Features of Wexford

Some of Ireland’s most interesting areas of natural heritage are located in Co. Wexford.

At the end of the last Ice Age, hollows were left in the earth where the icebergs melted. These are known as kettleholes and the sandy mounds that surround them are know as kames. To the west of Ballinesker is a prime example of kame-kettle topography in Ireland. Doo Lough itself is a crescent-shaped kettlehole.
 

Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum moss, also known as bog moss, is commonly found in peat bogs in Ireland.

Courtesy of CJ Fallon Ltd.

Sphagnum Moss
Courtesy of CJ Fallon Ltd.

Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum moss, also known as bog moss, is commonly found in peat bogs in Ireland.

Courtesy of CJ Fallon Ltd.

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The kames and kettleholes of the Screen Hills area are of significant environmental importance. Screen Hills support many different phases of bog, fen and dry heath formation. The area is also inhabited by a wide variety of plants, for example floating fen vegetation, sphagnum moss, royal fern and heather.

Many rare plant species are also found along the kame-kettle topography including fen sedge, white water-lily, shoreweed and the lesser bladderwort. Several of the Red Data Book plant species have been recorded at the Screen Hills, emphasising the importance of the area.

Mallard Duck with ducklings

Mallard duck with ducklings.

Copyright Mike Brown

Mallard Duck with ducklings
Copyright Mike Brown

Mallard Duck with ducklings

Mallard duck with ducklings.

Copyright Mike Brown

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Near Morriscastle is the Ballyteige Marsh, which is a proposed Natural Heritage Area that supports a wide variety of wetland flora.

Cahore Polders is another proposed Natural Heritage Area due to the strong habitat support it offers for wild birds. Under the Bird’s Directive, the Cahore Polders and nearby marshes are Special Protection Areas due to their importance for water-birds in the winter, for example Greenland White-fronted Geese, Teal, Mallard, Golden Polver and Bewick’s Swans.