Features of Wexford

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

Case Studies

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.
 



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.


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.






Listen

Chris Wilson Wildlife Ranger

Chris Wilson discussing his work as a Wildlife Ranger in Co. Wexford

Courtesy of Wexford County Library

 

Chris Wilson Wildlife Ranger

Chris Wilson discussing his work as a Wildlife Ranger in Co. Wexford

Courtesy of Wexford County Library

  to Chris Wilson describing his work as a

Chris Wilson Wildlife Ranger

Chris Wilson discussing his work as a Wildlife Ranger in Co. Wexford

Courtesy of Wexford County Library

 
Wildlife ranger at

Chris Wilson Wildlife Ranger

Chris Wilson discussing his work as a Wildlife Ranger in Co. Wexford

Courtesy of Wexford County Library

  Wexford Wildfowl Reserve

Chris Wilson Wildlife Ranger

Chris Wilson discussing his work as a Wildlife Ranger in Co. Wexford

Courtesy of Wexford County Library

 

Chris Wilson Wildlife Ranger

Chris Wilson discussing his work as a Wildlife Ranger in Co. Wexford

Courtesy of Wexford County Library

 

Listen

Larry Duggan

Larry Duggan in conversation about wildfowl around Rosslare Harbour

Courtesy of Wexford County Library

  to Larry Duggan reflecting on the wildfowl around Rosslare Harbour in the past.

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