This trip will explore the Shanahoe Marsh area, known locally as the Mash. This is a fascinating area of wet and dry grassland that is collectively managed as commonage grassland and is mown for hay in the summer. It floods as callows grassland along the River Nore in the winter and attracts significant numbers of wintering water-birds. It has a rich history – we will have to watch out for the “Mash Shark!”. The wet grassland is sedge rich and the surrounding hedgerows are also quite diverse with at least one Populus nigra subsp. betulifolia (Black Poplar) present. A small section of dry grassland has Anacamptis morio (Green-winged Orchid).

Meet in Abbeyleix Town at the Heritage House, 10.00 am. Dress for the weather and rough round. Bring a packed lunch.