GC40W9A Glengarriff Nature Reserve Letterbox (Letterbox Hybrid) in Munster, Ireland created by ilucic&armmo

This cache has been archived.

ilucic,armmo&mini: Unfortunately not getting to do maintenance as often as we should, so removing this one.

GC40W9A ▼

A cache by ilucic&armmo Message this owner

Hidden : 11/4/2012

Difficulty:

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Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Glengarriff Nature Reserve

The name Glengarriff is derived from the Irish Gleann Gairbh which translates as the rough or rugged glen. The setting of Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve is spectacular, with the woods nestled in the sheltered glen opening out into Glengarriff Harbour. Above the woods rise the Caha Mountains, with their dramatic layers of sheer rock.
Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve covers some 300ha, with the dominant habitats being old oak woodland and young woodland which is regenerating in areas which have been cleared of non-native conifers over the last few years. The woods form one of the best examples of oceanic sessile oak woodland in Ireland, being rated second only in importance to the Killarney oakwoods.
At one time the woods were part of Lord Bantry’s estate, but they were handed over to the State in 1955 for forestry purposes. However in 1991, the woods were designated as a Nature Reserve and the woodland is now owned and managed by NPWS primarily for conservation and amenity purposes.
Admission to the Nature Reserve is free and the Reserve is open every day throughout the year.

Activities

Walking
Trails in Glengarriff Nature Reserve

A variety of trails are provided in the Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve to suit a range of abilities. You can take a gentle amble along the River Walk or make the steep, but rewarding climb up to Lady Bantry’s Lookout. Longer options include the Big Meadow circuit, which takes you through woodlands and old grassland, or the more rugged Esknamucky Trail, with its wonderful views out over the trees to the mountains beyond.
The Nature Reserve’s main car park is the starting point for all the walks. All walks require strong shoes, with walking boots recommended for the Esknamucky Walk and Lady Bantry’s Lookout.

Wildlife

Habitats
Dry, broad-leaved woodland
Glengarriff woodland consists of a sizeable area of broad-leaved semi-natural woodland comprised of Oak (Quercus petraea) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium), with much Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia). A little Yew (Taxus baccata) occurs and Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) is scattered through the woods. There is much small-scale variation in the ground flora, including heathy vegetation with Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica) and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Common woodland herbs include Enchanter’s-nightshade (Circaea lutetiana), Irish Spurge (Euphorbia hyberna), Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense) and Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). Ferns, include Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant), a characteristic species of old oak woodland, and Hay-scented Buckler Fern (Dryopteris aemula).
A particular feature of this hyper-oceanic woodland is the luxurious growth of mosses, lichens and Polyody Fern (Polypodium vulgare agg.) on the trunks and branches of trees.
Although this is the site of an ancient woodland, it was once part of an estate and some exotic species were also introduced, such as Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum). The latter has invaded parts of the woodland posing a serious problem, however, it is being systematically removed.
The oak woodland corresponds with the EU Habitats Directive Annex I habitat, Old Oak Woodland.

Wet, broad-leaved, semi-natural woodland
Wet woodland occurs along parts of the Canrooska and Glengarriff rivers. This is dominated by Willows (mainly Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia) and Downy Birch, with Alder (Alnus glutinosa) also frequent. A rich herb layer is found, characterised by such species as Bugle (Ajuga reptans), False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Remote Sedge (Carex remota), Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia caespitosa) and Wood Sanicle (Sanicula europaea). The rivers flood regularly, depositing silt within the woodlands.

Coniferous forest
From the 1950s to 1970s, prior to the Nature Reserve being established, conifers were planted as part of commercial forestry operations. Most have now been removed to allow native woodland to re-establish, but there are small pockets of conifers remaining. The main species present are Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Larch (Larix decidua) and Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla).

Rivers and streams
The principal river within the site is the Glengarriff River. The Coomarkane River and Canrooska River are tributaries. The river and streams are relatively fast flowing and stony bottomed. Glengarriff River is unpolluted (Q value 4-5).

Grassland
The Nature Reserve features an area of open pasture known as the Big Meadow. The grassland grades from wet to dry. The wetter areas feature rushes (Juncus spp.) and the pink and blue hues of Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) and Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis).
The drier areas of grassland support numerous ant-hills. The ant-hills provide a microhabitat which supports it’s own flora. Species present include Wild Thyme (Thymus praecox) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).

Peatlands: wet heath and blanket bog
There are a few small blanket bogs in the Reserve, with peat reaching a depth of several metres in places. In the past some of the bogs were used for cutting turf to provide fuel for local villagers. However, the bogs are no longer cut and the blanket bog is regenerating. Species present include Ling Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale), Bog Cotton (Eriophorum spp.), Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), sedges (Carex spp) and Sphagnum.

Exposed rock
Like the old oak trees, many of the rocks are covered in a lush green growth ofmosses and lichens. One plant on the rocks that looks like a moss, is in fact the tiny Filmy-fern (Hymenophyllum sp.). Typical plants of these rocks in the woods are St. Patricks Cabbage (Saxifraga spathularis), Kidney-leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirsuta), Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) and Navelwort (Umbilicus rupestris).

________________________________________ Flora
A feature of the woods are the so-called Hiberno-lusitanian species. These plants have an unusual distribution in that they occur almost exclusively in south-west Ireland and in northern parts of Spain and Portugal. Species in this group include two species of saxifrage, St. Patricks Cabbage (Saxifraga spathularis) and Kidney-leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirsuta), Irish Spurge (Euphorbia hyberna) and Large-flower Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora). The latter species is found in boggy areas. Perhaps one of the best known plants in this group is the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo), whose distribution extends to the Mediterranean area. In the woods of Glengarriff it occurs on rocky outcrops, with one located near Lady Bantry’s Lookout.
A rare woodland orchid, Narrow-leaved Heleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia) occurs at one location in the woods. This species is so rare that it is listed in the Irish Red Data Book.
The woods are also notable for the presence of several rare species of Myxomycete fungus, namely Echinostelium colliculosum, Cribraria tenella, Arcyria affinis, Stemonitis nigrescens, Symphytocarpus impexus, Fuligo muscorum, Diderma deplanatum and D. lucidum.
The section on habitats refers to many of the commonly found plant species found in the woods.

________________________________________ Fauna

Mammals
Bats
At dusk you may see bats flying around the woodland clearings, along the tracks or along the rivers. Seven species of bat have been recorded in the Glengarriff area, the most notable of which is the lesser horseshoe bat. This species is listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive and particularly favours woodland areas in the south-west of Ireland. There are several lesser horseshoe bat roosts in and around the nature reserve, including some winter roosts (hibernacula) that have been specially created for the bats.
Other bat species found in the reserve are Daubenton’s bat (seen along the rivers), long-eared bat (pictured above right), common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Leisler’s bat and Natterer’s bat.

Other mammals
Otters are common in the area but they are shy and secretive. Their ‘sprainting points’, where they leave their droppings to mark territories, are found along the riverbank. You might be more likely to see mink, which is a North American species which spread into the area some years ago. Similar in size to the mink, is the pine marten (’tree cat’), distinguishable from the mink by its’ creamy yellow bib. Pine martens have been making a comeback in the Reserve in recent years.
Stoats make their homes in walls and usually have a reddish-brown coat and a black tip to their tails. Stoats are highly inquisitive and if you see one it can usually be enticed from cover by making a squeaking noise. Red squirrels are a similar size and colour but have characteristic bushy tails. The squirrels particularly like the areas of the Reserve with Scot’s pine or hazel.
Other mammals present in the Reserve include fox, badger, Sika deer, feral goats, hare, hedgehog, wood mouse and bank vole.

Birds
The woodland supports characteristic bird communities, with chaffinch, robin and tits being the most common breeding species. In spring willow warblers and chiffchaffs arive from Africa to breed in the woods and the population of blackcaps, some of which over-winter in the south-west, is augmented by summer migrants.
Several species of the crow family occur, including the colourful and noisy jay. In autumn this bird feeds on fallen acorns. The late autumn also sees the arrival of migrants from Scandanavia such as fieldfare and redwing, which feast on the woodland berries.
Along the river you will see birds such as wagtails and the unmistakable dipper, with its white bib and bobbing habit as it perches on rocks in mid-stream. You might also be lucky to see a flash of brilliant blue as a kingfisher streaks past.
At dusk look out for the deceptively slow flight of a long-eared owl that nests in the Scot’s pine as well as woodcock, mainly a winter visitor, that emerges at nightfall to feed on open grassland. You might also see the ghostly white shape of a barn owl searching for bank voles.

Amphibians
Ponds and pools within the reserve swarm with frog spawn and tadpoles from early spring and the Reserve supports a healthy population of adult frogs.

Invertebrates
Oak has more animal species associated with it than any other tree species and over 200 species of insect inhabit it. The mature oaks of Glengarriff host Ireland’s only aboreal ant species (Lasius fulginosis). The arboreal ant colonies are known to persist in association with individual trees for up to a century. Old birch trees too have their own fauna among which is the beautiful black and yellow longhorn beetle (Leptura aurulenta). Both the arboreal ant and the longhorn beetle are representatives of Ireland’s much reduced old forest fauna and, together with a species of hoverfly (Microdon analis), demonstrate the ancient origins of these woods.
The small bogs within the Reserve are the habitat for species which only occur where woodland and bog combine. These include Ireland’s largest grasshopper (Stethophyma grossa), the grey and orange horse-fly (Hybomitra muhlfeldi) and the largest western European horse-fly (Tabanus sudeticus), which is over 2.5cm long.
The aquatic habitats of the Reserve add to the faunal diversity. The rivers support freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), a species listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. The pearl mussel can live up to 130 years old, making its Ireland’s longest living animal. The larvae of the mussels (glochidia) attach themselves to the gills of salmonid species of fish. The glochidia drop off after several months and settle within gravel beds where the mussels can develop to maturity.
The two lakes associated with the Nature Reserve support a wide range of dragonflies and demoiselles, including the downy emerald dragonfly (Cordulea aenea). Elsewhere in Ireland this species is only known from Killarney.
An invertebrate species with a distribution similar to theHiberno-lusitanian plant species is the Kerry slug (Geomalacus maculosus). This species is known only from south-western Ireland and the north-western part of the Iberian peninsula. Dark with distinctive cream spots, the slug can be found grazing on lichens on rocks or tree trunks in damp weather. Like the freshwater pearl mussel, the Kerry slug is listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive.
Butterflies recorded in the Nature Reserve include silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia), green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi), purple hairstreak (Quercusia quercus), large heath (Coenonympha tullia), holly blue (Celastrina argiolus) and wood white (Leptidea sinapis).

Fish
The rivers of the Reserve contain species such as salmon and trout. Fishing permits are available in the village.

To get to Glengarriff Nature Reserve:
The entrance to Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve is located approximately 1km from Glengarriff village, Co. Cork, on the Kenmare Road (N71).

Information source: www.glengarriffnaturereserve.ie

The Letterbox cache.

We created this exciting letterbox to show you the beauty of Glengarriff Nature Reserve and to introduce you to it’s amazing wildlife. Why letterbox? To show you that geocaching can be exciting without using GPS too. So you will be able to find this cache without your device.
Important! Cache is locacted outside Nature Reserve borders- to preserve and protect the area!

This letterbox consists of 3 parts: 1) Start- where you find box with project folder 2) Getting to know Glengariff Nature Reserve- where you complete projects from the folder 3) Final- where you find the letterbox! Warning- this is not quick park and grab cache! Be ready to do some exercises!

1) There are coordinates provided for car park next to the first part of cache- in case you are experiencing difficulties finding it without GPS ( it should be easy!). To get your project folder you have to go to Pooleen Wood what is located outside Nature Reserve (directions at the end of description). Park next to picnic area (there is plenty parking space). Walk down to barrier at the forest entrance (SE direction). From here follow forest road for about 120m until you can see big fallen tree with the roots facing to the road on your left ( from here you can see gated field further down). Leave the forest road and go as far as the fallen tree then turn left; keep going until you come to the ditch. From here you should be able to see tree stump on your right side. Cache box (plastic box in green waterproof bag) is located there. Good luck!

To get to Pooleen Wood:
Glengarriff village is 3 km from Pooleen wood. To find it, you take the Kenmare road N 71 out of Glengarriff and then, after about 1 km (pass the entrance of Nature Reserve), take the left turn for Barley Lake. Pooleen wood is about 2 km out this quiet wooded road (entrance on the left- there is Coillte wooden sign next to it).

2) You have to answer all questions and complete all projects to get missing letters for the final letterbox location description! There is map of Glegarriff Nature Reserve included – and all the places what you will have to visit are shown on the map + folder contains detailed task description.
Take only one folder! And use your own notebook or sheet of paper for notes (please don’t write on project sheets!).
3) Final- the final description is missing lots of letters. You will find them after solving part 2. Each letter can be under few different numbers! ( A=1, 23 and 50)
To get to the letterbox cache:

You have to 44/4/8/43/61/58 36/63/60/k 8/15 53/15/66/5/56/49/55 33/15/66/d. F/54/29/a/25 4/2/45/65/56 is located 8/42/e/44/56. You will need a k/49/40 to 15/23/56/6 the 36/66/x. It’s hidden at the 36/63/61/16/54/49/31 ( on the way to f/15/25/d/62/44 57/m/m/66 36/15/x. M/34/67/29/21/8/54/18! Right side! Once you have a k/62/40 16/56/8/43/61/35 to 53/54/ 27/58/54/14 area.You will see 59/54/67/20 36/16/54/29/67 home all 25/54/8/t/56/44 and 61/54/58/36/43/32/40. When facing them 8/43/16/35 39/54/67/65/8 and walk for few meters- you should be able to see 59/m/57/l/25 8/44/a/54/l next to the f/49/n/41/30 leading to 44/54/v/e/39 (on your left). There should be what's left over from wooden 51/54/67/58 d/57/6/67/e/16 slippery 44/15/60/k (you can 9/49/56 it from 23/a/61/k/54/6/67 place but it’s a bit 42/54/d/d/30/20. From here walk next to the 61/54/v/4/31 for about sixty nine + 47+48 (47,48 numbers from project 4) meters (passing small 33/2/8/26/61/f/2/l/5). Mind your step 44/66/41/k/51 can be slippery and area is quite owergrown. After walking for about 70m you will reach 36/54/67 f/54/44 8/16/49/56. Cache is hidden 55/56/x/8 to the 36/54/67 46/15/5/25/40 8/44/56/49 what is 67/61/o/33/i/6/67 on the right from f/54/16 (when 16/54/v/e/61) is on your left and you are facing f/54/61 8/16/49/56). Be extra cautious when searching for cache, there is some steep ground next to it.
Please bring back your project folder to ammo box and return k/49/40 to it’s original location when you are finished! Hope you had fun!!!

PS There is envelope in final cache for you to leave stamp (paper one) to mark finishing this letterbox!

Additional Hints (No hints available.)