I spent the day on Darragh Island with seven other National Trust staff and volunteers.
Darragh Island, a NT property on Strangford Lough, lies east of Killinchy. Its shape reminds me of a lobster. It comprises almost 19 acres and was acquired in 1978 from John Metcalfe.
We passed Conly Island on the way, a heavily wooded isle with a holiday cottage in a secluded location overlooking Darragh.
Our task today was to create three new ponds for livestock. Some of us did this, while others strayed Azulox on the bracken. White body suits had to be worn for this.
This little island has many butterflies and we also spotted burnet moths.
BURNET MOTH ON DARRAGH ISLAND
Darragh Island has few features, though there is a small kelp kiln, ruinous, and a kelp store (seen in the picture), partly used for other purposes nowadays. It is believed that there are the remains of a dwelling at the northern end of the isle.
A wonderful and noble way to spend the day!
ReplyDeleteIndeed - I am envious of anyone who gets onto these islands, they are very special places.
ReplyDeleteOn more mundance matters, whilst on the train home this evening, my eye caught this article in the London Evening Standard about your hero Julian Fellowes.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/no-comeback-tony-promises-party-faithful-7976095.html - it's the 4th topic down in todays Londoner's Diary. Not quite the view one might have imagined.
Cheers,
J
I simply love the islands. It's such a tonic on a fine summer's day.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have any heroes! I salute Fellowes for his adaptation of Brideshead Revisited among other productions.