Courtown Wood
Habitat: The Owenavarro river runs through its deep picturesque valley
and empties through a man-made channel as a backwater for the harbour of
Courtown.
History: Formerly the demesne of the Earls of Courtown whose family name
is Stopford and who lived in the area until 1970.
Main Tree Species: The area was originally an old oak woodland with some
beech. Some patches still survive which are approximately 150 years old. Ash,
holly, sycamore and Spanish chestnut mixtures provide interesting silvicultural
debates, along with conifer species of Norwegian spruce, Sitka spruce and
European larch. One of the walks is known locally as the ‘The Chestnut Walk’.
Other Flora: Bluebell, grasses, garlic and wood rush.
Fauna: A great variety of wildlife is noted throughout this area and
includes foxes, red squirrel, stoat, kestrel, pheasant and wood pigeon. The
river has trout, salmon and mullet as well as otter swan and old duck.
Geology: Ordovician.
Facilities: Forest walks, picnic site, car parks. Fishing rights of
Owenavarro are held by Owenavarro Angling Club.
Length of Trail: 5km.
