Blackthorn –Draighean in Irish

Did you know that the Blackthorn is unusual in that the flowers appear before the leaves?  

The very pretty white flowers have 5 petals which occur in large numbers. They are one of the first sources of nectar and pollen for insects that emerge early in spring.

The fruit, known as sloes, are bitter blue-black berries which resemble tiny plums

The wood is dense and hard-wearing. It was traditionally used for making the famous blackthorn walking sticks,

Click on the link below to view a video by the Woodland Trust 

https://www.kilteevancommunity.ie/heritage/natural-heritage-biodiversity