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History
of Courtown Woods
Courtown
Woodland was planted with oak and ash in 1870. At this time
it was part of a typical Victorian estate woodland where
exotic conifers and redwoods from California were planted
within viewing distance of the house.
Oak
plantations were established at some distance. They were
underplanted with shrubs to provide food for pheasants for
shooting parties. The woodland was regularly cleared and
used as firewood by local tenants.
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During
the 1860's and 1870's, James Stopford, the fifth Earl of Courtown,
established a pinetum, or conifer collection, in the grounds around
Courtown House. A small number of these trees remain today in
the Woodland and in the Coillte property across the river. They
include Californian Redwood, Swamp Cypress, Japanese Cedar, Cedar
of Lebanon, and a number of pine, yew andtrue cypress.
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During
and after the last War most of this oak and ash was felled.
The estate lands were acquired by the State and were planted
with commercial timber in the late 1950's. The mixed conifer-broadleaf
plantings were largely of spruce with some ash. Although these
have been neglected over the past twenty years, a comprehensive
thinning programme was started in Spring 2000. This has involved
felling and thinning many of the commercial conifers and some
of the exotic (non-native) deciduous trees. |
In
order to minimise damage; two specially trained horses have been
used to help in extracting the timber. In an era of highly mechanised
forestry these horses (Kate and Sam) are unique and a delight
to watch at work. Eventually it is intended to allow a semi-natural
ash woodland develop here.
Location
& Access
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The
Courtown Woodland area is situated immediately north of
Courtown village. It covers approximately 25 hectares. The
area being restored covers 18 hectares and is roughly triangular
in shape. It is bounded on the north and northwest by the
Owenavorragh River, on the south by the main Gorey/Courtown
road and by the main car park on the north side of the village.
The Courtown Canal marks its eastern boundary. Ballinatray
Bridge on the southwest boundary is a particularly fine
feature. It can be viewed, withsome difficulty, from within
the woodland.
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Ballinatray
Bridge
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Walks
In recent years.
The
main walks through the woodlands were the Lime Walk and
Chestnut Walk. Whilst these were magnificent tree-lined
walks in the past, they have become neglected in recent
years. Several of the limes have been blown down, one of
the chestnuts has died and many more are seriously decayed.
While the walks were deteriorating, others were disappearing
altogether.
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The
River Walk is the most notable of these. Until recently, only
short sections were visible - the remainder were either totally
overgrown or non-existent. The River Walk is easily accessed from
both the Picnic Area and the Car Parkin Courtown village. This
is a delightful, quiet walk, with fine river views. However care
is needed, particularly with children, there are steep steps and
slopes besidethe river.
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Top Walk, accessed from the Picnic Area, overlooks the River
Walk in Places. There is a short linking path to the Spike
Bridge, which allows for crossing in the Coillte Wood on the
north side of the river. (This wood is adjacent to the Courtown
House site. The brick walls of the old kitchen garden are
visible from here). The Top Walk is particularly magnificent
in April as large drifts of bluebells carpet the woodland
floor. |
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The
old Gorey/Courtown road runs the West End of the Woodland.
This is accessed from the Picnic Area.
Follow the sign for the High Cross of Kilbride. After 140
metres the old Gorey Road, running at right angles, is signposted.
It runs down to the river, to the site of the old Ballintray
Bridge and the restored River Walk.
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Work
on the walks started in January 1999. Since then much work has
beendone. This was carried out by Greenworks and a team of dedicated
FÁS trainees,
(from the County Wexford Partnership CE scheme). CVI and Greenworks
supplied training. The FÁS team is now highly skilled and
much of the restoration is due to their diligence.
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