National Biodiversity Week at Clonalis
At Clonalis we are blessed with nearly 200 acres of deciduous forestry planted in phases over the past three centuries . The woodland, in the past, was used for hunting purposes but now forms a sanctuary for flora and fauna. We are hopeful of availing of a Native Woodland Conservation scheme in the months ahead to regenerate our woodland and provide an even bigger resource for the many species of birds and insects that enrich the Clonalis ecology.
Recent studies show that our own native trees, plants and hedgerow species provide an especially valuable and indeed essential, habitat and source of food for our insect, bird life and fauna which have evolved to thrive on the fruits, pollen and seasonal habitats dictated by the particular characteristics of the Irish soil and climatic conditions. Invasive species may thrive in Irish landscapes but may have very limited or no purpose from an ecological perspective.
The humble native whitethorn or “maybush” widely seen in the Irish countryside blossoms in early summer produces large quantities of flowers for pollinators and supports approximately 150 different species, it is an ideal habitat for nesting birds and a safe wildlife corridor. When pollinated their flowers develop into glossy red berries known as haws, which are a much loved treat and vital food source to a variety of native birds and wildlife. Similarly the oak tree native to Ireland supports over 280 different inspect species and over 300 types of lichen. Even the humble dandelion is a very important source for nectar for butterflies and bees in Spring when other flowers have yet to blossom. By contrast the invasive rhododendron was introduced to Ireland in the 1700’s as an attractive ornamental plant but has run out of control in parts of Ireland. It is native to Asia and N. America and elsewhere but utterly dominates to the exclusion of all other plant life. It is poisonous to grazing animals and other animal life but also contaminates honey, if bees feed on its nectar. It is of zero ecological value.
As part of the “Acres” scheme in Ireland , an environmental initiative sponsored by the Irish Department of Agriculture, we have just finished planting a kilometre of new whitethorn and dogrose hedging. Dogrose produce flowers in early summer which are usually a pale pink and in Autumn these flowers are replaced by rosehips which are rich in vitamin C and again a food source for birds. We have intermingled the whitethorn with dogrose which in the years to come will prove not only an attractive addition to our land but be a valuable ecological resource and a very effective stock proof fence. That’s a “win win win” in anybody’s language and don’t knock the dandelion.
Pyers O’Conor Nash
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