This document discusses the flora and vegetation found at the Burren Nature Sanctuary in County Galway, Ireland. It describes the unique limestone geology of the Burren region and the mosaic of habitats it supports, including limestone pavement, calcareous grassland, woodland, scrub and turloughs. Specific plant species mentioned include 22 native Irish orchid species, Arctic-Alpine plants like spring gentian and mountain avens growing alongside Mediterranean species. The document provides species lists and photographs documenting the vegetation at the nature sanctuary from April to September.

1. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Flora and vegetation of Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
Consultant Ecologist
Trellick
Kinvara
Co. Galway
ambrowne@indigo.ie
086‐8547822
December 2013
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Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
The Burren .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Limestone Pavement .......................................................................................................................... 9
Limestone structure ....................................................................................................................... 9
Different types of pavement ........................................................................................................ 10
Limestone pavement‐national resource‐ Designated areas of limestone pavement in Ireland
...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Turloughs .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Methods ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Habitats and Vegetation ....................................................................................................................... 12
Limestone Pavement and calcareous grassland ............................................................................... 13
Woodland and Scrub ........................................................................................................................ 16
.
Cloonasee Turlough .......................................................................................................................... 19
The Flora of Cloonasee ......................................................................................................................... 21
Orchid species ................................................................................................................................... 21
Burren specialists and Limestone pavement/Calcareous grassland ................................................ 25
.
Woodland species ............................................................................................................................. 35
Wetland species ................................................................................................................................ 42
Discussion ............................................................................................................................................. 47
Recommendations ................................................................................................................................ 48
References ............................................................................................................................................ 49
Appendix I. Species lists ........................................................................................................................ 51
Appendix II. Fixed point photos from April to September. ................................................................... 57
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INTRODUCTION
Burren Nature Sanctuary opened in May 2013 and is located 1km south west of Kinvara in County
Galway, along the north western edge of the Burren Region (Fig.1). It is an interpretative centre for
the Burren as well as having two nature trails: The ‘Wild Flower Walk’ and the ‘Turlough Walk’. These
trails traverse many typical habitats that are associated with the Burren region such as woodland,
scrub, limestone pavement, calcareous grassland, turlough and wetlands. The Burren Nature
Sanctuary is located on the edge of the Burren lowlands and close to the hills in the Burren uplands
such as Oughtmama and Slieve Carran (Fig. 1). Outside the designated areas such as National Parks,
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Natural Heritage Areas, though once widespread,
undisturbed areas of limestone pavement and associated Burren habitats such as, dry calcareous
grassland and turloughs are becoming less common. These mosaic of limestone habitats such as at
the Burren Nature Sanctuary at Cloonasee, encompass important habitats that are under threat in the
surrounding hinterland as they are not protected under the Natura 2000 network of Special Areas of
Conservation (SACs) and are vulnerable to land clearing schemes and other threats.
The Burren Nature Sanctuary also as an indoor and outdoor play area which combined with the nature
trails presents the unique opportunity to provide information on wildlife, biodiversity, and nature
conservation issues in an environment that is accessible to all ages
The Burren
The name ‘Burren’ is derived from ‘bhoireann’, which means “a stony place”. Though difficult to
determine its exact extent, it is estimated that there are c.36,000ha of terraced limestone hills in the
Burren upland region, with a further 20,000ha of low‐lying pavement dominated habitats in the
Burren lowland region to the east. In addition, the Aran Islands, situated just off the Burren's west
coast, are considered to be a natural extension of the Burren, and share many of the same natural and
cultural attributes (www.burrenLIFE.com).
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Fig. 1. Map of the Burren Region. (www.clarelibrary.ie ). The Aran Islands located to the west are
considered a natural extension of the Burren.
In the Burren, bare exposed limestone (Fig. 2), which is up to 780m in thickness, covers an area of
250sqkm and is composed of slabs of rock which were formed when warm, shallow seas of the
Carboniferous ocean 340million years ago. On the floor of this shallow sea, lime‐rich debris
accumulated which was mainly derived from the skeletons of the plants and animals which lived in
the warm waters, as well as small amounts of mud brought in by rivers (Feehan, 1991a).
As the marine organisms that inhabited that sea completed their natural life cycle, their remains
floated down to the sea floor and their soft body parts decayed. Particles of Calcium carbonate,
deposited out of the sea water were also building up in layers on the sea floor. The hard skeletons of
the marine organisms became embedded in the layers of calcium carbonate. Over time these layers
compacted to form limestone and the skeletons of these organisms became fossilised within those
rocks (Hennessey et al., 2011).
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www.lichens.ie
Fig. 2. Typical exposed limestone pavement found in the Burren.
In most landscapes, water falling on the surface flows away in to streams, which coalesce to form
bigger streams, which eventually become rivers and enter the sea. When limestone is exposed at or
near the surface, however, water can only flow above ground for a short time before it disappears in
to the limestone to follow a new course below ground, reappearing at the surface further on. Because
of this special subterranean circulation, limestone landscapes have a unique underground geography.
This special landscape which results from the solution of limestone and underground water circulation
is called Karst (after the region in north of Yugoslavia where it is most classically developed). The
Burren is Ireland’s finest and most famous karst area. Here the limestone is honeycombed by an
extensive system of caves (Feehan 1991b).
Within the Burren are found sixteen Annex I habitats, five of them described as ‘Priority Habitats’
under the EU Habitats Directive. These are limestone pavements, orchid‐rich grasslands, petrifying
springs, turloughs and Cladium fens.
The flora of the Burren is probably its most renowned feature. Some 635 (70.5%) of Irelands 900 native
plant species have been found in the Burren Hills (Webb & Scannell, 1983). Though the Burren does
contain some much sought after rarities, its real ecological distinction relates to the abundant
presence of several species which elsewhere are of very limited distribution.
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Some particularly noteworthy features of the flora found in the Burren include the curious mixture of
Arctic‐Alpine and Mediterranean species, and calcicole (lime‐loving) and calcifuge (lime‐hating)
species, as well as the wealth of orchids: 22 of Irelands 27 native orchid species are found in the
region. (WWW.Burrenbeo.com)
Arctic‐alpine plants living side by side with Mediterranean plants, calcicole (lime‐loving) and calcifuge
(acid‐loving) plants growing adjacent to one another and woodland plants growing out in the open
with not a tree nearby to provide shade from the sun. Also found here are certain species which
although rare elsewhere are abundant in the Burren.
Some of the most distinctive and characteristic plant species in the Burren uplands would include the
mountain avens (Dryas octopetala), bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) and, of course, the
spring gentian (Gentiana verna) (Fig. 2).
The spring gentian (Gentiana verna) is mainly found in alpine regions but occurs at sea level in the
Burren . The mountain avens (Dryas octapetala) is actually an ‘Arctic‐Alpine’ plant, normally at home
in icy environs and thought to have survived in the Burren having been brought here by glaciers in the
last Ice Age.
The presence of plants such as the gentian and mountain avens in the Burren is also noteworthy
because they are found growing beside plants of Mediterranean origin such as the dense flowered
orchid (Neotinea maculata) and the maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus‐veneris), the latter usually
safely tucked away in dark, damp grikes.
http://theburrentours.com
Spring gentian Gentiana verna
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http://farm4.staticflickr.com
Bloody cranesbill Geranium sanguineum
www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/
Mountain avens Dryas octapetala
Fig. 2. Burren specialists.
Many other fascinating ‘specialities’ exist in the Burren, including the Irish eyebright (Euphrasia
salisburgensis), thyme broomrape (Orobanche alba) and shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), all
of which have their main British Isles populations in the Burren. The thyme broomrape is a parasitic
plant on wild thyme. Other plants in the Burren are insectivorous – butterworts (Pinguicula spp.) for
instance – adopting a different strategy to survive in this nutrient poor environment.
Less spectacular specialities of the Burren would include blue moor grass (Sesleria caerulea). Known
in Irish as féar boirne or Burren grass, this plant is of major significance for farming, as its beautiful
metallic‐blue flowering head appears in early spring, providing an important source of nutrients for
outwintering cattle.
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Fig.3. Blue moor grass (Sesleria caerulea) recorded at Burren Nature Sanctuary in May.
The Burren is also particularly rich in built heritage. Some 75 of Ireland’s 400 wedge tombs are found
in the Burren as are c.500 ringforts and several hundred fulacht fiadh (Bronze age cooking sites). The
Burren is said to contain Ireland’s highest density of ecclesiastical sites with spectacular examples at
Oughtmamma, Corcomroe and Kilfenora. One of Irelands most recognisable monuments Polnabrone
dolmen is found in the heart of the Burren, a few miles north‐west of a significant hill fort, the
triumvallate (three‐walled) Cahercummaun (Dunford, 2002). Tower houses and Early Christian church
sites are also very common, many in an excellent state of preservation. The magnificent portal tomb
at Poulnabrone in the rocky heart of the Burren is one of the most easily recognised monuments in
Ireland, but is only one very small piece of an extraordinary wealth of heritage to be found in the
Burren.
That these assorted layers of built heritage have remained relatively profuse and intact in the Burren
uplands is attributable to three main factors. Firstly, the availability of building stone in the area which
meant that existing built structures did not have to be exploited to provide new building material.
Secondly, the relative durability of stone structures, compared with those made of earth and/or wood.
Thirdly, the rugged rocky nature and thin soils of the uplands which makes them inherently unsuitable
for tillage or reclamation for grassland, which probably saved them from a fate that befell many such
structures elsewhere (www.burrenbeo.com) .
The many archaeological features present, extending back almost 6,000 years to the famous
Poulnabrone dolmen (one of over 80 Neolithic tombs in the region), are evidence of thousands of
years of unbroken human settlement. The Burren is a landscape has been closely aligned to human
activity throughout the ages to the present day (www. BurrenLIFE.com).
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Historical evidence of human activity and agriculture is also present at Burren Nature Sanctuary.
Remains of ancient farm dwellings and stock shelters as well as and kitchen middens have been
recorded from the site.
Since most of what is valued in the Burren has been shaped by the elements and by thousands of years
of farming activity. The best way to protect the Burren, is to continue farming. Modern farming,
however, is not always good for the Burren. Traditional farming is no longer sustainable. Many farmers
have left the land. The lack of once plentiful farm labour and time for cattle herding, with more and
more farmers working off‐farm, has resulted in degradation of habitats through changes in grazing
levels, expansion of scrub, land abandonment and the loss of important land management practices.
Under the Habitats Directive, Ireland is obliged to maintain the listed habitats in the Burren in
'favourable conservation the best status'. Consequently, different landuse practices have to be
examined and introduced in order to ensure that these habitats are not lost. This work was the focus
of the BurrenLIFE Project from 2004 to 2009 and Burren Farming for Conservation Project 2010 to
present (www.burrenLIFE.com ).
Limestone Pavement
Limestone pavements are areas of calcareous rock that were exposed by the scouring action of ice
sheets as they moved across the landscape during the last glaciation (Williams 1966). The habitat is
found mainly in the west of Ireland with counties Clare, Galway and Mayo containing the largest
extent. Smaller areas are found in Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Offaly, Kerry, Cavan, Limerick, Longford,
Tipperary, Roscommon and Westmeath. Limestone pavement is also found in Fermanagh in Northern
Ireland (Pender (Ed.), 2008).
Ireland has the largest area of limestone pavement in the EU, over 32,187ha compared to less than
3,000ha in the UK. The most extensive limestone pavement occurs in the Burren/East Galway area
(Williams 1966).
Limestone structure
The structure of limestone pavement consists typically of blocks of rock, known as clints, separated
by fissures, or grikes. There is considerable variation with some areas consisting of massive blocks of
smooth, relatively un‐weathered pavement with well‐developed grikes to areas where the grikes are
very narrow and shallow. Finely fractured pavements or shattered pavements, where grikes are
almost absent, also occur. The rock surface is almost devoid of overlying soils (considerably less than
50% cover) except sometimes for patches of shallow skeletal soils, although more extensive areas of
deeper soil occasionally occur (Anon. 2007). This morphology results in a variety of microclimates, and
together with the varied soil conditions allows for the establishment of a complex vegetation mosaic
of different communities. The vegetation in grikes is unusual, as it is composed of woodland and shade
species along with plants of rocky habitats (Ward & Evans 1976, Osborne et al. 2003). The deeper
grikes provide sheltered, moist conditions and are favoured by a range of plants more commonly
associated with woodlands (Pender (Ed.) 2008).
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Different types of pavement
There are two different pavement types have been described based on their morphology:
• Blocky: this type is characterised by a well‐defined structure of clints and grikes, which can vary
greatly in depth and width.
• Shattered: areas of loose rubble, which do not generally have a well‐defined structure of clints and
grikes or grikes are narrow and shallow. This is the type of pavement found predominantly at Burren
Nature Sanctuary.
Limestone pavement‐national resource‐ Designated areas of limestone pavement in Ireland
According to a recent survey of limestone pavement (Wilson & Fernández, 2013), the national extent
of limestone pavement and associated habitats is 32,187ha. Approximately 2.69% (26,557ha) of the
national resource is located within SACs (Special Area of Conservation) or NHAs (Natural Heritage
Area) and the remaining 17.31% (5,630ha) is not designated (this includes 57ha within pNHAs
(proposed NHA)). County Clare has the highest extent of limestone pavement and associated habitats
(associated habitats include the Annex I habitats exposed limestone pavement (8240), Festuco‐
Brometalia grassland (6210/6211) and European dry heaths (4030)) in the country (24,128ha),
followed by county Galway (6,761ha). The extent of the habitat designated within county Galway
(64.46%) is considerable smaller than county Clare (88.68%). This means that a considerable area of
limestone pavement and associated habitats are vulnerable to damage and have no legal protection.
Turloughs
The term ‘Turlough’ comes from the gaelic words tuar and loch meaning disappearing lake. Turloughs
are temporary lakes that occupy basins or depressions in limestone areas where water levels fluctuate
markedly during the year. They are virtually unique to Ireland and their greatest concentration is in
counties Clare, Galway and Roscommon. They generally flood in winter and dry out in summer. They
chiefly flood and drain via connections with ground water, such as springs and swallow holes.
Turloughs are a priority habitat (3180) for conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, this means
that this habitat is of high conservation value and needs protection.
Typically turloughs are flooded during the winter months and are empty during the summer. The
grass that grows in spring after the water has receded is very lush and turloughs usually make high
quality pastures.
Cloonasee Turlough (Fig.4.) is particularly special and unlike the ‘typical’ turlough, like the nearby
Caherglaussaun Turlough, because it is affected by the tides and receives a daily input of fresh water
with the rising tide as well as undergoing the seasonal fluctuation in water levels. Cloonasee Turlough
is part of a network of underground rivers and turloughs that drain into Kinvara Bay. Owing to the
regular and frequent flooding pattern, Cloonasee turlough does not support grassland as can be found
at other nearby turloughs such as Rahsane Turlough (the largest extant turlough in Ireland (Cabot,
1999)) and Carran Turlough (Fig 5).
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Fig. 4. Cloonasee Turlough in July at low tide.
www.nuigalway/archaeology/images
Fig.5. Carron Turlough in Summer
The vegetation of turloughs varies considerably and is dependent on a range of factors such as flooding
regime, nutrients and soil, marl deposition and grazing. Turloughs support a range of different plant
communities that comprise a mixture of aquatic, amphibious and terrestrial species. Turlough
vegetation tends to be species‐poor compared to dry limestone grassland or marsh habitats, because
few species can tolerate or are adapted to the unpredictable flooding.
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The moss Cilclidotus fontinaloides is a good indicator of the top water height of turloughs (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6. Cloonasee Turlough in April. The dark coloured turlough moss (Cilclidotus fontinaloides) covers
the stone walls, boulders and base of shrubs indicating the top water height of the turlouugh.
METHODS
In April 2013 a series of botanical surveys were undertaken within Burren Nature Sanctuary at
Cloonasee, specifically in the Wild flower walk and Turlough Walk areas. These surveys took place on
a monthly basis right through the growing season until September. During these surveys a walk over
survey was conducted and any new species identified each month were noted. Interesting flora were
noted and photographed and formed the basis for a ‘What to Look out for’ sheet which was available
in the centre for walkers to help them identify some of the plants along the trails. Fixed point
photographs were also retaken on a monthly basis to provide a view of the habitats throughout the
growing season. Nomenclature for higher plants and ferns follows Stace (2005).
HABITATS AND VEGETATION
A mosaic of habitats consisting of shattered limestone pavement, calcareous grassland, scrub,
woodland, wetlands and turlough occur throughout the Burren Nature Sanctuary trails creating a
species‐rich area which conserves important habitats that have become less common in the
surrounding hinterland, outside the designated areas of SACs (Special Areas of Conservation) and
NHAs (Natural Heritage Areas).
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Limestone Pavement and calcareous grassland
Throughout the Wildflower walk and interesting mix of habitats consisting of limestone pavement and
calcareous grassland occurs. Scrub also occurs alongside the limestone pavement and calcareous
grassland which gives the habitat structural as well as species diversity. The transition zones between
the various habitats is diffuse and habitats grade in to each other so distinct boundaries are hard to
define (Fig. 7 & 8).
Fig.7. Limestone pavement/calcareous grassland/scrub mosaics in May (left) and June (right) in the
Wildflower walk
A total of 113 species were recorded throughout the Wildflower Walk. Most of these species occur
within the limestone pavement/calcareous grassland/scrub mosaic and also includes species from the
woodland. Few species were confined to only the woodland as many typical woodland plants such as
wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) (Fig. 9) and pignut (Conopodium majus) occur within grikes in the
limestone pavement
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Irish whitebeam (Sorbus hybernica) occurs
occasionally
in
the
limestone
pavement/grassland mosaic
Species‐rich
calcareous
grassland
composed of grasses and herbs occurs
between the moss covered limestone slabs
Fig. 8. Views of Limestone pavement/ Calcareous grassland/ Scrub mosaics that occur throughout the
Wild flower walk.
Wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) a
typical woodland plant grows amongst
the boulders in the limestone
pavement/calcareous
grassland
mosaic
Fig. 8. Woodland herbs are not confined to woodland, they also occur within the limestone pavement/
calcareous grassland mosaic.
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Orchid species are a feature of the calcareous grassland patches within the limestone
pavement/grassland mosaic. Four orchid species were recorded within the Wildflower walk at
Cloonasee: Early purple orchid (Orchis mascula), Common spotted‐orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii),
O’Kelly’s orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia var. okellyi) and Fragrant orchid (Gymanadenia conopsea
subsp.conopsea).
Typical Burren grassland composed of herbs and grasses such as birds‐foot‐trefoil (Lotus corniculatus),
Lady’s bed straw (Galium verum), quaking grass (Briza media), red fescue (Festuca rubra), ox‐eye daisy
(Leucanthemum vulgare) and hare bell (Campanula rotundifolia), occur within the
limestone/grassland mosaic.
Scrub also occurs, Inter‐mixed within the limestone pavement, and may occur as single bushes or
dense clumps. It is composed of hazel (Corylus avellana), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), holly (Ilex
aquifolium), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) as well as occasional Irish whitebeam (Sorbus hibernica). Crab
apple (Malus sylvestris) was also recorded within this habitat.
Low growing clambering shrubs such as bramble (Rubus fruticosus), dog rose (Rosa canina), dewberry
(Rubus caesius) and burnet rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia) are frequent throughout the limestone
pavement/grassland/scrub mosaic.
Hummocks supporting wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus) and wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) are a
typical feature of the limestone/grassland mosaic (Fig. 10).
Fig. 10. Wild thyme hummock within the limestone pavement/grassland mosaic
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Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a common and unwelcome element of the Limestone pavement/
calcareous grassland habitat and would benefit from the introduction of an appropriate winter grazing
regime or a program of careful manual removal (Fig. 11).
Fig.11. Bracken is common throughout the Wildflower Walk and would benefit from some
management regime.
Woodland and Scrub
Woodland is defined as any area dominated by trees as opposed to shrubs and where the canopy
height is greater than 4‐5m, while scrub or transitional woodland includes areas dominated by shrubs,
brambles and stunted trees or immature trees and where the canopy is less than 4m (Fossitt 2000).
Woodland occurs in the Wildflower Walk as well as on the periphery of the Turlough (Fig. 12). In many
areas in the Wildflower Walk the woodland grades in to scrub which in turn grades in to limestone
pavement and calcareous grassland forming a diverse mosaic of habitats.
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In a typical woodland there are up to four layers of vegetation: (1) The Canopy, formed by tall trees;
(2) the shrub layer, which forms an understorey under the canopy, (3) the field layer, composed of
herbs, ferns and grasses, and (4) the bryophyte layer, composed of mosses and liverworts on the
woodland floor. Beneath the tree canopy, a special environment is created. The woodland floor is
sheltered, shaded habitat, protected from the wind and from extreme temperatures. Humidity is
higher and more constant than in open habitats and hence the abundance of fern, moss and liverwort
species whose delicate leaves would shrivel with direct exposure to sun and wind. In summer the
leaves of trees absorb or reflect a large part of the sun’s rays: only a fraction of the light and heat filter
through to the forest floor. For this reason many species of the herb layer such as primrose (Primula
vulgaris), lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria), bluebell (Hyacinthoides non‐scripta), wood sorrel
(Oxalis acetosella), wild garlic (Allium ursinum), concentrate their growth in spring and early summer,
before the trees leaves have fully expanded. Flowering of the Field or herb layer is concentrated in
April and May (O’Connell, 1999).
The Canopy
At Cloonasee the woodland canopy is composed of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) with occasional sycamore
(Acer pseudoplatanus) (a non‐native tree species). Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) was also recorded in the
woodland surrounding the turlough.
The Shrub layer
The Shrub layer is composed of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and
hazel (Corylus avelana). Spindle (Euonymous europaeus) also occurs in the shrub layer.
The Field Layer
Field layer species include harts tongue fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium), false brome (Brachypodium
sylvaticum), lords and ladies (Arum maculatum) and ivy (Hedera helix). Wood melick (Melica uniflora)
occurs in the field layer occasionally. This species is thought to be an indicator of ancient woodland
(Perrin & Daly 2010). Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) is a feature of the field layer particularly in the
turlough wood.
The Bryophyte layer
The wood floor is strewn with moss covered boulders. Typical moss species recorded at Cloonasee
include fox‐tail feather moss (Thamnobryum alopecurum) and tamarisk moss (Thuidium
tamariscinum).
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Large coppiced hawthorn
Moss covered wall running
through the wood
Large
limestone
boulders
covered in a thick layer of herbs
and bryophytes
Fig. 12. Some of the woodland features at Cloonasee.
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Cloonasee Turlough
Fig 13. Cloonasee Turlough in July
The vegetation at Cloonasee Turlough consists of sedge and rush dominated vegetation (Fig. 13)
composed mainly of common club‐rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris), common spike‐rush (Eleocharis
palustris) and bladder sedge (Carex vesicaria)
Other species recorded at Cloonasee Turlough include meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), purple
loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis), marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle
vulgaris), water‐plantain (Alisma plantago‐aquatica) and water forget‐me‐not (Myosotis scorpioides).
A mosaic of wetland habitats occurs within the turlough and are dependent on both soil depth and
level of flooding. A network of drainage channels and crevices occur through the centre of the turlough
and mark the course of the river as it floods the turlough during high tides. Exposed rock also occurs
within the crevices.
Throughout the turlough the soil is waterlogged and quaking even during the dry phase of low tide
and summer. Tall sedge and reed vegetation dominated by bladder sedge (Carex vesicaria), canary
reed grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) with frequent silverweed
(Potentilla anserina) and water mint (Mentha aquatica), occurs over the most part of the turlough.
In some areas of the turlough soil drainage is impeded by limestone rock underlying the shallow soils.
These areas are marked by patches of jointed rush (Juncus articulatus) and common spike‐rush
(Eleocharis palustris)
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A total of 50 species were recorded in the turlough during the current survey (Appendix 1).
Cloonasee turlough is bounded by a small area of woodland which consists of occasional tall growing
ash (Fraxinus excelsior) with an understorey of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorn (Crataegus
monogyna) and occasional spindle (Euonymous europaeus). Wych elm (Ulmus glabra) and hazel
(Corylus avellana) also occur. The woodland floor is composed of moss covered boulders and the
branches of the trees and shrubs are heavily laden with both bryophytes and lichen such as Cartilage
lichen (Ramalina farinacea) which thrive in the moist environment of the turlough wetland. Herb
species that occur in the field layer include wild garlic (Allium ursinum), lords and ladies (Arum
maculatum), enchanter’s nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) as well as wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella).
A total of 35 plant species were recorded in the Turlough woodland (Appendix 1).
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THE FLORA OF CLOONASEE
The following text gives an overview of the diversity of plant species recorded at Cloonasee during
April to September 2013. The plants common name is given first followed by the Latin name and then
the Irish name where available.
Orchid species
The Burren is famous for its abundance and diversity of orchid species. Four orchid species were
recorded within the calcareous grassland‐limestone pavement habitat.
Early purple orchid (Orchis mascula)
Family: Orchidaceae
This orchid species
flowers from April to
June and is the first
orchid species to be
spotted at Cloonasee.
This
species
is
particularly found in
lime‐rich soils but can
also occur in neutral
or slightly acid areas.
It has been recorded
in a wide variety of
habitats ranging from
shaded woodland and
hedgerows and grikes
in
limestone
pavement to sand
dunes and roadside
verges (Foley & Clarke
2005).
21

22. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Common spotted‐orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)
Family: Orchidaceae
Common spotted‐orchid flowers from May to August. The flowers are pale pink to deep pink, less
often red‐purple and occasionally white. The flowers are usually faintly scented.
This aptly‐named orchid species is the most abundant orchid in Britain and Ireland. It is a plant of
base‐rich to neutral substrates where it occupies a wide range of habitats. The faintly scented
flowers attract bees and flies which feed on the sugars in the spur (Foley & Clarke, 2005).
22

23. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
O’Kelly’s orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia var. okellyi)
This white flowered variant of the Common spotted orchid is endemic to the British Isles and is
restricted to western and northern Ireland and to the western coast of Scotland and a few other
locations in England. It is rare in all its non‐Irish localities. It is a plant of short coastal turf and of
limestone pavement of the Burren. It was named after P.B. O’Kelly of Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
(fl.1890‐1930), who made his living selling rare plants from the Burren (Foley & Clarke, 2005).
23

24. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Fragrant orchid (Gymanadenia conopsea subsp.conopsea)
This orchid species flowers from June to August. The flowers are pink, reddish purple, purple and
rarely white. They are intensely fragrant, reminiscent of cloves and scented both day and night.
The long slender spur is most suited to long tongued insects especially butterflies and moths. It
occurs over a wide range of habitats though it is mostly associated with calcareous soils (Curtis &
Thompson, 2009).
24

25. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Burren specialists and Limestone pavement/Calcareous grassland
In the Limestone pavement and calcareous grassland habitats at Burren Nature Sanctuary a wide
range of species occur that are part of the typical flora of the Burren.
Common Birds‐foot‐trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) Crobh éin
Family: Fabaceae
Birds‐foot‐trefoil is a
perennial that flowers
from June to September.
Its name comes from the
seed pods which resemble
a bird’s foot. It is a member
of the pea family and it
occurs in grassy and mostly
bare places, particularly on
well drained soils.
Common
Bird’s‐foot‐trefoil
(Lotus
corniculatus) and Lady’s bedstraw (Galium
verum)
25

26. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum) Boladh cnis
Family: Rubiaceae
Lady’s bedstraw is a perennial
species and is a member of the
Rubiaceae family like common
cleavers aka Sticky back
(Galium aparine). It flowers
June to August. This species is
common to dry grassy places
especially on calcareous soils
and often near the sea (Stace
Blue moor‐grass (Sesleria caerulea) Féar boirne
Family: Poaceae
Blue moor‐grass flowers
in April and May and is
an important source of
nutrients for cattle over
wintering
on
the
Burren. Blue moor grass
is thought to be the
food plant of the Burren
green Moth (Calamia
tridens occidentalis) a
species only recorded
in the Burren in County
Clare.
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27. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Eyebrights Euphrasia officinalis agg. Glanrosc
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Over 20 species of Eyebright
are recorded for Ireland and
Britain. All taxa in this area
are included in the Euphrasia
officinalis agg. They are very
similar, frequently hybridise
and
require
expert
identification. This native,
annual flowers from June to
September. All eyebrights
are semi‐parasitic, absorbing
water and nutrients from
other plants, including
clovers, plantains and
grasses
.
Wild Thyme Thymus polytrichus Tím Chréige
Family: Lamiaceae
27
Wild Thyme has erect
stems
with
tiny
pink/purple flowers.
Leaves are evergreen,
small, ovate, and are
slightly aromatic when
crushed, though not as
strong‐smelling
as
garden thyme. This
species prefers free‐
draining soils, and is
often associated with
ant‐hills of the yellow
ant (Lasius flavus). Wild
thyme occurs in heaths,
dry banks and rock
places and seaside
pastures (Webb et al.
1996). This plant
flowers from June to
August.

28. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Quaking grass (Briza media)
Family: Graminae
Quaking grass is a perennial whose loose
heads are a distinctive feature of meadows
and grasslands, particularly those on lime‐
rich soils. Its heart‐shaped flower heads
shake on delicate stems, giving the plant
many different common names such as
Totter Grass, Dithery Dock, Wigwams and
Toddling Grass. Flowers June and July.
Occurs in sand dunes, dry pastures and
banks, and more rarely in wet grassland. It
is very frequent in the midlands but local
elsewhere.
Wild Marjoram Origanum vulgare Máirtín fiáin
Family: Lamiaceae
Wild marjoram is a very
aromatic plant and is the
species which is commonly
called ‘oregano’ when
cultivated for culinary use
(its close relative, Origanum
majorana is the herb which is
referred to as marjoram in
culinary use). It flowers from
July to September and is very
common on grassy roadside
verges and in meadows
28

29. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Harebell Campanula rotundifolia Méaracán gorm
Family: Campanulaceae
The Irish name, Méaracán gorm, means
‘blue thimble’, referring to the blue, cup‐
shaped flowers. This plant was also
associated with fairies, and it was
considered bad luck to pick the flowers. It’s
other Irish name, Méaracán púca, means
‘ghost thimble’ or alternatively ‘goblin
thimble. This perennial herb flowers from
July to August. It occurs in pastures, heaths,
sand‐hills and mountain cliffs. It is locally
abundant in parts of the north and west but
rare elsewhere (Webb et al. 1996).
29

30. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Shining crane’s‐bill (Geranium lucidium) Crobh geal
Family: Geraniaceae
This native annual flowers
from May to July. It occurs
on walls and rocks usually
limestone. It is frequent in
parts of the West and
midlands of Ireland but is
occasional
elsewhere
(Webb et al. 1996).
www.irishwildflowers.ie
Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis) Cab an ghasáin
Family: Dispsacaceae
Field scabious is a native
perennial or biennial and
flowers between July‐
September. It prefers dry
calcareous/neutral soils.
Roadsides, grassland. It is
most frequently found in
east, south and central
Ireland.
www.irishwildflowers.ie
30

31. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Dewberry Rubus caesius Eithreog
Family: Rosaceae
Dewberry is a native perennial species that flowers between May and September. It is similar to
bramble and a member of the Rose family. It usually occurs in limestone areas or in stony, sandy
ground, as well as dunes and hedges. It is frequent in parts of South and West and is uncommon
elsewhere in Ireland (www.irishwildflowers.ie) .
31

32. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Burnet Rose Rosa pimpinellifolia
Family: Rosaceae
Burnet rose is a
deciduous,
bushy,
spiny shrub, to 80 cm
high,
strongly
suckering. Its fruit is a
distinctive
black,
globose haw. It occurs
on rocky, stony or
sandy ground and is
abundant in the
Burren, but occasional
elsewhere.
(www.irishwildflowers
.ie)
Milkwort (Polygala vulgaris) Lus and Bainne
Family: Polygalaceae
Milkwort flowers from
May to July. Its name,
milkwort, comes from
the fact that this plant
was traditionally used
to make an infusion
which, when ingested,
would help to increase
the flow of mothers’
milk. Milkwort occurs
in grasslands and on
limestone pavements
throughout the Burren
and in pastures, banks
sandhills
and
elsewhere
32

33. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Noinín mór
Family: Asteraceae
Oxeye Daisy is
and
erect
perennial that
flowers
from
June to August
and
occurs
meadows and
dry
grassland
especially on rich
soils (Webb et
al., 1996).
Common knapweed Centaurea nigra Mullach dubh
Family: Asteraceae
This native perennial
species occurs in grassy
places, rough ground
and waysides. It flowers
from July to September.
33

34. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Ferns
These fern species are a feature of limestone rocks and walls.
Rustyback Ceterach officinarum
Family: Aspleniaceae
Maidenhair spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes
Family: Aspleniaceae
34

35. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Woodland species
The Canopy
Ash Fraxinus excelsior Fuinseog
Family: Oleaceae
Ash is a native
tree species and
is common in
hedges,
scrub
and woodland
especially
on
damp or base‐
rich soils.
The Shrub layer
Hazel Corylus avellana Coll
Family: Betulaceae
Hazel is a native species
of hedges, scrub and
woodland. Its fruit is a
nut which develops in
September.
35

36. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Spindle Euonymus europaeus Feoras
Family: Celastraceae
Spindle is a native shrub that occurs thickets,
rocky places and lakeshores. It flowers in June
and bears the scarlet four lobed fruit in
September. This shrub is easily spotted in
hedges in autumn on account of its leaves
which turn red
36

37. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
The Field Layer
Wild garlic or ramsons Allium ursinum) Creamh
Family: Liliaceae
This plant is easily recognisable from
its very strong smell of garlic,
especially when crushed. It flowers
from April to June and it occurs in
woods, hedges and damp shady
places. This plant has always been
highly valued for its culinary use,
and was highly valued as a
condiment in medieval times; under
the Irish 8th‐century legal tract
Bretha Comaithchesa or ‘laws of the
neighbourhood’, there was a fine of
‘two and a half milch cows’ for
picking wild garlic on someone
else’s land.
Lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria Grán Arcáin
Family: Ranunculaceae
Lesser celandine is a member of the
buttercup family. It is an erect
hairless perennial that flowers from
March to May. It is one of the vernal
or spring herbs that flower in
woodland before the trees come in
to leaf. It occurs in damp shady
places and is very frequent and
locally abundant.
37

38. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica Créachtlus
Family: Lamiaceae
Hedge woundwort is
from the nettle family
and is an unpleasant
smelling
native
perennial. It occurs
frequently in hedges and
wood‐margins. It flowers
from July to August
(Webb et al. 1996).
www.irishflowers.ie
Pignut Conopodium majus
Family: Apiaceae
This perennial herb
derives its name from the
globular
chestnut‐like
tuber it grows from. It
occurs in woods, heaths
and pastures (Webb et al.,
1996)
38

39. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Enchanters‐nightshade Circaea lutetiana Fuinseagach
Family: Onagraceae
Enchanters‐nightshade is a native
perennial that flowers from May to
August. It is 20cm to 50cm in height.
It occurs on shady roadsides, woods
and hedgerows but prefers base‐rich
soils. It is no relation to Deadly
Nightshade. Garden shrubs which
belong to this family include Fuchsia
and Oenothera (Evening primrose).
Lords‐and‐Ladies / Cuckoo‐pint Arum maculatum Cluas chaoin
Family: Araceae
Lords and Ladies is a native perennial and is
between 30 to 50cm tall. It flowers
between March and May and fruits from
July to August. Tiny flowers occur in a dense
spike (spadix) enclosed in sheath (spathe),
the upper part forming hood. The Spadix is
brown or purplish and the Spathe is
yellowish‐cream in colour, and may be
spotted or streaked with purple. The
fruiting spike is 3cm to 6cm in height. The
orange/red berries are poisonous. It is
found in woods and hedgebanks on rich,
calciferous soils.
39

40. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Wood Melick Melica uniflora
Family: Poaceae
This
woodland
grass flowers in
May and June and
occurs occasionally
in woods and shady
banks (Webb et al.
1996). It is thought
to be an indicator of
ancient woodland.
Hart’s tongue fern Phyllitis scolopendrium Creamh muice fiadh
Family: Aspleniaceae
This fern species
occurs in shady,
moist, rocky places
as well as banks,
walls and woods.
This fern is very
frequent especially
in limestone districts
(Webb et al. 1996).
40

41. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) Seamsóg
Family: Oxalidaceae
Wood sorrel is a distinctive plant with trifoliate leaves which are similar to clover. Like the
other vernal or Spring herbs, this species flowers from April‐May before the woodland canopy
has fully developed and light levels reaching the wood floor are at their greatest.
The leaves of this plant are edible, with a sharp, bitter taste. An oxalate called "sal acetosella"
was formerly extracted from the plant, through boiling.
41

42. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Wetland species
Owing to the permanently high water‐table at Cloonasee Turlough, it supports a mosaic of wetland
vegetation rather than the traditional meadow vegetation that occurs in the typical turlough that dries
out during the summer months and can be grazed. The following are a selection that were recorded
at the turlough.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Airgead luachra
Family: Rosaceae
Meadowsweet
is
a
common wetland plant
found on all sorts of wet
and damp places. It
flowers from July to
August (Webb et al. 1996,
Preston et al., 2002).
Purple‐loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Earball caitín
Family: Lythraceae
Purple‐loosestrife flowers from
July to August and is common
by water and in marshes and
fens (Webb et al. 1996, Preston
et al., 2002).
42

43. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Cuckooflower, Lady’s smock (Cardamine pratensis) Biolar griagáin, Léine Mhuire
Family: Brassicaceae
This perennial is frequent in
wet meadows and grassland
and flowers from June to
August (Webb et al. 1996,
Preston et al., 2002). It is the
food plant for the caterpillar of
the Orange tip butterfly
(Anthocharis cardamines).
Marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris)
Family: Apiaceae
Marsh pennywort is frequent in
marshes, bogs margins and damp
grassland. It flowers from May to
July (Webb et al. 1996, Preston et
al., 2002).
Water forget‐me‐not (Myosotis scorpioides)
Family: Boraginaceae
Water forget‐me‐not is a hairy
perennial
sometimes
with
creeping and rooting runners. It
flowers in June and July and occurs
in muddy soils by streams, ponds
and wet fields (Webb et al. 1996,
Preston et al., 2002).
43

44. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Water mint (Mentha aquatica) Mismín
Family: Lamiaceae
Water mint is an aromatic
perennial
that
occurs
frequently
in
marshes,
ditches,
ponds
and
lakeshores. It flowers from
July to September
Water‐plantain (Alisma plantago‐aquatica)
Family: Alismataceae
Water‐plantain is
a hairless aquatic
or
marsh
perennial with
basal leaves. It
flowers from July
to August during
which the small,
terminal flowers
open mainly in
the
afternoon
(Webb et al. 1996,
P
l
44

45. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Reed Canary‐grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Family: Graminae
Reed Canary‐grass
occurs by lakes
and river, in
ditches,
wet
meadows
and
marshes. It also
occurs in rough
and waste ground.
It flowers in June
and July (Webb et
al. 1996, Preston
et al., 2002).
Reed canary grass with purple loosestrife
Common spike‐rush (Eleocharis palustris)
Family: Cyperaceae
This perennial
sedge occurs
frequently in
shallow water,
bogs
and
marshes
(Webb et al.,
1996).
45

46. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Common clubrush (Schenoplectus lacustris) Boic‐shithbhín
Family: Cyperaceae
This wetland
species
occurs
in
shallow
water
of
lakes, ponds
slow rivers
and canals
Bulrush Typha latifolia Coigeal na mban sídhe
Family: Typhaceae
This wetland species
occurs
in
ditches,
marshes,
lake‐margins
and slow moving streams.
It flowers between July
and August
46

47. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
DISCUSSION
The Burren Nature Reserve at Cloonasee supports a range of typical Burren habitats such as limestone
pavement, calcareous grassland, scrub, woodland, wetland and turlough. The diversity and range of
habitats is reflected in the diversity of plant species that were recorded throughout the growing
season from April to September 2013.
Within the Wildflower Walk a range of habitats occur together, forming a mosaic of limestone
pavement, calcareous grassland, scrub and woodland. A total of 113 plant species were recorded here
including four orchid species as well as many typical Burren species.
The spread of bracken throughout the Wildflower Walk is a potential threat to the diversity of plant
species within the limestone pavement/calcareous grassland habitats. This vigorous and aggressive
fern spreads rapidly by strong underground stems or ‘rhizomes’ and can shade out many of the typical
Burren species. The spread of bracken in calcareous grassland of the Burren has been attributed to
land abandonment and the cessation of grazing.
The turlough at Cloonasee supports a rich wetland in which 51 species were recorded during the
current survey. This turlough is unlike the ‘typical’ turlough in that it receives a daily input of water
from tidal influences like nearby turlough at Caherglissane. Cloonasee turlough is part of a network of
underground rivers that connects Lough Cutra, Coole Lough and Caherglissane which all drain into
Kinvara Bay. While Cloonasee Turlough lacks the grazing‐induced wet meadow flora usually associated
with turloughs, it supports sedge and tall herb vegetation composed of species that are able to
tolerate the hostile environment of daily flooding.
According to recent findings, there is a loss of approximately 0.2% of limestone pavement habitat per
year as a result of limestone pavement removal, quarrying, development and agricultural
improvement (NPWS 2008).
Land reclamation has also contributed to a loss of habitat and has been assisted by the single payment
scheme under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) (NPWS 2008). Under this scheme, land covered
in rock does not qualify for single‐farm payment and therefore this would have inadvertently
encouraged clearance of limestone pavement (both exposed and wooded (scrub)) for agriculture, thus
promoting the destruction of a priority habitat under the Habitats Directive.
The Burren Nature Sanctuary provides an excellent snapshot of Burren habitats and is also an
important site for the conservation of typical Burren habitats that are disappearing from the
surrounding hinterland.
47

48. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following list of recommendations provide some pointers for the future management of the
nature trails as well as the collection of biodiversity information. The educational potential of the
centre is great and a few ideas for furthering this opportunity are presented below.
For future management to enhance biodiversity:


Address over‐dominance of bracken by introducing a light‐grazing regime during the winter
along with a program of manual clearing.
Develop wide species‐rich grassland corridors on routes to Wildflower walk and Turlough walk
For further biodiversity data gathering:

Commission an invertebrate survey of the wetlands surrounding the turlough. Turloughs are
well known for their interesting invertebrate fauna. The undisturbed nature of the Cloonasee
turlough together with the tidal influence may support interesting invertebrate fauna.
For education



Train staff to provide guided nature walks along the trails. Temporary seasonal staff as could
be trained to help visitors identify the some of the interesting flora and features of the trails.
This would enhance the educational experience for visitors.
Develop programmes to complement Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Ecology
curriculum that schools can avail of in preparation for the ecology sections of exams.
Holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween could be used to promote ecological and
biodiversity issues, e.g. ‘Bats in Ireland’ display at Halloween and ‘How to Identify trees in
Winter’ or ‘Winter wetland bird visitors’ at Christmas
48

49. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
REFERENCES
Anon. (2007) Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. EUR 27. European Commission, DG
Environment.
Cabot, D. Ireland. A Natural History. Harper Collins Press.
Curtis, T. & Thompson, R. (2009).The Orchids of Ireland. National Museums Northern Ireland.
Dunford, B. (2002). Farming and the Burren. Teagasc. Dublin.
Feehan, J. (1991a). The rock and landforms of the Burren. In: The Book of the Burren. (J.W. O’Connell
and A. Korff (Eds)) Tír Eolas. Galway.
Feehan, J. (1991b). The Burren Underworld. In: The Book of the Burren. (J.W. O’Connell and A. Korff
(Eds)) Tír Eolas. Galway.
Foley, M. & Clarke, S. (2005). Orchids of the British Isles. Griffen Press.
Fossitt. J.A. (2000). A guide to habitats of Ireland. The Heritage Council.
Hennessy, R., McNamara, M. & Hoctor, Z., 2011, Stone, Water and Ice: A Geology Trip through the
Burren. Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, Clare County Council.
NPWS (2008) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Conservation Status in Ireland
of Habitats and Species listed in the European Council Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora
and Fauna 92/43/EEC. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage
and Local Government. Dublin.
O’Connell, C. (1999). Wild Woods of Ireland. Field Studies Guide. IPCC.
Osborne, B., Black, K., Lanigan, G., Perks, M. & Clabby, G. (2003) Survival on the exposed limestone
pavement in the Burren: photosynthesis and water relations of three co‐occurring plant species.
Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 103B (3), 125–137.
Pender (Ed.) (2008) Our Limestone Heritage. Irish Wildlife Trust.
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50. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
Perrin, P.M. & Daly, O.H. (2010). A provisional Inventory of ancient and long established woodland in
Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 46. National Parks and wildlife Service. Department of the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland.
Preston, C.D., Pearman, D.A. & Dines, T.D. (Eds) (2002). New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora. Oxford
University Press.
Stace, C. (2005). New Flora of the British Isles (2nd Ed). Cambridge University Press.
Ward, S. D. & Evans, D.F. (1976). Conservation assessment of British limestone pavement based on
floristic criteria. Biological Conservation 9: 217‐233.
Webb, D.A., Parnell, J. and Doogue, D. (1996). An Irish Flora. Dundalgan Press.
Webb, D.A. and Scannell, M.J.P. (1983). Flora of Connemara and The Burren. Royal Dublin Society and
Cambridge University Press.
Williams, P.W. (1966) Limestone pavements with special reference to Western Ireland. Transactions
of the Institute of British Geographers, 40: 155‐172.
Wilson, S. & Fernández, F. (2013) National survey of limestone pavement and associated habitats in
Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 73. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts,
Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ireland
www.burrenLIFE.com
www.burrenbeo.com
www.irishwildflowers.ie
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51. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
APPENDIX I. SPECIES LISTS
Wildflower Walk (Includes woodland, scrub, calcareous grassland and
limestone pavement species
Total Species: 113
Acer pseudoplatanus
Achillea millefolium
Agrimonia eupatoria
Agrostis stolonifera
Anagallis arvensis
Anemone nemorosa
Antennaria dioica
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Arrhenatherum elatius
Arum maculatum
Asplenium ruta marinum
Asplenium trichomanes
Bellis perennis
Briza media
Brachypodium sylvaticum
Calliergon cuspidatum
Campanula rotundifolia
Capsella bursa‐pastoris
Carex flacca
Carex species
Centaurea nigra
Ceterach officinarum
Circaea lutetiana
Conopodium majus
Corylus avellana
Crataegus monogyna
Cynosurus cristatus
Dactylis glomerata
Dactylorhiza fuchsii
Dactylorhiza fuchsii var.okellyi
Daucus carota
Epilobium montanum
Euonymous europaeus
Euphrasia spp
Festuca rubra
Fragaria vesca
Fraxinus excelsior
Fumaria officinalis
Galium aparine
Galium verum
Geranium lucidium
Geranium robertianum
Gymnadenia conopsea sub sp.
Conopsea
Hedera helix
51
Sycamore
Yarrow
Agrimony
Creeping bent
Scarlet pimpernel
Wood anemone
Mountain Everlasting
Sweet Vernal grass
False oat grass
Lords and Ladies
Wall‐rue
Maidenhair spleenwort
Daisy
Quaking grass
False brome grass
moss
Harebell
Shepherd's purse
Glaucous sedge
Sedge species
Black knapweed
Rusty back
Enchanters night shade
Pignut
Hazel
Hawthorn
Crested dogstail
Cock's foot grass
Common spotted‐orchid
O'Kelly's orchid
Wild carrot
Broad‐leaved willowherb
Spindle
Eyebright
Red fescue
Wild strawberry
Ash
Common fumitory
Cleavers
Ladies bedstraw
Shinnning cranes‐bill
Herb robert
Fragrant orchid
Ivy

52. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
Hesperis matronalis
Holcus lanatus
Hyacinthoides non scripta
Hypericum perforatum
Hypochoeris radicata
Ilex aquifolium
Knautia arvensis
Lapsana communis
Lathyrus pratensis
Leucanthemum vulgare
Lolium perenne
Lonicera periclymenum
Lophocolea bidentata
Lotus corniculatus
Malus sylvestris
Medicago lupulina
Melica uniflora
Mycelis muralis
Odontites vernus
Orchis mascula
Origanum vulgare
Oxalis acetosella
Peltigera canina
Phleum pratense
Phylitis scolopendrium
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago major
Poa trivialis
Polygala vulgaris
Persicaria maculosa
Potentilla reptans
Potentilla sterilis
Primula vulgaris
Prunella vulgaris
Prunus spinosa
Pseudoscleropodium purum
Pteridium aquilinum
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus repens
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus
Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus
Rosa canina
Rosa pimpinellifolia
Rubus caesius
Rubus fruticosus
Rumex obtusifolius
Rumex sanguineus
Scrophularia nodosa
Senecio jacobaea
Sesleria caerulea
Sonchus arvensis
Dames violet
Yorkshire fog
Bluebell
Perforate St John's wort
Cat'sears
Holly
Field scabious
Nipplewort
Meadow vetchling
Oxeye daisy
Perennial rye grass
Honeysuckle
Liverwort
Birds foot trefoil
Crab apple
Black medick
Wood melick
Wall lettuce
Red bartsia
Early purple orchid
Wild marjoram
Wood sorrel
lichen
Timothy grass
Hart's tongue fern
Long‐leaved plantain
Greater plantain
Rough meadow grass
Common milkwort
Redshank
Creeping cinquefoil
Barren strawberry
Primrose
Selfheal
Blackthorn
moss
Bracken
Meadow butter cup
Creeping buttercup
moss
moss
Dog rose
Burnet rose
Dewberry
Bramble
Broad‐leaved dock
Wood dock
Common figwort
Common ragwort
Blue moor grass
Perennial sowthistle
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53. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
Sorbus hibernica
Stachys sylvatica
Succisa pratensis
Taraxacum officinale
Teucrium scorodonia
Thamnobryum alopecurum
Thuidium tamariscinum
Thymus polytrichus
Trifolium dubium
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Urtica dioica
Valeriana officinalis
Verbascum thapsus
Veronica chamaedrys
Vicia cracca
Vicia sepium
Viola riviniana
Irish whitebeam
Hedge woundwort
Devil's bit scabious
Dandellion
Wood sage
moss
moss
Wild thyme
Lesser trefoil
Red clover
White clover
Common nettle
Common valerian
Great mullein
Germander speedwell
Tufted vetch
Bush vetch
Common dog‐violet
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December 2013

54. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
Turlough Walk
Total Turlough Species: 50
Agrostis stolonifera
Alisma plantago‐aquatica
Angelica sylvestris
Atriplex prostrata
Calliergonella cuspidata
Callitriche stagnallis
Cardamine pratensis
Carex flacca
Carex vesicaria
Chamerion angustifolium
Cinclidotus fontinaloides
Crataegus monogyna
Eleocharis palustris
Epilobium palustre
Euonymus europaeus
Filipendula ulmaria
Galium palustre
Glyceria fluitans
Hydrocotyle vulgaris
Iris pseudacorus
Juncus articulatus
Juncus effusus
Lamium purpureum
Lythrum salicaria
Marchantia polymorpha
Mentha aquatica
Myosotis scorpiodes
Persicaria amphibia
Phalaris arundinacea
Plantago major
Polygonum hydropiper
Potentilla anserina
Potentilla reptans
Ranunculus flammula
Ranunculus repens
Ranunculus trichophyllus
Rorippa amphibia
Rosa canina
Rumex acetosa
Rumex obtusifolius
Salix caprea
Creeping bent
Water‐plantain
Wild angelica
Spear‐leaved orache
Pointed spear‐moss
Common water‐starwort
Cuckooflower
Glaucous sedge
Bladder sedge
Rosebay willowherb
Smaller lattice‐moss
Hawthorn
Common spike‐rush
Marsh willowherb
Spindle
Meadowsweet
Marsh bedstraw
Floating sweet‐grass
Marsh pennywort
Yellowflag
Jointed rush
Soft rush
Red dead‐nettle
Purple loosestrife
Common liverwort
Water mint
Water forget‐me‐not
Amphibious bistort
Reed canary‐grass
Greater plantain
Water‐pepper
Silverweed
Creeping cinquefoil
Lesser spearwort
Creeping buttercup
Thread‐leaved water crowfoot
Great yellow‐cress
Dog rose
Common sorrel
Broad‐leved dock
Goat willow
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December 2013

55. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
Salix repens
Schoenoplectus lacustris
Senecio aquaticus
Stellaria media
Trichophorum cespitosum
Typha latifolia
Urtica dioica
Valeriana officinalis
Viola riviniana
Creeping willow
Common club‐rush
Marsh ragwort
Common chickweed
Deergrass
Bulrush
Common nettle
Common valerian
Common dog‐violet
Total Turlough Wood Species: 35
Allium ursinum
Arum maculatum
Brachypodium sylvaticum
Cinclidotus fontinaloides
Circaea lutetiana
Corylus avelanna
Crataegus monogyna
Dactylis glomerata
Euonymus europaeus
Filipendula ulmaria
Fraxinus excelsior
Galium aparine
Geranium robertianum
Geum urbanum
Glechoma hederacea
Hedera helix
Hypericum tetrapterum
Hypnum species
Oxalis acetosella
Phylitis scolopendrium
Poa species
Prunus spinosa
Ramalina farinacea
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus ficaria
Rosa species
Rubus caesius
Rubus fruticosus
Sambucus nigra
Stachys sylvatica
Thamnobryum alopecurum
Ulmus glabra
Wild garlic
Lords and ladies
False brome
Smaller lattice‐moss
Enchanter's nightshade
Hazel
Hawthorn
Cock'sfoot grass
Spindle
Meadowsweet
Ash
Common cleavers
Herb robert
Wood avens
Ground ivy
Ivy
Square‐stalked st John's‐wort
moss
Wood sorrel
Hart's tongue fern
Meadow‐grass species
Blackthorn
Cartilage lichen
Meadow buttrecup
Lesser celandine
Rose species
Dewberry
Bramble
Elder
Hedge woundwort
moss
Wych elm
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December 2013

56. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
Urtica dioica
Vicia sepium
Viola riviniana
Common nettle
Bush vetch
Common dog‐violet
56
December 2013

57. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
APPENDIX II. FIXED POINT PHOTOS FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER.
The Wildflower Walk
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
57

58. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
May
April
June
July
Sept
Aug
58

59. Burren Nature Sanctuary
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
The Turlough
May
April
June
July
Aug
Sept
59

60. Burren Nature Sanctuary
April
Dr Amanda Browne
December 2013
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
60