Natural Resources

In Natural Resources by admin

FLORA AND FAUNA

Our parish has a great variety of plant and wildlife. Tomies wood is home to many Red and Sika Deer.

The rare Killarney fern grows in Gortcullinane in the Gap of Dunloe.

The Greater Spotted Slug (native to Spain and Portugal) is found here. Other rare plants to be found in this area include the Butterworth, Orchid and in our Boglands the rare insect-eating Sundew plant flourishes.

In the lakes of the higher mountain regions of the regions of the Reeks are found two rare breeds of fish, the Chad and the Char. These varieties are found only in the Alps.

We also have an abundance of bird life including a Rare Chough, the Peregrine Falcon and some “wise owls”.
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Walls and/or road through Tomies wood where visitors are free to enjoy the wonderful scenery.

Develop walkways at scenic locations in the parish with approved access and information. Also provide discreet shelters and litter bins along the way.

Provide information and safety guidance for mountaineering, fishing, walking, and other outdoor activities.

Possibility of erecting safety markers on the higher peaks.

Restocking the rivers/lakes or part of them.

Feasibility of a brochure on the flora and fauna of the area.
Beaufort parish is surrounded by the majestic McGillycuddy Reeks which boasts Ireland’s highest mountain Carrauntoohill (3414 feet), making this area a mecca for mountain climbers and hill walkers.

The Gap of Dunloe is one of the finest examples of glacial activity creating a rugged beauty acknowledged worldwide.

Tomies wood is perhaps the oldest natural wood in Ireland if not in Europe. The finest native Oak timber was and still is found here.

The main river of the parish is the River Laune. This beautiful clean slow flowing river drains the Killarney Lakes and after a 14 mile course empties itself into Dingle Bay.

Its main tributaries are the River Loe which drains the Gap of Dunloe Lakes, and after a tumultuous winding course enters the Laune near Dunloe. The Giddagh flows rapidly from Cumcailli Lakes and joins the Laune at Whitefield. The Spideog, the Fionnglaise and Owenacullin are the other tributaries.
On traversing through the Gap of Dunloe one reaches the Black Valley, an area of considerable natural beauty untouched by development and commercialism. The Valley adjoins Killarney National Park, and contains numerous unpolluted streams, rivers and lakes.