Weeks after Storm Éowyn unleashed record-breaking winds, Ireland's nature reserves are still grappling with the aftermath. Glenveagh Castle Gardens and Connemara National Park have sustained significant damage, with fallen trees blocking trails and impacting delicate ecosystems.
Clean-up efforts continue at Ireland 's nature reserves more than three weeks after record-breaking winds wreaked havoc across the country. Glenveagh Castle Gardens , situated on the banks of Lough Beagh, suffered significant damage to its extensive plant collection, which boasts over 1,700 species. Many mature and prized specimens of pine, spruce, cedar, and fir were either damaged or uprooted by the storm.
The gardens also lost their tallest tree, a black pine (Pinus nigra), and a rare flowering shrub known as a trochodendron. Due to safety concerns regarding fallen and dangling branches, certain areas of Glenveagh remain closed while crews work diligently to clear trails and restore the gardens. Coniferous trees are particularly vulnerable to winter storms, as their year-round foliage increases wind resistance, making them top-heavy and susceptible to toppling. Connemara National Park's mixed woodlands have also been impacted, with the 500m Ellis Wood Nature Trail closed until further notice. Knockma Wood, a popular 77-hectare woodland managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) near Tuam, sustained extensive damage. Its 6km of trails are currently inaccessible. The NPWS is actively clearing fallen trees, but a thorough assessment of the woodland's structural damage is required before reopening. The agency aims to reopen Knockma Wood on Tuesday, February 18th. While the majority of both reserves have been reopened to the public, some trails remain fenced off as tree surgery and repair work are underway. The NPWS acknowledges that these ongoing efforts may result in localized trail closures and disruptions to visitors. They express their appreciation for the public's understanding and cooperation during this period. Clean-up operations are anticipated to continue for several months. Wild Nephin National Park, including Vary's Loop and a portion of the Western Way, were previously blocked by fallen trees following the storm but have since been cleared and are accessible once again. Storm Éowyn made landfall in Ireland early on January 24th, sweeping northwards across the country throughout the day. It shattered Irish wind speed records, recording gusts of up to 184km/h in counties Donegal and Galway
Storm Éowyn Ireland Nature Reserves Glenveagh Castle Gardens Connemara National Park Wind Damage Clean-Up Fallen Trees Restoration
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