Cabragh Wetlands is the biggest single area of freshwater semi-natural floodplain habitats on the River Suir.
The wetlands comprise a mosaic of habitats, including reedbed, tall herb swamp, wet grassland, calcareous fen, transition mire, alluvial woodland, watercourse, lake, ponds and springs. Each of these habitats supports a variety of plants and insects.
The most important aspect of the flora at Cabragh is the wide range of grassland and wetland species within a small area.
Credit: Eamon Brennan
Credit: Eamon Brennan
The most notable plant species on the site are those which, though not nationally rare, are rare in Tipperary and the surrounding region. These are Brookweed Samolus valerandi, Grass-of-Parnassus Parnassia palustris, Blunt-flowered rush Juncus subnodulosus, Summer Snowflake Leucojum aestivum and Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica.
Some plants are the preferred larval food plants of certain insects. For example, Lady’s Smock (also known as Cuckooflower) is the main larval food plant of Orange Tip caterpillars and it is also used for nectaring by the adult butterfly.
Pollinators, such as bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths, transfer pollen from one plant to another while feeding, enabling plant reproduction and ensuring that wildflowers continue to provide us with colour and beauty in our landscape.
The photographs show a selection of plants and insects that may be seen at Cabragh Wetlands, including the Orange Tip butterfly on Lady’s Smock. Images courtesy of Eamon Brennan, John Fogarty and Kevin Collins.