Shelton, Co. Wicklow; Ecological Report

By John Wann MSc.
(September, 2000)

Table of Contents

Ecological Survey of Shelton Abbey
Introduction 1
Habitats Recorded at Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow 2
Compartment 1 2
Compartment 2 4
Compartment 3 5
Compartment 4 6
Compartment 5 7
Compartment 6 8
Compartment 7 8
Compartment 8 9
Compartment 9 9
Compartment 10 10
Compartment 11 12
Compartment 12 12
Compartment 13 13
Compartment 14 13
Compartment 15 14
Compartment 16-18 15
Compartment 19 16
Compartment 20 16
Appendix 1: Flora Recorded at Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow 19
Appendix 2: Vertebrates Recorded at Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow 22
Appendix 3: Invertebrates Recorded at Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow 23

Ecological Survey of Kilbride Wood
Introduction 24
Habitats Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Co. Wicklow 24
Compartment 1 24
Compartment 2 25
Compartment 3 27
Compartment 4 28
Compartment 5 32
Compartment 6 34
Compartment 7 34
Appendix 1: Flora Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Co. Wicklow 36
Appendix 2: Fungi Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Co. Wicklow 39
Appendix 3: Vertebrates Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Co. Wicklow 39
Appendix 4: Invertebrates Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Co. Wicklow 40

Acknowledgements 41
Bibliography 41

Ecological Survey of Shelton Abbey and Kilbride Wood for the Millennium Forest Project

ECOLOGICAL SURVEY OF SHELTON ABBEY

Introduction

Shelton Abbey is located approximately 3 km northwest of Arklow Town. An area east of Shelton Abbey was surveyed for the Millennium Forest project. Shelton Abbey Wood and Gardens (Grid Ref. T 222 753) was designated an Area of Scientific Interest of Regional Importance by An Foras Forbartha on the basis of its ecological, botanical and zoological interest. It is now included in the Avoca Valley Woodlands (Grid Ref: T 215 755) proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA no. 1748).

The geology of the area consists of lower Silurian slate, schist, sandy shale and grit overlaid by boulder clay, sand and gravel with alluvium along the Avoca River Valley. The soils are mostly light and sandy with abundant stones and rather thin except on flat surfaces. They are classified as acid brown earths with only a slight tendency for podzolisation with a pH range of between 4.0 and 6.5.

An ecological survey of the Avoca Valley pNHA in 1993 by the Wildlife Service identified a number of threats to the site. These were felling of the native or mixed woodland, introduction of exotic species, natural spread of unwanted species, afforestation and pollution from the Avoca mines and the IFI plant in Arklow.

There have been a number of rare and threatened plants recorded in the Avoca area including Orobanche rapum-genistae, Hammarbya paludosa, and Pyrola minor. The records are however pre-1970 records, one of the Pyrola minor records dating back to 1866. Pyrola minor has been recorded from the woods of Shelton Abbey about half a mile ESE of the house (Brunker, 1950). Hammarbya paludosa is listed for protection under the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999 (S.I. NO. 94 of 1999). None of these species was found during the present survey due to the degraded and heavily disturbed nature of the site and unsuitable habitat.

As early as 1974, a Wildlife Service report revealed that the wooded slopes directly above the Walled Garden were badly affected by pollution. Pollution damage to the trees at Shelton Abbey was at its worse between 1965 and 1975 but since then pollution control expenditure as part of the Integrated Pollution Control license conditions stipulated by the Environmental Protection Agency has considerably reduced pollution. It is hoped that this will bear well for future tree planting at Shelton. The woodlands at Shelton were planted between 1840 and 1870 and are very even-aged reducing their conservation interest. Some of the woodlands at Shelton Abbey consist of mature Quercus petraea (sessile oak) woodland. The sessile oak is between 20 and 25 m tall, a good height compared to those at Glendalough.

Some of the deciduous blocks were underplanted with Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies and Tsuga sp. in 1953. The pine did not grow well in places and thus the vegetation is now open sessile oak woodland dominated by Calluna vulgaris, Rubus fruticosus, Vaccinium myrtillus, Luzula sylvatica and Pteridium aquilinum.

The eastern end of Shelton Abbey is dominated by beech. Other trees include Fraxinus excelsior and Betula pubescens. The sub-canopy in some parts of Shelton includes Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus avium, Lonicera periclymenum and Sorbus aucuparia. The ground flora is species-poor compared to the Glen of the Downs but includes Luzula sylvatica, Rubus fruticosus, Lysimachia nemorum, Hyacinthoides non-scriptus, the uncommon Mohringia trinervia, Arum maculatum, Oxalis acetosella, Anemone nemorosa, Sanicula europaea, Oxalis acetosella, Endymion non-scriptus and Lonicera periclymenum. Overall Shelton Abbey west of the current survey site has a good floral and faunal diversity and is of high scenic value.

In comparison to other parts of Shelton Abbey, the survey site has largely lost its original woodland flora. Once the trees died due to air pollution from the IFI plant, the area largely reverted to scrub.

Habitats at the Shelton Abbey Survey Site

The site was divided up into numbered compartments for ease of survey cross-referenced to the survey map. In each compartment one or more distinct habitat types were identified and described.

Compartment 1

This area consisted of a series of small shallow pools amongst drier vegetation. The pools are fed by runoff from the clear-felled slopes above. Wet ground extended from the pools along an old track as far as the glade (Compartment 2).

Compartment 1 was bordered on its northern edge by damp scrub dominated by Salix cinerea. The ground flora of the damp scrub included Hypericum androsaemum, Ranunculus repens, Vicia sepium, Juncus effusus, Urtica dioica, Cirsium palustre, Sambucus nigra, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas and Rubus fruticosus.

On its southern edge, Reynoutria japonica, Digitalis purpurea and Carex pendula occurred.

The largest pools had an area of ca 6 m² and were up to 30 cm in depth. The flora around the pools included Lysimachia nemorum, Oenanthe crocata, Lotus uliginosum, Ranunculus repens, Polygonum persicaria, Cirsium palustre, Juncus effusus, Typha latifolia, Carex remota, Cardamine flexuosa and Lemna minor. The introduced Mimulus moschatus and the native Polygonum hydropiper were locally abundant. Ruts in the old track that leads from the sunlit glade (Compartment 2) to the pools have been colonised by extensive swards of Juncus bufonius. A brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) was seen in the grassy sward at the edge of the pools.

Invertebrates visiting the pool vegetation included the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris), damselflies (Sympetrum striolatum, Coenagrion puella and 2 mating pairs of Pyrrosoma nymphula), the dragonfly Libellula quadrimaculata and the green-veined white butterfly. Notonecta glauca (common backswimmer) was abundant on the surface of the pools.

Recommendations

§ Remove the Reynoutria japonica from this compartment. It is a very invasive non-native species that can shade out the native flora.
§ As the existing pools are becoming choked with excessive vegetation growth, additional areas of open water are required. Before any excavation work is carried out, a comprehensive survey of the aquatic invertebrates should be carried out in order to take into account the requirements of different species.
§ Excavated material should be left on the site for a few days to allow any invertebrates to crawl out of the vegetation. The excavated material should then be removed from the site.
§ These new areas of open water should colonise with a wide range of aquatic plants and invertebrates from the remaining undisturbed areas or from the marsh near Arklow Town within a very short period of only 3-4 years or less. The drainage ditches around the IFI plant may also be a source of some species. Plant seeds will also be introduced on the feet of visiting waterfowl. The pool edges should have a 1:4 slope in some areas to allow easy access for birds and small animals. Shallow areas at the edge of the pools ca 10-cm deep will provide breeding sites for frogs. Excavation work is best carried out in September before many invertebrates hibernate.
§ The pools should be monitored regularly to ensure that a balance between open water and fringing vegetation is maintained. A boardwalk could be provided on the south side of this area to allow the public to view the flora and fauna. The boardwalk could link into the existing dry path to the west and the path to the quarry to the east. These paths are drawn in on the survey map.
§ Remove the Mimulus moschatus from the pools as it an exotic species that is choking the native vegetation.
§ Retain the scrub on the north and east sides of the pond to provide shelter and basking sites for the adult stages of aquatic invertebrates and potential nest sites for birds. Monitor future scrub growth to ensure that it does not encroach on the more open areas.
§ Do not allow scrub and tree growth on the south side of the area of pools, in order to allow sufficient light into them.

Compartment 2

This compartment consisted of an open sunlit glade to the west of the Walled Garden. The south side of the glade was bordered by the track that runs parallel to the IFI plant. A scrub-covered rock outcrop overlooked the glade on its northern side. The eastern side of the glade bordering the Walled Garden was damp, the flora including Mimulus moschatus, Lotus uliginosus, Ranunculus repens, Juncus effusus and dense stands of Urtica dioica. Drier areas favoured wasteground species including Epilobium ciliatum, Cirsium arvense, Senecio jacobaea, Rumex obtusifolius, Epilobium angustifolium and Polygonum persicaria. Patches of Pteridium aquilinum occurred at intervals.

The majority of this glade was reduced to a close-grazed sward and bare ground by the large rabbit population on the site. The bare ground within the glade was colonised by widely spaced patches of the bryophyte Tortula sp. Scattered trees and shrubs occurred around the northern edges of the glade including Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula pubescens and Salix cinerea. The sunlit glade was one of the best areas on the site for viewing butterflies including meadow brown, small tortoiseshell and a male of the migrant clouded yellow.

Recommendations

§ The combination of shrubs, bare ground and herbaceous sward of varying heights allows for a wider range of invertebrates to survive. In addition, the transition between the wet and dry areas in the glade provides a greater range of niches for invertebrates. The open aspect of the glade should therefore be maintained.
§ Wasteground species such as Cirsium arvense and Senecio jacobaea can support important invertebrate communities especially if they have been in an area for a relatively long time. These can be maintained in the glade in small areas by periodically disturbing the ground.
§ Additional trees and shrubs could be planted along the track that forms the northern boundary of the glade. Suitable species might include Quercus petraea, Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius and Crataegus monogyna. As with all new plantings on the site, they should be derived from locally collected seed and fenced against rabbits until they are established. The potentially invasive sycamore of little conservation value in its young stages could be completely removed. By staggering the planting over a number of years or coppicing, a more varied scrub age structure could be produced.
§ Mimulus moschatus is an attractive yellow-flowered species that was probably planted at Shelton Abbey as an ornamental and therefore it could be argued that it is of garden historical interest. Brunker (1950) described this species as a rare alien and a garden outcast that was becoming naturalised in such places as Powerscourt Demesne. Small patches of this species could be tolerated in this area.

Compartment 3

This compartment consisted of an area of dry scrub above the pools in Compartment 1. The scrub extends as far as the western edge of the rabbit warren (see Compartment 10). The flora consisted of Salix cinerea, Hypericum androsaemum, Sambucus nigra, Digitalis purpurea, Scrophularia nodosa, Cirsium palustre, Cytisus scoparius, Betula pubescens, Rubus fruticosus thickets, Acer pseudoplatanus, and Ulex europaeus. Acer pseudoplatanus regeneration was also noted. Teucrium scorodonia was abundant in places. In some parts of this compartment, downy birch formed monospecific stands. Bare loose shale and extensive mats of the bryophyte Tortula sp. were observed under this birch.

A grave marked by a blue cross was found beside the old track south of the scrub that runs almost continuously from the quarry to the area of pools. This has been marked on the survey map so that it can be avoided during forestry operations. Part of the path from the quarry above the grave was poorly drained with mud several centimetres deep in places. This was partly due to its position at the base of a slope that receives runoff from the steep slope above. The heavy shade cast by the sycamores along the wall of the garden also prevented the path from drying out by reducing evaporation. Large areas of abundantly fruiting bramble occurred along this old track.

Recommendations

§ The mixed scrub is potential nesting habitat for birds and also provides feeding, sheltering and hibernation sites for invertebrates. The scrub should therefore be retained. The dense sunlit bramble can be left except where it may have to be cut back slightly to reinstate the old track that extends from the quarry westwards towards Compartment 1. Bramble in sunny locations is an abundant nectar source and provides nesting, sheltering and hibernation sites for invertebrates. The unnecessary removal of bramble in well-lit conditions can rarely be justified in conservation terms.
§ Some of the dense stands of pure birch scrub can be allowed to overmature in order to ensure the continuity of the deadwood habitat.
§ The sycamore could be removed from the vicinity of the poorly drained section of the old track and the path drained. The edges of the track could then be replaced with a mixed scrub of native species extending out from the garden wall to the track. In front of the scrub, a strip of herbaceous plants could be allowed to develop. The mixed scrub could consist of Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Cytisus scoparius, Ulex europaeus, Sorbus aucuparia and Rubus fruticosus. The path should be rerouted away from the grave marked on the survey map.

Compartment 4

This compartment consisted of a field of rough grassland with a game-rearing pen. Mallard, pheasant, red-legged partridge and American bronze turkeys have been reared in the game pen.

Predators reported in the area by the local gamekeeper included stoat, mink, sparrowhawk and kestrel. Mink also frequent the drainage ditches around the IFI plant.

The flora of the rough grassland included Lotus uliginosus, Holcus mollis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Agrostis capillaris, Rumex crispus, Gnaphalium uliginosum, Stellaria graminea, Plantago lanceolata and Rumex acetosa. In those areas of the field with a shorter sward, Centaurium erythraea was common. Meadow brown butterflies and field grasshoppers were also frequent.

Around the northwestern edge of the field, dense scrub occurred consisting of dense Pteridium aquilinum, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra, Acer pseudoplatanus, Prunus spinosa and Betula pubescens.

The dense scrub around the northeastern edge of the field consisted of Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Pteridium aquilinum, Hedera helix, Rumex acetosella and Hypochoeris radicata.

Around the game-rearing enclosure dense stands of Urtica dioica and Rumex obtusifolius occurred due to nutrient enrichment from the game birds and visiting scavengers such as rook and hooded crow.

Recommendations

§ Retain this area as open grassland for invertebrates. It is recommended that the meadow be managed to produce a short and long sward mosaic by cutting in rotation as invertebrates prefer swards of different heights. The frequency of cutting will depend on the rate of growth of the vegetation. It is probably best managed as a hay meadow cutting before the end of April and again in late July.
§ Some areas should be left uncut to provide dense tussocks that provide overwintering sites for invertebrates. The invertebrates and birds will also feed on the seeds of the herbaceous plants.
§ The existing informal paths around the field could be incorporated into a walking route. The path running along the northwest side of the Scots Pine should be given a graded edge of scrub and grassland with some bare ground along the track. Suitable shrub species include Betula pubescens, Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium and Corylus avellana. Fraxinus excelsior and Quercus petraea can also be planted at intervals along the scrub edge as standard trees.
§ Tongues of scrub of the above species could extend into the field on all sides to effect habitat diversity. The scrub should be managed to create patches of different ages by staggered planting or coppicing.
§ If a recreational walking route is to be introduced in this area, it is recommended that the game-rearing enclosure be relocated elsewhere as it is a visual scar on the landscape. Due to enrichment from the game pen, ruderals will initially dominate the area once the game pen has been relocated. Eventually however, rough grassland will spread from the surrounding sward and effect closure of the grass sward.

Compartment 5

This compartment was dominated by a dense stand of Pteridium aquilinum and surrounded in places by dense Betula pubescens scrub with some Acer pseudoplatanus, Rubus fruticosus, Fraxinus excelsior and Sambucus nigra. The ground flora consisted of Sonchus asper, Rumex acetosa, Digitalis purpurea and Polygonum persicaria.

In the absence of grazing and trampling by cattle, the bracken has taken over this compartment. Cattle would open paths and clearings through the bracken to allow a more diverse flora to invade. On this site, the absence of cattle means that the creation of clearings would have to be carried out manually with strimmers and brush cutters.

Arable crops (potatoes and beet) bordered the wood on its northern side. Working from the field in towards the wood, there was a hard edge of the exotic tree Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, a wire fence and then a deep ditch containing dense growth of Pteridium aquilinum and Rubus fruticosus.

Recommendations

§ In the areas of deeper soil, the bracken could be cleared and replaced with Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus petraea, Ilex aquifolium,, Sorbus aucuparia and Corylus avellana could be planted. A diverse age structure should be encouraged in all new plantings on the site by staggering the planting over a number of years, felling and selective thinning. Some trees can be retained for longer than normal and the time when others are felled advanced.
§ Large pieces of dead wood should be left at intervals throughout the planted areas to cater for the needs of the fauna of the deadwood habitat. At a minimum, with regard to leaving deadwood on the site as a whole, the new Forest Service environmental guidelines on forestry and biodiversity should be followed (Forest Service, in press).
§ Patches of bracken could be left at intervals to diversify the habitats in this area. Bracken provides shelter and basking sites for a host of other invertebrates that attract birds. Cuckoos, ring ouzels, pipits and warblers have been known to use it for nesting and roosting. In Britain, 27 species of invertebrates eat bracken, some of which occur in Ireland. Bracken also provides shade for foxes in July and August when at its full height. When it dies down for the winter, bracken frond litter shelters a wide range of invertebrates.
§ The Chamaecyparis lawsoniana along the field edge should be removed and a more attractive graded woodland edge developed in cooperation with the landowner. The new edge should be set back from the existing ditch and some of the shaded bramble cleared from the ditch to allow some light into the ditch in order to encourage a wider range of plant species.

Compartment 6

The flora of this scrub area consisted of Ulex europaeus, Salix cinerea, Prunus laurocerasus, Pteridium aquilinum, Senecio sylvatica and Teucrium scorodonia blanketing a steep slope above a rock outcrop. An earlier survey of Shelton Abbey (Cross, 1974) described this area as one where the mature trees had been felled and only a dense shrub layer remaining consisting of Corylus avellana, Sambucus nigra, Acer pseudoplatanus, Prunus avium, Ilex aquifolium, Ligustrum vulgare, Betula pubescens, Crataegus monogyna and Ulex europaeus. In the same report, Rubus fruticosus was described as dominant over a large area.

Some of these shrub species have survived. The scrub on the rocky outcrop was observed to consist of Betula pubescens, Ulex europaeus, Buddleja davidii, dense Pteridium aquilinum, Luzula sylvatica, Rubus fruticosus, Prunus laurocerasus and Acer pseudoplatanus.

Recommendations

§ This area could be returned to high forest. Suitable species could include Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus petraea, Ilex aquifolium, Sorbus aucuparia and Corylus avellana.
§ The rock outcrop with its diverse scrub cover is an attractive feature on the site. A recreational route incorporating the old track at the base of the rock outcrop would make maximum visual use of this feature. In addition, the south-facing rock outcrop is ideal for warmth-loving invertebrates.
§ The Prunus laurocerasus is an exotic plant of little conservation value. It should therefore be cleared before it spreads and shades out the native ground flora.

Compartment 7

This area of scrub set back from the eastern side of the track leading from the farm fields to the game-rearing field consisted of Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra, Luzula sylvatica, semi-mature Fagus sylvatica and dense Rubus fruticosus.

Dense stands of Betula pubescens with a ground flora of Hyacinthoides non-scriptus, Fraxinus excelsior, Juncus effusus, Rumex sanguineus and Dryopteris dilatata also occurred.

Recommendations

§ Retain the scrub as shelter, potential nest sites and feeding areas for birds. The scrub will help to diversify the age structure of any new plantings on the areas dominated by bracken (Compartment 5). By allowing the birch scrub to overmature, it will contribute to the deadwood habitat on the site. Sycamore is of little conservation value and therefore can be removed from this area.

Compartment 8

This was a clearfelled area edged by scrub consisting of Salix cinerea, Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus, Acer pseudoplatanus and Hedera helix. Teucrium scorodonia, Cirsium palustre, Anagallis arvensis, Scrophularia nodosa and Senecio jacobaea have sprung up on the clear-felled areas.

Northwest of the ruined house in this compartment was an open watertank with an overflow pipe. The tank was overflowing at the time of survey to form a small 'stream' that petered out downslope. The flora along this wet flush included: Salix cinerea, Cardamine flexuosa, Ranunculus repens, Juncus effusus, Scrophularia nodosa, Cirsium vulgare, Urtica dioica, Hypericum androsaemum and Cirsium palustre.

Recommendations

§ It is recommended that on deeper soils Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pubescens, Sorbus aucuparia and Quercus petraea be planted. Shrubs could include Corylus avellana and Ilex aquifolium.
§ The wet area downslope of the watertank should generally be left unplanted but a strip of Alnus glutinosa could be tried on the damp soil near the flush.
§ Berry producing shrubs, e.g. Crataegus monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia and Ilex aquifolium to sustain fruit-eating resident and winter migrant birds could be planted at the edge of the track that extends from the ruined house to the rock outcrop. The shrubs could form part of a graded edge of scrub and grassland. Other shrubs that could be planted include Ulex europaeus and Cytisus scoparius.

Compartment 9

This was a clear-felled area between the track from the farm fields to the game-rearing area and the area of scrub comprising Compartment 7. Along the track edge and in the clear-felled area, the flora included Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris, Hyacinthoides non-scriptus, Rumex obtusifolius, Gnaphalium uliginosum, Senecio sylvatica, Digitalis purpurea, Polygonum hydropiper, Spergula arvensis, Epilobium angustifolium and dense Pteridium aquilinum. Mature beech ca 25 m in height also occurred along the track edge.

Recommendations

§ The clearfelled area from the track back to the birch scrub should be converted to high forest by planting Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pubescens, Sorbus aucuparia and Quercus petraea. Shrubs could include Corylus avellana and Ilex aquifolium.
§ The track on its eastern side should be given a graded edge treatment from the tall mature trees of high forest with a transition to younger trees, shrubs, grassland and bare soil.
§ South-facing semi-circular glades 20 m x 30 m in area could be cut into the track edge at intervals for butterflies. The glade vegetation should cater for the needs of a wide range of invertebrates. This means having a mosaic of short and taller grassland, scattered shrubs at intervals and bare ground.
§ The frequency of mowing of the grassland along all the rides and in the glades will depend on the rate of growth of the vegetation. This can only be gauged by monitoring. A coarse cut of about 8-10 cm is best for butterflies but some plants require a shorter sward to eliminate competition with rank grasses. Some invertebrates also require a shorter sward or even bare ground. Hand-scything over small areas is least damaging. Allow seed to fall from the cut herbage before removing them from the site. For butterflies, the grassland should not be cut before the end of September. Some areas of late flowering herbs could be left uncut until later on in the year or even left to overwinter to provide shelter and hibernation sites for some invertebrates.

Compartment 10

West of the quarry, a mosaic of dense tall rough grassland, a short grassland sward with bare ground, scrub and bramble thickets occurred.

A rabbit warren above the quarry occupied an area of about 100 m². Fox droppings and the remains of a sparrowhawk kill were seen near the rabbit warren. Around the rabbit warren, the vegetation was very sparse consisting mainly of extensive patches of Tortula sp.

In the rough grassland dominated by Holcus lanatus, grasshoppers and meadow brown butterflies were abundant. In areas disturbed by rabbit burrowing activity, Digitalis purpurea, Sonchus asper and Urtica dioica were observed. Other plants included Cirsium vulgare, Cirsium palustre, Senecio jacobaea and Juncus effusus.

The sparse flora among the bare ground included Glechoma hederacea, Cirsium vulgare and two patches of the introduced plant Malva moschata. In this area, the field grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus) was abundant.

The scrub was interspersed among the grassland areas. The flora included dense growth of Acer pseudoplatanus, Salix cinerea, Dryopteris dilatata, Rubus fruticosus and Sambucus nigra. Cirsium palustre was observed in the damper areas of the grassland. The entrance of a badger sett was seen in the scrub below the rabbit warren. The sett entrance has been marked on the survey map.

Dense growth of well-lit Rubus fruticosus was observed on the western edge of this compartment.

Recommendations

§ From a nature conservation point of view rabbits in certain circumstances can actually be of benefit to some habitats and certain flora and fauna. The rabbits above the quarry have produced a mosaic of closely grazed areas surrounded by taller, often tussock vegetation. The rabbit scrapes themselves provide bare and disturbed ground, which is valuable in its own right and provides germination sites for annual plants. Disturbance and dung enrichment around the burrows gives further niches for burrowing and warmth-loving invertebrates, and supports valuable invertebrate foodplants. Nutrient-enriched rabbit burrows have their own specialised invertebrate fauna. Although rabbits can reduce the structural diversity of the vegetation, complete exclusion of herbivores from woodland can result in the long term in rank vegetation, reduction in floral diversity and excessive scrub development. The exact effects of the rabbits on the site vegetation can only be determined by long-term monitoring.
§ Rabbit control should be the minimum necessary to establish the new plantings. The warren should be left intact and the rabbits fenced off from the new plantings until they become established.
§ The mosaic of habitat types in this area (grassland, scrub, bare ground) is on balance a conservation asset and should be maintained in its current state.
§ The dense growth of bramble on the western side of the site is valuable for invertebrates. The bramble should therefore not be cleared.
§ Measures should be taken to protect the badger sett from disturbance or damage. The timing of forestry operations should be planned to avoid the badger-breeding season (December to June inclusive). Avoid carrying out forestry operations within 20 m of all sett entrances. Noisy operations may need a buffer zone greater than 20 m. Trees outside the protection zone should be felled away from any sett, badger run or latrine. Use of or storage of chemicals, fuel or oil should not be permitted in the protected zone. No recreational rides should be within 100 m of any sett and dogs kept under control at all times. Potentially noisy activities such as orienteering should be zoned away from the sett or timed to avoid the breeding season.

Compartment 11

To the southeast of the young stand of Scots pine, dense growth of Pteridium aquilinum with some scattered trees and shrubs including Acer pseudoplatanus, Fagus sylvatica and a line of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana occurred.

Recommendations

§ This area should be completely cleared and replanted with Quercus petraea, Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia and Pinus sylvestris. Corylus avellana and Ilex aquifolium could also be planted.
§ The Chamaecyparis lawsoniana that is currently helping to screen the IFI plant when viewed from certain directions should be removed in the long-term and a more visually interesting band of native species planted instead. Through strategic planting in certain locations, mounding and careful choice of recreational routes, the IFI plant could be screened from the view of the public at least from some directions. A well-qualified recreational planner should be consulted in this regard. IFI management should also be fully consulted when planning walking routes throughout the site as they will have legitimate safety and security concerns.

Compartment 12

This compartment to the southwest of the area of Scots pine was the old site for the game-rearing pen. The deposition of game bird droppings within the enclosure, has resulted in dense swards of plants characteristic of nutrient-enriched soils, e.g. Sambucus nigra, Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense. Other herbaceous plants included Heracleum sphondylium, Senecio jacobaea, Myosotis arvense, Rumex obtusifolius, Sambucus nigra, Senecio sylvatica, regenerating Acer pseudoplatanus, Cirsium palustre, Epilobium angustifolium, Epilobium ciliatum, Anagallis arvensis and Cirsium vulgare.

There were also open areas of grassland within this compartment consisting of Agrostis capillaris, Trifolium repens, Holcus lanatus and Sonchus asper.

Recommendations

§ This area can be completely cleared and planted up with native species. Keeping in line with the species composition of other parts of Shelton Abbey, Quercus petraea, Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pubescens, Prunus avium, Crataegus monogyna, Ligustrum vulgare and Sorbus aucuparia can be planted.
§ Small areas of ruderals in sunny positions can remain undisturbed as they support their own suite of invertebrates.
§ The open grassland areas can be left along the informal path edges for butterflies, grasshoppers and other invertebrates as part of a graded edge of scrub and grassland.

Compartment 13

This compartment consisted of another former site of a game pen that has been enriched by the droppings of the game birds. Two-thirds of this area was dominated by dense stands of ruderals including Cirsium vulgare, Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense. The other third of this area consisted of a short rabbit-grazed sward. Other herbaceous plants included Glechoma hederacea, Rumex crispus, Holcus lanatus, Senecio sylvatica, Sonchus asper, Holcus mollis, Polygonum persicaria, Senecio jacobaea, Heracleum sphondylium, Anagallis arvensis, Rumex obtusifolius, Ranunculus repens and Scrophularia nodosa. Meadow brown butterflies were abundant in this area.

Recommendations

§ Clear and plant up this compartment with Quercus petraea, Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pubescens, Prunus avium, Crataegus monogyna, Ligustrum vulgare and Sorbus aucuparia.

Compartment 14

This compartment consisted of an extensive area of dense rough grassland with scrub patches. The scrub flora included Rubus fruticosus, Pteridium aquilinum, Acer pseudoplatanus and Salix cinerea. The rough grassland flora included Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Ranunculus repens, Ranunculus acris, Polygonum persicaria and Juncus effusus. It extended south of the Walled Garden to the IFI plant. Meadow brown butterflies were common in this grassland.

Dense stands of ruderals also occurred at intervals on the western side of this area as far as the glade comprising Compartment 2. The flora included Epilobium angustifolium, Artemisia vulgaris, Sonchus asper, Conium maculatum, Urtica dioica, Senecio sylvatica, Reynoutria japonica and Cirsium vulgare. Other plants included Digitalis purpurea, Polygonum hydropiper and Rumex obtusifolius. These ruderals sheltered field grasshopper and magpie moth.

The flora of the northern edge of the track running along the boundary of the IFI plant included Senecio jacobaea, dense swards of Epilobium angustifolium and Pteridium aquilinum, Rumex obtusifolius and Sambucus nigra scrub. A ringlet butterfly and two small tortoiseshell butterflies were seen along the track edge. In addition, wood pigeon, blue tit and house martin were seen in the same general area flying around dense scrub.

Along the fence bordering the IFI plant on the south side of the track, dense bramble occurred. In front of the bramble a narrow strip of grassland occurred.

Recommendations

§ Part of the grassland area requires cutting as it is too rank to suit all species. A mosaic of dense grass tussocks and a shorter sward should be aimed for by cutting the grassland in rotation. Follow the grassland management recommendations described for Compartment 9.
§ The areas of ruderals can largely be cleared and replanted with the same native species recommended for Compartment 12 and Compartment 13. Special attention should be paid to controlling the invasive exotic plant Reynoutria japonica.
§ The northern edge of the track running along the boundary of the IFI plant should be given a graded vegetation structure. Bare ground along the track should rise progressively through a grassland sward to scrub and then mature woodland. A graded edge should also be developed on the southern side of the track. In this regard, the management of the IFI plant should be consulted. A graded edge would screen the unsightly boundary fence of the plant.

Compartment 15

This compartment consisted of a cleared area that was formerly covered with birch scrub and such conifers as Picea sitchensis and Abies alba. It was bound on its western side by a deep ditch.

Some scattered trees and shrubs such as Ilex aquifolium, Betula pubescens, Fraxinus excelsior, Pinus radiata, Abies alba, Sambucus nigra and Salix cinerea were left standing.

Other plants that survived the scrub clearance included regenerating Acer pseudoplatanus, Dryopteris dilatata, Hedera helix and Dryopteris filix-mas. Rubus fruticosus and Pteridium aquilinum were beginning to colonise this compartment.

Recommendations

§ This area can be completely cleared and planted up with native species. Keeping in line with the species composition of other parts of Shelton Abbey, Quercus petraea, Sorbus aucuparia, Pinus sylvestris, Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus avium and Betula pubescens can be planted.
§ Remove any remaining exotic conifers and the regenerating sycamore as early as possible to prevent them from recolonising the area.

Compartments 16-18

These compartments consisted of clear-felled areas that were bordered with strips of scrub in places. The scrub consisted of mature Sambucus nigra, Acer pseudoplatanus, Salix cinerea, Ulex europaeus, Betula pubescens, Rubus fruticosus and occasionally Fraxinus excelsior.

In the clear-felled areas themselves, the flora included remnant patches of Ulex europaeus, Teucrium scorodonia, Viola sp., Scrophularia nodosa, Cirsium arvense, regenerating Acer pseudoplatanus and Sambucus nigra, Cirsium palustre, Hypericum androsaemum, Anagallis arvensis, Epilobium ciliatum, Epilobium angustifolium, Sonchus asper, Hypericum maculatum and Tortula sp. occurred. Digitalis purpurea was very abundant and Conium maculatum locally common. Evidence of widespread rabbit activity in the form of droppings and scrapes in the ground was apparent throughout all the clear-felled areas on the survey site.

Recommendations

§ The thinness of the soil in Compartment 16 would make tree establishment difficult. Therefore, it is recommended that this area be converted to heath vegetation consisting of scattered clumps of Ulex europaeus, Betula pubescens, Salix cinerea and Cytisus scoparius. Herbaceous heathland plants, e.g. Teucrium scorodonia would occupy the more open areas. As it is on a south-facing slope, it will favour warmth-loving invertebrates.
§ Structural diversity is important to maintain the widest possible range of invertebrates on the heath ranging from bare ground to scrub with areas dominated by moss and lichen, low herbs on disturbed ground and patches of grassland.
§ The heathland plants that are already colonising this area could be incorporated into the vegetation mosaic.
§ The scrub provides shelter and a place to roost, hunt and bask for many invertebrates. However, the scrub as a whole should not be allowed to dominate the more open components of the heath and should be cut back on a 3-7 year rotation depending on the growth rate of the scrub. The rabbits may help create a mosaic of scrub and more open areas of bare ground and grassland. The scrub should be cut back in an arc around sheltered low-growing vegetation to benefit invertebrates.
§ None of the woody species should be allowed to dominate and all age classes should be encouraged. Broom regenerates well from seed in disturbed soil so disturbed areas around old broom bushes should be created to encourage regeneration. Rabbits may do the job of disturbing the ground. To diversify the age classes of gorse it can be cut back and allowed to resprout. Like broom, it too regenerates well from seed in disturbed soil.
§ Completely clear the sycamore from the clear-felled areas before it becomes dominant.
§ Compartment 17 and Compartment 18 can be completely cleared and replanted with Quercus petraea, Sorbus aucuparia, Pinus sylvestris, Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus avium and Betula pubescens.

Compartment 19

This compartment consisted of recently planted Pinus sylvestris. Between the Scots pine, occasional clumps of Sambucus nigra and regenerating Acer pseudoplatanus occurred. The widely spaced trees also facilitated the development of a short grassy sward underneath the trees consisting of Holcus mollis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus and Urtica dioica. The common darter (Sympetrum striolatum) dragonfly hunted in the grassy areas between the trees. The meadow brown butterfly was also commonly seen in this compartment.

§ The widely spaced Scots pine in this compartment has allowed in sufficient light for a dense ground flora to develop and therefore the Scots pine should be left to mature.
§ The informal paths through this area could be integrated into a recreational walking route. The existing grassland strip bordering the west, south and north sides of the stand of Scots pine could be incorporated into a graded edge of mature trees, scrub, grassland and bare ground.

Compartment 20

This compartment consisted of the old Walled Garden of the Shelton Abbey estate. The Walled Garden consisted of an inner garden within a larger outer garden. The walls of the garden were largely intact except for a small section at the southeastern corner of the inner garden.

A small area of scrub occurred at the southwest corner of the Walled Garden. The flora of this area included Sambucus nigra, Pyrus sp., Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus laurocerasus, regenerating Acer pseudoplatanus and Rubus fruticosus. The ground flora consisted of dense Hedera helix, Heracleum sphondylium, Hyacinthoides non-scriptus, Sonchus asper, Cirsium vulgare, Dryopteris dilatata, Digitalis purpurea and Rumex obtusifolius. Dense stands of Reynoutria japonica, Epilobium angustifolium and Urtica dioica also occurred.

The inner garden used to have a long greenhouse. The supporting wall that protected the glasshouse from damage still exists. It was made from rough quartz and granite blocks. Inside the inner Walled Garden, the flora included dense stands of Urtica dioica and Pteridium aquilinum, Cirsium vulgare, Anagallis arvensis, Dryopteris dilatata, Epilobium angustifolium, regenerating Sambucus nigra and Digitalis purpurea. Around the inside wall of the inner garden, mature Fraxinus excelsior and Quercus petraea were common. There was also quite a lot of bare ground due to disturbance by rabbits.

The central part of the inner garden was dominated by Pteridium aquilinum, Hyacinthoides non-scriptus, Epilobium angustifolium, Urtica dioica, prolific Acer pseudoplatanus and Sambucus nigra regeneration, Asplenium scolopendrium and Scrophularia nodosa. Nicotiana sp., a relic of the ornamental plants that were cultivated in the Walled Garden was also observed.

The outer garden can be entered through an archway in the east wall of the inner garden. In the northwest corner of the outer garden were a series of ruined formerly slated buildings including a dwelling house and possibly apple stores as it is known that there was an extensive orchard in this part of the garden.

Other historical features of interest that have survived in the outer garden included an elongated melon frame, cut stone steps and old pots. Around the walls of the inner and outer gardens, the original training wires for climbers were observed.

The buildings were heavily shaded with mature Acer pseudoplatanus trees. Under the sycamore, shade-tolerant plants occurred including Sambucus nigra, Urtica dioica, Hedera helix, Polystichum setiferum and Dryopteris dilatata.

In the better-lit areas away from the shade of the Sycamore trees, the flora included Epilobium angustifolium, Sambucus nigra and Acer pseudoplatanus regeneration, dense stands of Urtica dioica, Anagallis arvensis, Digitalis purpurea and spreading Rubus fruticosus.

Some scattered ash trees occurred in the center of the outer garden along with extensive swards of Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica, Sonchus asper and Cirsium vulgare.

A red admiral butterfly was observed in a well-lit clump of Rubus fruticosus and a 7-spot ladybird beetle on Urtica dioica. A rook and blackbird were also seen in the outer garden.

A large west-east running ditch separated the Walled Garden from Compartment 14. This was overgrown with dense swards of Phalaris arundinacea. Cirsium palustre and Juncus effusus also occurred. Dense thickets of Rubus fruticosus lined part of the edge of the ditch on its northern side.

Recommendations

§ The Walled Garden is of historical interest. It could therefore be used for something that reflects its former historical use. This could include the planting up of old fruit varieties of Irish origin provided the pollution levels in the area are at an acceptable area. The soil in the area is relatively fertile due to years of cultivation and provided the rabbit population is brought under control, the orchard trees should do well.
§ The outer edges of the inner and outer garden should be planted up with native broadleaf trees including Quercus petraea, Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Pinus sylvestris, Sorbus aucuparia, and Ilex aquifolium, keeping the central areas for the orchard.
§ Clean out the ditch on the south side of the Walled Garden on a 3-4 year rotation to allow a greater diversity of plants to colonise. Plants will eventually be introduced to the ditch on the feet of visiting waterfowl. Cleaning out short stretches of ditch in rotation rather than the whole ditch in one operation ensures that the aquatic invertebrates that frequent the dense stands of Phalaris arundinacea survive. One should aim for gradation of vegetation cover in the ditch from open water to dense stands of Phalaris arundinacea. There should also be stretches of the ditch in full sun, partial shade and full shade. This will mean that tree plantings should be kept well away from the ditch along some stretches. This should conserve the greatest variety of invertebrates.
§ The dense sunlit bramble on the north side of the ditch can be left untouched as it is potentially good for butterflies and other invertebrates.
§ Follow the new Forest Service environmental guidelines on forestry and water quality when planting in the vicinity of the ditch except where deviations from the guidelines are required to fulfill conservation objectives.

APPENDIX 1

Plants Recorded at Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow

Abies alba
Acer pseudoplatanus
Agrostis capillaris
Anagallis arvensis
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Arrhenatherum elatius
Artemisia vulgaris
Asplenium scolopendrium
Betula pubescens
Buddleja davidii
Cardamine flexuosa
Carex pendula
Carex remota
Centaurium erythraea
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
Cirsium arvense
Cirsium palustre
Cirsium vulgare
Conium maculatum
Corylus avellana
Crataegus monogyna
Cytisus scoparius
Digitalis purpurea
Dryopteris dilatata
Dryopteris filix-mas
Epilobium angustifolium
Epilobium ciliatum
Fagus sylvatica
Fraxinus excelsior
Glechoma hederacea
Gnaphalium uliginosum
Hedera helix
Heracleum sphondylium
Holcus lanatus
Holcus mollis
Hyacinthoides non-scriptus
Hypericum androsaemum
Hypericum maculatum
Hypochoeris radicata
APPENDIX 1

Plants Recorded at Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow (contd.)

Ilex aquifolium
Juncus bufonius
Juncus effusus
Lemna minor
Ligustrum vulgare
Lotus uliginosus
Luzula sylvatica
Lysimachia nemorum
Malva moschata
Mimulus moschatus
Myosotis arvense
Nicotiana sp.
Oenanthe crocata
Phalaris arundinacea
Picea sitchensis
Pinus radiata
Pinus sylvestris
Plantago lanceolata
Polygonum hydropiper
Polygonum persicaria
Polystichum setiferum
Prunus avium
Prunus laurocerasus
Prunus spinosa
Pteridium aquilinum
Pyrus sp.
Quercus petraea
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus repens
Reynoutria japonica
Rubus fruticosus agg.
Rumex acetosa
Rumex acetosella
Rumex crispus
Rumex obtusifolius
Rumex sanguineus
Salix cinerea
Sambucus nigra
Scrophularia nodosa
APPENDIX 1

Plants Recorded at Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow (contd.)

Senecio jacobaea
Senecio sylvatica
Sonchus asper
Spergula arvensis
Stellaria graminea
Teucrium scorodonia
Tortula sp.
Trifolium repens
Typha latifolia
Ulex europaeus
Urtica dioica
Vicia sepium
Viola sp.

APPENDIX 2

Vertebrates Recorded at Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow
(s) Denotes record from secondary sources

Mammals
Badger (Meles meles)
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) (s)
Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Stoat (Mustela erminea hibernica) (s)
Mink (Mustela vison) (s)

Birds
House martin (Delichon urbica)
Raven (Corvus corax)
Hooded crow (Corvus corone cornix)
Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)
Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Kestrel (s) (Falco tinnunculus)
Rook (Corvus frugilegus)
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus)
Magpie (Pica pica)
Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Blue tit (Parus caeruleus)

Amphibians
Frog (Rana temporaria)

APPENDIX 3

Invertebrates Recorded at Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow

Insects

Hymenoptera
Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris)

Coleoptera
7-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata)

Odonata
Common darter (Sympetrum striolatum)
Large red damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)
Four-spotted chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata)
Azure damselfly (Coenagrion puella)

Lepidoptera

Butterflies
Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)
Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
Clouded yellow (Colias croceus)
Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Meadow brown (Maniola jurtina ssp. iernes)
Green-veined white (Pieris napi ssp. britannica)

Moths
Magpie moth (Abraxas grossulariata)

Hemiptera
Common backswimmer (Notonecta glauca)

Orthoptera
Field grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus)

ECOLOGICAL SURVEY OF KILBRIDE WOOD

Introduction

Kilbride Wood is situated 2 km northwest of Arklow Town off the third class road to Avoca. In the 19th Century, Kilbride Wood consisted of Quercus petraea woodland but in the early 20th Century, the majority of the sessile oak was felled and the area subsequently planted up with Pseudotsuga mensiesii and Pinus sylvestris. These conifers were felled in the early 1960s. The site was then planted up with Pseudotsuga menziesii and Quercus petraea but the trees did not survive due to air emissions from the IFI fertiliser plant. Birch regeneration subsequently took over the area.

The soil type in the general area is a loam/clay loam of low to medium base status on an Ordovician geology. The subsoil is frequently of a heavy texture that gives rise to poor drainage. This favours such plants as Juncus effusus, Ranunculus repens, Polygonum persicaria, Polygonum hydropiper and Juncus bufonius.

In addition soil that arose from excavating the Arklow Bypass was dumped on a cleared part of Kilbride Wood. This latter soil is relatively infertile and poorly structured as a result of damage caused during the excavation work.

Habitats Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Co. Wicklow

The site was divided up into numbered compartments for ease of survey cross-referenced to the survey map. Within each compartment, one or more distinct habitat types are described.

Compartment 1

This compartment consisted of remnant broad-leaved woodland parallel to the Beech Road. Towards the site entrance, stands of Pinus sylvestris occurred. On the south side of this compartment, the woodland was partly bordered by a ditch. The woodland flora consisted of semi-mature Quercus petraea, Corylus avellana, Fraxinus excelsior and stands of Betula pubescens and Ilex aquifolium. Sambucus nigra was common in places. The ground flora included Dryopteris dilatata, Rubus fruticosus, Pteridium aquilinum and Dryopteris filix-mas. Hedera helix formed dense mats on the woodland floor.

Recommendations

§ The area of broad-leaved woodland near the double ditch could be left to develop naturally as it contains a range of woodland species. It also gives a scenic edge to the Beech road.
§ The Scots pine is acceptable on conservation grounds. The stand of Scots pine should therefore be retained and allowed to grow to maturity. Over-mature specimens of this species will support a diverse range of mycorrhizal macrofungi in the future.

Compartment 2

This was an area of scattered trees amongst rough grassland, dense bracken and bramble. In addition, an area of disturbed ground occurred beside the informal ride that traverses the area.

The ride was a few metres wide and was colonised with a dense grassland sward at its eastern end. A semi-circular grassy ride spurred off this main ride through an open area of rough grassland and dense bracken. Green-veined white butterflies were observed in the grassy areas. The open grassy areas were dominated by Agrostis capillaris, Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Hyacinthoides non-scriptus, Juncus effusus, Scrophularia nodosa, Polygonum persicaria, Galeopsis tetrahit, Senecio sylvaticus and Ranunculus repens. Dense stands of Urtica dioica also occurred.

A diverse flora has arisen on the disturbed ground including Cardamine flexuosa, Scrophularia nodosa, Heracleum sphondylium, Polygonum aviculare, Epilobium angustifolium, Matricaria discoidea, Chenopodium album, Anagallis arvensis, Papaver dubium, Sonchus asper, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Lapsana communis, Sisymbrium officinale, Polygonum aviculare, Plantago major, Stellaria media, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Avena fatua, Lotus uliginosum, Rumex obtusifolius, Gnaphalium uliginosum, Galium aparine and Juncus effusus. The caterpillar of the vapourer moth was also observed in this area.

The trees included Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Acer pseudoplatanus, Tilia sp., Alnus glutinosa, semi-mature Fagus sylvatica and Pinus sylvestris.

Recommendations

§ The informal ride network in this area has been marked on the habitat map. These should be integrated into the formal main ride. The grassland areas can be left untouched as open space. Plant Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus petraea, and Alnus glutinosa with an understorey of Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium and Sorbus aucuparia on the disturbed ground on either side of the informal rides. A wide range of age classes should be encouraged through staggered planting and eventual thinning and replanting. All new plantings throughout the site should be derived from seed collected in the locality. New plantings should also be adequately protected against rabbits and deer until they are established.
§ The well-lit bramble patches are valuable for invertebrates and should therefore be retained in this area and along all informal and formal rides on the site. A number of species feed on the foliage while the flowers are a valuable nectar source. Dead bramble stems are used as nest sites by a number of solitary bees and wasps. In addition, dense bramble clumps provide nesting sites for wasps and birds. Bramble also provides safe overwintering sites for other invertebrates.
§ A graded structural edge of bare ground on the ride, through to grassland, scrub and finally mature woodland should be developed along all informal rides. The ride can be given varying degrees of shade by varying the width of the ride, as different butterflies require varying degrees of cover. Ringlet and wood white butterflies prefer rides that are lightly shaded (10-40% cover), while speckled wood and green-veined white prefer more shaded rides (40-90% cover).
§ The scrub in the graded edge will provide food and shelter for many invertebrates. The leaf litter of the scrub provides breeding and hibernating sites. The scrub-grassland transition will provide additional plant species and growth forms that support a further assemblage of invertebrates.
§ Suitable components of the scrub might include Ulex europaeus and Corylus avellana. Berry-producing shrubs such as Sorbus aucuparia, Ilex europaeus and Crataegus monogyna should also be planted along the ride as these will sustain winter migrants such as fieldfare and redwing. Where possible all planting stock should be derived from local seed sources.
§ Ride edge scrub should have a varied age structure as different invertebrates are attracted to the varying growth stages. This can be achieved by staggered planting. When the graded edge has reached maturity, the scrub may have to be cut back on a 3-7 year rotation to prevent it spreading into the grassland areas. No more than 10% of the scrub should be cut in any one year.
§ A grassy glade with a graded scrub edge could be developed at the eastern end of the main informal ride. For butterflies, this needs to be at least 20 m x 30 m. Bare ground should be provided at intervals in the glades by scraping 1-2m² free of vegetation. This will cater for the needs of solitary wasps that burrow into bare soil, and other invertebrates that use bare soil for hunting over and basking.
§ Different butterfly species prefer different sward heights. Therefore, a mosaic of different turf heights should be maintained in the grassy glade by mowing on rotation. The speed of growth of the grassland will dictate the frequency of mowing.
§ One or two cuts per year will suit most grassland. Frequent monitoring will determine the effects of cutting and adjustments may have to be made. Cutting should take place between October and February preferably later when butterflies do not need the nectar of flowers. Small areas should be left uncut as dead flower and seed heads offer roosting places for butterflies, seed for birds and overwintering shelter for other invertebrates. A coarse cut of about 8-10 cm is best for butterflies but some plants require a shorter sward to eliminate competition with rank grasses. Hand-scything the vegetation over small areas is least damaging. Allow seed to fall from the cut herbage before removing them from the site.
§ The regular cutting of bracken along the ride edges will allow the weaker smaller plants to flourish but the odd patch of bracken can be left untouched as it supports its own suite of invertebrates.

Compartment 3

This area consisted of an old marl pond that was surrounded by damp scrub. The pond was observed to be full of deep mud at the time of survey and largely devoid of vegetation except around its northern and eastern edges where scrub and a diverse range of wetland herbaceous plants occurred.

The damp scrub consisted of Salix cinerea, Alnus glutinosa, Corylus avellana, Lonicera periclymenum, Circaea lutetiana, Deschampsia caespitosa, Carex remota, Rumex sanguineus, Silene dioica, Rumex sanguineus, Veronica montana, Urtica dioica, Athyrium filix-femina, Ranunculus repens, Vicia sepium, Dryopteris dilatata and Rhododendron ponticum.

The herbaceous wetland plants included Galium palustre, Veronica beccabunga, Juncus effusus, Filipendula ulmaria, Equisetum fluviatile, Cardamine pratensis, Iris pseudacorus and Oenanthe crocata.

East of the marl pond, a small grassy glade with Agrostis capillaris, Ranunculus flammula, Galium palustre and Mentha aquatica occurred.

A dry wooded rocky outcrop overlooked the northern side of the marl pond. The trees growing on top of the rocky outcrop included mature Quercus petraea, regenerating Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana and Fagus sylvatica. Under the Quercus petraea, extensive mats of Polytrichum formosum occurred. The knoll was surrounded by dense Rubus fruticosus on its southeastern side. Remains of a sparrowhawk kill were seen on top of the rocky outcrop.

Recommendations

§ The old marl pond could be cleaned out and managed to encourage a diverse range of aquatic plants and invertebrates such as dragonflies.
§ When clearing out the pond, the existing wetland plants on the northern and eastern sides of the pond should not be disturbed. The water level in different parts of the pond should be varied to allow for the varying requirements of emergent and submerged plants.
§ The trees on the north and east sides of the pond should be retained as cover for birds. Invertebrates from the restored pond will also use the trees on the rocky outcrop as resting up places.
§ A wait and see approach should be taken before any wetland plants are introduced into the cleared out pond. The existing plants if retained may spread of their own accord over a larger area once the silted up portion of the pond is cleaned out. In addition, waterfowl attracted to the pond may introduce plant propagules, e.g. the seeds of pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.) on their feet.
§ Where plant colonisation is not taking place, introduction of wetland herbaceous plants may have to be considered. These must be derived from local sources outside areas with a protected area designation. Nursery stock should not be used as it is often derived from foreign strains.
§ The trees and shrubs on the south side of the pond should be selectively removed or coppiced to allow more light into the pond.
§ A recreational path could be routed around the south and west sides of the pond to allow the public to view the fauna and flora of the pond. An interpretative information board could be provided in a sensitive location to explain about pond ecology and build support for pond conservation in general.

Compartment 4

This compartment was clear-felled in rectangular blocks to facilitate the new plantings. Linear belts of scrub were left between the clear-felled areas to act as seed sources for the natural regeneration of the clear-felled areas. In addition, the scrub strips ensured that at least some cover remained for birds until closed-canopy woodland could be established on the site. The brashings derived from the clear-cutting that were left at the edges of some of the scrub strips will also provide nesting sites for such birds as wren and blackbird.

The flora of these linear scrub strips largely consisted of dense stands of Betula pubescens with smaller amounts of Quercus petraea, Corylus avellana, Rubus fruticosus, Fraxinus excelsior, Ulex europaeus, Salix cinerea, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra, Acer pseudoplatanus and spreading patches of Pteridium aquilinum. Acer pseudoplatanus was abundant in some strips. Saplings of a number of species were observed including those of Quercus petraea, Corylus avellana and Fraxinus excelsior.

In some strips, bramble dominated the interior of the scrub reducing the diversity of the ground flora by casting dense shade. Due to the increased light resulting from clearfelling, bramble has spread out from the edges of the scrub into the clearfelled areas. Bird species seen in or at the edge of the scrub strips included chiffchaff, wren, magpie, robin (juvenile) and willow warbler. The speckled wood butterfly was also common along the scrub edges. Signs of the presence of deer were also seen. Dead wood supported the fungus Marasmiellus ramealis.

The ground flora in the uncut scrub areas varied in diversity from one strip to another. It included Dryopteris filix-mas, Dryopteris dilatata, Hedera helix, Luzula sp., Blechnum spicant and Hyacinthoides non-scriptus.

The majority of the site area was clear-felled of its scrub cover in 1999. The clearfelled areas were blanket sprayed to eliminate weeds that would compete with the new plantings. The herbaceous flora that has germinated in the clear-felled areas included a mixture of ruderal, heath/grassland and scrub species. Trees and shrubs are also regenerating in these areas.

Ruderal herbaceous plants in the clear-felled areas included Epilobium ciliatum, Sonchus asper, Sonchus oleraceus, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Galeopsis tetrahit, Scrophularia nodosa, Juncus effusus, Juncus bufonius, Polygonum persicaria, Cerastium fontanum, Urtica dioica, Prunella vulgaris, Cardamine flexuosa, Spergula arvensis, Rumex obtusifolius, Gnaphalium uliginosum, Heracleum sphondylium, Holcus mollis, Lepidium heterophyllum, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Epilobium angustifolium, Plantago lanceolata, Anagallis arvensis, Senecio sylvaticus and Senecio jacobaea.

Grassland species have colonised some of the clear-felled areas including Agrostis capillaris, Arrhenatherum elatius, Hypochoeris radicata and Rumex acetosa. Rabbits utilise the herbage in the clear-felled areas, the surrounding scrub providing them with cover. Some of the herbaceous species formed dominant stands in the clear-felled areas including Urtica dioica, Galeopsis tetrahit, Epilobium angustifolium, Digitalis purpurea, Senecio sylvaticus, Juncus bufonius and Pteridium aquilinum.

A frog was seen in one of the clearings while the entrance to a badger sett was observed in an embankment at the bottom of one of the clear-felled areas to the west of the site. The location of the badger sett has been marked on the habitat map. Both the frog and the badger are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976. Butterflies frequenting the cleared areas included small copper, meadow brown and green-veined white. Other insects included field grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus) and the beetles Rhagonycha fulva and Coccinella septempunctata.

The following trees and scrubs were regenerating from seed or were resprouting from cut stumps: Betula pubescens, Corylus avellana, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus petraea, Ilex aquifolium and Salix cinerea. Regenerating non-native trees and shrubs included Acer pseudoplatanus and Rhododendron ponticum.

Relict herbaceous species from the original scrub cover that have survived the clear-felling included Luzula sp., Pteridium aquilinum, Lysimachia nemorum, Rubus fruticosus, Lonicera periclymenum, Dryopteris dilatata, Blechnum spicant, Geranium robertianum, Dryopteris filix-mas, Vicia sepium, Lapsana communis, Rumex sanguineus, Carex remota, Lonicera periclymenum and Hyacinthoides non-scriptus. The cultivated form of the yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon ssp. argenteum) was also observed. This species is probably a relic of the estate ornamental plantings.

Heath species included Hypochoeris radicata, Rumex acetosella, Senecio sylvaticus, Potentilla erecta, Pteridium aquilinum and Digitalis purpurea.

Diverse ruderal, grassland, heath and woodland flora was observed along the edges of the existing formal rides. In addition, dense stands of bracken reach the ride edges at intervals especially along the southern edge of the westernmost ride.

Ruderal species included Juncus bufonius, Juncus effusus, Polygonum persicaria, Sonchus asper, Epilobium angustifolium, Senecio jacobaea, Galeopsis tetrahit, Cirsium palustre, Cirsium vulgare, Cirsium arvense, Galium aparine, Rumex obtusifolius, Prunella vulgaris, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Senecio sylvaticus, Rumex crispus, Urtica dioica, Gnaphalium uliginosum, Holcus mollis, Euphorbia peplus, Veronica serpyllifolia, Coronopus didymus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Sonchus oleraceus, Matricaria discoidea, Anagallis arvensis, Capsella bursa-pastoris and Plantago major.

The flora of the rough grassland along the ride edges included Agrostis capillaris, Trifolium pratense, Holcus lanatus, Ranunculus repens, Lotus uliginosus, Hypochoeris radicata, Rumex acetosa, Arrhenatherum elatius and Anthoxanthum odoratum.

The relict herbaceous flora of the original scrub cover consisted of Hypericum androsaemum, Lapsana communis, Stellaria holostea, Dryopteris filix-mas, Lamiastrum galeobdolon ssp. argentatum and Hyacinthoides non-scriptus.

Butterflies recorded along the ride edges included meadow brown and peacock.

Recommendations

§ Retain the scrub strips as a source of seed for natural regeneration of the clearfelled areas with Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Betula pubescens, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium and Quercus petraea. At the ride edges, Ulex europaeus, Rosa arvensis, Prunus spinosa, Lonicera periclymenum and Crataegus monogyna could be planted. Remove the sycamore from the scrub strips as soon as possible as it could rapidly colonise the clear-felled areas and swamp the new plantings. Sycamore and rhododendron seedlings that arise in the future should be pulled up as they appear.
§ As birch is a relatively short-lived tree, the continuity of the dead wood habitat is easily maintained whether it is dry rotholes for nesting birds or decaying wood for saproxylic invertebrates. Leaving some of the birch stands to overmature will benefit mycorrhizal macrofungi in the future as well as hole-nesting birds as rotholes develop in the overmature birch. Birch supports a wide range of mycorrhizal macrofungi including those in the genera Cortinarius, Lactarius and Leccinum. It is therefore recommended that a fungal foray in the birch strips be carried out in the autumn. The resultant species list can be used for environmental education purposes, e.g. for an information leaflet.
§ Management to diversify the age structure of all species in the new plantings is required. The native tree and shrub regeneration in the clear-felled areas will diversify the age structure of the linear strips of scrub if carefully encouraged in certain areas. This will increase its wildlife value, as different species are adapted to the different growth phases of individual species. However, the regenerating species should not be allowed to dominate the new plantings of such species as sessile oak that initially require relatively high light levels to develop. Another way to diversity the age structure of the woodland is by staggering the planting in the clear-felled areas over a number of years.
§ Coppicing the hazel and birch over some areas will also produce a more varied age profile. By allowing local people a chance to harvest coppice products, public support for the woodland can be generated. The more the public value a wood, the more likely they will watch over it and thereby reduce the current problem of dumping in the woodland.
§ It is recommended that all the Acer pseudoplatanus and Rhododendron ponticum is removed before it has a chance to dominate the new plantings.
§ The piles of brashings left along the scrub strips left after clearfelling can be left in situ. They are potential bird nestsites and provide shelter in the coldest months. They are of higher value to invertebrates if they could be densely packed into bundles.
§ Where dense tall Pteridium aquilinum extend almost to the ride edge they can be cut back to leave a 2-m strip along the edge that should eventually acquire a more diverse flora. However small areas of bracken can be left at intervals as it supports its own suite of invertebrates. Well-lit south-facing clumps of bramble should be left where possible. As mentioned above, in these locations, bramble can be very good for invertebrates.
§ Semicircular glades or glades can be cut into the edge of the clear-felled areas on either side of the ride. These will initially colonise with the ruderals mentioned above. A grassland sward should be encouraged in these glades. As the grass sward closes, the ruderals will be out-competed. Generally, the glades should be managed in the same way as the grassy glade proposed for Compartment 2. Notable differences were observed in the vegetation between different clear-felled areas. Some had a lot of scrub regeneration, others were dominated by bracken or grass. The rate of growth and type of vegetation will determine the frequency of mowing.
§ The shallow ditch along the ride edges can be kept clear of scrub and dense bramble and bracken. It has colonised with plants of damp ground including Juncus bufonius, Polygonum hydropiper and Polygonum persicaria that add to the biodiversity of the site. The ditch should generally be left undisturbed except where glades are going to be cut into the clear-felled areas.
§ The ruderals in the clear-felled areas contribute to the floral diversity of the site. Many of these are annuals that can only be maintained on the site by creating disturbed areas along the ride edges or in the proposed glades in the clear-felled areas every three years. This would preserve such attractive annuals as Galeopsis tetrahit on site. It is possible that visitor traffic in the future will be at a sufficient level to provide the required disturbance to maintain the annuals thus reducing management costs. It is only by constant monitoring can the right course of action be undertaken.
§ To maximise the continuity of the new native tree and shrub plantings, it is recommended that new recreational rides be kept to a minimum. Where new rides are unavoidable, they also should be given a graded edge and run in a west to east direction if possible to capture the most sunlight. The edges of new rides should meander, indent or curve to give better shelter and create suntraps for invertebrates.
§ Measures should be taken to protect the badger setts from disturbance or damage. The timing of forestry operations should be planned to avoid the badger-breeding season (December to June inclusive). Avoid carrying out forestry operations within 20 m of all sett entrances. Noisy operations may need a buffer zone greater than 20 m. Trees outside the protection zone should be felled away from any sett, badger run or latrine. Use of or storage of chemicals, fuel or oil should not be permitted in the protected zone. No recreational rides should be within 100 m of any sett and dogs kept under control at all times. Potentially noisy activities such as orienteering should be zoned away from the sett or timed to avoid the breeding season.

Compartment 5

This compartment consisted of dense scrub dominated by Betula pubescens, Salix cinerea and impenetrable bramble. Quercus petraea and Acer pseudoplatanus saplings, Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana, Lonicera periclymenum, semimature Fraxinus excelsior and Acer pseudoplatanus were occasionally dispersed throughout the area.
The scrub sometimes extended to the arable fields. In other areas the scrub stopped short of the fields at a more open area where a line of widely-spaced oaks delimit an old ride.

Along the main ditch, the downy birch scrub was mixed with the odd beech and stands of coppiced hazel and ash. The magpie moth was seen flying around the coppiced hazel.

The diversity of the ground flora of the birch scrub was relatively low. It included dense Hedera helix, Polystichum setiferum and Dryopteris dilatata.

A damp depression to the west of the marl pond near the coppiced hazel along the ditch was covered with abundant semi-mature Fraxinus excelsior, Rosa sp., Prunus spinosa, dense Rubus fruticosus, Ilex aquifolium and some Acer pseudoplatanus saplings. The ground flora included Lysimachia nemorum, Carex remota, Ranunculus repens, Digitalis purpurea, Hedera helix and Dryopteris filix-mas.

A grassland strip up to 6 m wide occurred on the south side of the ditch opposite the marl pond. The main grasses in the sward were Agrostis capillaris and Holcus lanatus. Other plants included Digitalis purpurea, Deschampsia caespitosa, Epilobium angustifolium and Hypericum pulchrum.

The site is bound by the new Arklow Bypass to the east, the Beech road to the north, scrub on its western side and arable (barley) fields on its southern side. Generally, the woodland edge along the arable fields was dense and well structured apart from small areas were a line of oaks extended along the old ride bordering the fields. The trees and shrubs at the woodland edge included Quercus petraea, Sambucus nigra, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Salix cinerea, Lonicera periclymenum and Betula pubescens. Dense bramble thickets also occurred.

Along the edge of the arable fields, nutrient enrichment from the fertilisation of the crops has resulted in dense stands of Urtica dioica, Rumex obtusifolius, Galium aparine and Cirsium arvense. Other herbaceous plants included Cirsium vulgare, Lotus uliginosus, Epilobium angustifolium, Holcus mollis, Trifolium repens and Ranunculus repens.

Recommendations

§ The birch scrub is dense and even-aged and of lower conservation value than old scrub of mixed age. However, it does support bird species that favour dense scrub. By selectively group felling some of the areas of birch, and allowing it to recolonise by natural regeneration a more diverse range of age classes could be encouraged. Staggering the planting in the cleared areas over a number of years would also diversify the age structure. Some areas of dense birch scrub should be allowed to overmature so that they can contribute to the deadwood habitat in the long-term.
§ The other broadleaf native species, e.g. ash, oak and hazel that occur at intervals through the area should be allowed to spread by clearing some of the bramble and dense birch scrub around the trees of interest. This is especially important for the sessile oak that requires a lot of light to develop.
§ All sycamore and other exotic species should be cleared from accessible areas.
§ A feasibility study should be carried out into expanding the area of coppiced hazel that was observed along the main ditch. The coppice could be extended northwards into the adjacent clear-felled area across the ditch and managed on a coppice rotation of between seven and 10 years. Again as with the proposed birch coppice, local people could harvest the produce to make a variety of wood products, e.g. thatching spars and rustic garden fencing. This could raise the profile of the wood and generate local employment.
§ Invading scrub species including Rubus fruticosus, Salix cinerea and Betula pubescens should be prevented from encroaching on the grassland to the south of the ditch. The scrub can be cut back on a 3-7 year rotation depending on the growth rate of the scrub.
§ It is recommended that shrubs be planted to the outside of the mature line of oaks along the old ride running parallel to the fields to give a graded edge to the woodland. The improved vegetation structure would be of benefit to a wider variety of fauna and flora. Suitable species might include Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Corylus avellana, Lonicera periclymenum, Betula pubescens and Fraxinus excelsior. Negotiations between Coillte and the owner of the arable fields should take place in order to get agreement on leaving a 6-m unsprayed strip from the field edge. Research has shown that if this were done, insect numbers especially butterflies would dramatically increase while effects on crop yields would be minimal (in Dunbar, 1993).

Compartment 6

An area of dense largely sunlit scrub bordering the south side of the field consisted of extensive areas of scattered mature specimens of Quercus petraea, dense bramble, Epilobium angustifolium, Salix cinerea and Lonicera periclymenum. Willow warbler, wood pigeon and blackbird were seen or heard in this area.

§ This area should largely be cleared except for the mature sessile oak and replanted with the same native species as recommended for the other compartments.
§ The dense south-facing bramble thickets along the field edge should be retained, as they are potentially good for invertebrates.

Compartment 7

The field at the eastern end of the site was formed when the original scrub covering this area was cleared and the ground dumped with excavated soil from the construction of the Arklow Bypass about two years ago. A recent analysis of the soil in this field revealed it relatively infertile and poorly structured probably due to the impact of the Arklow Bypass construction machinery.

The west and north sides of the field consisted of scrub similar in composition to the scrub left between the clear-felled areas. The scrub flora included dense stands of Betula pubescens, Ulex europaeus, regenerating Salix cinerea, Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Quercus petraea saplings and patches of bracken and bramble.

The scrub at the western side of the field consisted of scattered blocks while the scrub along the northern side of the field bordering the Beech Road was more continuous and contained older trees. Mature trees along the Beech Road included Fraxinus excelsior with some semi-mature Quercus petraea, Fagus sylvatica and Acer pseudoplatanus. Two willow warblers were observed in the roadside scrub.

The herbaceous flora in this field consisted of a mixture of ruderals and grassland species including Lotus uliginosum, Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense, Holcus lanatus, Rumex obtusifolius, Senecio jacobaea, Senecio sylvaticus, Sonchus asper, Cirsium arvense, Trifolium pratense, Juncus bufonius, Juncus effusus, Agrostis capillaris, Spergula arvensis, Poa trivialis, Centaurium erythraea, Holcus lanatus, Plantago major, Lolium perenne, Rumex crispus, Polygonum persicaria, Epilobium angustifolium, Holcus mollis, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Tanacetum parthenium, Prunella vulgaris, Vicia cracca, Vicia sepium and Daucus carota. The garden escape Lobelia erinus was also observed.

On the south side of the field above the main ditch, a grassland strip several metres wide occurred dominated by Agrostis capillaris and Holcus lanatus.

There were some damp areas in the northeastern corner of the field. The flora of these damp areas included Ranunculus repens, Cirsium palustre and Juncus effusus. The latter formed extensive dominant swards in places.

Insects in the field included meadow brown and ringlet butterflies, field grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus), 6-spot burnet moth, and the soldier beetle Rhagonycha fulva.

In the ditch on the southern side of the field, the flora included species characteristic of damp soils including Apium nodiflorum, Juncus effusus, Galium palustre, Carex remota and swards of Juncus bufonius. The liverwort Pellia sp. formed extensive mats along the inside of the ditch.

§ The infertile nature of the soil in this recently formed field restricts the choice of trees and shrubs to those tolerant of such soils. The best management recommendation to maximise habitat and species diversity in this area bearing in mind soil limitations, is to create a mosaic of scattered groups of scrub, dry and damp grassland and patches of ruderals.
§ The scrub could be made up of the following species: Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius, Betula pubescens and Alnus glutinosa. All stock should be derived from locally collected seed. The scrub should be planted in discrete blocks throughout the field. Scrub could also be planted along the eastern side of the field to screen the field from the Arklow Bypass. By staggering the planting and coppicing some areas over a number of years, a more varied scrub age structure could be produced. Different intensities of thinning will also introduce structural diversity.
§ The transition between wet and dry grassland in the field provides a greater range of niches for invertebrates. It is therefore recommended that the damp rushy areas and adjoining drier grassland areas be left as open space between the scattered scrub blocks.
§ Ruderals such as Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare and Senecio jacobaea can support important invertebrate communities. These can be maintained in small areas by disturbing the ground every three years.
§ Recreational rides could wind through the area and connecting up with the formal and informal rides. By channeling the public through the different habitats (marl pond, scrub, mature woodland, grassland) on the site, walkers will receive a more varied visual and educational experience.

APPENDIX 1

Flora Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Arklow, Co. Wicklow

Acer pseudoplatanus
Agrostis capillaris
Alnus glutinosa
Anagallis arvensis
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Apium nodiflorum
Arrhenatherum elatius
Athyrium filix-femina
Avena fatua
Betula pubescens
Blechnum spicant
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Cardamine flexuosa
Cardamine pratensis
Carex remota
Centaurium erythraea
Cerastium fontanum
Chenopodium album
Circaea lutetiana
Cirsium arvense
Cirsium palustre
Cirsium vulgare
Coronopus didymus
Corylus avellana
Daucus carota
Deschampsia caespitosa
Digitalis purpurea
Dryopteris dilatata
Dryopteris filix-mas
Epilobium angustifolium
Epilobium ciliatum
Equisetum fluviatile
Euphorbia peplus
Fagus sylvatica
Filipendula ulmaria
Fraxinus excelsior
Galeopsis tetrahit
Galium aparine
APPENDIX 1

Flora Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Arklow, Co. Wicklow (contd.)

Galium palustre
Geranium robertianum
Gnaphalium uliginosum
Hedera helix
Heracleum sphondylium
Holcus lanatus
Holcus mollis
Hyacinthoides non-scriptus
Hypericum androsaemum
Hypericum pulchrum
Hypochoeris radicata
Ilex aquifolium
Iris pseudacorus
Juncus bufonius
Juncus effusus
Lamiastrum galeobdolon ssp. argentatum
Lapsana communis
Lepidium heterophyllum
Lobelia erinus
Lolium perenne
Lonicera periclymenum
Lotus uliginosus
Luzula sp.
Lysimachia nemorum
Matricaria discoidea
Mentha aquatica
Oenanthe crocata
Papaver dubium
Pellia sp.
Pinus sylvestris
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago major
Poa trivialis
Polygonum aviculare
Polygonum hydropiper
Polygonum persicaria
Polystichum setiferum
Polytrichum formosum
Potentilla erecta
APPENDIX 1

Flora Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Arklow, Co. Wicklow (contd.)

Prunella vulgaris
Prunus spinosa
Pteridium aquilinum
Quercus petraea
Ranunculus flammula
Ranunculus repens
Rhododendron ponticum
Rosa sp.
Rubus fruticosus agg.
Rumex acetosa
Rumex acetosella
Rumex crispus
Rumex obtusifolius
Rumex sanguineus
Salix cinerea
Sambucus nigra
Scrophularia nodosa
Senecio jacobaea
Senecio sylvaticus
Silene dioica
Sisymbrium officinale
Sonchus asper
Sonchus oleraceus
Spergula arvensis
Stellaria holostea
Stellaria media
Tanacetum parthenium
Tilia sp.
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Tripleurospermum inodorum
Ulex europaeus
Urtica dioica
Veronica beccabunga
Veronica montana
Veronica serpyllifolia
Vicia cracca
Vicia sepium

APPENDIX 2

Fungi Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Co. Wicklow

Chondrostereum purpureum
Marasmiellus ramealis

APPENDIX 3

Vertebrates Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Co. Wicklow

Birds
Willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus)
Magpie (Pica pica)
Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
Robin (Erithacus rubecula) (adult and juvenile)
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Blue tit (Parus caeruleus)

Mammals
Fallow deer (Dama dama)
Badger (Meles meles)

Amphibians
Frog (Rana temporaria)

APPENDIX 4

Invertebrates Recorded at Kilbride Wood, Co. Wicklow

Insects

Lepidoptera

Butterflies
Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria ssp. tircis)
Peacock (Inachis io)
Meadow brown (Maniola jurtina ssp. iernes)
Green-veined white (Pieris napi ssp. britannica)
Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)
Wall brown (Lasiommata megera)
Small copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
Painted lady (Cynthia cardui)

Moths
Magpie moth (Abraxas grossulariata)
6-spot burnet (Zygaena filipendulae)
Vapourer moth (Orgyia antiqua)

Coleoptera
7-spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata)
Rhagonycha fulva

Hymenoptera
Melanostoma scalare
Bombus terrestris

Orthoptera
Field grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus)

Acknowledgements

The author is indebted to the following people for invaluable comments and advice during the course of this survey. Dúchas research and administrative staff (John Cross, Neil Lockhart and Tom Curtis) and Coillte research, technical and administrative staff (Declan Little, Ted Lynch, Barry Code, Michael Doyle, John McLoughlin, Pat Noonan, Nicky Kirwan, Mick Keane, Aileen O'Sullivan).

The author would also like to thank Brian Keeley (Dublin Bat Group), Liam Murphy, Justin Ivory (Wicklow Branch of IWC Birdwatch Ireland), Tom O'Neill (Heritage Officer, Wicklow County Council), IWC Birdwatch Ireland Head Office, Des Crofton (Irish Association of Regional Game Councils), Shay Murphy (Wicklow Regional Game Council), Nick Mulloy and Ger O'Byrne, (Wicklow Town Local Office, Department of Agriculture), Michael Almore (Teagasc Local Office, Wicklow Town), Diarmuid McAree (Forest Service) and Michael Bulfin (Teagasc, Kinsealy, Co. Dublin).

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Wilson, J. (1977). Some Breeding Bird Communities of Sessile Oak Woodlands in Ireland. Polish Ecological Studies 3(4) 245-256.
Zahradník, J. (1991). A Field Guide in Colour to Bees and Wasps. Aventinum Publishing house, Prague.

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