Portlick, Co. Westmeath; Ecological Report

SEPTEMBER 2000

Dr. R. Jeffrey

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION
2. OWNERSHIP & DESIGNATIONS
3. RELEVANT PERSONNEL
4. GEOLOGY
5. HABITAT DESCRIPTIONS
6. NOTABLE FLORA
7. FAUNA
8. MANAGEMENT ISSUES
9. MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
10. BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDIX I SURVEY NOTES
APPENDIX II SPECIES LIST
APPENDIX III PHOTOGRAPHS
APPENDIX IV NOTIFIABLE ACTIONS

MAP 1 HABITAT TYPES
MAP 2 SURVEY NOTES

1. INTRODUCTION

Portlick woodland is situated in Co. Westmeath, on the the eastern side of Lough Ree, approximately five kilometres north-west of the village of Glassan and eight kilometres north of Athlone. The site is 52 ha in area.

There are a number of important woodlands around the shores of Lough Ree including St. John's Wood, described as the largest and most natural woodland of the Midlands. Hare Island, which is just south of Portlick, also supports a significant area of semi-natural woodland and has been well documented (e.g. Irish Biogeographical Bulletin No. 1 1976-77)

Portlick includes over 30 ha of semi-natural Hazel/Ash dominated woodland as well as areas that include non-native broadleaf species such as Beech and Sycamore. Sitka Spruce, Japanese Larch and Douglas Fir were planted into approximately 5 ha of the woodland in the 1960s. The main aim for the Millennium Forest Project at this site is the felling of these conifers and the planting of native broadleaf species. Coppicing of some of the Hazel is also proposed.

2. OWNERSHIP & DESIGNATIONS

The site is part of Lough Ree candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) under the EU Habitats Directive, which is is also a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA). Much of the this cSAC is also designated a Special Protection Area (SPA).

2.1 Lough Ree cSAC
Designated under Council Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive)
Site Code: 800000440
Annex I habitats for which the site was selected:
· Orchid-rich calcareous grassland (Priority habitat)
· Old oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles
· Natural eutrophic lakes
· Alkaline fen
The cSAC is 10,788 Ha in area and covers the entire area of Lough Ree and surrounding terrestrial areas that are of high ecological value.

Lough Ree SPA, designated under Council Directive 79/409/EEC (the Birds Directive) covers only Lough Ree, however it is proposed that the boundary be altered in order to correspond with that of the cSAC (Maguire 2000).

2.2 Ownership & Management:
Westmeath County Council owns the site, however, the woodland is managed by Coillte. Dúchas, the Heritage Service has responsibility for the maintenance of the conservation value of the cSAC and SPA.

3. RELEVANT PERSONNEL

Westmeath County Council Coillte
Assistant County Secretary: Forester:
Mr. Chris Kiernan, Mr. Rob Jones,
County Buildings, Coillte,
Mullingar, Central Park,
Co. Westmeath. Harbour Street,
Tel. 044-40861 Mullingar,
Co. Westmeath
Tel. 086-2854098

Dúchas
Conservation Ranger:
Mr. Niall Harmey,
Apt. 14,
Old Library Hall,
Church Road,
Tullamore,
Co. Offaly
Tel. 044-42771

4. GEOLOGY

The underlying bedrock of the area is Carboniferous Limestone. This is covered in some places by calcareous boulder clay.

5. HABITAT DESCRIPTIONS

See also Map 1

5.1 Hazel Dominated Woodland
A narrow strip of Hazel (Corylus avellana) dominated woodland runs in a southerly direction from Whinningmore Point. This area of woodland tends to be quite open with large old coppiced Hazel. Other trees include Ash (Fraxinus exelsior) and occasionally Whitebeam (Sorbus hibernica) and Oak (Quercus robur). The shrub layer generally comprises species such as Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) The ground layer includes species such as Woodrush (Luzula sylvatica), Wood Sanicle (Sanicula europaea), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Primrose (Primula vulgaris), Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), Violet (Viola riviniana), Ivy (Hedera helix), Lords and Ladies (Arum maculatum) and patches of Bramble (Rubus fructicosus agg.). (see photo 1).

5.2 Ash/Hazel Dominated Woodland
This woodland type is fairly similar to that described above, but large Ash are more common. Beech (Fagus sylvatica) also occur in places, as do Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), particularly near the woodland entrance. The ground cover is similar to that described above. Where wetter areas occur, species such as Goat Willow (Salix caprea) and Birch (Betula pubescens) tend to be frequent. (see photo 4).

5.3 Beech/Ash Dominated Woodland
There are large mature Beech trees around Whinning House and the surrounding woodland is dominated by Beech and Ash. Sycamore also occurs in the area of woodland on the eastern side of Portlick Bay and Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) are scattered though the woodland to the north of Portlick Castle. Where the canopy is closed, there is little/no understorey vegetation. Holly occurs where it is more open, and is dense in places. Other shrubs that occur, particularly on the edge of the woodland include Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and Hazel. Ground flora includes Bluebell, Ivy, Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana), Male Fern (Dryopteris felix-mas), Dock (Rumex sp.), Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) and Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum). (see photos 2 and 6).

5.4 Coniferous Forestry
Four sub-compartments in the woodland were planted with Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), Japanese Larch (Larix kampferi) and Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), probably in the 1960s. These are due to be felled as part of the project (felling started in late August). Ground flora is generally sparse beneath the conifers, but includes Wood Sorrel and Enchanter's Nightshade. (see photo 7).

5.5 Scrub
The woodland edges, particularly along the lakeside tend to be fringed with a narrow band of scrub, which may be inundated at times. This is often dominated with Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and includes species such as Willow, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) and Purging Buckthorn (Frangula alnus). Gorse (Ulex europeaus) is occasional. Scrub is also colonising an area to the west of the carpark, between the track and Lough. (see photo 3). This habitat has not been mapped where it is contiguous with woodland.

5.6 Littoral Zone/Herb-rich Areas
A herb-rich sward occurs around much of the shoreline of the Lough. This varies in width to a maximum of approximately 5m. Species found here include Aquatic Mint (Mentha aquatica), Silverweed (Potentilla anserina), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica), Devil's-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) and Reed-grass (Phalaris arundinacea). (see photo 3). Small reedbeds with species such as Bulrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) also occur. These areas are not shown on the habitat map.

5.7 Track
Most of the tracks shown on the map are designed for walkers. A track that runs along the outside of the wood has been designated for horse-riders. However, it is obvious in some areas, that riders also use the woodland trails. The tracks near the main entrance of the woodland are currently being used by forestry vehicles to access the conifer blocks.

5.8 Carpark
The carpark and adjacent toilet block is maintained by Westmeath County Council.

5.9 Ruined Building
A number of Ivy covered ruined buildings, marked as 'Whinning House' on the six inch map occur in the south-western part of the site. Making these buildings safe is part of the millennium project.

6. NOTABLE FLORA

Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), a species listed as Rare in the Irish Red Data Book occurs occasionally in the site, usually in the scrub magin at the Lough edge.

Another notable species occurring in the site is Irish Whitebeam (Sorbus hibernica).

7. FAUNA

7.1 Invertebrates:
Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina), Small White (Pieris rapae) and Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) were recorded during the site survey. Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) are also known to occur in the site (Pádraig O'Donnell, Dúchas, pers. comm.)

7.2 Birds:
This woodland supports a good population of Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) (P. O'Donnell, pers. comm.). This species is a summer visitor (generally mid April to September) and favours woodlands with a mixture of clearings and rich undergrowth.

Other passerines recorded during survey work were: Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus), Great Tit (Parus major), Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), Robin (Erithacus rubecula) and Blackbird (Turdus merula) and is used by a good range of other species (P. O'Donnell, pers. comm.). A number of Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) were also recorded on the edge of the site during the site survey.

7.3 Mammals:
Lough Ree is known to support a good population of Otter (Lutra lutra), so it is likely that the Portlick shore is used by this species. Otter is listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive and in the Irish Red Data Book as being Internationally Important.

A Badger (Meles meles) sett was found in the southern part of the site. This species is listed in the Irish Red Data Book as being Internationally Important. (see photo 5).

Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) occur in and around the woodland as do Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (Rob Jones, Coillte, pers. comm.).

Numerous Fox (Vulpes vulpes) scats were seen during survey work.

8. MANAGEMENT ISSUES

8.1 Exotic Species:
Approximately 5 ha of the site are planted with coniferous species and are being felled at present. The woodland also contains mature non-native broadleaf species, principally Sycamore and Beech. Seedlings of both of these species are fairly widespread in the site.

8.2 Grazing:
There is no evidence that livestock access the woods despite the fact that there is both sheep and cattle adjacent to the site and cattle in particular could move along the shore.

Hares and Rabbits do however graze/browse within the woodlands.

8.3 Recreational Use:
The site is quite heavily used by walkers, particularly the southern part and a map in the carpark shows walking trails. Horse riders also use the site. The map shows a designated track just outside the woodland for 'pony trekking', but it is obvious that they also utilise trails inside the wood also.

There is a landing place for small boats at Portlick Bay.

9. MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

9.1 Notifiable Actions:
As the site is within Lough Ree cSAC, Dúchas must be notified before certain activities may take place (see appendix IV for a list of Notifiable Actions).

9.2 Clearfelling and Planting:
Once the conifers have been removed, the clearfell areas will be replanted with native species. The choice of species planted needs to be considered. While there are only a few Oaks within the existing woodland, these are large mature specimens and it is possible that they were once more numerous. Oak is common on nearby Hare Island and Oaks were felled from woodlands around Lough Ree during the last century (P. O'Donnell, pers. comm.). Oak would therefore appear to be a suitable species, as would Ash.

9.3 Fencing
As there are Hares and Rabbits in the site, rabbit proof fencing will be necessary around any newly planted trees.

9.4 Removal of Exotics:
Mature Beech and Sycamore are common in some areas of the site. While it is unlikely that large specimens will be removed, the removal/ring barking of smaller trees should be considered, particularly where thay occur in stands of predominately native species.

Seedlings of non-native species within native stands should be hand pulled.

9.5 Grazing:
Traditionally, the littoral herb-rich zone around the Lough is grazed. This maintains a diverse sward and is important for the maintenance of the priority habitat, Orchid-rich grassland. However, grazing is not recommended in the woodland areas, particularly newly planted areas. Discussions with Dúchas are necessary to establish suitable management for the non-woodland parts of the site that are in the cSAC.

9.6 Recreational Use:
The site is promoted as an amenity area and is most heavily used by walkers. It is important that suitable routes be agreed with horse-riders, both to ensure that the safety of walkers is not jeopardised and also to ensure that undue damage is not caused to the woodlands.

Signage explaining the on-going activities and overall project would be useful for informing the public.

10. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Curtis, T. (1977). Athlone Field Meeting: Species List of the Pteridiophyta, Gymnospermae and Angiospermae. Irish Biogeographical Society Bulletin No. 1, pp.17-19.

Curtis, T.G.F. & McGough, H.N. (1988) The Irish Red Data Book 1: Vascular Plants. Wildlife Service, Dublin.

Heery, S. & Derwin, J. (1994) NHA Site Return for Lough Ree East (site code 440). Unpublished, Dúchas, Dublin.

Maguire, D. (2000). Draft Conservation Plan for Lough Ree cSAC & SPA. Unpublished, Dúchas, Dublin.

Levinge, D.E.S. (1977). Athlone Field Meeting: Hare Island, L. Ree. Irish Biogeographical Society Bulletin No. 1, pp. 6-7.

Whilde, A. (1993) Threatened Mammals, Birds, Amphibians and Fish in Ireland. Irish Red Data Book 2: Vertebrates. HMSO, Belfast.

APPENDIX I SURVEY NOTES

(To accompany Map 2)

1. Mature Fagus sylvaticus and Fraxinus excelsior alongside track, also Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fructicosus agg. and Prunus spinosa. Mown grass includes Agrostis sp., Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Urtica dioica, Taraxacum officinale, Trifolium repens, Hedera helix.
2. Fagus, Acer pseudoplatanus, Rhamnus catharticus, Prunus, Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus, Sambucus, Rubus, Geranium robertianum,, Rumex, Hedera, Stellaria media, Primula vulgaris, Arum maculatum. Many Acer seedlings. Wet in patches. Thick undergrowth in places.
3. Much Fraxinus regeneration. Thick Rubus and grassy patches.
4. Grassy amenity area with a landing place.
5. Narrow strip of woodland between path and lakeshore. Fagus, small Ilex, Crataegus, Rubus. Little undergrowth in places, grassy patches also. One Tilia recorded.
6. Fraxinus along lakeshore, probably floods at times.
7. Trees surrounding freshwater marsh: Salix scrub, Fraxinus.
8. Pinus sylvestris.
9. 2-5m wide herb-rich area.
Many old field boundaries, particularly visible in planted area. Corylus along edge of Sitka, occasional Betula also. Oxalis, Circaea under conifers.
10. Fraxinus dominated woodland, some Pinus sylvestris. Quite dense Rubus dominated undergrowth. Much Acer regeneration. Also Crataegus, Ilex, Sambucus, Hedera, Arum.
11. Thick Prunus spinosa dominated scrub along path edge, also Crataegus, Prunus domestica, Sambucus, Ulex, Pteridium. Larger trees include Fraxinus, Corylus, Salix.
12. Large Sorbus hibernica on corner. Also large Fraxinus and Salix scrub.
13. Grassy strip is 10-15m wide at this point.
14. In cpt. 2, also Fraxinus, Crataegus, Salix, Corylus
15. Patch of Ulex. V. little Fagus at N. end of cpt. 1.
16. Edge of cpt. 1, along track- large Sorbus, Sambucus, Corylus, Prunus, thick Rubus in places. Also Ilex, Hedera, Lonicera. Patches of thick Ilex, Rubus and Pteridium. Where more open, Hyacinthoides, Primula, Sanicula, Oxalis.
17. Corylus generally quite open, with occasional large Fraxinus with some Crataegus. Groundcover quite grassy in places, with Rubus patches. Also Sanicula, Arum, Ranunculus, Hedera. Some Acer seedlings.
18. At junction of cpts. 11& 12 (Sitka and Corylus)- jumps constructed in the woodland.
19. Sambucus regeneration in conifers.
20. Quercus, just off main path. Corylus dominated with Ilex, Rubus, Dryopteris, Geranium. Betula seedlings. Occasional Fraxinus, Fagus.
21. Hazel, generally little undergrowth, Rubus, Hedera dominant. Crataegus, Fraxinus, large Fagus occasional. Ilex, Dryopteris, Ranunculus ficaria also.
22. Rubus dominant where canopy is more open. Spruce along track.
23. Ruined buildings, Hedera covered, surrounded by large mature Fagus with no groundcover.
24. At lake edge: Viburnum, Salix, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus, Fraxinus, Corylus, Rubus at edge of woodland. Ground cover includes Viccia cracca, Circaea, Dryopteris. Bare patches also. In cmpt 15, Fraxinus exelsior regeneration is dominant shrub layer in places. Dense Ilex aquifolium also. Large mature beech. Some Sycamore regeneration. Similar in cmpt. 14. Large mature Fraxinus, Impenetrable Ilex in places. Also Lonicera, Hyacinthoides, Rumex, Galium odoratum, Fumaria.
25. Area of wet woodland, large Salix.
26. Large Betula, Salix, Fraxinus around inlet. Fagus behind.
27. At junction of paths: A number of large Quercus, also Fagus, Corylus. Thick Ilex understorey. V. little ground flora.
28. Recently active badger sett. Near a group of Pinus sylvestris. Alnus along lake edge. Adjacent woodland comprises Fraxinus, Corylus, Crataegus, Ilex. Sorbus, Fagus, Acer seedlings and young saplings. Undergrowth thicker in places than previously. Rubus, Rosa, Galium odoratum.
29. Large Fagus, Corylus, Crataegus. Ground flora rather sparse, Hyacinthoides, Hedera.
30. Acer seedlings (near viewing point across lake).
31. Ilex understorey quite well developed, Rubus patches also.
32. Large Quercus on edge of path beside Sitka block. Adjacent trees comprise Corylus, Fraxinus, Betula. Open ground cover as before.
33. Corylus dominated between Sitka block and shore. Sparse ground flora as above. Large Corylus. Ilex, ocasional Fraxinus and Betula. Cartridge found. Impenetrable scrub near shore of Crataegus, Rhamnus, Rubus.
34. Alnus dominated fringe. Also Fraxinus.
35. Ulex along edge of woodland.
36. Fraxinus dominated. Also Crataegus, Acer, Corylus, Sambucus, Ilex, Rubus, Hedera, Sanicula, Circaea, Geranium, Arum, Dryopteris. Acer seedlings
37. Acer, large Ilex and Fraxinus. Open canopy. Blechnum, Arum, Geranium, Circaea, Oxalis, Hyacinthoides.
38. Scrub near carpark: Rubus, Ulex, Crataegus, Prunus, Fraxinus, Alnus, Pteridium.

APPENDIX II SPECIES LIST

Trees & Shrubs:
Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore
Alnus glutinosa Alder
Corylus avellana Hazel
Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn
Betula pubescens Birch
Fagus sylvatica Beech
Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn
Fraxinus excelsior Ash
Hedera helix Ivy
Ilex aquifolium Holly
Larix kaempferi Japanese Larch
Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle
Picea sitchensis Sitka Spruce
Pinus sylvestris. Scots Pine
Prunus domestica Bullace
Prunus spinosa Blackthorn
Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas Fir
Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak
Rhamnus cathartica Buckthorn
Rosa canina Dog Rose
Rubus fructicosus agg. Bramble
Salix caprea Goat Willow
Sambucus nigra Elder
Sorbus aucuparia Rowan
Sorbus hibernica Irish Whitebeam
Tilia sp. Lime
Ulex europaeus Gorse
Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Herbs:
Achillea ptarmica Sneezewort
Arum maculatum Lords and Ladies
Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshage
Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony
Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet
Fumaria sp. Fumitory
Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff
Geranium robertianum Herb Robert
Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed
Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell
Hypochoeris radicata Cats ear
Mentha aquatica Water Mint
Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel
Potentilla anserina Silverweed
Potentilla erecta Tormentil
Primula vulgaris Primrose
Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine
Rumex acetosa Dock
Sanicula europaeus Wood Sanicle
Stellaria media Chickweed
Succisa pratensis Devils'-bit Scabious
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion
Trifolium repens White Clover
Urtica dioica Nettle
Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch

Grasses & Rushes
Agrostis sp. Bent
Dactylis glomerata Cocks-foot
Festuca rubra Red Fescue
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog
Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush
Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass
Schoenoplectus lacustris Bulrush

Ferns:
Athyrium felix-femina Lady Fern
Blechnum spicant Hard Fern
Dryopteris felix-mas Male Fern
Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken

APPENDIX III PHOTOGRAPHS

Photo 1. Hazel dominated woodland, with Holly understorey

Photo 2. Woodland near Portlick Castle with large Beech and Scots Pine in the background and smaller Ash and Willow on the edge of a small freshwater marsh

Photo 3. Alder dominated scrub behind the littoral zone at the edge of the Lough

Photo 4. Whinningmore Point and woodland on the western side of Portlick Bay

5. Badger Sett

Photo 6. Large Beech at Whinning House

Photo 7. Sitka Spruce being harvested

APPENDIX IV NOTIFIABLE ACTIONS

NOTICE OF NOTIFIABLE ACTIONS FOR WOODLANDS

Under STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 94 of 1997, made under the EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ACT 1972 and in accordance with the obligations inherent in the COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 (the Habitats Directive) on the conservation of the natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora, all persons must obtain the written consent of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands before performing any of the operations listed below on, or affecting, the habitat of woodlands, where it occurs on these lands / water areas

Where a landowner has a current approved plan under the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme or any scheme which the Minister considers to be equivalent s/he need only notify the Minister of activities not covered in the plan.

The activities which should not be undertaken before consent are;

o grazing by livestock
o adding lime
o adding fertiliser of any sort
o reclamation, infilling, ploughing or land drainage
o reseeding, planting of trees or any other species
o felling of trees, removal of timber
o removal of foliage, moss or other materials
o killing ivy
o use of any pesticide or herbicide
o dumping, burning or storing any materials
o alteration of the banks, bed or flow of watercourses
o operation of commercial recreation facilities (e.g. bird watching tours)
o introduction (or re-introduction) into the wild of plants or animals of species not currently found in the area
o any other activity of which notice may be given by the Minister from time to time

Please note that the activities listed below may require a licence or consent from another statutory authority (e.g. the local planning authority, the Minister of the Environment, or the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry). The activities listed below must be notified to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands when they are not regulated by another statutory authority

o developing leisure facilities including golf courses, sports pitches, caravan or camping facilities.
o any activity which might cause pollution of the woodland
o removal of soil, mud, gravel, sand or minerals
o developing roads or car parks
o construction of fences, buildings or embankments
o felling trees or reafforestation

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands has the responsibility under these Regulations to implement the European Union Directive on the protection of Habitats. This Directive sets out a procedure for ensuring that the farming and other management within a designated site (Special Area of Conservation) is done in a way which will not damage the environment. The legal mechanism to achieve this objective is to serve on landowners and occupiers a notice stating that they must consult with the Minister before doing certain things.
In most cases the Minister's objective of sustainable farming will be met by a continuation of the current agricultural practices and after the consultation period, the farmer will continue to farm as s/he always has. In some cases an intensification of agriculture (e.g. an increase in stock numbers) will not be environmentally sustainable and will not be acceptable to the Minister. In these cases the activity must be discontinued and a compensation system will be invoked. There are legal penalties for persons who ignore this procedure.
The restrictions apply to "habitats" such as "sand dunes" or "blanket bog" or to certain populations of species (such as lampreys at spawning beds). The Minister's staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service will assist anyone who is in doubt about where the habitat or species is on their land.

NOTICE OF NOTIFIABLE ACTIONS FOR SCRUB

Under STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 94 of 1997, made under the EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ACT 1972 and in accordance with the obligations inherent in the COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 (the Habitats Directive) on the conservation of the natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora, all persons must obtain the written consent of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands before performing any of the operations listed below on, or affecting, the habitat of scrub, where it occurs on these lands / water areas

The activities which should not be undertaken before consent are;

o grazing of livestock above a sustainable density (as defined in approved farm plans)
o grazing by livestock treated within the previous week with a pesticide which leaves persistent residues in the dung
o supplementary feeding of stock (as defined in approved farm plans)
o adding lime
o adding fertiliser of any sort
o reclaiming land covered by scrub; if scrub is cut it must be allowed to regrow
o reclamation, infilling, ploughing or land drainage
o reseeding, planting of trees or any other species
o felling of trees, removal of timber
o removal of foliage, moss or other materials
o killing ivy
o use of any pesticide or herbicide
o dumping, burning or storing any materials
o alteration of the banks, bed or flow of watercourses
o operation of commercial recreation facilities (e.g. walking tours)
o introduction (or re-introduction) into the wild of plants or animals of species not currently found in the area
o any other activity of which notice may be given by the Minister from time to time

o developing leisure facilities including golf courses, sports pitches, caravan or camping facilities.
o any activity which might cause pollution of the site
o removal of soil, mud, gravel, sand or minerals
o developing roads or car parks
o construction of fences, buildings or embankments
o felling trees or reafforestation

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Map 1 Habitat Map

The Millennium Forests: Portlick

Scale: 1:10560

Legend

Hazel dominated Woodland
Ash/Hazel dominated Woodland
Beech/Ash dominated Woodland
Coniferous Forestry
Scrub
Open Ground
Track
Carpark
Ruined Buildings

Map 2 Survey Notes

The Millennium Forests: Portlick

Scale: 1:10560

Legend

Survey Notes

*Please note that it was not possible to reproduce figures for inclusion on the website version of the reports.