Discovering Askeatons Wildlife.Co.Limerick.

Discovering Askeatons Wildlife.

Located along the banks of the River Deel and only 3km from the Shannon estuary Askeaton is one of Limericks most historic towns. The Desmond Castle situated on a natural rocky outcrop in the middle of the town was built in 1199 and its ruins still dominate the landscape. Nearby is the impressive Franciscan Friary 

and this word of god is balanced by the remains of the Hellfire Club. 

These were popular in the 18^th century and a place where rich gentlemen would come to drink, play cards and meet “ladies”.

But hidden among the stones Askeatons wildlife is equally as interesting and recently I paid a visit to see what wildlife I could discover. I parked under the shade of the tall Beech trees that border Super Value Car Park. A field at the back of the bottle banks immediately draws my attention. It is bordered by a thick Blackthorn hedgerow that has long arching brambles growing at its base. This is a great natural stock proof fence as it would want to be a brave animal that would force his way through. I can hear a Robin singing and Rooks and Jackdaws are feeding in the adjacent field. Scattered among the grass there a few wildflowers. Red clover, Ragwort, Sow thistle, Common dock and black medic are all in flower.  

I head into town and find a tall Holly tree surrounded by a sea of tarmac and concrete. Its berries will be eaten by birds and the thorns will provide birds with a safe roosting spot. Across the road on the roof on a house a Jackdaw is calling. All the streets flow towards the river and I pause in the square to read the interesting History of the area located on Information panels. I push on and a sign for homemade ice-cream briefly catches my attention but not in this inclement weather. I reach the bridge over the Deel and spot Mallards resting under the shade of the castle. Despite its age it is still very impressive but now only echoes to the calls of the local birds.   

A new state of the art leisure centre was built in 2008 and the public entrance follows the river bank. I stand underneath a tree and watch the river for a few minutes. Black headed gulls are noisily feeding while Greylag geese are grazing while the tide is out. This daily tidal rhythm exposes a rich feeding ground for birds. Wet Daddy longlegs are resting on the railing and I find the Oak Apple Gall growing on an Oak tree.

I pass beneath a grove of Beech trees and a flash of blue upstream catches my attention. I am just in time to see kingfisher disappearing up the river and this is wildlife highlight of the trip. A woodpigeon flashes by but I am afraid he doesn’t have the same appeal as the beautiful Kingfisher. Large mud flats are exposed and I can see several birds feeding.

A small side gate invites me out onto a quite road. The main road looms overhead but there is a beautiful roadside garden. Roses, Buddleia and Mallows are all in flower and this is someone who takes pride in their work. I follow the road and pass a fallen giant. A tall elderberry tree has been knocked by the wind and is slowly decaying in a field. Brambles are full of blackberries and at the back of the tennis court the natural stone is protruding from the landscape. I scramble up for a look and find Eyebright, Yarrow and wild carrot. A house is been renovated and they are using the traditional thatch. If the owners are of a generous nature they will allow House sparrows to build their nests in the thatch.

I retrace my steps back to the leisure centre garden. A mature woodland edge borders the garden. Ash, Beech, Mountain ash with berries and Horsechestnut create a valuable home for wildlife. A male Blackbird is foraging in the leaf litter and flies away as I approach. I shelter under an overgrown trellis covered in ivy but it is home to spiders and there are no sign of any nesting birds.

I head back towards the car and stop for a visit to St Marys church. The long branches of a Sycamore tree stretch out over the wall bordering the college. A fine seat has been built around this old tree for students to discuss more important things than their studies.

I head into the ruins beside the church. The walls are covered in Spleenwort, Sedums and Navelworth. The doorways are low and narrow but provide good shelter. A large stone tablet depicting the Ten Commandments is leaning against the wall. Songs of worship have been replaced by the calls of the Jackdaws and while there is no holy water there is an abundance of natural rain and I blessed from head to toe.

From ancient history to stunning wildlife Askeaton has plenty to offer the traveller on the Wild Atlantic way.  

Comments/questions to albert.nolan@rocketmail.com or 089 4230502. Also available to give walks/talks to schools, tidy towns, youth and community groups.   

Loughill,Exploring Loghill,Co.Limerick.Shannon Estuary Irelands' Wild Atlantic Way

www.shannonestuarywildatlanticway.com

I am standing on a busy bridge overlooking the Shannon estuary and marvelling at the dramatic power of nature. After all the recent rain the white river is living up to its name and thousands of gallons water are been pushed through the narrow arches of the bridge creating a swirling cascade at the other side. I gently lean over but quickly retreat as I much prefer the feel of solid ground beneath my feet. The noise is deafening and who would think that such as important thing as water could be so forceful.   

    

The beautiful town of Loghill is nestled between Foynes and Glin and forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way. 

This town dates to the 12^th Century and once had extensive Iron works. Today it is a lot more peaceful and the only sounds are the thunder of the water flowing beneath my feet and the haunting calls of the waders feeding out on the mudflats. I feel the excitement of exploring a new location and head of to discover more wildlife.

I walk down the path by the river and the fruits of the season are evident. An Elderberry bush has a bramble growing through its branches. Both have berries and they can be made into wine, jams, tarts and ketcup. The Sycamore tree arrived in Ireland during the 12^th century. It was incorrectly named as its leaves resemble the true Sycamore that is found in Palestine. A more appropriate name would be the Great Maple but like old habits familiar names take a long time to change.

Deep in the tree two Wrens are singing and hopefully this winter will be mild as these tiny birds can suffer terrible during prolonged cold spells. The red berries of Lord and Ladies are ripening underneath a Holly tree. Its flowers give off a smell of urine and this attracts flies who pollinate the flowers. Also the phallic shape of the plant has led to many interesting names and the more printable ones are Sentry in the box and Kate come down the lane and jump up and kiss me. A Robin appears briefly on a branch, utters a quick song and retires to the safety of the trees.

Beech trees are taking on their autumn colours and can hold onto their leaves well into the winter till the first storm stripes them bare. Nettles like rich soil and where the leaves of the Beech have rotted down they are thriving. All these native plants have been complemented by the planting of Pyracanthas and wild roses. These are excellent shrubs/climbers for wildlife producing flowers for bees and berries for birds.

I reach the end of the path as the rain arrives. An old boat is located at the edge of the mudflats and it provides a dry place and also the birds are well used to this feature. I peek out the window and see a Cormorant flying overhead. These are excellent at fishing and dive under the water to catch their prey. In some countries fishermen raise the chicks and    they are trained to catch fish and bring their catch back to their boats.

 A Grey wagtail is flying upstream. Despite its name they have bright yellow on the body and the tail. I am joined briefly by a wasp who flies around for a few minutes and investigated all parts of the boat including myself. I keep perfectly still as he crawls over my hand and if you don’t panic and react they general leave you alone. With nothing of interest in the boat he flies out the window.

The large mudflats have attracted hundreds of birds. When the woods have gone silent the  mix of calls is an autumn chorus not to be missed. One bird in particular stands out and I can see a Curlew in the distance. It is easy to identify with its long de-curved beak, bulky body and streaked brown plumage. The female is bigger than the male and she also has a longer beak. This is a unique adaptation as this means that males and female don’t compete for the same food. Unfortunately the Curlew has nearly disappeared as a breeding bird and its future hangs very much in the balance.

Time is moving on and as I extract myself from my hide I see the lovely pink flowers of the Sea Aster. I head up to Kilteery Pier and the long winding road in has beautiful views of the sea. A pair of grey hooded crows are searching for seafood while a massive Greater Black backed Gull is resting on a rock. Through the open window I can hear a Jackdaw calling and a lone Swallow is flying along the edge of the sea.

A fabulous few hours spent discovered the amazing wildlife of this hidden part of the Shannon estuary.  

Comments/Questions to albert.nolan@rocketmail.com or 089 4230502. Also available to give walks talks to schools, tidy towns, youth and community groups.   

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