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until the 1800s Ireland was almost entirely covered in deciduous
woodlands, now only a few pockets of ancient woodlands remain. Clare
has a considerable amount of oak-ash-hazel woodland and some wet
alder woodlands. Small pockets of ancient woodland still remain
in Clare.
In
the Burren scrub is a problem as it is expanding onto areas of limestone
pavement and dry calcareous grassland. However in many parts of
the county scrub is declining, mainly due to clearance for agriculture
or housing. Hedgerows have been an important feature of the landscape
in most parts of Ireland for centuries. They provide a habitat for
many species and also corridors for animals to move through.
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