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

Just for the record and in response to your many queries - YES- the Cuckoo is back. The call was heard on the Cloonlarge Loop on Easter Monday April 18^th 2022, one day earlier than our first record last year.

 As stated in our Biodiversity calendar, this is now a major nature event among walkers and cyclists on the Loop.   We met walkers last year who travelled miles with young children just to give them the experience of this wondrous call. Thanks to artist Leonora Neary for her amazing artwork.

Below a link to a beautiful short video by Wildlife World  https://www.kilteevancommunity.ie/heritage/natural-heritage-biodiversity