30/10/2024
Crack Willow in the Big Pond.
On Tuesday 29/10/24 a (Crack ??) team of Volunteers removed some of the invasive Crack Willow from the Big Pond.
Crack Willow is an invasive species and is very prolific. It readily sprouts shoots and roots once it comes into contact with water, as can be seen in the photos attached. Any branches breaking off, no matter how small, will generate strong roots at every joint, and eventually populate downstream of the river. The branches are brittle, hence the name Crack Willow.
These roots are quite deep and hard to eradicate, and our efforts merely scratched the surface of the problem. This tree is banned in several American states, also Australia, where it is devastating small waterways similar to the Camac.
We are hoping to have it removed and replaced by native Irish species such as Hawthorn, Alder, Rowan, Native Holly, Crabapple, Blackthorn and Hazel, all providing pollen, nectar and fruit.
We are in touch with SDCC with a view to enlisting their help in tackling this problem.
The Volunteers were Brian Nolan, Brian Ronan, Pat Ging, Dermot Doyle, Gerry Carroll and Tim O’Brien.
Check the website - here's the link -
Voluntary Group dedicated to the Camac river.
