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Burren Nature Sanctuary's Unique Flora and Habitats
- 2. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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 2
- 3. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 3
- 4. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 4
- 5. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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. 5
- 6. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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 6
- 7. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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. 7
- 8. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 8
- 9. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 9
- 10. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 10
- 11. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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. 11
- 12. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 12
- 13. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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 13
- 14. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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 Fig. 8. Views of Limestone pavement/ Calcareous grassland/ Scrub mosaics that occur throughout the Wild flower walk. Wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) a typical woodland plant grows amongst the boulders in the limestone pavement/calcareous grassland mosaic Fig. 8. Woodland herbs are not confined to woodland, they also occur within the limestone pavement/ calcareous grassland mosaic. 14
- 15. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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 15
- 16. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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. 16
- 17. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 17
- 18. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Large coppiced hawthorn Moss covered wall running through the wood Large limestone boulders covered in a thick layer of herbs and bryophytes Fig. 12. Some of the woodland features at Cloonasee. 18
- 19. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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) 19
- 20. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 20
- 21. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 21
- 23. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 23
- 25. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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 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. Common Bird’s‐foot‐trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and Lady’s bedstraw (Galium verum) 25
- 26. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum) Boladh cnis Family: Rubiaceae 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 (Sesleria caerulea) Féar boirne Family: Poaceae 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. 26
- 27. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Eyebrights Euphrasia officinalis agg. Glanrosc Family: Scrophulariaceae 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 Thymus polytrichus Tím Chréige Family: Lamiaceae 27 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. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Quaking grass (Briza media) Family: Graminae 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 Origanum vulgare Máirtín fiáin Family: Lamiaceae 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 28
- 29. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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). 29
- 30. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Shining crane’s‐bill (Geranium lucidium) Crobh geal Family: Geraniaceae 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 (Knautia arvensis) Cab an ghasáin Family: Dispsacaceae 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. www.irishwildflowers.ie 30
- 31. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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) . 31
- 32. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Burnet Rose Rosa pimpinellifolia Family: Rosaceae 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) 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 sandhills and elsewhere 32
- 33. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Noinín mór Family: Asteraceae 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). 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. 33
- 35. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Woodland species The Canopy Ash Fraxinus excelsior Fuinseog Family: Oleaceae Ash is a native tree species and is common in hedges, scrub and woodland especially on damp or base‐ rich soils. The Shrub layer Hazel Corylus avellana Coll Family: Betulaceae Hazel is a native species of hedges, scrub and woodland. Its fruit is a nut which develops in September. 35
- 36. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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 36
- 37. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 The Field Layer Wild garlic or ramsons Allium ursinum) Creamh Family: Liliaceae 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 Ranunculus ficaria Grán Arcáin Family: Ranunculaceae 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. 37
- 38. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica Créachtlus Family: Lamiaceae 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 Pignut Conopodium majus Family: Apiaceae 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) 38
- 39. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Enchanters‐nightshade Circaea lutetiana Fuinseagach Family: Onagraceae 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 / Cuckoo‐pint Arum maculatum Cluas chaoin Family: Araceae 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. 39
- 40. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Wood Melick Melica uniflora Family: Poaceae 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. Hart’s tongue fern Phyllitis scolopendrium Creamh muice fiadh Family: Aspleniaceae 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). 40
- 42. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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 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 (Lythrum salicaria) Earball caitín Family: Lythraceae 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). 42
- 43. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Cuckooflower, Lady’s smock (Cardamine pratensis) Biolar griagáin, Léine Mhuire Family: Brassicaceae 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 (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) Family: Apiaceae 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 (Myosotis scorpioides) Family: Boraginaceae 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). 43
- 44. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Water mint (Mentha aquatica) Mismín Family: Lamiaceae Water mint is an aromatic perennial that occurs frequently in marshes, ditches, ponds and lakeshores. It flowers from July to September Water‐plantain (Alisma plantago‐aquatica) Family: Alismataceae 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 44
- 45. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Reed Canary‐grass (Phalaris arundinacea) Family: Graminae 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). Reed canary grass with purple loosestrife Common spike‐rush (Eleocharis palustris) Family: Cyperaceae This perennial sedge occurs frequently in shallow water, bogs and marshes (Webb et al., 1996). 45
- 46. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 Common clubrush (Schenoplectus lacustris) Boic‐shithbhín Family: Cyperaceae This wetland species occurs in shallow water of lakes, ponds slow rivers and canals Bulrush Typha latifolia Coigeal na mban sídhe Family: Typhaceae This wetland species occurs in ditches, marshes, lake‐margins and slow moving streams. It flowers between July and August 46
- 47. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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. 47
- 48. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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 48
- 50. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 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 www.irishwildflowers.ie 50
- 51. Burren Nature Sanctuary Dr Amanda Browne December 2013 APPENDIX I. SPECIES LISTS Wildflower Walk (Includes woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland and limestone pavement species Total Species: 113 Acer pseudoplatanus Achillea millefolium Agrimonia eupatoria Agrostis stolonifera Anagallis arvensis Anemone nemorosa Antennaria dioica Anthoxanthum odoratum Arrhenatherum elatius Arum maculatum Asplenium ruta marinum Asplenium trichomanes Bellis perennis Briza media Brachypodium sylvaticum Calliergon cuspidatum Campanula rotundifolia Capsella bursa‐pastoris Carex flacca Carex species Centaurea nigra Ceterach officinarum Circaea lutetiana Conopodium majus Corylus avellana Crataegus monogyna Cynosurus cristatus Dactylis glomerata Dactylorhiza fuchsii Dactylorhiza fuchsii var.okellyi Daucus carota Epilobium montanum Euonymous europaeus Euphrasia spp Festuca rubra Fragaria vesca Fraxinus excelsior Fumaria officinalis Galium aparine Galium verum Geranium lucidium Geranium robertianum Gymnadenia conopsea sub sp. Conopsea Hedera helix 51 Sycamore Yarrow Agrimony Creeping bent Scarlet pimpernel Wood anemone Mountain Everlasting Sweet Vernal grass False oat grass Lords and Ladies Wall‐rue Maidenhair spleenwort Daisy Quaking grass False brome grass moss Harebell Shepherd's purse Glaucous sedge Sedge species Black knapweed Rusty back Enchanters night shade Pignut Hazel Hawthorn Crested dogstail Cock's foot grass Common spotted‐orchid O'Kelly's orchid Wild carrot Broad‐leaved willowherb Spindle Eyebright Red fescue Wild strawberry Ash Common fumitory Cleavers Ladies bedstraw Shinnning cranes‐bill Herb robert Fragrant orchid Ivy