BNS Botanical survey

Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013

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Flora and vegetation of Burren Nature Sanctuary

Dr Amanda Browne Consultant Ecologist Trellick Kinvara Co. Galway [email protected] 086‐8547822

December 2013


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Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3

The Burren .......................................................................................................................................... 3

Limestone Pavement .......................................................................................................................... 9

Limestone structure ....................................................................................................................... 9

Different types of pavement ........................................................................................................ 10

Limestone pavement‐national resource‐ Designated areas of limestone pavement in Ireland

...................................................................................................................................................... 10

Turloughs .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Methods ................................................................................................................................................ 12

Habitats and Vegetation ....................................................................................................................... 12

Limestone Pavement and calcareous grassland ............................................................................... 13

Woodland and Scrub ......................................................................................................................... 16

Cloonasee Turlough .......................................................................................................................... 19

The Flora of Cloonasee ......................................................................................................................... 21

Orchid species ................................................................................................................................... 21

Burren specialists and Limestone pavement/Calcareous grassland ................................................. 25

Woodland species ............................................................................................................................. 35

Wetland species ................................................................................................................................ 42

Discussion ............................................................................................................................................. 47

Recommendations ................................................................................................................................ 48

References ............................................................................................................................................ 49

Appendix I. Species lists ........................................................................................................................ 51

Appendix II. Fixed point photos from April to September. ................................................................... 57


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INTRODUCTION Burren Nature Sanctuary opened in May 2013 and is located 1km south west of Kinvara in County

Galway, along the north western edge of the Burren Region (Fig.1). It is an interpretative centre for

the Burren as well as having two nature trails: The ‘Wild Flower Walk’ and the ‘Turlough Walk’. These

trails traverse many typical habitats that are associated with the Burren region such as woodland,

scrub, limestone pavement, calcareous grassland, turlough and wetlands. The Burren Nature

Sanctuary is located on the edge of the Burren lowlands and close to the hills in the Burren uplands

such as Oughtmama and Slieve Carran (Fig. 1). Outside the designated areas such as National Parks,

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Natural Heritage Areas, though once widespread,

undisturbed areas of limestone pavement and associated Burren habitats such as, dry calcareous

grassland and turloughs are becoming less common. These mosaic of limestone habitats such as at

the Burren Nature Sanctuary at Cloonasee, encompass important habitats that are under threat in the

surrounding hinterland as they are not protected under the Natura 2000 network of Special Areas of

Conservation (SACs) and are vulnerable to land clearing schemes and other threats.

The Burren Nature Sanctuary also as an indoor and outdoor play area which combined with the nature

trails presents the unique opportunity to provide information on wildlife, biodiversity, and nature

conservation issues in an environment that is accessible to all ages

The Burren The name ‘Burren’ is derived from ‘bhoireann’, which means “a stony place”. Though difficult to

determine its exact extent, it is estimated that there are c.36,000ha of terraced limestone hills in the

Burren upland region, with a further 20,000ha of low‐lying pavement dominated habitats in the

Burren lowland region to the east. In addition, the Aran Islands, situated just off the Burren's west

coast, are considered to be a natural extension of the Burren, and share many of the same natural and

cultural attributes (www.burrenLIFE.com).


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Fig. 1. Map of the Burren Region. (www.clarelibrary.ie ). The Aran Islands located to the west are

considered a natural extension of the Burren.

In the Burren, bare exposed limestone (Fig. 2), which is up to 780m in thickness, covers an area of

250sqkm and is composed of slabs of rock which were formed when warm, shallow seas of the

Carboniferous ocean 340million years ago. On the floor of this shallow sea, lime‐rich debris

accumulated which was mainly derived from the skeletons of the plants and animals which lived in

the warm waters, as well as small amounts of mud brought in by rivers (Feehan, 1991a).

As the marine organisms that inhabited that sea completed their natural life cycle, their remains

floated down to the sea floor and their soft body parts decayed. Particles of Calcium carbonate,

deposited out of the sea water were also building up in layers on the sea floor. The hard skeletons of

the marine organisms became embedded in the layers of calcium carbonate. Over time these layers

compacted to form limestone and the skeletons of these organisms became fossilised within those

rocks (Hennessey et al., 2011).


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www.lichens.ie

Fig. 2. Typical exposed limestone pavement found in the Burren.

In most landscapes, water falling on the surface flows away in to streams, which coalesce to form

bigger streams, which eventually become rivers and enter the sea. When limestone is exposed at or

near the surface, however, water can only flow above ground for a short time before it disappears in

to the limestone to follow a new course below ground, reappearing at the surface further on. Because

of this special subterranean circulation, limestone landscapes have a unique underground geography.

This special landscape which results from the solution of limestone and underground water circulation

is called Karst (after the region in north of Yugoslavia where it is most classically developed). The

Burren is Ireland’s finest and most famous karst area. Here the limestone is honeycombed by an

extensive system of caves (Feehan 1991b).

Within the Burren are found sixteen Annex I habitats, five of them described as ‘Priority Habitats’

under the EU Habitats Directive. These are limestone pavements, orchid‐rich grasslands, petrifying

springs, turloughs and Cladium fens.

The flora of the Burren is probably its most renowned feature. Some 635 (70.5%) of Irelands 900 native

plant species have been found in the Burren Hills (Webb & Scannell, 1983). Though the Burren does

contain some much sought after rarities, its real ecological distinction relates to the abundant

presence of several species which elsewhere are of very limited distribution.


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Some particularly noteworthy features of the flora found in the Burren include the curious mixture of

Arctic‐Alpine and Mediterranean species, and calcicole (lime‐loving) and calcifuge (lime‐hating)

species, as well as the wealth of orchids: 22 of Irelands 27 native orchid species are found in the

region. (WWW.Burrenbeo.com)

Arctic‐alpine plants living side by side with Mediterranean plants, calcicole (lime‐loving) and calcifuge

(acid‐loving) plants growing adjacent to one another and woodland plants growing out in the open

with not a tree nearby to provide shade from the sun. Also found here are certain species which

although rare elsewhere are abundant in the Burren.

Some of the most distinctive and characteristic plant species in the Burren uplands would include the

mountain avens (Dryas octopetala), bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) and, of course, the

spring gentian (Gentiana verna) (Fig. 2).

The spring gentian (Gentiana verna) is mainly found in alpine regions but occurs at sea level in the

Burren . The mountain avens (Dryas octapetala) is actually an ‘Arctic‐Alpine’ plant, normally at home

in icy environs and thought to have survived in the Burren having been brought here by glaciers in the

last Ice Age.

The presence of plants such as the gentian and mountain avens in the Burren is also noteworthy

because they are found growing beside plants of Mediterranean origin such as the dense flowered

orchid (Neotinea maculata) and the maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus‐veneris), the latter usually

safely tucked away in dark, damp grikes.

http://theburrentours.com

Spring gentian Gentiana verna


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http://farm4.staticflickr.com

Bloody cranesbill Geranium sanguineum

www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/

Mountain avens Dryas octapetala

Fig. 2. Burren specialists.

Many other fascinating ‘specialities’ exist in the Burren, including the Irish eyebright (Euphrasia

salisburgensis), thyme broomrape (Orobanche alba) and shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), all

of which have their main British Isles populations in the Burren. The thyme broomrape is a parasitic

plant on wild thyme. Other plants in the Burren are insectivorous – butterworts (Pinguicula spp.) for

instance – adopting a different strategy to survive in this nutrient poor environment.

Less spectacular specialities of the Burren would include blue moor grass (Sesleria caerulea). Known

in Irish as féar boirne or Burren grass, this plant is of major significance for farming, as its beautiful

metallic‐blue flowering head appears in early spring, providing an important source of nutrients for

outwintering cattle.


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Fig.3. Blue moor grass (Sesleria caerulea) recorded at Burren Nature Sanctuary in May.

The Burren is also particularly rich in built heritage. Some 75 of Ireland’s 400 wedge tombs are found

in the Burren as are c.500 ringforts and several hundred fulacht fiadh (Bronze age cooking sites). The

Burren is said to contain Ireland’s highest density of ecclesiastical sites with spectacular examples at

Oughtmamma, Corcomroe and Kilfenora. One of Irelands most recognisable monuments Polnabrone

dolmen is found in the heart of the Burren, a few miles north‐west of a significant hill fort, the

triumvallate (three‐walled) Cahercummaun (Dunford, 2002). Tower houses and Early Christian church

sites are also very common, many in an excellent state of preservation. The magnificent portal tomb

at Poulnabrone in the rocky heart of the Burren is one of the most easily recognised monuments in

Ireland, but is only one very small piece of an extraordinary wealth of heritage to be found in the

Burren.

That these assorted layers of built heritage have remained relatively profuse and intact in the Burren

uplands is attributable to three main factors. Firstly, the availability of building stone in the area which

meant that existing built structures did not have to be exploited to provide new building material.

Secondly, the relative durability of stone structures, compared with those made of earth and/or wood.

Thirdly, the rugged rocky nature and thin soils of the uplands which makes them inherently unsuitable

for tillage or reclamation for grassland, which probably saved them from a fate that befell many such

structures elsewhere (www.burrenbeo.com) .

The many archaeological features present, extending back almost 6,000 years to the famous

Poulnabrone dolmen (one of over 80 Neolithic tombs in the region), are evidence of thousands of

years of unbroken human settlement. The Burren is a landscape has been closely aligned to human

activity throughout the ages to the present day (www. BurrenLIFE.com).


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Historical evidence of human activity and agriculture is also present at Burren Nature Sanctuary.

Remains of ancient farm dwellings and stock shelters as well as and kitchen middens have been

recorded from the site.

Since most of what is valued in the Burren has been shaped by the elements and by thousands of years

of farming activity. The best way to protect the Burren, is to continue farming. Modern farming,

however, is not always good for the Burren. Traditional farming is no longer sustainable. Many farmers

have left the land. The lack of once plentiful farm labour and time for cattle herding, with more and

more farmers working off‐farm, has resulted in degradation of habitats through changes in grazing

levels, expansion of scrub, land abandonment and the loss of important land management practices.

Under the Habitats Directive, Ireland is obliged to maintain the listed habitats in the Burren in

'favourable conservation the best status'. Consequently, different landuse practices have to be

examined and introduced in order to ensure that these habitats are not lost. This work was the focus

of the BurrenLIFE Project from 2004 to 2009 and Burren Farming for Conservation Project 2010 to

present (www.burrenLIFE.com ).

Limestone Pavement Limestone pavements are areas of calcareous rock that were exposed by the scouring action of ice

sheets as they moved across the landscape during the last glaciation (Williams 1966). The habitat is

found mainly in the west of Ireland with counties Clare, Galway and Mayo containing the largest

extent. Smaller areas are found in Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Offaly, Kerry, Cavan, Limerick, Longford,

Tipperary, Roscommon and Westmeath. Limestone pavement is also found in Fermanagh in Northern

Ireland (Pender (Ed.), 2008).

Ireland has the largest area of limestone pavement in the EU, over 32,187ha compared to less than

3,000ha in the UK. The most extensive limestone pavement occurs in the Burren/East Galway area

(Williams 1966).

Limestone structure The structure of limestone pavement consists typically of blocks of rock, known as clints, separated

by fissures, or grikes. There is considerable variation with some areas consisting of massive blocks of

smooth, relatively un‐weathered pavement with well‐developed grikes to areas where the grikes are

very narrow and shallow. Finely fractured pavements or shattered pavements, where grikes are

almost absent, also occur. The rock surface is almost devoid of overlying soils (considerably less than

50% cover) except sometimes for patches of shallow skeletal soils, although more extensive areas of

deeper soil occasionally occur (Anon. 2007). This morphology results in a variety of microclimates, and

together with the varied soil conditions allows for the establishment of a complex vegetation mosaic

of different communities. The vegetation in grikes is unusual, as it is composed of woodland and shade

species along with plants of rocky habitats (Ward & Evans 1976, Osborne et al. 2003). The deeper

grikes provide sheltered, moist conditions and are favoured by a range of plants more commonly

associated with woodlands (Pender (Ed.) 2008).


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Different types of pavement There are two different pavement types have been described based on their morphology:

• Blocky: this type is characterised by a well‐defined structure of clints and grikes, which can vary

greatly in depth and width.

• Shattered: areas of loose rubble, which do not generally have a well‐defined structure of clints and

grikes or grikes are narrow and shallow. This is the type of pavement found predominantly at Burren

Nature Sanctuary.

Limestone pavement‐national resource‐ Designated areas of limestone pavement in Ireland According to a recent survey of limestone pavement (Wilson & Fernández, 2013), the national extent

of limestone pavement and associated habitats is 32,187ha. Approximately 2.69% (26,557ha) of the

national resource is located within SACs (Special Area of Conservation) or NHAs (Natural Heritage

Area) and the remaining 17.31% (5,630ha) is not designated (this includes 57ha within pNHAs

(proposed NHA)). County Clare has the highest extent of limestone pavement and associated habitats

(associated habitats include the Annex I habitats exposed limestone pavement (8240), Festuco‐

Brometalia grassland (6210/6211) and European dry heaths (4030)) in the country (24,128ha),

followed by county Galway (6,761ha). The extent of the habitat designated within county Galway

(64.46%) is considerable smaller than county Clare (88.68%). This means that a considerable area of

limestone pavement and associated habitats are vulnerable to damage and have no legal protection.

Turloughs The term ‘Turlough’ comes from the gaelic words tuar and loch meaning disappearing lake. Turloughs

are temporary lakes that occupy basins or depressions in limestone areas where water levels fluctuate

markedly during the year. They are virtually unique to Ireland and their greatest concentration is in

counties Clare, Galway and Roscommon. They generally flood in winter and dry out in summer. They

chiefly flood and drain via connections with ground water, such as springs and swallow holes.

Turloughs are a priority habitat (3180) for conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, this means

that this habitat is of high conservation value and needs protection.

Typically turloughs are flooded during the winter months and are empty during the summer. The

grass that grows in spring after the water has receded is very lush and turloughs usually make high

quality pastures.

Cloonasee Turlough (Fig.4.) is particularly special and unlike the ‘typical’ turlough, like the nearby

Caherglaussaun Turlough, because it is affected by the tides and receives a daily input of fresh water

with the rising tide as well as undergoing the seasonal fluctuation in water levels. Cloonasee Turlough

is part of a network of underground rivers and turloughs that drain into Kinvara Bay. Owing to the

regular and frequent flooding pattern, Cloonasee turlough does not support grassland as can be found

at other nearby turloughs such as Rahsane Turlough (the largest extant turlough in Ireland (Cabot,

1999)) and Carran Turlough (Fig 5).


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Fig. 4. Cloonasee Turlough in July at low tide.

www.nuigalway/archaeology/images

Fig.5. Carron Turlough in Summer

The vegetation of turloughs varies considerably and is dependent on a range of factors such as flooding

regime, nutrients and soil, marl deposition and grazing. Turloughs support a range of different plant

communities that comprise a mixture of aquatic, amphibious and terrestrial species. Turlough

vegetation tends to be species‐poor compared to dry limestone grassland or marsh habitats, because

few species can tolerate or are adapted to the unpredictable flooding.


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The moss Cilclidotus fontinaloides is a good indicator of the top water height of turloughs (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6. Cloonasee Turlough in April. The dark coloured turlough moss (Cilclidotus fontinaloides) covers

the stone walls, boulders and base of shrubs indicating the top water height of the turlouugh.

METHODS In April 2013 a series of botanical surveys were undertaken within Burren Nature Sanctuary at

Cloonasee, specifically in the Wild flower walk and Turlough Walk areas. These surveys took place on

a monthly basis right through the growing season until September. During these surveys a walk over

survey was conducted and any new species identified each month were noted. Interesting flora were

noted and photographed and formed the basis for a ‘What to Look out for’ sheet which was available

in the centre for walkers to help them identify some of the plants along the trails. Fixed point

photographs were also retaken on a monthly basis to provide a view of the habitats throughout the

growing season. Nomenclature for higher plants and ferns follows Stace (2005).

HABITATS AND VEGETATION A mosaic of habitats consisting of shattered limestone pavement, calcareous grassland, scrub,

woodland, wetlands and turlough occur throughout the Burren Nature Sanctuary trails creating a

species‐rich area which conserves important habitats that have become less common in the

surrounding hinterland, outside the designated areas of SACs (Special Areas of Conservation) and

NHAs (Natural Heritage Areas).


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Limestone Pavement and calcareous grassland Throughout the Wildflower walk and interesting mix of habitats consisting of limestone pavement and

calcareous grassland occurs. Scrub also occurs alongside the limestone pavement and calcareous

grassland which gives the habitat structural as well as species diversity. The transition zones between

the various habitats is diffuse and habitats grade in to each other so distinct boundaries are hard to

define (Fig. 7 & 8).

Fig.7. Limestone pavement/calcareous grassland/scrub mosaics in May (left) and June (right) in the

Wildflower walk

A total of 113 species were recorded throughout the Wildflower Walk. Most of these species occur

within the limestone pavement/calcareous grassland/scrub mosaic and also includes species from the

woodland. Few species were confined to only the woodland as many typical woodland plants such as

wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) (Fig. 9) and pignut (Conopodium majus) occur within grikes in the

limestone pavement


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Fig. 8. Views of Limestone pavement/ Calcareous grassland/ Scrub mosaics that occur throughout the

Wild flower walk.

Fig. 8. Woodland herbs are not confined to woodland, they also occur within the limestone pavement/

calcareous grassland mosaic.

Wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) a

typical woodland plant grows amongst

the boulders in the limestone

pavement/calcareous grassland

mosaic

Irish whitebeam (Sorbus hybernica) occurs

occasionally in the limestone

pavement/grassland mosaic

Species‐rich calcareous grassland

composed of grasses and herbs occurs

between the moss covered limestone slabs


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Orchid species are a feature of the calcareous grassland patches within the limestone

pavement/grassland mosaic. Four orchid species were recorded within the Wildflower walk at

Cloonasee: Early purple orchid (Orchis mascula), Common spotted‐orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii),

O’Kelly’s orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia var. okellyi) and Fragrant orchid (Gymanadenia conopsea

subsp.conopsea).

Typical Burren grassland composed of herbs and grasses such as birds‐foot‐trefoil (Lotus corniculatus),

Lady’s bed straw (Galium verum), quaking grass (Briza media), red fescue (Festuca rubra), ox‐eye daisy

(Leucanthemum vulgare) and hare bell (Campanula rotundifolia), occur within the

limestone/grassland mosaic.

Scrub also occurs, Inter‐mixed within the limestone pavement, and may occur as single bushes or

dense clumps. It is composed of hazel (Corylus avellana), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), holly (Ilex

aquifolium), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) as well as occasional Irish whitebeam (Sorbus hibernica). Crab

apple (Malus sylvestris) was also recorded within this habitat.

Low growing clambering shrubs such as bramble (Rubus fruticosus), dog rose (Rosa canina), dewberry

(Rubus caesius) and burnet rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia) are frequent throughout the limestone

pavement/grassland/scrub mosaic.

Hummocks supporting wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus) and wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) are a

typical feature of the limestone/grassland mosaic (Fig. 10).

Fig. 10. Wild thyme hummock within the limestone pavement/grassland mosaic


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Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a common and unwelcome element of the Limestone pavement/

calcareous grassland habitat and would benefit from the introduction of an appropriate winter grazing

regime or a program of careful manual removal (Fig. 11).

Fig.11. Bracken is common throughout the Wildflower Walk and would benefit from some

management regime.

Woodland and Scrub Woodland is defined as any area dominated by trees as opposed to shrubs and where the canopy

height is greater than 4‐5m, while scrub or transitional woodland includes areas dominated by shrubs,

brambles and stunted trees or immature trees and where the canopy is less than 4m (Fossitt 2000).

Woodland occurs in the Wildflower Walk as well as on the periphery of the Turlough (Fig. 12). In many

areas in the Wildflower Walk the woodland grades in to scrub which in turn grades in to limestone

pavement and calcareous grassland forming a diverse mosaic of habitats.


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In a typical woodland there are up to four layers of vegetation: (1) The Canopy, formed by tall trees;

(2) the shrub layer, which forms an understorey under the canopy, (3) the field layer, composed of

herbs, ferns and grasses, and (4) the bryophyte layer, composed of mosses and liverworts on the

woodland floor. Beneath the tree canopy, a special environment is created. The woodland floor is

sheltered, shaded habitat, protected from the wind and from extreme temperatures. Humidity is

higher and more constant than in open habitats and hence the abundance of fern, moss and liverwort

species whose delicate leaves would shrivel with direct exposure to sun and wind. In summer the

leaves of trees absorb or reflect a large part of the sun’s rays: only a fraction of the light and heat filter

through to the forest floor. For this reason many species of the herb layer such as primrose (Primula

vulgaris), lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria), bluebell (Hyacinthoides non‐scripta), wood sorrel

(Oxalis acetosella), wild garlic (Allium ursinum), concentrate their growth in spring and early summer,

before the trees leaves have fully expanded. Flowering of the Field or herb layer is concentrated in

April and May (O’Connell, 1999).

The Canopy

At Cloonasee the woodland canopy is composed of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) with occasional sycamore

(Acer pseudoplatanus) (a non‐native tree species). Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) was also recorded in the

woodland surrounding the turlough.

The Shrub layer

The Shrub layer is composed of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and

hazel (Corylus avelana). Spindle (Euonymous europaeus) also occurs in the shrub layer.

The Field Layer

Field layer species include harts tongue fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium), false brome (Brachypodium

sylvaticum), lords and ladies (Arum maculatum) and ivy (Hedera helix). Wood melick (Melica uniflora)

occurs in the field layer occasionally. This species is thought to be an indicator of ancient woodland

(Perrin & Daly 2010). Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) is a feature of the field layer particularly in the

turlough wood.

The Bryophyte layer

The wood floor is strewn with moss covered boulders. Typical moss species recorded at Cloonasee

include fox‐tail feather moss (Thamnobryum alopecurum) and tamarisk moss (Thuidium

tamariscinum).


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Fig. 12. Some of the woodland features at Cloonasee.

Large coppiced hawthorn

Moss covered wall running

through the wood

Large limestone boulders

covered in a thick layer of herbs

and bryophytes


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Cloonasee Turlough

Fig 13. Cloonasee Turlough in July

The vegetation at Cloonasee Turlough consists of sedge and rush dominated vegetation (Fig. 13)

composed mainly of common club‐rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris), common spike‐rush (Eleocharis

palustris) and bladder sedge (Carex vesicaria)

Other species recorded at Cloonasee Turlough include meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), purple

loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis), marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle

vulgaris), water‐plantain (Alisma plantago‐aquatica) and water forget‐me‐not (Myosotis scorpioides).

A mosaic of wetland habitats occurs within the turlough and are dependent on both soil depth and

level of flooding. A network of drainage channels and crevices occur through the centre of the turlough

and mark the course of the river as it floods the turlough during high tides. Exposed rock also occurs

within the crevices.

Throughout the turlough the soil is waterlogged and quaking even during the dry phase of low tide

and summer. Tall sedge and reed vegetation dominated by bladder sedge (Carex vesicaria), canary

reed grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) with frequent silverweed

(Potentilla anserina) and water mint (Mentha aquatica), occurs over the most part of the turlough.

In some areas of the turlough soil drainage is impeded by limestone rock underlying the shallow soils.

These areas are marked by patches of jointed rush (Juncus articulatus) and common spike‐rush

(Eleocharis palustris)


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A total of 50 species were recorded in the turlough during the current survey (Appendix 1).

Cloonasee turlough is bounded by a small area of woodland which consists of occasional tall growing

ash (Fraxinus excelsior) with an understorey of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorn (Crataegus

monogyna) and occasional spindle (Euonymous europaeus). Wych elm (Ulmus glabra) and hazel

(Corylus avellana) also occur. The woodland floor is composed of moss covered boulders and the

branches of the trees and shrubs are heavily laden with both bryophytes and lichen such as Cartilage

lichen (Ramalina farinacea) which thrive in the moist environment of the turlough wetland. Herb

species that occur in the field layer include wild garlic (Allium ursinum), lords and ladies (Arum

maculatum), enchanter’s nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) as well as wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella).

A total of 35 plant species were recorded in the Turlough woodland (Appendix 1).


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THE FLORA OF CLOONASEE The following text gives an overview of the diversity of plant species recorded at Cloonasee during

April to September 2013. The plants common name is given first followed by the Latin name and then

the Irish name where available.

Orchid species The Burren is famous for its abundance and diversity of orchid species. Four orchid species were

recorded within the calcareous grassland‐limestone pavement habitat.

Early purple orchid (Orchis mascula) Family: Orchidaceae

This orchid species

flowers from April to

June and is the first

orchid species to be

spotted at Cloonasee.

This species is

particularly found in

lime‐rich soils but can

also occur in neutral

or slightly acid areas.

It has been recorded

in a wide variety of

habitats ranging from

shaded woodland and

hedgerows and grikes

in limestone

pavement to sand

dunes and roadside

verges (Foley & Clarke

2005).


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Common spotted‐orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)

Family: Orchidaceae

Common spotted‐orchid flowers from May to August. The flowers are pale pink to deep pink, less

often red‐purple and occasionally white. The flowers are usually faintly scented.

This aptly‐named orchid species is the most abundant orchid in Britain and Ireland. It is a plant of

base‐rich to neutral substrates where it occupies a wide range of habitats. The faintly scented

flowers attract bees and flies which feed on the sugars in the spur (Foley & Clarke, 2005).


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O’Kelly’s orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia var. okellyi)

This white flowered variant of the Common spotted orchid is endemic to the British Isles and is

restricted to western and northern Ireland and to the western coast of Scotland and a few other

locations in England. It is rare in all its non‐Irish localities. It is a plant of short coastal turf and of

limestone pavement of the Burren. It was named after P.B. O’Kelly of Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare

(fl.1890‐1930), who made his living selling rare plants from the Burren (Foley & Clarke, 2005).


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Fragrant orchid (Gymanadenia conopsea subsp.conopsea)

This orchid species flowers from June to August. The flowers are pink, reddish purple, purple and

rarely white. They are intensely fragrant, reminiscent of cloves and scented both day and night.

The long slender spur is most suited to long tongued insects especially butterflies and moths. It

occurs over a wide range of habitats though it is mostly associated with calcareous soils (Curtis &

Thompson, 2009).


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Burren specialists and Limestone pavement/Calcareous grassland In the Limestone pavement and calcareous grassland habitats at Burren Nature Sanctuary a wide

range of species occur that are part of the typical flora of the Burren.

Common Birds‐foot‐trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) Crobh éin Family: Fabaceae

Common Bird’s‐foot‐trefoil (Lotus

corniculatus) and Lady’s bedstraw (Galium

verum)

Birds‐foot‐trefoil is a

perennial that flowers

from June to September.

Its name comes from the

seed pods which resemble

a bird’s foot. It is a member

of the pea family and it

occurs in grassy and mostly

bare places, particularly on

well drained soils.


26

Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum) Boladh cnis Family: Rubiaceae

Blue moor‐grass (Sesleria caerulea) Féar boirne Family: Poaceae

Lady’s bedstraw is a perennial

species and is a member of the

Rubiaceae family like common

cleavers aka Sticky back

(Galium aparine). It flowers

June to August. This species is

common to dry grassy places

especially on calcareous soils

and often near the sea (Stace

Blue moor‐grass flowers

in April and May and is

an important source of

nutrients for cattle over

wintering on the

Burren. Blue moor grass

is thought to be the

food plant of the Burren

green Moth (Calamia

tridens occidentalis) a

species only recorded

in the Burren in County

Clare.


27

Eyebrights Euphrasia officinalis agg. Glanrosc

Family: Scrophulariaceae

.

Wild Thyme Thymus polytrichus Tím Chréige

Family: Lamiaceae

Over 20 species of Eyebright

are recorded for Ireland and

Britain. All taxa in this area

are included in the Euphrasia

officinalis agg. They are very

similar, frequently hybridise

and require expert

identification. This native,

annual flowers from June to

September. All eyebrights

are semi‐parasitic, absorbing

water and nutrients from

other plants, including

clovers, plantains and

grasses

Wild Thyme has erect

stems with tiny

pink/purple flowers.

Leaves are evergreen,

small, ovate, and are

slightly aromatic when

crushed, though not as

strong‐smelling as

garden thyme. This

species prefers free‐

draining soils, and is

often associated with

ant‐hills of the yellow

ant (Lasius flavus). Wild

thyme occurs in heaths,

dry banks and rock

places and seaside

pastures (Webb et al.

1996). This plant

flowers from June to

August.


28

Quaking grass (Briza media) Family: Graminae

Wild Marjoram Origanum vulgare Máirtín fiáin Family: Lamiaceae

Quaking grass is a perennial whose loose

heads are a distinctive feature of meadows

and grasslands, particularly those on lime‐

rich soils. Its heart‐shaped flower heads

shake on delicate stems, giving the plant

many different common names such as

Totter Grass, Dithery Dock, Wigwams and

Toddling Grass. Flowers June and July.

Occurs in sand dunes, dry pastures and

banks, and more rarely in wet grassland. It

is very frequent in the midlands but local

elsewhere.

Wild marjoram is a very

aromatic plant and is the

species which is commonly

called ‘oregano’ when

cultivated for culinary use

(its close relative, Origanum

majorana is the herb which is

referred to as marjoram in

culinary use). It flowers from

July to September and is very

common on grassy roadside

verges and in meadows


29

Harebell Campanula rotundifolia Méaracán gorm

Family: Campanulaceae

The Irish name, Méaracán gorm, means

‘blue thimble’, referring to the blue, cup‐

shaped flowers. This plant was also

associated with fairies, and it was

considered bad luck to pick the flowers. It’s

other Irish name, Méaracán púca, means

‘ghost thimble’ or alternatively ‘goblin

thimble. This perennial herb flowers from

July to August. It occurs in pastures, heaths,

sand‐hills and mountain cliffs. It is locally

abundant in parts of the north and west but

rare elsewhere (Webb et al. 1996).


30

Shining crane’s‐bill (Geranium lucidium) Crobh geal

Family: Geraniaceae

Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis) Cab an ghasáin

Family: Dispsacaceae

This native annual flowers

from May to July. It occurs

on walls and rocks usually

limestone. It is frequent in

parts of the West and

midlands of Ireland but is

occasional elsewhere

(Webb et al. 1996).

www.irishwildflowers.ie

Field scabious is a native

perennial or biennial and

flowers between July‐

September. It prefers dry

calcareous/neutral soils.

Roadsides, grassland. It is

most frequently found in

east, south and central

Ireland.



31

Dewberry Rubus caesius Eithreog

Family: Rosaceae

Dewberry is a native perennial species that flowers between May and September. It is similar to

bramble and a member of the Rose family. It usually occurs in limestone areas or in stony, sandy

ground, as well as dunes and hedges. It is frequent in parts of South and West and is uncommon

elsewhere in Ireland (www.irishwildflowers.ie) .


32

Burnet Rose Rosa pimpinellifolia

Family: Rosaceae

Milkwort (Polygala vulgaris) Lus and Bainne

Family: Polygalaceae

Milkwort flowers from

May to July. Its name,

milkwort, comes from

the fact that this plant

was traditionally used

to make an infusion

which, when ingested,

would help to increase

the flow of mothers’

milk. Milkwort occurs

in grasslands and on

limestone pavements

throughout the Burren

and in pastures, banks

and sandhills

elsewhere

Burnet rose is a

deciduous, bushy,

spiny shrub, to 80 cm

high, strongly

suckering. Its fruit is a

distinctive black,

globose haw. It occurs

on rocky, stony or

sandy ground and is

abundant in the

Burren, but occasional

elsewhere.

(www.irishwildflowers

.ie)


33

Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Noinín mór

Family: Asteraceae

Common knapweed Centaurea nigra Mullach dubh

Family: Asteraceae

This native perennial

species occurs in grassy

places, rough ground

and waysides. It flowers

from July to September.

Oxeye Daisy is

and erect

perennial that

flowers from

June to August

and occurs

meadows and

dry grassland

especially on rich

soils (Webb et

al., 1996).


34

Ferns

These fern species are a feature of limestone rocks and walls.

Rustyback Ceterach officinarum

Family: Aspleniaceae

Maidenhair spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes



35

Woodland species The Canopy

Ash Fraxinus excelsior Fuinseog

Family: Oleaceae

The Shrub layer

Hazel Corylus avellana Coll

Family: Betulaceae

Ash is a native

tree species and

is common in

hedges, scrub

and woodland

especially on

damp or base‐

rich soils.

Hazel is a native species

of hedges, scrub and

woodland. Its fruit is a

nut which develops in

September.


36

Spindle Euonymus europaeus Feoras

Family: Celastraceae

Spindle is a native shrub that occurs thickets,

rocky places and lakeshores. It flowers in June

and bears the scarlet four lobed fruit in

September. This shrub is easily spotted in

hedges in autumn on account of its leaves

which turn red


37

The Field Layer

Wild garlic or ramsons Allium ursinum) Creamh

Family: Liliaceae

Lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria Grán Arcáin

Family: Ranunculaceae

This plant is easily recognisable from

its very strong smell of garlic,

especially when crushed. It flowers

from April to June and it occurs in

woods, hedges and damp shady

places. This plant has always been

highly valued for its culinary use,

and was highly valued as a

condiment in medieval times; under

the Irish 8th‐century legal tract

Bretha Comaithchesa or ‘laws of the

neighbourhood’, there was a fine of

‘two and a half milch cows’ for

picking wild garlic on someone

else’s land.

Lesser celandine is a member of the

buttercup family. It is an erect

hairless perennial that flowers from

March to May. It is one of the vernal

or spring herbs that flower in

woodland before the trees come in

to leaf. It occurs in damp shady

places and is very frequent and

locally abundant.


38

Hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica Créachtlus

Family: Lamiaceae

Pignut Conopodium majus

Family: Apiaceae

Hedge woundwort is

from the nettle family

and is an unpleasant

smelling native

perennial. It occurs

frequently in hedges and

wood‐margins. It flowers

from July to August

(Webb et al. 1996).

www.irishflowers.ie

This perennial herb

derives its name from the

globular chestnut‐like

tuber it grows from. It

occurs in woods, heaths

and pastures (Webb et al.,

1996)


39

Enchanters‐nightshade Circaea lutetiana Fuinseagach

Family: Onagraceae

Lords‐and‐Ladies / Cuckoo‐pint Arum maculatum Cluas chaoin

Family: Araceae

Enchanters‐nightshade is a native

perennial that flowers from May to

August. It is 20cm to 50cm in height.

It occurs on shady roadsides, woods

and hedgerows but prefers base‐rich

soils. It is no relation to Deadly

Nightshade. Garden shrubs which

belong to this family include Fuchsia

and Oenothera (Evening primrose).

Lords and Ladies is a native perennial and is

between 30 to 50cm tall. It flowers

between March and May and fruits from

July to August. Tiny flowers occur in a dense

spike (spadix) enclosed in sheath (spathe),

the upper part forming hood. The Spadix is

brown or purplish and the Spathe is

yellowish‐cream in colour, and may be

spotted or streaked with purple. The

fruiting spike is 3cm to 6cm in height. The

orange/red berries are poisonous. It is

found in woods and hedgebanks on rich,

calciferous soils.


40

Wood Melick Melica uniflora

Family: Poaceae

Hart’s tongue fern Phyllitis scolopendrium Creamh muice fiadh


This woodland

grass flowers in

May and June and

occurs occasionally

in woods and shady

banks (Webb et al.

1996). It is thought

to be an indicator of

ancient woodland.

This fern species

occurs in shady,

moist, rocky places

as well as banks,

walls and woods.

This fern is very

frequent especially

in limestone districts

(Webb et al. 1996).


41

Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) Seamsóg

Family: Oxalidaceae

Wood sorrel is a distinctive plant with trifoliate leaves which are similar to clover. Like the

other vernal or Spring herbs, this species flowers from April‐May before the woodland canopy

has fully developed and light levels reaching the wood floor are at their greatest.

The leaves of this plant are edible, with a sharp, bitter taste. An oxalate called "sal acetosella"

was formerly extracted from the plant, through boiling.


42

Wetland species Owing to the permanently high water‐table at Cloonasee Turlough, it supports a mosaic of wetland

vegetation rather than the traditional meadow vegetation that occurs in the typical turlough that dries

out during the summer months and can be grazed. The following are a selection that were recorded

at the turlough.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Airgead luachra

Family: Rosaceae

Purple‐loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Earball caitín

Family: Lythraceae

Meadowsweet is a

common wetland plant

found on all sorts of wet

and damp places. It

flowers from July to

August (Webb et al. 1996,

Preston et al., 2002).

Purple‐loosestrife flowers from

July to August and is common

by water and in marshes and

fens (Webb et al. 1996, Preston

et al., 2002).


43

Cuckooflower, Lady’s smock (Cardamine pratensis) Biolar griagáin, Léine Mhuire

Family: Brassicaceae

Marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris)

Family: Apiaceae

Water forget‐me‐not (Myosotis scorpioides)

Family: Boraginaceae

This perennial is frequent in

wet meadows and grassland

and flowers from June to

August (Webb et al. 1996,

Preston et al., 2002). It is the

food plant for the caterpillar of

the Orange tip butterfly

(Anthocharis cardamines).

Marsh pennywort is frequent in

marshes, bogs margins and damp

grassland. It flowers from May to

July (Webb et al. 1996, Preston et

al., 2002).

Water forget‐me‐not is a hairy

perennial sometimes with

creeping and rooting runners. It

flowers in June and July and occurs

in muddy soils by streams, ponds

and wet fields (Webb et al. 1996,

Preston et al., 2002).


44

Water mint (Mentha aquatica) Mismín

Family: Lamiaceae

Water‐plantain (Alisma plantago‐aquatica)

Family: Alismataceae

Water mint is an aromatic

perennial that occurs

frequently in marshes,

ditches, ponds and

lakeshores. It flowers from

July to September

Water‐plantain is

a hairless aquatic

or marsh

perennial with

basal leaves. It

flowers from July

to August during

which the small,

terminal flowers

open mainly in

the afternoon

(Webb et al. 1996,

P l


45

Reed Canary‐grass (Phalaris arundinacea)

Family: Graminae

Reed canary grass with purple loosestrife

Common spike‐rush (Eleocharis palustris)

Family: Cyperaceae

Reed Canary‐grass

occurs by lakes

and river, in

ditches, wet

meadows and

marshes. It also

occurs in rough

and waste ground.

It flowers in June

and July (Webb et

al. 1996, Preston

et al., 2002).

This perennial

sedge occurs

frequently in

shallow water,

bogs and

marshes

(Webb et al.,

1996).


46

Common clubrush (Schenoplectus lacustris) Boic‐shithbhín

Family: Cyperaceae

Bulrush Typha latifolia Coigeal na mban sídhe

Family: Typhaceae

This wetland

species

occurs in

shallow

water of

lakes, ponds

slow rivers

and canals

This wetland species

occurs in ditches,

marshes, lake‐margins

and slow moving streams.

It flowers between July

and August


47

DISCUSSION The Burren Nature Reserve at Cloonasee supports a range of typical Burren habitats such as limestone

pavement, calcareous grassland, scrub, woodland, wetland and turlough. The diversity and range of

habitats is reflected in the diversity of plant species that were recorded throughout the growing

season from April to September 2013.

Within the Wildflower Walk a range of habitats occur together, forming a mosaic of limestone

pavement, calcareous grassland, scrub and woodland. A total of 113 plant species were recorded here

including four orchid species as well as many typical Burren species.

The spread of bracken throughout the Wildflower Walk is a potential threat to the diversity of plant

species within the limestone pavement/calcareous grassland habitats. This vigorous and aggressive

fern spreads rapidly by strong underground stems or ‘rhizomes’ and can shade out many of the typical

Burren species. The spread of bracken in calcareous grassland of the Burren has been attributed to

land abandonment and the cessation of grazing.

The turlough at Cloonasee supports a rich wetland in which 51 species were recorded during the current survey. This turlough is unlike the ‘typical’ turlough in that it receives a daily input of water

from tidal influences like nearby turlough at Caherglissane. Cloonasee turlough is part of a network of

underground rivers that connects Lough Cutra, Coole Lough and Caherglissane which all drain into

Kinvara Bay. While Cloonasee Turlough lacks the grazing‐induced wet meadow flora usually associated

with turloughs, it supports sedge and tall herb vegetation composed of species that are able to

tolerate the hostile environment of daily flooding.

According to recent findings, there is a loss of approximately 0.2% of limestone pavement habitat per

year as a result of limestone pavement removal, quarrying, development and agricultural

improvement (NPWS 2008).

Land reclamation has also contributed to a loss of habitat and has been assisted by the single payment

scheme under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) (NPWS 2008). Under this scheme, land covered

in rock does not qualify for single‐farm payment and therefore this would have inadvertently

encouraged clearance of limestone pavement (both exposed and wooded (scrub)) for agriculture, thus

promoting the destruction of a priority habitat under the Habitats Directive.

The Burren Nature Sanctuary provides an excellent snapshot of Burren habitats and is also an

important site for the conservation of typical Burren habitats that are disappearing from the

surrounding hinterland.


48

RECOMMENDATIONS The following list of recommendations provide some pointers for the future management of the

nature trails as well as the collection of biodiversity information. The educational potential of the

centre is great and a few ideas for furthering this opportunity are presented below.

For future management to enhance biodiversity:

Address over‐dominance of bracken by introducing a light‐grazing regime during the winter

along with a program of manual clearing.

Develop wide species‐rich grassland corridors on routes to Wildflower walk and Turlough walk

For further biodiversity data gathering:

Commission an invertebrate survey of the wetlands surrounding the turlough. Turloughs are

well known for their interesting invertebrate fauna. The undisturbed nature of the Cloonasee

turlough together with the tidal influence may support interesting invertebrate fauna.

For education

Train staff to provide guided nature walks along the trails. Temporary seasonal staff as could

be trained to help visitors identify the some of the interesting flora and features of the trails.

This would enhance the educational experience for visitors.

Develop programmes to complement Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Ecology

curriculum that schools can avail of in preparation for the ecology sections of exams.

Holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween could be used to promote ecological and

biodiversity issues, e.g. ‘Bats in Ireland’ display at Halloween and ‘How to Identify trees in

Winter’ or ‘Winter wetland bird visitors’ at Christmas


49

REFERENCES Anon. (2007) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. EUR 27. European Commission, DG

Environment.

Cabot, D. Ireland. A Natural History. Harper Collins Press.

Curtis, T. & Thompson, R. (2009).The Orchids of Ireland. National Museums Northern Ireland.

Dunford, B. (2002). Farming and the Burren. Teagasc. Dublin.

Feehan, J. (1991a). The rock and landforms of the Burren. In: The Book of the Burren. (J.W. O’Connell

and A. Korff (Eds)) Tír Eolas. Galway.

Feehan, J. (1991b). The Burren Underworld. In: The Book of the Burren. (J.W. O’Connell and A. Korff

(Eds)) Tír Eolas. Galway.

Foley, M. & Clarke, S. (2005). Orchids of the British Isles. Griffen Press.

Fossitt. J.A. (2000). A guide to habitats of Ireland. The Heritage Council.

Hennessy, R., McNamara, M. & Hoctor, Z., 2011, Stone, Water and Ice: A Geology Trip through the

Burren. Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, Clare County Council.

NPWS (2008) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Conservation Status in Ireland of Habitats and Species listed in the European Council Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna 92/43/EEC. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Dublin. O’Connell, C. (1999). Wild Woods of Ireland. Field Studies Guide. IPCC.

Osborne, B., Black, K., Lanigan, G., Perks, M. & Clabby, G. (2003) Survival on the exposed limestone pavement in the Burren: photosynthesis and water relations of three co‐occurring plant species. Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 103B (3), 125–137. Pender (Ed.) (2008) Our Limestone Heritage. Irish Wildlife Trust.


50

Perrin, P.M. & Daly, O.H. (2010). A provisional Inventory of ancient and long established woodland in

Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 46. National Parks and wildlife Service. Department of the

Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland.

Preston, C.D., Pearman, D.A. & Dines, T.D. (Eds) (2002). New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora. Oxford

University Press.

Stace, C. (2005). New Flora of the British Isles (2nd Ed). Cambridge University Press.

Ward, S. D. & Evans, D.F. (1976). Conservation assessment of British limestone pavement based on floristic criteria. Biological Conservation 9: 217‐233. Webb, D.A., Parnell, J. and Doogue, D. (1996). An Irish Flora. Dundalgan Press. Webb, D.A. and Scannell, M.J.P. (1983). Flora of Connemara and The Burren. Royal Dublin Society and

Cambridge University Press.

Williams, P.W. (1966) Limestone pavements with special reference to Western Ireland. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 40: 155‐172. Wilson, S. & Fernández, F. (2013) National survey of limestone pavement and associated habitats in

Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 73. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts,

Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ireland

www.burrenLIFE.com

www.burrenbeo.com



51

APPENDIX I. SPECIES LISTS

Wildflower Walk (Includes woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland and

limestone pavement species

Total Species: 113

Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Achillea millefolium Yarrow Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent Anagallis arvensis Scarlet pimpernel Anemone nemorosa Wood anemone Antennaria dioica Mountain Everlasting Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal grass Arrhenatherum elatius False oat grass Arum maculatum Lords and Ladies Asplenium ruta marinum Wall‐rue Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair spleenwort Bellis perennis Daisy Briza media Quaking grass Brachypodium sylvaticum False brome grass Calliergon cuspidatum moss Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Capsella bursa‐pastoris Shepherd's purse Carex flacca Glaucous sedge Carex species Sedge species Centaurea nigra Black knapweed Ceterach officinarum Rusty back Circaea lutetiana Enchanters night shade Conopodium majus Pignut Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Cynosurus cristatus Crested dogstail Dactylis glomerata Cock's foot grass Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common spotted‐orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii var.okellyi O'Kelly's orchid Daucus carota Wild carrot Epilobium montanum Broad‐leaved willowherb Euonymous europaeus Spindle Euphrasia spp Eyebright Festuca rubra Red fescue Fragaria vesca Wild strawberry Fraxinus excelsior Ash Fumaria officinalis Common fumitory Galium aparine Cleavers Galium verum Ladies bedstraw Geranium lucidium Shinnning cranes‐bill Geranium robertianum Herb robert Gymnadenia conopsea sub sp. Conopsea Fragrant orchid Hedera helix Ivy


52

Hesperis matronalis Dames violet Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog Hyacinthoides non scripta Bluebell Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John's wort Hypochoeris radicata Cat'sears Ilex aquifolium Holly Knautia arvensis Field scabious Lapsana communis Nipplewort Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye daisy Lolium perenne Perennial rye grass Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Lophocolea bidentata Liverwort Lotus corniculatus Birds foot trefoil Malus sylvestris Crab apple Medicago lupulina Black medick Melica uniflora Wood melick Mycelis muralis Wall lettuce Odontites vernus Red bartsia Orchis mascula Early purple orchid Origanum vulgare Wild marjoram Oxalis acetosella Wood sorrel Peltigera canina lichen Phleum pratense Timothy grass Phylitis scolopendrium Hart's tongue fern Plantago lanceolata Long‐leaved plantain Plantago major Greater plantain Poa trivialis Rough meadow grass Polygala vulgaris Common milkwort Persicaria maculosa Redshank Potentilla reptans Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla sterilis Barren strawberry Primula vulgaris Primrose Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Pseudoscleropodium purum moss Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Ranunculus acris Meadow butter cup Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus moss Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus moss Rosa canina Dog rose Rosa pimpinellifolia Burnet rose Rubus caesius Dewberry Rubus fruticosus Bramble Rumex obtusifolius Broad‐leaved dock Rumex sanguineus Wood dock Scrophularia nodosa Common figwort Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort Sesleria caerulea Blue moor grass Sonchus arvensis Perennial sowthistle


53

Sorbus hibernica Irish whitebeam Stachys sylvatica Hedge woundwort Succisa pratensis Devil's bit scabious Taraxacum officinale Dandellion Teucrium scorodonia Wood sage Thamnobryum alopecurum moss Thuidium tamariscinum moss Thymus polytrichus Wild thyme Trifolium dubium Lesser trefoil Trifolium pratense Red clover Trifolium repens White clover Urtica dioica Common nettle Valeriana officinalis Common valerian Verbascum thapsus Great mullein Veronica chamaedrys Germander speedwell Vicia cracca Tufted vetch Vicia sepium Bush vetch Viola riviniana Common dog‐violet


54

Turlough Walk

Total Turlough Species: 50

Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent

Alisma plantago‐aquatica Water‐plantain

Angelica sylvestris Wild angelica

Atriplex prostrata Spear‐leaved orache

Calliergonella cuspidata Pointed spear‐moss

Callitriche stagnallis Common water‐starwort

Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower

Carex flacca Glaucous sedge

Carex vesicaria Bladder sedge

Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay willowherb

Cinclidotus fontinaloides Smaller lattice‐moss

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn

Eleocharis palustris Common spike‐rush

Epilobium palustre Marsh willowherb

Euonymus europaeus Spindle

Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet

Galium palustre Marsh bedstraw

Glyceria fluitans Floating sweet‐grass

Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh pennywort

Iris pseudacorus Yellowflag

Juncus articulatus Jointed rush

Juncus effusus Soft rush

Lamium purpureum Red dead‐nettle

Lythrum salicaria Purple loosestrife

Marchantia polymorpha Common liverwort

Mentha aquatica Water mint

Myosotis scorpiodes Water forget‐me‐not

Persicaria amphibia Amphibious bistort

Phalaris arundinacea Reed canary‐grass

Plantago major Greater plantain

Polygonum hydropiper Water‐pepper

Potentilla anserina Silverweed

Potentilla reptans Creeping cinquefoil

Ranunculus flammula Lesser spearwort

Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup

Ranunculus trichophyllus Thread‐leaved water crowfoot

Rorippa amphibia Great yellow‐cress

Rosa canina Dog rose

Rumex acetosa Common sorrel

Rumex obtusifolius Broad‐leved dock

Salix caprea Goat willow


55

Salix repens Creeping willow

Schoenoplectus lacustris Common club‐rush

Senecio aquaticus Marsh ragwort

Stellaria media Common chickweed

Trichophorum cespitosum Deergrass

Typha latifolia Bulrush

Urtica dioica Common nettle

Valeriana officinalis Common valerian

Viola riviniana Common dog‐violet

Total Turlough Wood Species: 35

Allium ursinum Wild garlic

Arum maculatum Lords and ladies

Brachypodium sylvaticum False brome

Cinclidotus fontinaloides Smaller lattice‐moss

Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's nightshade

Corylus avelanna Hazel

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn

Dactylis glomerata Cock'sfoot grass

Euonymus europaeus Spindle

Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet

Fraxinus excelsior Ash

Galium aparine Common cleavers

Geranium robertianum Herb robert

Geum urbanum Wood avens

Glechoma hederacea Ground ivy

Hedera helix Ivy

Hypericum tetrapterum Square‐stalked st John's‐wort

Hypnum species moss

Oxalis acetosella Wood sorrel

Phylitis scolopendrium Hart's tongue fern

Poa species Meadow‐grass species

Prunus spinosa Blackthorn

Ramalina farinacea Cartilage lichen

Ranunculus acris Meadow buttrecup

Ranunculus ficaria Lesser celandine

Rosa species Rose species

Rubus caesius Dewberry

Rubus fruticosus Bramble

Sambucus nigra Elder

Stachys sylvatica Hedge woundwort

Thamnobryum alopecurum moss

Ulmus glabra Wych elm


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Urtica dioica Common nettle

Vicia sepium Bush vetch

Viola riviniana Common dog‐violet


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APPENDIX II. FIXED POINT PHOTOS FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER.

The Wildflower Walk

April May

June July

Aug Sept


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Sept Aug

July June

May April


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The Turlough

Sept Aug

July June

May April


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April May

June July

Aug Sept

BNS Botanical survey

Travel

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