Derrygill, Co. Galway; Ecological Report
SEPTEMBER 2000
Dr. R. Jeffrey
CONTENTS
1.
INTRODUCTION
2. OWNERSHIP & DESIGNATIONS
3. RELEVANT PERSONNEL
4. GEOLOGY
5. HABITAT DESCRIPTIONS
6. FAUNA
7. MANAGEMENT ISSUES
8. MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
APPENDIX I SURVEY NOTES
APPENDIX II SPECIES LIST
APPENDIX III PHOTOGRAPHS
MAP
1 HABITAT TYPES
MAP 2 SURVEY NOTES
1. INTRODUCTION
Derrygill woodland is located approximately two kilometres south east of the village of Woodford in Co. Galway. The survey area lies directly to the south east of Derrycrag Wood Nature Reserve. This, along with the nearby woodlands at Rosturra and Pollnaknockaun comprise some of the last remaining fragments of what was once an extensive area of woodland, known as Woodford Forest.
The area has been extensively planted commercial coniferous forestry and stands of Scots Pine that were planted in the 1940s still remain. Some Sitka Spruce and Norway Spruce blocks of varying ages lie within the surey area. Other blocks have been clear-felled and in many places there is good re-colonisation with native broadleaf species such as Oak and Holly, as well as non-natives such as Beech. Spruce seedlings also occur.
The main aim of the Millennium Forest Project at this site is to plant native species into the clearfell areas.
2. OWNERSHIP
Coillte own the entire site.
3. RELEVANT PERSONNEL
Coillte
Forester:
Mr. Michael Fogarty,
Woodford,
Co. Galway
Tel. 0509-49038 / 086-2532295
4. GEOLOGY & SOIL
The bedrock underlying this area is Old Red Sandstone, overlain in places with glacial drift.
The soils are peaty podzols and gleys.
5. HABITAT DESCRIPTIONS
5.1
Scots Pine Plantation
The mature Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees are generally well
spaced, with thick under-storey/ground cover (see photo 1). Other
trees in these stands include Oak (Quercus petraea). Beech (Fagus
sylvatica) occurs in some stands. The dominant understorey shrub
is Holly (Ilex aquifolium). Other species present include Bracken
(Pteridium aquilinum), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Woodrush
(Luzula sylvatica), Bramble (Rubus fructicosus agg.), Purple Moorgrass
(Molinia caerulea), Male Fern (Dryopteris felix-mas), Slender
St. John's-wort (Hypericum pulchrum) and Heath Bedstraw (Galium
saxatile). One small patch of Laurel (Prunus laurocerastus) was
recorded in one of the Scots Pine stands.
(see note numbers 4, 15, 17, 21, 23, 36)
5.2
Other Coniferous Forestry
Blocks of mature Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Norway Spruce
(Picea abies) are present in the site. Ground cover is generally
very sparse beneath such plantations. Blocks of young Sitka (1-1.5m
tall) also occur. The trees in these blocks are surrounded by
dense Bracken
(see note numbers 6, 10, 18, 20, 24, 26, 32, 35)
5.3
Scrub/Woodland
Some of these areas have been clear felled in the past. Mature
broadleaf trees, such as Oak and Birch have generally been left
in such areas, however some large beech have been felled (see
photo 2). In some areas thick brash remains on the ground. Ground
cover species include Bilberry, Bramble and Soft Rush (Juncus
efffusus) and Purple Moorgrass in wetter areas. Developing scrub
includes Oak, Birch, Willow (Salix sp.) and Beech. Mature Oak
and Beech occur along some stretches of track.
(see note numbers 3, 7, 8, 14, 37)
5.4
Open Clearfell/Unplanted Areas
The most recently clear-felled areas do not yet have scrub formation
and are often covered in thick brash (see photo 3). Dominant species
include Purple Moorgrass, Bracken and Bramble. Foxglove (Digitalis
purpurea) and Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) also often present.
Ling (Calluna vulgaris) and Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix)
occur in the more peaty areas. Damper spots support species such
as Soft Rush, Water Mint (Mentha aquatica), Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus
flammula), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) and Common Marsh-bedstraw
(Galium palustre). Tree seedlings, particularly Birch are often
numerous in these areas.
(see note numbers 11, 12, 13, 28, 30, 31,33)
5.5
Wet Woodland
There is a small area of rather wet woodland near the track which
bounds the eastern part of the site. The main tree species are
Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Ash (Fraxinus exelsior) and Hazel (Corylus
avellana). Beech (Fagus sylvatica) also occur. Ground cover species
include Woodrush (Luzula sylvatica), Wood Sedge (Carex sylvatica),
Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum), Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella)
and Male Fern.
(see note number 19)
5.6
Stream
A stream/ditch with an embankment on the northern side forms the
northern boundary of the site. Ash, Birch and Willow grow along
the bank. Wet areas adjacent to the stream include species such
as Water Mint and Tormentil.
(see note number 25)
5.7
Track
The tracks shown on the map are for the most part driveable.
6. FAUNA
6.1
Birds
A flock of Long-tailed Tits (Aegithalos caudatus) were seen during
fieldwork. Blackbird (Turdus merula), Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
and Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) were also recorded.
6.2
Mammals
A Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) was seen during fieldwork. Fox
(Vulpes vulpes) scats are widespread throughout the area.
7. MANAGEMENT ISSUES
7.1
Forestry
The survey area encompasses Sitka and Norway Spruce plantations
ranging in age from a few years to maturity. Management is on-going
in these blocks.
7.2
Non-native species
The site contains mature Beech and Sycamore as well as coniferous
plantations. Natural regeneration of both broadleaf and conifer
species is widespread in this site.
7.3
Recreation
The area is used for horse-riding, and pony-trekkers regularly
pass through the site, using the main tracks.
There are two hunting platforms in the site.
7.4
Grazing
Deer use the site and a loose pony was also seen during survey
work.
7.5
Dumping
There is a small amount of dumping in the site.
8. MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1
Removal of non-native species
The site contains mature Beech and Sycamore as well as coniferous
plantations. Consideration should be given to the removal of some
or all of the non-native species within and around the target
area for planting. All non-native seedlings should be removed.
All Laurel should be eradicated from the site.
8.2
Natural Regeneration
Areas where native species are regenerating should not be disturbed,
however, non-native seedlings particularly conifers should be
removed from such places.
8.3
Planting
Planting areas should be selected where natural regeneration is
not occurring. Suitable species include Oak, Birch and Willow,
preferably of local provenance.
8.4
Grazing
As Deer and ponies have access to the site, fencing will be necessary
around the planting areas.
8.5
Recreational Use
There is potential for conflict between horse riders and walkers
once the site is opened up to the public. If possible, an agreement
should be made with the riders as to which trails they can use.
Signage explaining on-going activities and the overall project aims would be useful for informing the public.
APPENDIX I SURVEY NOTES
Brief notes to accompany Map 2
1.
Corner by proposed carpark. Felled Fagus. Mature Quercus have
been left. Much brash. Regeneration from stumps and seedlings
of Fagus. Ilex regeneration also. Rubus, Vaccinium, Dryopteris,
Polypodium, Digitalis, Lonicera. Small amount of Quercus regeneration.
2. Trees along track edge Salix, Betula, Fagus, Quercus, Fraxinus,
Pinus sylvatica
3. Moving upslope- tall Pteridium and Vaccinium. Also Calluna.
Spread out Betula and Quercus. Ilex also. Old clearfell
4. Pinus sylvestris starts on steepest part of slope. Quercus
and Salix on edge of track. Ilex Pines. Understorey dominated
with Pteridium. Vaccinium myrtillus Luzula sylvatica, Rubus, Molinia
and Dryopteris also
5. Patches of Laurel.
6. Belt of Spruce at top of slope, very little undergrowth. Occasionally
patches of Pteridium.
7. Belt below Pinus sylvestris- young Quercus, with Ilex. Pteridium
and Vaccinium myrtillus dominated understorey, with Luzula, Calluna
, Juncus, Rubus, similar to N1. Fagus and Spruce seedlings.
8 Open area dominated by thick Rubus and Pteridium. Quercus, Betula,
Salix, Fagus scrub developing. Wetter area with Juncus and Festuca.
9. Section of track does not exist (wet area where track ends)
10. Mature Spruce
11. Clearfell, Molinia and Pteridium dominated, some small Calluna,
Ulex, E. tetralix.
12. Clearfell, but line of conifer left in along track. Molinia
dominated.
13. Clearfell between track and Spruce block (windblow at edge).
Much brash. Betula regeneration. Wet areas with Juncus , Mentha
aquatica, Ranunculus flammula. Salix regeneration also. Dryopteris,
Holcus, Festuce, Cirsium, Calluna, Digitalis.
14. Regenerating scrub on both sides of track- Betula, Salix dominated
on west side. East side mainly Quercus. Quite widespread, v. dense
Pteridium, Molinia .
15. Widely spaced Pinus sylvatica.
16. Immature Pinus sylvatica plantation
17. Pinus sylvatica with young Quercus, Ilex, Fagus. Good regeneration.
Thick Pteridium, also Vaccinium myrtillus, Luzula sylvatica, Hypericum
pulchrum, Galium saxatile.
18. Narrow band of mature Spruce, very little undergrowth. Recent
clearance along edge- for fence?
19. Corylus, Fraxinus, Fagus, Ilex. Quite wet with Alnus. Luzula
sylvatica, Carex sylvaticum, Equisetum sylvaticum, Dryopteris,
Oxalis. Immature Sitka.
20. Sitka Spruce plantation. Quite young, also Quercus, Betula,
Ilex, Fagus
21. Mature Pinus sylvatica
22. Large Fagus and Quercus along track. Rubus and Pteridium dominated
undergrowth.
23. Mature Pinus sylvatica with younger Fagus, Quercus, Ilex,
well spaced out. Dense Pteridium, some Vaccinium. Similar to N17.
24. Ride between 2 blocks of Sitka, west side older than east.
Little undergrowth, some Blechnum.
25. Stream with embankment on far side. Fraxinus, Betula. Salix
along stream. Wet areas include Mentha aquatica, Potentilla erecta
etc. Path blocked from here going eastwards. Some dumping of rubble
etc. Red Squirrel.
26. Sitka block.
27. Ride between narrow Sitka plantations, v. wet. Molinia dominated.
No undergrowth beneath trees. Some Lodgepole along edges.
28. Circular area of open ground- surrounded by mature Spruce.
Molinia dominated, also Calluna, Pteridium, Juncus, E. tetralix.
Many Betula seedlings, Spruce seedlings also. Areas of thick brash.
Occasional mature Sorbus and Betula.
29. Shooting platform
30. Pteridium dominated clearfell, patches of Molinia, Festuca.
Betula and Ilex regenertion. Occasional mature Betula and Fraxinus.
31. Wet hollow. Phragmites australis in wettest part (west corner
beside track). Thick Rubus along track. Salix, Betula.
32. Young Spruce (1-1.5m) almost hidden by Pteridium.
33. Area above mature Spruce block. Quite wet, Juncus, Festuca,
Galium, Holcus, Rubus. Regenerating Betula,. Surrounded by Pteridium
dominated, like N30. Some bare patches with brash only.
34. Area of clearfell, Juncus dominated, also Pteridium, Rubus,
Digitalis, Ulex. Betula at northern edge.
35. Mature Norway, with recently planted to the west (in this
or next compartment?)
36. Widely spaced Pinus sylvatica, with Fagus and Corylus. Thick
Pteridium, with some more open patches. Meets N23, Betula but
no Quercus.
37. Fagus, Corylus, occasional Quercus regenerating. Salix, Betula,
Acer pseudoplatanus. Generally dense undergrowth- Pteridium, Rubus
dominated. Also Juncus, Vaccinium etc.
APPENDIX II SPECIES LIST
Trees
& Shrubs:
Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore
Alnus glutinosa Alder
Betula pubescens Birch
Calluna vulgaris Ling
Corylus avellana Hazel
Fagus sylvatica Beech
Ilex aquifolium Holly
Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle
Picea sitchensis Sitka Spruce
Pinus contorta Ldgepole Pine
Pinus sylvestris. Scots Pine
Prunus laurocerasus Cherry-laurel
Quercus petraea Sessile Oak
Rubus fructicosus agg. Bramble
Salix caprea Goat Willow
Sorbus aucuparia Rowan
Ulex europaeus Gorse
Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry
Herbs:
Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle
Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove
Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw
Galium palustre Common Marsh Bedstraw
Hieracium sp. Hawkweed
Hypericum pulchrum Slender St. Johns Wort
Mentha aquatica Water Mint
Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel
Potentilla erecta Tormentil
Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort
Trifolium repens White Clover
Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling
Grasses & Rushes
Agrostis sp. Bent
Dactylis glomerata Cocks-foot
Festuca rubra Red Fescue
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog
Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass
Juncus squarrosus Soft Rush
Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush
Carex sylvaticum Wood Sedge
Luzula sylvatica Woodrush
Ferns
& Horsetails:
Athyrium felix-femina Lady Fern
Blechnum spicant Hard Fern
Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken
Equisetum sylvaticum Wood Horsetail
APPENDIX III PHOTOGRAPHS
Photo 1. Scots Pine plantation, with young Birch and Oak. The
ground cover is dense Bracken.
Photo
2. An area where Beech have been felled, with regenerating scrub.
Photo 3. Clearfell area with much brash remaining. The dominant
cover is Bracken.
Map 1 Habitat Map
The Millennium Forests: Derrygill
Scale: 1:10560
Legend
Scots
Pine Plantation
Scrub/Woodland
Wet Scrub/Woodland
Coniferous Forestry
Clearfell/Unplanted
Track
Stream
N
Map 2 Survey Notes
The Millennium Forests: Derrygill
Scale: 1:10560
Legend
Survey
Notes