The species-rich grasslands are lightly grazed and cut annually, with no fertiliser inputs. They have not been reseeded in more than a decade and are in organic production since 2002. Species of note include Bee Orchid, Carline Thistle, Common Spotted-orchid, Dense-flowered Orchid, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Dodder, eyebright, Fairy Flax, Frog Orchid, Goldenrod, Hairy Violet, Lady’s Bedstraw, Heather, Mountain Everlasting, Pyramidal Orchid, Salad Burnet, Square-stalked St John’s-wort, Quaking-grass and Tormentil. There is an area of unique dry grassland and salt marsh on the farm, that is also rich in flora and fauna. Management of this area is by grazing. Parts of this site are managed as part of the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme.
Farmland at Morgan’s North
on the Grasslands Trail
Extremely diverse and unique high value grassland habitats on two adjoining farms on the Shannon estuary, consisting mainly of calcareous grassland and salt marsh.
Owner:
Privately owned farmland
Access:
Private, but group walks with farmer possible by request
Size:
141 ha in total across two farms, including calcareous grassland and salt marsh
Parking:
no
Café:
no
Toilets:
no
Description
Management
Shorthorn & Droimeann cross cattle graze the extensive grassland. It is closed off on 15th April and until the meadow is mown for hay after 15th August.
Where to find out more
Farming For Nature - Home Page