| Richmond Esker | |
| Photo Width: | 200 |
| Map: | Ireland |
| Map Width: | 200 |
| Label: | Richmond Esker |
| Coords: | 53.532°N -8.617°W |
| Type: | National |
| Location: | near Moylough, County Galway |
| Area: | 39acres |
| Operator: | National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland) |
| Status: | Open all year |
Richmond Esker is a national nature reserve of approximately 39acres located near Moylough, County Galway, Ireland. It is managed by the Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service.
Richmond Esker was legally protected as a national nature reserve by the Irish government in 1985.[1]
Richmond Esker, with Timahoe Esker, is one of only a small number of esker ridges that remain in Ireland and that have native woodland. The site has been planted with conifers and other non-native species, but the NPWS have stated the goal of expanding the native woods through management.[2] [3] A review of historical maps of the area concluded that there was a period around 1838 that the area was completely devoid of trees, and that the wood had been re-established by 1892. In 1951 Fagus sylvatica and Larix were planted on the site. Other species recorded on the reserve include Avenula pubescens, Luzula sylvatica, Poa nemoralis, and Mnium hornum.[4]