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Few people could be unaware of the special feel of the grounds of Ballyvolane
House. Within each of the many aspects there is a constant sense that, hand
in hand, timelessness and history wander there.
Standing on the gravel sweep with back to the porch of the main entrance
is the place chosen for easy orientation.
Straight head, to the right and either side of formal lawns on the reverse
side of the house, huge ancient deciduous trees have valiantly held place
for some 300 years. Already saplings when Ireland was known as the country
of Saints and Scholars.
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From then to now so much history must have
travelled beneath branches once small, now enormous. It is said that
in distant past a man from England came on a brief visit to place
trees to best advantage. He liked the place so much that he stayed
for forty years! He pruned the young trees, which provided them with
spectacular symmetry. Whether the rapture of the guest was shared
by the host is not known. |
More of these veterans grow in other places, some amongst timber of lesser
age, left in natural state for a century or more. Access is difficult, places
best left to wildlife whose home it is.
In the 1990s a freak wind uprooted a few giants creating temporary chaos.
Immediately, planting and under planting took place. Now young trees or
rhododendrons bask in light long excluded. Wounds healed, sometimes with
surprising improvement.
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From right of orientation stance there is an upward
slope, with flowering trees and shrubs on both sides of a grass path,
which winds beneath beautiful mature timber parallel to a fine stone
wall.
On the Upper slope there is a large open expanse bedecked by a carpet
of Bluebells, which provides a rare image hard to forget. Bluebells
require 80 years to form a carpet, it is said.
Artists frequently struggle to capture colour and the amazing effect
accentuated by tall trees that cover them high. Soft scents waft.
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Half left of stance at lower level, three lakes glister.
Two had filled with silt and were restored to original shape a deepened
to accommodate fish.In time long gone, there was evidence of a failed
attempt to do the third. Discovery of sandstone had pick and shovel,
which broke muscle and spirit. Modern machinery barely nodded. It
was nice that the original concept was fulfilled albeit 100 or so
years later.
Wandering on mown grass around the lakes watching all that happens
there is far removed from present lifestyle. |
From the selected place, on the opposite side of the house, are large formal
lawns, which have added their grace for so long that originally the turf
must have been trimmed by scythe, an operation demanding of several great
skills.
A large Copper Beech grows dramatically at the far end of the formal lawns.
Beyond is an area of less formality recently replanted in consequence of
evil wind. Two walnut trees stand thereabouts – only a brave person
might chance a guess at their age.
Left slant across the lawns reveals a walled garden
where an inescapable aura of peace and well-being prevails. There
are flowering trees, shrubs, flower borders, fruit and vegetables.
Beyond this large and well maintained area, the original size of the
old garden can be seen.
It is difficult now to comprehend the need for such space. Easier
when the mind is cast back in time.
Then, there were few preservatives, no refrigerator, deep freezers
or supermarkets brought close by speed transport, yet there were many
more mouths to feed at all seasons then than now. |
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There was the family of the owner, male house servants, female house servants,
coachman, grooms, gardeners and doubtlessly post boys, forester, packmen,
raconteurs, and other faraway men who dropped in confident of a cut of bread
and fine bacon while clothes dried a little in kitchen warmth.
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Within this setting it is no wonder that
varied and abundant wildlife find contentment where they are fed and
protected. Directly raptors were controlled, the population of songbirds
increased greatly. In springtime they conspire to produce a memorable
dawn chorus of different pitch and sound that wells from near and
far.
Many different species of wild animals fulfil their needs in the grounds
of Ballyvolane, some resident, others near neighbours. Some are nocturnal,
most prefer to move at first or the last of dimsy light. They are
not easily seen but signs of their presence are easily read by the
knowing. |
All make sounds, some too small to be distinguished in the sough of breeze.
Most birdsong is audible and melodious, a few species are raucous and some
emit sounds so eerie that they might have been wrested from granite deep
in wild mountain side. Kestrels are exponents when teaching young to navigate.
Parents fly alongside screaming instructions in wildest tones.
| Wild animals have variance of sound also. Mating foxes
are maestros at conjuring atmosphere of wholly wild places. From a
little before Christmas into January is the time for their performance
defined as clicketing within the lores of venery. Vixens assume major
role by lifting masks. Opening mouths to emit haunting screams from
the back of the throat as head writhes from side to side. When this
sound springs surprise at night, it is enough to frighten the bejesus
out of all but the dead. |
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Red Squirrels are enchanting and less elusive.
A quick eye could detect them swinging, climbing, jumping and scampering.
These beautiful small indigenous creatures have few strongholds left
to them. The imported American squirrel, or tree rat, supplants them
and creates additional damage also. The feckless folly of releasing
any form of imported life within home environment is matched only
by the stupidity of repetition, which is sadly frequent. |
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| From the starting place and to the left,
a track with poor surface curves left and then right to follow the
outer side of the yard wall. At the end of the wall on the right is
a pretty avenue providing a small surprise when at the far end the
isolated Dower House emerges. Standing within a garden and nearby
woodland scenes, it is a lonely place suitable to provision of special
care of wildlife. |
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To the right of place of garden entry, a high bank with ditches both sides
bounds deciduous woodland. Not so long ago, this formidable obstacle taught
young horses the need of observation and balance necessary to jumping big
and bold, which is safer than dalliance. Now a small cairn rests on top.
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It is sad when reference is made to a small heap of
stones constructed with thought equal to that expended upon a Dolmen.
It is a feeding house specially constructed for red squirrels. A little
cavity to contain nuts is surrounded by stones xexcept for a small
access. A flat stone is placed across the threshold upon which any
larger marauding bird must stand that it may reach the nuts and when
it does so the lintel is too low for the head to enter the cavity.
Small birds help themselves anyway – who cares? |
In seasons of their choosing these small beautiful creatures now rare, can
be watched without disturbance by a few. The habitat belongs to the squirrels
and is not for us.
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Near Windows on the opposite side of the Dower House, numerous bird
feeders hang from branches of a large flowering cherry tree.
A large flock of varied songbirds congregate there. They are as little
flying flowers, a welcome extra dimension to gardens made less colourful
by winter gloom. Additionally, their constant flit has hypnotic effect
which may constitute the adult version of mobiles hung above infants,
which some say, set them going on lifespan bob. |
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The saga of the grounds of Ballyvolane would not be complete without mention
of the much loved domestic animals, which are as much a part as are trees,
rock or water.
A portly retired Spaniel does all in her power to instil
part of the radiance of her nature into two tiny terriers whose object
in life is to create mayhem and then jump into the middle of it. Their
beguiling looks and ways serve well to further this mission.
A flock of fantail pigeons practise acrobatics above and around the
house. When golden sunlight, so much a part of Ireland, glints upon
white wings held high in swoop produces a memory that does not fade.
Three donkeys, two mares and a gelding, live in ways that suit only
them. It is rumoured that nearby a black stallion lurks and should
he have his way with the mares the herd might increase. There are
few sights more enchanting than the teetering steps of a newborn donkey.
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The aura cast by Ballyolane is strong. From within gossamer structure, it
may be that happenings long gone is the root of power which these other
diverse facets supplement. Such is the strength of this nebulous waft that
people return often for test.
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