Nature in the Valley

Flora
 
The soil is very fertile, and up until the middle of the last century local employment was predominantly in agriculture, particularly market gardening. Low density housing and recreational functions have replaced the decline of the agricultural  base. The terraces, once growing a number of crops, are now mainly landscaped gardens, while others have grown wild, and house a diverse ecosystem. A large expanse of trees of various types exists in the area, including Beech, Oak, Sycamore and Ash with scattered Conifers, especially Silver firs.

There are three plant species that are considered Liffey Valley species, hairy st johns wortas they are rarely found in other parts of the country. These include Archangel, Figwort and Hairy St John’s Wort (pictured here to the left) .



There are a number of other species found in the area that are rare outside of the valley, as well as many beautiful common wild flowers and plant species
                             our poppies


Fauna

In terms of Fauna this stretch of the Liffey Valley is home to a number of species. Of particular interest is the occurrence of two very rare species of millipede, Adenomaris giobbosa, otherwise found only in the French Pyrenees, and also Brachyaetuma Bagnalli. There are two rare species of Woodlice, Trichoniscoides Albidus and Trichoniscoides Sarsi.

 

The area is also home to larger animals such as  newts, frogs, hedgehogs, shrews, rabbits, mice, rats, red and grey squirrels, otters, stoats, foxes and bats. ours wood whiteThe hill provides an environment for a large badger warren also.

 

Seventeen species of butterfly have been recorded in the area; three of which, The Dingy Skipper, Wood White and Small Copper are considered to be comparatively rare. 

A Wood White is pictured opposite,

(Photo Justin Byrne)








ours swan
There are also a large number of bird species dependant on the water and hedgerows.

Specimens frequently to be observed include
swans, herons  and different types of ducks and moorhens.
ours heron 
 ours crouching pheasant
Pheasants can also be seen frequently in the area, as well as more common garden and woodland birds, blackbirds, blue tits and robins.

Bird photos: Justin Byrne














 
Based on a articles by Garvan Brown and Justin Byrne