Vernon Mount, locally referred to as the Bog or Bog Vernon is located in west Douglas, just south of the South Ring Road (N40). This site covers approximately 160,000 m² and is the demesne of the original Vernon Mount house built in the 1700s. This area consists of a broad-leaved wooded valley to the east and some sparsely vegetated grassland to the west.

Trail entrance

From Grange road

Trail length

A walk around Vernon mount is roughly 1.7 km, but the site is surrounded by dense woodland and so can be extended to suit you.

Notable Wildlife

Red fox

Scientific name: Vulpes vulpes      

Irish name: Sionnach

The red fox is the largest of the true foxes. They are dog-like in shape with a slim muzzle and a distinct, large bushy tail. They feed on rabbits, young hares, hedgehogs, and multiple species of ground nesting birds. Foxes live underground in dens, of which they usually have a number within their territory. They live in social groups ranging from 2 to 6 adults, although they are usually spotted alone. This is because they forage independently.

Meadow grasshopper

Scientific name: Chorthippus parallelus

Irish name: dreoilín teaspaigh léana

The meadow grasshopper lives in damp, grasslands. They are herbivorous species, feeding on grasses and sedges. They are preyed upon by birds and other insect species. A genetic mutation causes some meadow grasshoppers to be pink!

Winter heliotrope

Scientific name: Petasites pyrenaicus

Irish name: Plúr na gréine

This plant is an invasive species, native to Sardinia and North Africa. In Ireland this plant reproduces vegetatively, as only male parts are found here. This is due to the introduction of winter heliotrope to Ireland during Victorian times not including female parts. This form of reproduction means that the entire population of winter heliotropes in Ireland are clones of the original introduced individuals. It flowers between November and March. This species favours moist soil and easily outcompetes native flora.

Swifts

Scientific name: Apus apus

Irish name: Gabhlán gaoithe

Swifts spend almost all of their lives airborne and are not seen resting on wires, as swallows and martins do. This is due to their weak, small feet. They have a distinct scythe wing shape. They are one of the fastest flying birds in Ireland. Swifts are a migratory bird which visits Ireland each year to nest, arriving in early May and depart by late August. They feed on invertebrates caught during flight, including midges, flies, and spiders. They have been seen to nest in Vernon Mount House.

7 spot ladybird

Scientific name: Coccinella septempunctata

Irish name: bóín Dé sheachtbhallach

This is the most common ladybird in Europe. It has seven black spots distributed over its red elytra. These insects have an aposematic colouration and release toxic liquid from their leg joints when threatened. Despite this they are a food source for a variety of spiders and amphibians.