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Ballynacally Biodiversity Plan

2019 – 2023

Biodiversity Plan Team : Phillip Hayward, Ann McMahon, Margaret Galvin,

Yvonne Harrison and Marian Kelly

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Ballynacally Biodiversity Plan 2019-2023

Table of Contents

Title Page

Introduction 3

Relevant Biodiversity Principles and Approaches 4

Biodiversity Plan 5 - 8

Ballynacally Built Heritage / Natural Heritage Habitats 9 Drawing of shore area 10 - 12

And Aerial Photos

Research Documents on Shore Wildlife 13 - 16

Maps 17 - 20

Research from Waterways Ireland on Ballynacally 21 - 24

Plastic Reduction 25 - 26

Invasive Species 27

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Ballynacally Biodiversity Plan 2019-2023

Introduction

This plan was documented by Ballynacally Tidy Towns Group post group attendance of the

CLDC and Burren-Beo Biodiversity course held at the CLDC Centre in Ennis 2019. The Plan

aims to guide the actions of the group and raise awareness of the cultural, historical, wildlife

and natural amenities of the area. The Tidy Towns Group sought to develop a practical plan

with education and awareness raising at its core. The main aims being :

Identify practical measures to enhance biodiversity in the area

Provide detailed evidence based recommendations for habitat and biodiversity

management

Recommend tools for raising awareness and education including the use of signage and

materials, projects and opportunities for volunteering

Biodiversity in Ballynacally, Co. Clare

Ballynacally village is situated close to the River Fergus and consequently has a variety of

wildlife habitats to include Estuarine, Wetlands, Arable Farmland and Mudflat habitats

providing extensive and varied habitats for example (Igrets, Herons, Swallows, Curlews,

Corncrakes, Pheasants, Hares, Rabbitts, Otters, Eels and Bats). Its geological make up is

mainly shale.

The shore/estuary area is an amazing habitat for migrating birds.

The area has a lot of natural hedgerows which include whitethorn, blackthorn, wild

honeysuckle, wild roses, harts tongue, ferns, ilex holly, blackberry, crabapple, elderberry

together with numerous beech and chestnut trees.

The village is noted for its beautiful historical stone walls running through the main

thoroughfare with its multitude of mosses and lichens.

There is a substantial amount of built heritage in the area also which supports roosting and

nesting birds and bats. Dangan Castle, Old Church ruins in Kilchreest Graveyard with its ivy

clad walls and Paradise House and grounds are examples of these.

Paradise House and grounds are also home to untouched areas of mixed woodlands with a

large variety of naturalised Rhododendrons which provide a spectacular sight in Spring.It is

also home to a variety of pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

The purpose of this Biodiversity plan is to bring awareness and to preserve and promote

existing wildlife for the local community, the younger generation and the numerous visitors

travelling on the Shannon Estuary Way. We have encouraged the local schools to get

involved.

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Ballynacally Biodiversity Plan 2019-2023

Relevant Biodiversity Principles and Approaches

Biodiversity means the total number and variety of living organisms in the world

combined with all the interactions between them.

We need biodiversity, it is essential to human existence. The complex interactions

between living things provide the plants and animals we use as food, oxygen to

breathe, water, fertile soil, natural disease control, climate control, and the huge

recreational, spiritual and aesthetic value of the countryside . Our dependence on

biodiversity is commonly called nature’s ecosystem services.

We are facing a massive loss of biodiversity across the world, there are three main

biodiversity loss reasons :-

1) Climate Change : most species are adapted to fairly specific climates but

everywhere the climate is changing and species which can are moving north. For

example it may soon become too warm in Ireland for beech trees to flourish

2) Loss of natural habitat due to fragmentation, land degradation, pollution,

population growth and over consumption

3) Invasive species which outcompete native vegetation and prevent other species

from becoming established. They also change the physical environment making it

less suitable for native species. Some IAS cause disease.

The best tools for biodiversity management planning are careful observation and taking

a least interference approach in which we encourage natures way but do not try to

control it.

Always use native species where possible obtained from local genetic stock

Prioritise the management of hedgerows, stone walls and grasslands

Adopt a chemical free policy and using herbicides and pesticides only when absolutely

necessary.

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Ballynacally Biodiversity Plan 2019-2023

No Action Implemention Group Timeframe Resources & Support Partners

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Develop Shoreline

Erect Directional Signpost From Main Road

Erect Flora, Fauna and Wildlife Public Information Display Board At Pier area

Develop Seated Area at Shore

Install Birdwatch Hide at Pier area

Install new lifebuoys at Shore And Ballycorrick Bridge for health And Safety

Clare Co Co Local Engineer & Tidy Towns Group Environmental Grant Funding & Tidy Towns Group Tidy Towns Group Tidy Towns Group Tidy Towns Group

2019 2019/2020 2020 2021 2019

National Biodiversity and Mapping Website www.biodiversity.ie www.birdwatchireland.ie Watersafety Ireland

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Plants

Wildflower Meadow at Picnic Area

New Woodland area

More Perennials to replace bedding flowers

Plant a variety of climbing ivys and plants on wall at GAA pitch

Tidy Towns Group & Seedbomb Ireland Tidy Towns Group Tidy Towns Group Tidy Towns Group

2019 2019 2019/2023 2021

www.butterflyconservaiton.ie www.seedbombs.ie All Ireland Pollinator Plan National Tree Week

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Wildlife

Install wildlife signage

Swift box installed at side of community centre

Nest Boxes

More Bird Feeders

Install Bat Boxes

Rejuvinate insect hotel

Let more grass grow long for wildlife

Speak to local bee keeper for ideas

All by Tidy Towns Group

2020 2019 2019 2020/21 2020 2020 2020 2020/21

www.rivershannonandfergus estuaries swift conservation Ireland mens shed Bat Conservation Ireland Beekeepers Association

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Invasive Species

3 year plan for treatment of Japanese Knotweed including mapping areas

Sow natural hedgerow and pollinator plants to replace knotweed when eradicated after year 3

Information night and talk given by Dr. Frances Giaquinto for the local landowners and community

LA 21 Grant Specialist Treatment by Knotweed Ireland Consultant Tidy Towns Group Tidy Towns Group

2019/2021 2020/21 2019 2021

Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern Regulation EU 1143/2014 Sustainable use of Pesticides Directives Future Forest Hedging

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School

Repeat Bat Walks

Nature Day at the school – repeat 2018 Biodiversity day given by Irish Seedsavers

Spring clean which creates awareness of new growth while out and about

Organise Dawn Chorus

Recycle Plastic talk and video given by Tidy Towns Member at primary school

Sunflower and other biodiversity competitions to encourage the involvement of children

Tidy Towns Group

Local Primary Schools Tidy Towns Youth Officer

2020 2020 2019/2023 2021 2019 2019

Geoschols.com Seedsavers Scariff An Taisce Bird Watch Ireland Green Schools Voice Ireland EPA

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Trees and Hedgerows

Replace trees knocked by storm

Trees sown in conjunction with National Tree Week

300 ft of native natural hedgerow sown and intend to do more (whitethorn, holly, dog rose, blackthorn and rowan)

All by Tidy Towns Group

2019 2019/2023 2019/2023

National Tree Week Future Forest

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Composting

Develop new composting area

Tidy Towns Group

2019/2020

Waste.ie Green Clare Composter

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Create awareness of composting through social media

Look at the option of having a wormery

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Old Buildings/Walls

Paradise House

Old Stone Walls throughout the village

Graveyard

Dangan Castle

Old Lime Kiln

Forge

www.heritage.ie Heritage Council of Ireland National Monument Service www.archeology.ie Clare Library

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Information/Education

Seasonal walks twice yearly Spring and Autumn through Paradise grounds – this area has an abundance of biodiversity – which includes a stately house

Display of old photos

Look in to creating a local museum telling the story of times past

Collect history of the graveyard

Engage with local landowners to pinpoint the kilns, ringforts, etc and areas of interest and areas of biodiversity on their lands

All by Tidy Towns Group

2020/2023 2020 2021 2020/21

Clare Library Local Historians Heritage.ie www.duchas.ie Kilchreest Graveyard Committee

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Ballynacally Built Heritage Habitats

Christ the king church, Ballycorick Kilchreest Graveyard Church Dangan Castle

Ballynacally Community Centre Paradise house Ballynacally Stone walls on entrance to the

village

Ballynacally Natural Heritage Habitats

Ballycorick Bridge 5 arches Rosscliff Shore Paradise house Ballynacally

Rose lovers area by the river Wild flower meadow St. Martins blessed well

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Plants identified at Shore / Pier Area :

Ragworth, Buttercup, Dandelions, Thistles, Wild Daisies (Aster Sea), Blackberries, Docks, Chicken Weed,

Ferns, Silverweed, Clover, Seaweed, Strong grasses, Rushes, Nettles.

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Research on Special Protection Areas and Shore Area

River Shannon and Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area Site Code

4077 - (a comprehensive document – some relevant information):

SUMMARY - This document presents conservation objectives for the Special Conservation Interests of the

River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area, designated under Directive 2009/147/EC on

the conservation of wild birds (Birds Directive). Part One presents an introduction to the Special Protection

Area designation process and to the site designated as the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special

Protection Area. The subject of conservation objectives and their formulation is also introduced. Part Two

provides site designation information for the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area

and Part Three presents the conservation objectives for this site. Part Four reviews the conservation condition

of the site Special Conservation Interest (SCI) species including analysis of wintering (non-breeding) population

trends, assignment of site conservation condition, and examination of site trends in light of all-Ireland and

international status and trends. Importantly, this section states the current conservation condition, where

available, of each of the site Special Conservation Interest species. Part Five provides supporting information

that is intended to assist the interpretation of the sitespecific conservation objectives. This section includes a

review of the ecological characteristics of the SCI species of the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA,

and examines waterbird distribution recorded during the 2010/11 Waterbird Survey Programme, drawing also

on data from NPWS monitoring programmes (e.g. benthic surveys) and the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-

WeBS). Part Five concludes with information on activities and events that occur in and around the site which

may interact with waterbirds during the non-breeding season and includes an assessment of those activities

that were recorded to cause disturbance to non-breeding waterbirds at the site during the 2010/11 Waterbird

Survey Programme.

Both the Fergus and inner Shannon estuaries feature vast expanses of intertidal mudflats. The smaller sub-

estuaries also feature mudflats, but have their own unique characteristics, e.g. Poulnasherry Bay, which is

stony and unusually rich in species and biotopes (NPWS, 2006). In the innermost parts of estuaries, and

typically observed in the Fergus Estuary, are tidal channels or creeks fringed with Common Reed (Phragmites

australis) and Clubrushes (Scirpus maritimus, S. tabernaemontani and S. triquetrus). Saltmarsh vegetation

frequently fringes the mudflats. Over twenty areas of estuarine saltmarsh have been identified within the site,

the most important including saltmarsh within the Fergus Estuary and at Ringmoylan Quay (NPWS, 2006). The

3 mouth of the Fergus Estuary has numerous islands across it including Inishmore or Deer Island, Coney Island

and Inishcorker.

The River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA is selected as a Special Protection Area because it regularly

supports over 20,000 waterbirds during the non-breeding season making this a site of international

importance. The Selection Species and Additional Special Conservation Interests4 for the River Shannon and

River Fergus Estuaries SPA are listed below and summarised in Table 2.1. This table also shows the importance

of this SPA for SCI species relative to the importance of other wetland sites within Ireland, within the mid-

western region, and within Counties Limerick, Clare and Kerry. The Selection Species listed for the River

Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA are as follows:- 1. During winter the site regularly supports 1% or

more of the all-Ireland population of the Annex I species Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus). The mean peak

number of this species within the SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 118 individuals. 2.

During winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of the biogeographical population of Light-bellied Brent

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Goose (Branta bernicla hrota). The mean peak number of this species within the SPA during the baseline

period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 494 individuals. 3. During winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of

the all-Ireland population of Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna). The mean peak number of this species within the

SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 1,025 individuals. 4. During winter the site regularly

supports 1% or more of the all-Ireland population of Wigeon (Anas penelope). The mean peak number of this

species within the SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 3,761 individuals. 5. During winter

the site regularly supports 1% or more of the all-Ireland population of Teal (Anas crecca). The mean peak

number of this species within the SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 2,260 individuals.

6. During winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of the all-Ireland population of Cormorant

(Phalacrocorax carbo). The mean peak number of this species within the SPA during the baseline period

(1995/96 – 1999/00) was 245 individuals. 7. During winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of the all-

Ireland population of Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula). The mean peak number of this species within the

SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 223 individuals. 8. During winter the site regularly

supports 1% or more of the all-Ireland population of the Annex I species Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria).

The mean peak number of thisspecies within the SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was

5,664 individuals. 9. During winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of the all-Ireland population of Grey

Plover (Pluvialis squatarola). The mean peak number of this species within the SPA during the baseline period

(1995/96 – 1999/00) was 558 individuals. 10. During winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of the all-

Ireland population of Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). The mean peak number of this species within the SPA

during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 15,126 individuals. 11. During winter the site regularly

supports 1% or more of the all-Ireland population of Knot (Calidris canutus). The mean peak number of this

species within the SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 2,015 individuals. 12. During

winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of the biogeographic population of Dunlin (Calidris alpina). The

mean peak number of this species within the SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 15,131

individuals. 13. During winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of the biogeographical population of

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa). The mean peak number of this species within the SPA during the baseline

period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 2,035 individuals. 14. During winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of

the all-Ireland population of the Annex I species Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica). The mean peak number

within the SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 460 individuals. 15. During winter the site

regularly supports 1% or more of the all-Ireland population of Curlew (Numenius arquata). The mean peak

number of this species within the SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 2,396 individuals.

16. During winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of the all-Ireland population of Greenshank (Tringa

nebularia). The mean peak number of this species within the SPA during the baseline period (1995/96 –

1999/00) was 61 individuals. 17. During winter the site regularly supports 1% or more of the all-Ireland

population of Redshank (Tringa totanus). The mean peak number of this species within the SPA during the

baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) was 2,645 individuals. The following species are identified as additional

Special Conservation Interests (SCIs) for the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA as they were

recorded in numbers of all-Ireland importance during the baseline period (1995/96 – 1999/00) (Table 2.1):

Pintail (Anas acuta) Shoveler (Anas clypeata) Scaup (Aythya marila) Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

(breeding population) Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus). The wetland habitats contained within

the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA are identified to be of conservation importance for non-

breeding (wintering) migratory waterbirds.

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Extract from Article on Waterways Ireland on waterways in Ballynacally Updated December 2012

The Yeats scholar Thomas Rice Henn entitled his “sketch for an autobiography” FIVE ARCHES, after (I assume)

Ballycorick Bridge, which is near his family home at Paradise.

The five arches of Ballycorick Bridge

Here is the Google satellite view, centred on the bridge.

The Google map view makes the course of Ballycorick Creek much clearer, but unfortunately it doesn’t show the main line,

the part that goes under the bridge. So the best view is on the OSI maps. Zooming in, on the Historic 25″ you can see a wharf

marked on the south bank of the creek, downstream (east) of the bridge. [See below for more about the wharf.]

That map names the river (above the bridge) as the Owenslieve River; Hugh Weir, in his introduction to John

Bickerdyke’s Wild Sports in Ireland (original preface dated 1897; republished by Hugh Weir’s Ballinakella Press,

Whitegate, Co Clare, in 2007), calls it the Ballycorick River. The Parliamentary Gazetteer of 1846 said that the area of the

Owenslieve’s tideway was 2 acres, 2 roods, 16 perches.

Looking down the creek from the bridge

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Note the embankments.

Bickerdyke (real name Theodore Cook) wrote this about the trout in the river:

In the three miles of river below the waterfall above mentioned the brown trout run very small, but after every flood fat, well-

fed silver-sided fish come up from the Shannon, and (except when on spawning intent) stay in the fresh water a few days, only so long, probably, as the extra food brought down by the flood remains unexhausted. When nothing but the scant supply

common to rocky streams is left, these fish of the estuary, wise in their generation, return to their slob (mud) banks, and there

continue to grow and wax fat.

To the naturalist, who commonly styles him Sammo estuarius, this fish is a most interesting variety. To the local angler, who

speaks of him as a “slob trout,” he is almost as sport-giving as his first cousin of the sea.

Mud and brown water from Ballycorick Bridge

In his Topographical Dictionary of 1837, Samuel Lewis:

CLONDAGAD, or CLONDEGAD, a parish, in the barony of ISLANDS, county of CLARE, and province of MUNSTER, 7¼ miles (S. S. W.) from Ennis; containing 4650 inhabitants. This parish is situated on the west bank of the river Fergus, and

contains 16,436 statute acres, of which 4711 are good arable and pasture land, and 11,725 are improvable bog and

mountain. The arable land is good, and produces excellent crops of grain, which, with butter, pork, &c, are sent to Limerick from a small rudely constructed quay at Ballycorig.

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The wharf at Ballycorick Bridge

Two people (including the owner of the land) told me that, up to the 1950s, boats from Limerick came up the creek with the

tide, carrying flour and meal (probably from Ranks, formerly Bannatynes). Farmers, alerted in advance, would attend with

their horses and carts; they would help to get the boat unloaded quickly, so that it could get back down to the Fergus and then

the Shannon; they would also carry the flour and meal to the local shop, whence it was sold.

The wharf, bridge and building

That photo shows the wharf in relation to the bridge (with its yellow and black parapet). Behind it is a building that may have

been a store and also, at one time, a pub. Recent spring tides have overtopped the wharf and almost reached the road.

I am indebted to Kevin Murphy (see Comments below) for the information that this wharf was built late in the nineteenth

century by his great-grandfather; he points out that Samuel Lewis’s rudely constructed quay was probably further

downstream, a quay that is shown on the Historic 6″ OSI map as well as on the later Historic 25″. Here is an extract from the

black and white version of the 6″ map.

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Ballycorick on the Historic 6″ map, annotated

I have circled what looks like a

short cut that would shorten the journey along the creek but I have no evidence that the “cut” is artificial or that it was used

for navigation; I mark it solely to ask for information about it. I would also welcome more information about both the 19th

century water-borne exports from the quay and the 20th century water-borne imports to the wharf.

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Invasive Japanese Knotweed can be very difficult and expensive to eradicate particulary if it has

been established in a habitat for several years or if it has been disturbed or dispersed.

The golden rules we abide by are :

Do not disturb it! Leave it alone and erect signage to warn the public and land owners to

stay away. Often the erection of a temporary barrier is helpful to isolate the plant. If soil

containing rhizomes of knotweed is disturbed it may become fragmented and every tiny

fragment 2 cm or larger is capable of regenerating into a new plant. This means that a

single plant can rapidly become a major infestation if disturbed.

Confirm its identification. The biodiversity Ireland website is an excellent resource.

Plan a control or eradication programme but speak to the experts first. A poorly executed

attempt can lead to more problems

Follow instructions exactly if using chemical control. Many chemicals are toxic and should

be used by a suitably qualified professional.

Treatment of Invasive Japanese Knotweed in Ballynacally

Before Treatment After