Tramore

The coast at Tramore is of high ecological importance for its range of habitats, very rich flora community and high wintering waterfowl population. The extensive dune system at Tramore is the result of the growth of a spit of shingle and sand across a shallow bay. The Back Strand lies behind this spit and here there are a number of protected habitats, for example saltmarshes, marram dunes, fixed dunes. The Red Data Book species Bee Orchid has been recorded in the fixed dunes grassland and wild asparagus, listed on the Flora Protection Order, also occurs in certain pockets.

 

Sea aster

©Jenny Seawright

Sea aster
©Jenny Seawright

Sea aster

©Jenny Seawright

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Bee Orchid

Photograph of Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid)taken at North Slob, Wexford, spring 2003. the "bee" orchids, with flowers which cunningly resemble insects such as bees, flies or spiders. The bee orchid, looks very much like a queen bee. The sepals are usually pale pink, but sometimes white, and each has a green central stripe.

Bee Orchid

Bee Orchid

Photograph of Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid)taken at North Slob, Wexford, spring 2003. the "bee" orchids, with flowers which cunningly resemble insects such as bees, flies or spiders. The bee orchid, looks very much like a queen bee. The sepals are usually pale pink, but sometimes white, and each has a green central stripe.

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One of the rarest type of salt marsh in Ireland occurs at Tramore – lagoon salt marsh. The flora communities of this habitat are characteristic of Atlantic and Mediterranean salt marshes, supporting thrift, Sea Puslane, Sea Rush, and Sea Aster. It also includes Golden Samphire which is rarely found on salt marshes in Ireland. Tramore is also the only site in Ireland where Red Data Book species of Sea Knotgrass has been recorded.

Back Strand is a very important site for wintering waterfowl and has been designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA). Brent Geese, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, dunlin, sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit and many more species are regular winter inhabitants.