The Dodder River Part.2

Post No 3

At this location, you might be lucky enough to see otter prints or fox prints in the mud by the river’s edge. You might also see prints of a non-native, invasive species, the American Mink, which has been recorded along the Dodder. This species feeds on a range of prey including fish, birds’ eggs and young nestlings, all of which are plentiful along the Dodder.

With birds of special interest such as Kingfisher, Dipper, and Grey Wagtail present, a predator such as mink can have serious consequence, particularly if there are no natural controls on its numbers. South Dublin County Council is monitoring mink populations on the river and has commenced a pilot programme of control in order to protect birds of conservation interest.

Other non-native invasive species which might be seen at this location include plant species such as Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera, Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica, and the Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii.

These occur along the length of the Dodder and, due to the fact that they can grow and disperse rapidly without any natural control mechanisms (e.g. grazing insects/animals); they can result in loss of native biodiversity. Control programmes for these species are currently under development but their eradication can be costly and time consuming.

Knocklyon Network would like to acknowledge the assistance and support in this project of the following: A Grant from the Dept. of The Environment through LA21, South Dublin County Council and their Library section, Knocklyon History Society, Ciar Mc Gouran.