Towards a Liffey Valley Strategy Doc. 1 - Kildare.ie

sylvestris). Toothwort (Lathraea squamaria) has been recorded on a number
of tree species.
The ground flora commonly includes Ivy (Hedera helix), Primrose (Primula
vulgaris), Voilet species (Viola spp.), Lords-and-ladies (Arum maculatum) and
Hart's-Tongue Fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium). These woodlands occur on
both sides of the river and are typically derived from old estates.
The threatened Green Figwort (Scrophularia umbrosa), a species listed in the
Irish Red Data Book, is recorded from a number of stations along the river
within the site. This stretch of the River Liffey has the greatest number of
recently recorded populations of this species in Ireland. The Rare and
legally protected Hairy St. John's-Wort (Hypericum hirsutum) (Flora
Protection Order 1987) has been recorded from woodlands in this site. This
species has only been recorded in Kildare and Dublin, at sites on the River
Liffey, since 1970. The threatened Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum
galeobdolon), listed in the Irish Red Data Book, is also recorded from these
woodlands.
The Strawberry Beds are another ecological feature within the pNHA.
They occupy the north bank of the river between Knockmaroon Hill in the
east and the Lucan Bridge in the west. The soil of the area is very fertile
and up until the middle of the last century the predominant industry was
agriculture. The topography of the Beds was intensively managed, with
the construction of terraces for the cultivation of a variety of crops. These
terraces are now mainly landscaped gardens, however some areas are
growing wild and exhibit a diverse ecosystem. There are large expanses of
wooded areas within the Beds which are typically comprised of Beech,
Oak, Sycamore, and Ash with scattered Conifers, especially Silver Firs.
Three flower species listed above (Green Figwort, Hairy St. Johns Wort and
Yellow Archangel) as rare or threatened in Ireland occur within the
Strawberry Beds.
In terms of fauna the Strawberry Beds are home to a number of species.
Two very rare species of millipede occur here; Adenomaris gibbosa,
(otherwise found only in the French Pyrenees) and Brachyaetuma bagnali.
There are also two rare species of woodlice, Trichoniscoides Albidus and
Trichoniscoides sarsi. There is a dense badger population on the valley
hillside. The following are also common; Newts, Frogs, Hedgehogs,
Shrews, Rabbits, Mice, Rats, Squirrels (red and grey), Otters, Stoats, Foxes,
Mink and Bats. Seventeen species of butterfly have been recorded in the
area, of which three are rare species; the Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages ),
Wood White (Leptidea) and Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas). The Kingfisher
(Alcedo atthis) and Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) is known to breed on the Liffey
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