An invasive species has been detected at Lees Rd which is “smothering plants” throughout the facility.
Clematis Vitalba also known as Old Man’s Beard is an invasive species which as flagged by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) “appears to be taking over large areas” within Lees Rd. She cautioned that it was “smothering plants” at the Drumcliffe sports complex.
A deciduous woody climber, clematis vitalba can grow to over 10m in length, it has opposite leaves, which have five 3-10cm leaflets. Leaves have both light and shade-forms. The small, white flowers are solitary and without petals. The flowers are usually hermaphroditic and have a 2-3cm long feathery style.
This species is native to Europe and the Middle East. It is naturalised in countries that border its range, including Ireland, Norway and Sweden; it also grows in countries north of its European range, including Scotland. It may pose a threat in hedgerows and forests as its quick growth and dense vegetation can block out native species. Its weight may also damage supporting vegetation. This can lead to lower plant biodiversity if left unmanaged.
Staff at Lees Rd are “are aware of this developing situation,” Head of Sports and Recreation with Clare County Council, Tim Forde confirmed. The end of the cycle track has been marked as “one particularly bad area” with other isolated pockets throughout the park.
Forde outlined, “We believe control rather than eradication is probably the best action moving forward as this plant propagates easily and is now commonplace around the country”. He said an action plan is to be devised in collaboration with the Council’s gardening section.
“Lees Rd come up week in week out, it is a huge asset to all of us and the town, to see this creeping through the forest area and we don’t know what damage it can do,” Cllr Howard commented at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. She said “a serious infestation” was visible at Lees Rd as she urged the Ennis MD to deal with the matter urgently.
