New book explores Birr Castle Demesne's 'microcosmic jungle'
Earlier today (Thursday), the launch took place of a book which explores the ecosystem at work in The Meadow at Birr Castle Demesne
Entitled A Microcosmic Jungle: The Meadow in Birr Castle Demesne, the book was launched in the grounds of the castle today.
It was published with support from The Heritage Council and Offaly County Council, and was described as a "comprehensive exploration of Ireland's species-diverse grasslands".
An outline of the background to the book explained that, a century ago, "just about every other field in Ireland had a diverse assemblage of grasses and wildflowers and a diverse array of wildlife".
This changed with the intensification of agriculture, but there has recently been "a growing awareness of the economic benefits and environmental quality offered by multispecies grasslands which has sparked a revival of interest in their conservation".
A Microcosmic Jungle "hopes to contribute to this interest by showcasing the exceptional meadow found in Birr Castle Demesne".
The book focuses on the common grassland species found in the Demesne, and draws extensively on John Feehan’s earlier work, particularly The Wildflowers of Offaly, published by Offaly County Council in 2009, and The Grasses of Ireland (coauthored with UCD’s Helen Sheridan and Damian Egan), published by Teagasc in 2012.
It incorporates an array of vivid photographs provided by award-winning nature photographer Tina Claffey and Rachel McKenna, and enhances the grasses section of the book with vibrant plates from C.A.M. Lindman's classical Nordens Flora (1922-26).
In addition, Damian Egan's photographs from the earlier books feature Irish script names derived from John White's meticulous account of Ireland's grasses in 1808.
The book is part of the ongoing programme to explore and share the educational and heritage value of the Demesne’s environmental resources and has the enthusiastic support of the Board of The Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation, which manages the Demesne.
The book is on sale now at the Birr Castle Demesne gift shop for €20.