MOUNTAIN LOG NEWS 10 The changed route provided an opportunity for Alan Lauder (ecologist and Chair of Mountaineering Ireland’s Access & Conservation Committee) to get us thinking about trees, contrasting the deer-grazed woodland floor along the Green Road with the growth within the fenced exclosures below Derrybawn. Geologist Anthea Lacchia took us through the formation of the Wicklow Mountains and their subsequent sculpting by glaciation, while Hugh McLindon from Wicklow Mountains National Park kept us focused on the impact of our footfall depending on the surface beneath our boots. Between the showers, John Cromie captured moths, caterpillars and craneflies for us to look at, with he and Alan reminding us of their role in the ecosystem. At the summit of Derrybawn the landscape impact of the extensive conifer plantation north of Mullacor caught people’s attention. Given its location at the heart of the national park, most of the group were surprised to learn this forestry is owned by Coillte. The potential of this forest for landscape-scale woodland restoration as part of the national park was one of the key takeaways from the weekend. A fun Scrabble activity on the way down encouraged participants to think about how we can encourage love, care and respect for the mountains. Back at the hostel there was a discussion about access issues before dinner in the Wicklow Heather restaurant. Pictured this page: Anthea Lacchia explains the geology of Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains. Photo: Alan Lauder
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