Rosturra, Co. Galway; 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 DESIGNATIONS
MAP 2 HABITAT TYPES
MAP 3 SURVEY NOTES

1. INTRODUCTION

Rosturra is located about three kilometres east of the village of Woodford, Co. Galway, with Lough Derg lying approximately the same distance in the opposite direction. The survey area includes two areas of woodland, named on the six ich map as Rosturra and Derrylahan.

The site (approximately 104 ha) contains fragments of oak woodlands and blocks of coniferous forestry (mainly Norway Spruce) and clearfell areas.

The small areas of oak woodlands at Rosturra and Derrylahan comprise some of the last remaining fragments of what was once an extensive area of woodland, known as Woodford Forest. Other fragments are found in the nearby woodlands of Pollnaknockaun and Derrycrag. These woods formed part of the Clanrickarde Estate and were taken over by the Department of Lands in 1913. Planting with Norway Spruce and Sitka Spruce began in 1933.

The surviving oakwoods still retain a rich flora, representing a community which is intermediate in character between acid and calcareous. One of the aims of the Millennium Forest Project at this site is to maintain, extend and improve the quality of these areas, principally by controlling grazing. The other principal aim is to plant areas of clearfell with native species of local provenance.

2. OWNERSHIP & DESIGNATIONS

See Map 1

The majority of the site is owned by Coillte while Dúchas, the Heritage Service own Rosturra Wood Nature Reserve. Part of the site is also a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) under the EU Habitats Directive and a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA).

2.1 Rosturra Wood Nature Reserve
Designated under section 15 of the Wildlife Act, 1976- S.I. No. 375 of 1983
Area: 17 Ha

2.2 Rosturra Wood cSAC
Designated under Council Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive)
Site Code: 800001313
Annex I habitat for which the site was selected: Old oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles
Area: 39 Ha

2.3 Rosturra Wood pNHA
Site Code: 1313
Area: 39 Ha
The boundary of the pNHA is currently the same as the cSAC. There is however, a proposal to extend the boundary in order to link this pNHA with Pollnaknockaun Wood (code 319) (Heardman, 1999).

2.4 Ownership:
Coillte: 87 ha
Dúchas: 17 ha

3. RELEVANT PERSONNEL

Coillte
Forester:
Mr. Michael Fogarty,
Woodford,
Co. Galway
Tel. 0509-49038, 086-2532295

Dúchas
Conservation Ranger: District Conservation Officer
Ms. Ciara O'Mahony Mr. Pádraig O'Donnell,
Coole Park, 3 Society Street,
Gort, Ballinasloe,
Co. Galway. Co. Galway.
Tel. 091-561804 Tel. 0905-43868

Deputy Regional Manager: Regional Manager:
Dr. Enda Mooney, Mr. Tim O'Connell,
Burren National Park, NPW,
2 Riverview, 16 Eyre Square,
Corofin, Galway
Co. Clare.
Tel. 065-37166 Tel. 091-563016

4. GEOLOGY & SOIL

The bedrock underlying this area is Old Red Sandstone, overlain in places with glacial drift.

Soils are variable, ranging from thin acidic podzols (pH c. 4.2) to deeper gleyed brown earths (pH c. 6.0). This variation in soil types has resulted in a plant community that is intermediate between acidic and calcareous (Cross, 1977).

5. HABITAT DESCRIPTIONS

5.1 Broadleaf Woodland
Mature broadleaf woodland typically occurs around the margins of the site, surrounding areas that have been planted or clearfelled. Some small stands have been left as islands, surrounded by clearfell. The dominant species throughout most of this woodland is Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea). Other native tree species present include Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Birch (Betula pubescens). Particularly notable is the presence of Yew (Taxus baccata), which occurs along the southern edge of the Nature Reserve (see photo 1) and in some areas of woodland in the northern section of the site.

The main non-native broadleaf tree species occuring is Beech (Fagus sylvatica). This occurs in the Nature Reserve, particularly around the entrance. Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) are very occasional in the Nature Reserve. Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) was also recorded in the southern part of the site.

The shrub layer in the oakwoods tends to be dominated by Holly (Ilex aquifolium), with Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Willow (Salix atrocinerea) common in some areas. Other species also ocasionally present include Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Spindle-tree (Euonymus europaeus), Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus).

The understorey is dominated by patches of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Bramble (Rubus fructicosus agg.). The most frequent ground layer species are Woodrush (Luzula sylvatica), Hard Fern (Dryopteris felix-mas), Wood Sedge (Carex sylvatica), Ivy (Hedera helix) and Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). In some areas, where the soil is slighly richer, species such as Primrose (Primula vulgaris), Dog Violet (Viola riviniana), Wood Anenome (Anemone nemorosa) and Wood Sanicle (Sanicula europaea) occur. Mosses present include Thuidium tamariscinum, Rhytidiadelphus triquestrus and Polytrichum commune. Long-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia), a protected species has been recorded at a number of locations in the woodland.

Common Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) sometimes occur as epiphytes on mature trees.

5.2 Wet Woodland
There are a number of small patches of wet woodland withiin the survey area. The dominant species in such areas are Ash and Alder (Alnus glutinosa) (photo. 2). Birch is occasional. Ground flora tends to be sparse in such areas.

5.3 Mixed Woodland
An area of broadleaf woodland in the Nature Reserve has been underplanted with Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata). These form a dense stand at one point, with no understorey vegetation. Occasional mature Oak occur with the Cedar. seedlings are frequent on the edges of the stand.

A block of Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), interplanted with Birch occurs to the west of the Nature Reserve. The trees are approximately 20 years old.

5.4 Coniferous Forest
A number of conifer blocks of various ages occur within the survey area. The majority of these are Norway Spruce (Picea abies), but Sitka Spruce is also present. Ground cover varies depending on the age of the planting, ranging from none under dense mature growth, to dense Bracken in young plantations.

5.5 Scrub
Scrub has developed in some areas of clearfell. Colonising species typically comprise species also found in the woodlands, with Bramble and Holly dominating in the drier areas and Alder, Birch and Willow occurring in wetter parts. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is often present. Some areas support ericaceous species such as Ling (Calluna vulgaris) and Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix). Pine seedlings are numerous in places (photo. 3).

5.6 Open Clearfell/Unplanted Areas
The dominant species of the open clearfell areas in the site are Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) and Bramble. Other typical species include Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Creeping Thistle (C. arvense). Smaller herbs such as Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Herb-robert (Geranium robertianum) and Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) occur in patches along with grasses, such as Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus), Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) and Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), particularly along the edges of tracks (photo. 4).

5.7 Stream
A stream runs along the northern boundary of the site. For the most part, it is one to two metres wide, shallow, with a stony/muddy bottom.

5.8 Track
The tracks shown on the map are driveable. Some are stony, while others have grassed over. The verges of the tracks are often herb rich swards.

6. NOTABLE FLORA

Long-leaved Helleborine has been recorded as locally abundant in several places in the site. This species is listed in the Irish Red Data Book and protected under the Flora Protection Order (1999).

The presence of Yew in the woodland is notable.

7. FAUNA

7.1 Invertebrates:
Butterflies recorded in the site during survey visits and from the Conservation Ranger (C. O'Mahony, pers. comm.) are as follows:

Small White (Pieris rapae)
Green-veined White (Pieris napi)
Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)
Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

7.2 Birds:
The following species were recorded during survey work and/or by the local Conservation Ranger:

Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
Hooded Crow (Corvus corone) Coal Tit (Parus ater)
Blackbird (Turdus merula) Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)
Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris)

7.3 Mammals:
Pine Marten (Martes martes) are thought to occur in the site (Heardman, 1999). This species is listed as Internationally Important in the Irish Red Data Book.

Fallow Deer (Dama dama) are the main large grazers in the site. Grazing and poaching signs are widespread in the broadleaf woodlands (photo 5).

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

8. MANAGEMENT ISSUES

8.1 Management Objectives
The main management objectives for this site are to improve the quality of the existing broadleaf woodland and to increase its area.

8.2 Grazing
There is significant grazing pressure by Deer in most of the area. This will severely reduce/halt natural regeneration.

8.3 Spread of non-native species
There is significant colonisation of non-native species in some areas, particularly Norway Spruce, Cedar and Beech. Two small patches of Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), one at the entrance to the Nature Reserve were recorded during the site survey.

9. MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

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

9.2 Natural Regeneration
Natural regeneration is occurring in a number of places (photo 6), but tree seedlings are unlikely to survive at the present levels of grazing. Deer-proof fencing, which is part of the PMF proposal for the site, will prevent access to Fallow Deer and any straying livestock. The Conservation Plan for the cSAC (Heardman,1999) recommends that clear-felled areas should be allowed to regenerate naturally, with monitoring and planting of trees of local provenance if regeneration is not occurring.

9.3 Planting
Clear-felled areas earmarked for planting will be protected by the proposed fencing. A range of species should be planted as the areas are variable in character. Oak should be the dominant species planted, with other species such as Alder, Ash and Birch planted in wetter areas. If possible, areas that are regenerating naturally should not be disturbed.

9.4 Removal of Exotics
Mature non-native species occur in the site, particularly at the Nature Reserve end. The draft Conservation Plan for the cSAC (Heardman, 1999) recommends the felling or ring-barking of non-native species within the oak woodland.

The Conservation plan also states that the remaining conifer block within the Nature Reserve should be removed.

Seedlings of non-native species should be hand pulled and the areas monitored for regrowth.

All Japanese Knotweed should be removed and the areas monitored to ensure it is eradicated.

9.5 Fencing
If possible, fencing should encompass mature woodland as well as the proposed planting areas.

Care should be taken when fence-lines are being cleared to ensure that damage to native species is kept to an absolute minimum.

10. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cross, J.R. (1977) Conservation Report on Woodford Forest. Unpublished, Nationsl Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin.

Cross, J.R. (1985) Management requirements for Rosturra Wood Nature Reserve. Unpublished, Nationsl Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin.

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

Heardman, C. (1999). Draft Conservation Plan for Rosturra Wood. Unpublished, Dúchas, Dublin.

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

APPENDIX I SURVEY NOTES

Brief notes to accompany Map 3

Areas for Planting & Adjacent Woodland:
1. Stream, 1-2 m wide, shallow with stony/muddy bottom.
2. Wet hollow with Juncus, thick Rubus. Spruce along edge.
3. Adjacent woodland damp, dominated by Quercus/Ilex, some Corylus, Fraxinus, Crataegus, Vaccinium, Rubus. Very wet in patches with Filipendula. Many small Fraxinus in wettest parts.
4. Drier, with patches of tall Vaccinium. Also Dryopteris and Carex sylvatica. Some regeneration of Quercus and Ilex. Occasional Taxus.
5. Tree fringe very narrow, much clearance of undergrowth, mainly Ilex (for fenceline?), young spruce on other side.
6. Wet near corner
7. Betula, Salix and Alnus dominated planting along track, also Fraxinus and Quercus. Spruce planted behind. Track is grassy
8 Driveable track. Young Spruce on east side. Quercus, Fraxinus, Salix along edge, also occasional Euonymus.
9. Mature Spruce, v. little undergrowth.
10. Young Spruce
11. Mature widely spaced Spruce, ground flora returned. Squirrel eaten cones.
12. Band of mature spruce left. Taxus quite common along here. Wet area showing many deer tracks
13. Damp hollow, Juncus dominated. Spindly Fraxinus, Salix, Betula.
14. Cirsium, Digitalis, Juncus. Sloping N-S.
15. Grove of Quercus left standing, some small spruce, links up with N12. Ground cover is Luzula dominated. Also Rubus. Regeneration of Quercus, Ilex, Betula. Spruce regeneration also. A couple of wind blown trees. Deer tracks.
16. Salix and Ilex regeneration amongst mature Quercus. Remnants of woodland ground flora, especially Luzula. Wet in places.
17. Large Quercus. Much Corylus in shrub layer, some Taxus.
18. Wet woodland. Tall spindly Fraxinus dominant, Alnus, some large Betula. Large Alnus also.V. wet in places. Little understorey vegetation.
19. Woodland edge quite wet. Tall spindly Fraxinus. Wet up to ridge where trees are still standing in clearfell.
20. V. little undergrowth, dense canopy of Ilex, Taxus, Fraxinus and Quercus.
21. V. wet area at edge of clearfell, with standing water, spindly Fraxinus remaining. Salix also. Much Juncus, also Hypericum, Potentilla, Rubus, Senecio, Mentha aquatica.
22. Area with developing Alnus and Betula scrub. Wet
23. Line of conifers left intact c. 50m from Spruce block. Good Ilex and Betula regrowth in between. Drier than previous. Spruce regeneration, Luzula, Blechnum, Rubus, Pteridium. Widely spaced Quercus, patches of Betula scrub. Some Ilex regeneration.
24. Mature Spruce, little undergrowth. Wrecked cars at path junction
25. Open area- ditched, standing water. Betula, Salix regeneration
26. Widely spaced Quercus, with grassy ground cover on slope. Occasional Spruce in between.
27. Start of forestry block
28. Betula and Alnus along track. Pteridium common. Some scrub development behind- Corylus, Alnus, Quercus. Occasionally larger Fraxinus and Quercus.
robur type oaks along track Rhamnus at corner

Nature Reserve:
29. Large trees at entrance- Quercus, Fagus, Fraxinus. Also smaller Taxus, Alnus and Salix. Scrubby regrowth behind this- Betula, Ilex, Alnus, Spruce. Well grazed. Luzula, Rubus, Pteridium, mossy patches. Salix, Betula dominated on other side of track. Taller trees. Corylus also.
30. Well spaced Quercus with thick ground cover. Pteridium, Juncus, Rubus, Calluna, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium. Occasional small Ilex, Alnus, Betula.
31. Large Spruce along track.
32. Taller trees on corner, mature Quercus, Betula. Salix also.
33. Young Spruce, also Betula, Corylus, Salix. Pteridium dominated undergrowth. Older conifers on other side of track. Scrub along edges. Occasional small Quercus and Taxus.
34. Unplanted area. Some large Quercus and Fraxinus. Otherwise dense Pteridium with Juncus, Digitalis, Trifolium, Holcus, Cirsium
35. Fagus along edge of track
36. Herb rich area at entrance with patch of Polygonum cuspidatum.
37. Taxus, Corylus dominated. Thick canopy, not much understorey. Ilex, Dryopteris. Where more open, Luzula, Vaccinium, Anemone nemorosa, Viola riviniana. More Quercus moving W wards, occasional Fraxinus
38. Thuja seedlings. Many deer tracks. Undergrowth generally not v. dense, patches of Carex pendula, grazed.
39. Group of Thuja. Small amount of littering/dumping. Trees generally v. tall and spindly, apart from occasional large Quercus. Acer pseudoplatanus.
40. Thuja dominated, no. undergrowth. Broadleaf on edge.
41. Immature Sitka, mixed with Betula with strip of broadleaf alongside, including Aesculus, Fraxinus, Quercus, Ilex

APPENDIX II SPECIES LIST

Trees and Shrubs:
Quercus petraea Sessile Oak
Corylus avellana Hazel
Sorbus aucuparia Rowan
Ilex aquifolium Holly
Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble
Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry
Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn
Eonymus europaeus Spindle-tree
Fraxinus excelsior Ash
Salix caprea Willow
Betula pubescens Birch
Alnus glutinosus Alder
Rhamnus catharticus Buckthorn
Taxus baccata Yew
Fagus sylvatica Beech
Aesculus hippocastanum Horse Chestnut
Prunus spinosa Blackthorn
Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose
Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle
Hedera helix Ivy
Polygonum cuspidatum Japanese Knotweed
Picea abies Norway Spruce
Thuja plicata Western Red Cedar
Picea sitchensis Sitka Spruce

Rushes, Sedges & Grasses:
Luzula sylvatica Great Woodrush
Luzula pilosa Hairy Woodrush
Juncus effusus Soft Rush
Juncus articularis/acutiflorus Jointed/Sharp-floweredRush
Bromus ramosus Hairy Brome
Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome
Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot
Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass
Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass
Carex sylvatica Wood Sedge
Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge

Herbs:
Ajuga reptans Bugle
Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone
Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade
Conopodium majus Pignut
Cephalanthera longifolia Long-leaved Helleborine
Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw
Galium aparine Goosegrass
Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel
Hypericum pulchrum Slender St. John's-wort
Hypericum androsaemum Tutsan
Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony
Senecio jacobaea Ragweed
Dactylorhiza maculata Common Spotted-orchid
Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid
Potentilla erecta Tormentil
Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry
Primula vulgaris Primrose
Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb
Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle
Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle
Mentha aquatica Water Mint
Urtica dioica Nettle
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove
Geranium robertianum Herb-robert
Cerastium fontanum Mouse-ear Chickweed
Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup
Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine
Sanicula europea Wood Sanicle
Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort
Bellis perennis Daisy
Trifolium repens White Clover
Allium ursinum Wild Garlic
Calluna vulgaris Ling
Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath
Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet
Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry
Lathyrus montanus Bitter-vetch
Lathryus pratensis Meadow Vetchling
Rumex acetosa Dock

Ferns and Horsetails:
Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody
Dryopteris felix-mas Male Fern
Athyrium felix-femina Lady Fern
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken
Equisetum sylvaticum Wood Horsetail
Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail
Blechnum spicant Hard Fern

Mosses:
Polytrichum commune
Thuidium tamariscinum
Eurynchium striatum
Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus

APPENDIX III PHOTOGRAPHS

Photo 1: Yew tree within broadleaf woodland, with Ash and Hazel

Photo 2: Wet Woodland with Ash, Alder and Birch

Photo 3: Developing scrub showing Holly, Spruce and Pine.

Photo. 4: Clearfell area, dominated by Rushes, surrounded by broadleaf woodland

Photo. 5: Well grazed Woodrush in the Nature Reserve.

Photo. 6 Oak seedlings in an 'island' of woodland left in clearfell

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.

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 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

The Millennium Forests: Rosturra Wood

Scale: 1:10560

Legend

Nature Reserve (Dúchas owned)
cSAC

Map 2 Habitat Map

The Millennium Forests: Rosturra Wood

Scale: 1:10560

Legend

Broadleaf Woodland
Clearfell/Unplanted
Coniferous Forestry
Scrub
Track
Long-Leaved Helleborine
Yew

Map 3 Survey Notes

The Millennium Forests: Rosturra Wood

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.