia, water mint, Mentha aquatica, and the sedge Carex diandra are all conspicuousand common.

The sedge, Carex diandra, is of particular interest as, thoughabundant here, it has not previously been recorded in Co. Kilkenny (SeeFig. 29).Other uncommon species noted in the fen (September, 1972) were:- Bidens cernua (nodding bur-marigold) Hypericum eiodes (bog St. John's wort) Oenanthe fistulosa (water dropwort) See Fits 10, 30 and 31.

Evaluation A large, isolated area of swamp and fen, withconsiderable variation in its plant communities and containing several uncommon plants, this site iscertainly of local ecological and botanical interest and it is likely thata rating of "regional importance" could be justified.

The importance of this area would certainly increase if theareas around Lough Cullin were to be drained or polluted, as these arethe only comparable areas of significant size within the county.

A more detailed study of this fen is necessary.This may also lead.to a reassessment of its importance. 53. i

Threats to the A ea No imminent thre.:ts are known of, though drainagemight well be proposed in the future.

Recommendation I Any development plans affecting this areashould take its scientific interest into consideration.

54. -7 LI U U L-I LI L3 LI U U L-I L_ 7 L_ 7 r CI Cam. L3 C-] U C3 L ,,. J

41- J

Name of Area FIELD NEAR BEINNETS BRIDGE Acreage c 3 acres Grid Reference S.553,1177 n Scientific Interest Botanical; ecological u Rating Local Importance Priority C

Description of Area The area of interest is shown on Map 17.. A small field with a rich flora. Within the field there is considerable variation 7 LJ in conditions; a dry calcareous slope runs down from theroad to marsh and fen 7 on the east side.The field is mainly of note as a site intowhich the Kerry butterwort, Pinguicula grandiflora, is reported to have been introduced (seeFig. 27).When the area was visited, however, this species was notrecorded; though several sterile leaf rosettes might well have been Pinguicula grandiflora,identific- ation was made difficult by the presence of the commonbutterwort, E:nguicu'a vulgaris.

Amongst the rich calcicole flora, the rare bee orchid, Ophrysapifera was noted (See Fig.28).

Evaluation The rich and varied flora of this field results init being of local, botanical

interest.

Threats to the Area No threats to this area are likely to arise inview of the landowner's interest in the flora of the field.

56.

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Y:r:r ;: t EI i : 1

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57.

I LJ Ld U L_J LJ L._3 LJ L_j LJ LI L-J L] L_3 L L J LI CU LI RECOMMENDEDL r I L] ACTIONU FOR EACH AREA OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST General Planning Conservation Tree Preservation Other Recommendations Priority 7OHr-,0MW Ki1torken old quarry Control Order Order supervisioncarriedFurther quarrying should be out, but under expert C DunmoreRiverside Caveat Thomastown necessaryMay be Co-operation with landowner BC Kyleco:ragh woods k* B Brownstown wood wood * B TibberaghnyLoughsurrounding Cullin marshes and the area * C CastlecomerQuarries near Estate Whitehall *K Already applied CC CC- --I F U L._1 C_-3 C---] C_A 1--A L_j C_J C_-] C: -3 c___:- 1---j CLA C__-j E-3 I:--j C_ . Scrub near Urlingford General Planning Control * Conservation Order Tree PreservationnecessaryMay be Order Other Recommendations Priority C FiddownThe Loughans Island * C ArdalooTullanvooly Fen bog C BennetsbridgeFieldFen near near Monroe *,t C I Lj

7 J

APPENDIX 1 J FIGURES 1 - 31

Each symbol on the map records the presence of thespecies in a 10-kilometre square of the Ordnance SurveyNational Grid, which was extended to cover Irelandfor the purpose of this survey.

7 J

60. Fig. 1 Distribution of Colchicum autumnale in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by the.Botanical Society of the British Isles.

r 1

16 - COLCHICUM AUTUMW.LC L. wg. r\ Autumn Crocus 19;0 orw:rds o Bcore ,53.^ x P:oiablc or cer. Lain inu 7<:u: Ions ,:ice =~ k j

0 0

I x Oo0 a o o

I cos

J - e s o 00 s srel o r"c i

.. '. r 1 I Cf' ^ F-7-- Off, 1 o 1 4 1 1 O OO jf _iJ_-ti .Jr

ZT .

El. I Fig. 2 Distribution of Crepis biennisin Ireland and Britain Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

i I CREPIS BIENNIS L '=-- -- ryh Rough (} ! I-I aw k's-beard tI A q Yi, 1930 onwards ll o Before 1930 s Probably native p.:z- only In v.cs 13-20. 26.29.31-34 j c --_ `_ 71- w-i.. f

62.

r Fig. 3 Distribution of hvd.rolapathum in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

RUMEX HYDRO- LAPATHUM Huds. Great Water Dock All records

to to . 8o N Y . a 1 aC t=i :::::

.. . ..

63. n u

Fig.4 Distribution of Campanula trachelium in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Ptlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

J n s

Nettle-leared GelIlower 1930 onwards r, Wore 1930 Records'rcm other COun s erob:h'y intrtdu t cis

tl !e. es i - as

e . CO

e a ua is roll 0

M .LJ

. 64. J

Fig. 5 Distribution. of Carex hostiana in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

Er.cea--.r''; j

CAREX HOSTIANA h Iwllv.a. J DC- f' f f l 1l let All records Pit

{

I I I - r

o-o i t to* *6

Y 1 Ya+:Y Y \ fY Y+.tYn \

14, "-few to 00 W - VA- Y . aari :: i t I 40 .t !, . ire ____ 00 H . " -. x-11c i 7 A-- 2 I O a

4 I i 7 !. {3 J \I I

I R Vi VVV I c..

i I

65. J

rl J Fig. 6 Distribution of Carex lepidocarpa in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles. n u

J i

j I e.i ! CAREX LLPIDOCARPA Y:usch 1930 ooruds o Before 1930 _ se y I1. I '-e of --, {111 ! f i.i ii' :

1:: t:; i C s RY f i C -;rte' Mt.f F --1

4.F A

N. e i 1 i \ (' J t"Of--sae.-._fl.-z------,-- .Z , _ t

to..

. to O e__-: site J --

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3 { 2

-. _ _ 66. J Fig. 7 Distribution of Cirsium dissectum in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Scciety of the British Isles.

3r--1~"-; j (_ a cIrsluM DI5SECTUM ., -DTI -(L.) Hill - - Meadow Thistle 1930 cowards ------o Cela,-e 1930 - i 1 i I n

II LJ

71 LJ to. .4

I 0 0.1. o--- __ : f - o ° `nJ

1 t om-- i °uCyi . r-I i -- ,.. J o)- r irk'&-AA c 1 d. py , t. -

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J 67. rn u I J

Fig. 8 Distribution of Osmunda regalia L. in Ireland andBritain

7 LJ

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society J of the British isles.

J rl OSMUNDA J REGALIS L

1930 onwards rl o fore 1930 kj Introduction: n rr,a LJ r o cl"

V , . 111 s 7: 'vr

v C` , 5 i is 0° -ti .`: ! J i 4440 O -VV C4 O X j f O' Oy v O. 7 O

I g . I i o [ -7 N::.. o q -p-O -It oto 0C1 0 e ; 06 000...

01 I a ., I I L

J 68. Fig. 9 Distribution of Platanthera biiolia L in Ireland and Britain

7 Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society U of the British Isles.

7 Li

ILATANTHERA BIFOLIA +------;=

Lesser - :;jL. F,i Butterfly Orchid . 1930 onwfrEs o Be(ore 1930

.i i rPa i, 7 Off. +y

f o l S f

-too 0 .ooo uo 00- -o jter .. o o . O CO i 1R., 'JL . f° t b I oO co 9 /f 0 / _ .fir I ° ,0 0 1

0I o_ _ f o 0 7 t i ! - Li .00 00 °

1 io3--- I

, ice.-, I ---- !

69. J

J Fig. 10 Distribution of Bidens cernua in Ireland and Britain

u7 Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

1 IA I

v?^° o .?offs °- i :: ' ."'1

OJC^ 9 O M I 000 I ) y 1 O n.. `

r. ri J

70. M

Fig. 11 Distribution of Bidens triuartitain Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

i 41DENS TRIPARTITA L'- Y . Our-marigold f}' 0 1930 onwards ty cWore 1930 s=

0 0 Q S i O O oe I I O o' toY,o 0 00 D4 a t :c ::° Ti o

pyg1 00

W_!" 1 Ar_1 O O .:

r wpl{{, v O -

3 'rte

7 -.. ... fkrY7

71. J

J n J

,--I Fig. 12Distribution of Carex elata in Ireland and Britain J Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British isles. 7 J 7 J

GAREX

'ELATA All. ' J i ILI" Ax I"'----77 T f a rl 1930 onwards UI o Before 1930

'ej LI

° -- I

I Ow C O O 1 t1: I)O )!O 50 G 1 -:q 1]SY' I J 111 so 46

J o . ,

J ' lY ' __ rI aAI E 7ri F I

72. J

Fig.13 Distribution of Sparoanium angustifoliurz in Ireland andBritain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

J f I SPARGANIUtI <+'; : I I I ANGUST! FOUL.M o i 3 c,J° MkhiL

1930cnwl.ds d oBefore 1930 t d tF

o I c1aisJ 1 tLL !o.: L ell t}' J .__ _

o yi !J" i , °

L!/J Li O

O I IQ IO

00 1 r I I '

o j I 10.o I

I SI I v I J

7 73. J 7 LJ

Fig. 14 Distribution of Utricuiaria minor in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

Letter i J Btadd!-rworc 1930 onwards 3 -_- o Be(ore 1930

L a33

Z o ,. o 7 3a L) .9

Io8 o J

.74. LJ J

Fig. 15 Distribution of Anterinaria dioica in Ireland and Britain J

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

[Y` --, I i

(t t1[ 1 ANT CNAR1A DIOICA (L) Caertn

Cat's-(Got ii .[°+;" 1930 onwards O Bc!::r:1930

a . ll -_G wi.(I r..-. O . , 4 fll `. O . O -1` 1 t t If O ' `.,' O l S n 4T VtrN50*0 0* 1 {:-. U rcb- i Y '1' t c o ' y ass a : UT-- it

0 t

n 75. J Fig. 16 Distribution of Dactviorchis incarnata in Ireland andBritain M

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society J of the British Isles.

7 J j n

J -3151

DACTYL. I ` C, ,a ORCHIS IN R NATA J r. _ 4' r (L.)CA Vermeul. ,1!Y'.a to -60. Oh.c s J L Opix ft J All records i 9 1 .

- ti

° O ll , - ltd 1 ar fa v 7

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! 1 O ' ice` s to

J 76. J

Fig. 17 Distribution of Epipactis palustrisin Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

I PALUSMrACTIS TRtS 41s .r I iL.j Crantz vryht .// n Marsh Heik ,orioe

U 1 1930 onwsrds ----- C o Pr`ore 1930 Ir 4'0 f`-ice °o s

n J 0 0 i. _ s-T J -F J a

v Z C.. 0 t

0 ° I o ` Li CO 1` I. oo M t ° a. ,-/ F. --r .1 00 G JY J GOc O O . ,. 0 1 o , ,uzl ..4 1 o a 0 ! i iir 0 a o c° ° I 0°0., I y °.. . o°oo o

f -.. -- is-- -- - .. a.t-.- i ° 0 i I .a o 0 r . co 4s 0 °oy;35.

' 'rte 0 J

7!. J

Fig. 18 Distribution of Ophioglossum vulgatum in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

UI OPH1O- GLO55Ui1 VULGATUl1 L. Adder's Tongue 1930 onv,ards o Before 1930

1-1 gCi I + t?fY-ate -r

-3 0 \. f JlJ I-ACC+.q.J ' n -o nQ o0--C 2 _oo cil ill A CLo t ,

5 . 6% IN

o O o 7 if^ +0 o_Q I s/-o +- . . °. /J/n ro( O +i' .C .r ar LJ 000 of / I i. u 0 01 I _ ' t :i iw °o I .4 -40 sa 0 1. o rII -o « a o 7 00 LJ M l ..].; as 7 e s 7 J ` . . .t!' y xw . a r____y___r--

r1 LJ

78. ri u

Fig. 19 Distribution of Orchis morio in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

M u

ORCHis MOR!O L Green-winged 71, Orchis All records is-`_'J `: e ( -1 i L `fw; n i I ti1 i LJ -- --T- - 4 u .ice .... s ..'

-n }

J 1.

I LJ

J 79. ri LA

. Fig. 20Distribution of Parnassia palustris in Ireland and Britain 7 LJ

J Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles. ..

rI Li z -vq

PAFNASSIA ttr LJ P I AL USTRIS L. -'- ' F - -X 14 Grass of C : Cb r i' -. a Parnassus !{ 1; . v m g `t::. C T 1930 onwards lL oBefore 1930 i ! --s _il + :'ii i,- '

71 .f i:

I ???"'iii j a f iu:, S 7 age* .0 . ° °7 . i i LJ .d_S C ° . a `J. o, wtilt. :: .. e. "1 e i e i O..Y G oo' O a .; j w{f -0 0 I J r -a ' O 000 0 a 0 Co ° is a A O 0,: O 0^ CJ O /

+ o

LJ E i

7 Li

B0. 7 J Fig. 21 Distribution of Ranunculus trichophvllus in Ireland andBritain J

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

-UNCul TRl.) r. PHYLLUS Gh31X

i. 1930 or,wards Before 1S}) I i v' C2._.7 1 lJ ff 7 1

F` d c ,i' 19-'19,

a f L O o . 9 :\ co J mss'' - e.

i .: ,a s f 000 ..° a.. ',.', -' -G S -ti . .n J i. .-t n ys-

J E n i rf --,-

81. J Fig. 22 Distribucion of Thalictrum flavum in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society

of the British Isles. .

7J1

T ALICTRUM J FLAYUM t- :- Common Meadow Rue 1930 onwards J o Before 1930 Introductions 1 0.G .fJ ! / f

v f r, f.ti

0 0:

i 0 °

7 i

i t n I

i O ls _ - ( 1

M 7. D 7 . S .

82. Fig. 23 Distribution of Ophrys insectifera in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British isles.

3 )

k c'fr?3 I l;uecr1;::1 L Fly Ord,id 1930 onwJrC: o Wore 1930 -7r

r[ t

S- o I

! 1 s

1 i I i

o I s _-cat, c, 0

T ! iii cc. 0.

1 J je ei.of::

Via..-ts j ` I s

rl 0 J

71 LJ

83. J r1 uI Fig.24 Distribution of Ecuisetum variegatum in Ireland and Britain J

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society

of the British Isles. .

n vI 7 lJ i y i tt Ifs i ) 3 E1 UTct:rurt t C:' I 1 i vA^I',( vru:t 1 ..`` s , .chIcich. J 190 t5 t' uBefore1.930 I -;f rl 7 ,.

J f I A s' -

LA 1 I ..;fit t J o w i J f ^t 7-b -- fT-

I J 0 o I

0 , ! 1

J 84. r1 J Fig.25 Distribution of Schoenus nigricans in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

rl L

rSCHOEI:US NIGRICANS L. :., tL yI .-_- 4____ {, 111 S.', 'oF-rush :; ' J - 1-' ` c Before 1930 s i.+ro v a.,r' I r 6 y % cv-*141 1.- .- p .\ecJ sy I N « 0 r, -.^- r Al, i y i

I t. { LJ :-N .i r. t----

o s. b r i J fir[.- r 1 O i aC... UO 14 -1 O 0 -, y<{ Y o v `Y / r.r o oA o i i dg° uo o I O s o O I o - o o I

H[YL

I i is. . b J J

r Fig.26 Distribution of Selaginella selaainoides in Ireland and Britain

Taken from "Atlas cf the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society J of the British Isles.

rl.I

LiLJ

X11 . r r Li

a.-a e. r-1 a- s.td S?LAGINELI.A ii'i°: i l SELAGINOIGE5t.-.-_ LJ (L) Lick .,'z 193) on .3rds y H . ( I o Before 1930 .. t.° tit t,t t,ti i , I

1 { ssG° a:ia 1

nn ,'a 1 y1 > J . t u o o oft. c-'----- ..>... . V.

00 i rail -i .- ! ) r" T .1.s

o . o , : is 6 ;, ?

t[F 'f I OO00 on' !j I l o i 0 1 r i o i 0 .474

7 J a s .

86. Fig.27 DistributionofPingui.cula grandiflorain Ireland J andBritain

Taken from of the "Atlas ofthe British BritishIsles. Flora",preparedby the BotanicalSociety J

t { i

P1NGUICULA GRAND&LORA s, 1930 onwards y o Wort153C G t t J x introd;lctions 4

-;z-

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Q 17- l

xv, 4, 1

87. J ri Li

Fig. 29 Distribution of Carex diandra in Ireland and Britain LJ

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora", prepared by theBotanical Society of the British Isles.

n u 7 Li

A 663.56

CAREX DIANDI`.A r1 sckrz . U 1930 onwards o Beforc 1530 T. 1 1 .7F

lJ rI ° u T ..

L. O 0 O

°o °. io a*a

' O

J n u tj u

89.. J

n U

Fig. 30 Distribution of Hvpericum elodes in Ireland and Britain U

Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora",prepared by the Botanical Society of the British Isles. n U n U n U . 6 US;14 r, HYPERICUM ELODES L Marsh r !/ _ St John': Wont b r"1 1930 I onwards1930F _}_.I - Before 1930 i 4 I I 'Ale I w . b9l

jt 11 rt . f I- o I

f c I 7 ( I oo . `sue

o 7 o x 1 0 71 u r. . r/ 00 0 i

: sa t see is!/ T .::: J Heel.

U 90. J n Li n J Fig. 31 n Distribution of Oenanthe fistulosa . in Ireland and Britain u n Taken from "Atlas of the British Flora",prepared by the Botanical u of the British Isles. Society 7 tJ

n u n C 30ort u OENANTNE - r FISTULOSA L <- r; A -k -- n Y/atcr Oropwort ; A!I records u sF a

r- t 1 e IJ u i u .: n -As to ...... 1 _:_Y ...... r...... 1 41 ..::.;:.....I n . I1r.. S .::. . ... :.::: 1 =.. ..:. . . , u too .. .' I to n :.66 too : o. . .. ee.f i u .to .o: I 00 n I U

. 91. f svMMR F _Zjx J. ALpn/

NATIONALHERITAGE INVENTORY

KILKENNY AREAS OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST INCO.

Description Threats Name of Area Interest

INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE The quarries have been partially Geological Twosmall and shallow quarries 1. Kiltorcan old quarries containing fossiliferous rocks filled with farming debris which S 559 343 spoils their appearance and of Upper Devonian age. It is the type of locality for at accessibility but not their inherent least three plants and one value. animal and is one of the most important plant-bearing horizons of this period in the world.

NATIONAL IMPORTANCE A series of Upper Carboniferous The site is state-owned and managed 2. Dunmore Cave Geomorphological limestone caves with well- and is under no threat. S 509 650 developed dripstone formations. The passages are broad and mostly dry.

Drainage is an ever-present threat but Hugginstown Fen Ecological*(B,0) A large and relatively uniform 3. does area. of fen and reedswamp with at the moment the central ditch S 5230 extensive stands of sedges not have too much impact. (Carex diandra, C. rostrata) and reeds (Phragmites). It is important also for other plant life and its breeding birds. Very few other areas of this size or quality exist in the country, particularly in the

south-east.

REGIONAL IMPORTANCE A small oakwood on the slopes None. The area is a statutory 4. Ballykeefe Wood Ecological of the Slieve Ardagh Hills. It Nature Reserve owned by the Forest S 4151 has been managed in the past and Wildlife Service. and contains many laid out paths now somewhat overgrown. Some colonisation of open ground is

apparent.

Largescale felling would endanger Ecological An oakwood which was partly J 5. Brownstown Wood extraction felled in the past, produciAg the site but selective timber S 6630 Refuse dump- young coppicing stems as well would be of less concern. as a few much older trees. ing is occurring near the road. Birch, rowan and holly occur in places and there is some interest in the ground flora.

Z other animal life. Subdivisions of ecological interest are3 botanical, 0 orithological, Threats Name of Area . Interest Description

Two small areas of deciduous None. The sites are included in the 6. Garryrickin Flood Ecological trees occur within a large Garryrickin Nature Reserve and are owned S 4038 conifer plantation on the north-by the Forest and Wildlife Service. west facing slope below Windgap. Oak, hazel and birch are the main species present.

A varied wetland area with open Drainage or other intensification of 7. Kilkeasy Bog Ecological (B,2) farming is possible though the area s 5430 water, floating fen, cut over bog and heath. It contains richwould not be highly productive with animal and plant communities substantial inputs. with species not widely found elsewhere in the county.

A damp oakwood on the western Clear-felling and replacement with 8. Kylecorragh Wood Ecological 1 V conifers is an obvious danger on this S 3742 side of the Nore valley, Kylecorragh is unusual for the site. large size and evenness of trees. There is little regeneration except for sycamore. Diverse ground flora.

Old estate woodland growing on None. A Nature Reserve owned by the J 9. Kyleadohir Wood Ecological Forest and Wildlife Service. s 3742 a damp clay soil near the King's river. The canopy includes much oak and the ground flora is of interest.

one of very few inIntensification of farming on the 10. Lough Cullin Ecological(B,0) A small lake, surrounding land could lead to pol- S 6118 thecounty, L. Cullin is surrounded by alarge area of lution in the lake. Drainage seems rushy fields. The lake itself less likely. contains interesting fen vegetation including some species very rare inthe county. Moderate numbers of wildfowl and waders occur.cur.

Riverside grassland and its Cultivation or tree felling would 11. Thomastown Inches Ecological destroy most of the interest of the S 4421 wooded margins has an interesting flora including species site. characteristic of the Nore valley.

An area of swamp, marsh and Disturbance through overshooting 12. Tibberaghny Marshes Ecological (0) wet pasture beside the Suir may be significant. river. Used by a good number of wildfowl in winter, including, on occasion, greylag geese.

LOCAL IMPORTANCE A large area of swamp at the Arterial drainage would do major damage; 13. Ardaloo Fen Ecological (B) field drainage probably much less. S 4662 confluence of the Dinin and Description Threats Name of Area Interest

Nore rivers. Reeds and sedges are joined by a good variety of marsh plants. Bird numbers are sometimes high in winter.

The wood is mainly of oak with Continued felling will destroy the 14. BallyLogue Wood Ecological interest of the wood unless the re- S 6732 some ash and birch. It is surrounded by substantial coni- generation of oak is allowed in fer plantations and is difficult clearings. of access.

Drainage, which has occurred and other Ecological (B) old unmanaged pasture on a spring ,t 15. Bennettsbridge Field physical modification are the major S 553 477 line at the edge of the valley. A rich lime-loving vegetation threats. Building development is near- occurs with many sedge and by. orchid species. Colonisation by blackthorn is continuing.

The main quarry for the KilkennyFurther dumping could conceal the 16. Black Quarry Geological remaining rock face. s 5154 black marble this is now half filled by road spoil, concealing most of the important (basal) rock. It retains some historical interest, however.

Neglected estate woodland now Insensitive planting of conifers or 17. Castlecomer Estate Ecological (B) further clearance could destroy the S 5475 being converted to forestry. There remains aninteresting ecological interest. selection of plant species on rocky outcrops and near to former artificial lakes.

A low-lying river island coveredFelling of trees has occurred for 18. Fiddown Island Ecological (B) by willow growth and reedswamp. timber and roadworks. This reduces S 4720 A good variety of species is the area's value but is unlikely to present. totally destroy it.

Good sections of the lower Hook Dumping is the only likely threat. 19. Granny QuarrTAs r I Geological Head (Carboniferous) rocks are S 5714 1) exposed in the two quarries.

Part of the Nore valley of Disturbance. Arterial drainage. 20. Inchbeg Ecological (O) S 4365 special value to birdlife when it floods in winter. Golden plover and lapwing occur in large num-

bers.

Drainage would be of major significance. 21. The Loughans Ecological (B) Low-lying calcarcous pasture S 3163 which behaves somewhat like a turlough in winter. The flora is particularly rich, containing many species typical of the Central Plain. Description Threats Name of Area Interest

Drainage would be detrimental but part Ecological (B,o) A wet, sedge fen (Carex elata), 22. Newpark Marsh providing a habitat for many of the site is owned (and appreciated) plants and animals despite its by the Corporation. urban location. The site extends northwards to a wooded pond and to another surrounded by pasture.

A floating fen with much bulrushDrainage 23. Red Bog, Dungarvan Ecological (B) (Typha) and saw sedge (Cladiua) S 6149

and surrounded by some peaty _

ground. The flora is of interest and the area supports aquatic birds in winter, especially snipe

An area of cut over bog and fen Drainage for agricultural use. 24. Tullanvooly Bog Ecological (B) with several plants species S 2969 uncommon in the county. The calcareous springs are important to the vegetation.

Hazel scrub is developing Scrub clearance for grazing land. 25. Urlingford Scrub Ecological naturally on several hill- S 3364 sides in this part of the Slieve Ardagh hills and has a well-developed community associated with it.

The floors and surrounding The use for cattle winterage and 26. Whitehall Quarries Ecological ledges of these disused dumping is devaluing this site. S 6462 quarries harbour an interesting plant community.

i .-l..r,-

. U,. Co WATERFORD

S i .L r. ( . "`'`(JJ `' f ` . Tr- r t r t fir. _. ! a ( ( (fir. ( tJ(( ( ( i(f : c c z \ ( r ,, r IS it (r S r l !, ( rr I ( r (r ( ( (r! r ( r I1 E u.-o ^ v 0,i ( c `(f (i rl f (( `' cS,c (,. l ~`t e M.703.7

:OUNTY OSPITAL t1i0IF .. use X9.4

b..

4 Ntndy Hsroo

M't99 * MENTAL iHOSPITAL -'. . ' ,;

M.190.7 y- 'o :...... J

J ` nii E, o yy p§+ r-a r"' !'S'° .__.o 'tf Jc:v L.S ! L ....9r OF E14 '

Sici I ::j c 6

/:' 7 a' for

1 4.. V +r l:r

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a. . ... i1 Y tt. .t:y .:' ` r r f. '1 c t

ik1. .i7:+. S i i:,

— - —

C:::: :T:ç;. CO. KILKENNY Areas of Ecological and 4eologiCalInterest

j r.

"MW 400e t Tullan 0!01Y ' C bog L e I

C L Scrub II' near 1 Url ingford C L The Loughals

C oL

t s a- I

C L

1IIIIIo Castle&mer Estate

-Quarries L ;. near Whitehall

Fieldnear Bennettsbridge II, J I I

I. ii / 'I/ 'I- St

'N. / / ) I I.

Tibberag marshes O

0 0

Riverside at Thomastown[81 oN

B J] quarries 0 Ballylogue

B Fen near R Monroe ---X Brownstown

0 Wood R

ncown 0A and Lough Cullen area PRIORITY Internationa

RATING Nationa Regiona

Loca

a 0 D Ecological Ornithological

0e INTEREST Geological Botanical JULY 1972 Zoological CONSERVATION AND SmallSmall Geomorphological "AMENITY ADVISORY SERVICE or indeterminate area