Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th July: County Galway Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July: County Clare

Wednesday 17^th and Thursday 18^th July: Connemara, County Galway

Leaders: John Conaghan and Steve Little

We will be based in Clifden. John will introduce us to a few sites in Connemara. On one of the days, we will visit an inland heath/bog site and a coastal site in the Roundstone/Ballyconeely area. The machair at Ballyconeely is unusually fertile grassland, enriched by winds driving off the Atlantic that blow tiny fragments of seashells over the sand that fertilises the poor soil, creating a rich grassland. The second day will be a “Come and Find” at a number of sites. Details of meeting places, timings etc will be given nearer the time.

To book, contact Janet John wfs.meetings@gmail.com or phone 01753 884490

 Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st July: The Burren, County Clare

Leaders: Sinéad Keane and Steve Little

We will be based in the coastal village of Ballyvaughan. On our doorstep will be the Burren, an area of outstanding botanical interest. On one day Sinéad will introduce us to some of the sites and the second day will be a “Come and Find”. The Burren includes limestone pavement, calcareous grassland and turlough. Plants we would hope to see include Shrubby Cinquefoil Dasiphora fruticosa, Hoary Rock-rose Helianthemum oelandicum, Dark-red Helleborine Epipactis atrorubens. Details of meeting places, timings etc will be given nearer the time.

To book, contact Janet John wfs.meetings@gmail.com or phone 01753 884490