We are responsible for this. Yes, the climate has changed, but only because of us. Our, throwaway society has destroyed parts of this wonderful world. We need to change our 'want it now' mindset.

This beautiful area of Fermoy cries out for our care. We must decide how to protect and save it from further destruction. The weir is due to be reconstructed, I hope it will be. Once that happens, hopefully, the river Blackwater will return to its majestic self as it flows through our wonderful town. Perhaps then, the powers that be will consider sympathetically developing the Barnane walk, and future generations will derive the same enjoyment from it, as mine did. Standing by the banks of the river, I imagine what it would be like to meander along an accessible track, listening to the gurgling water, or watching the swans, cranes, herons and ducks.

I hope it will happen, but for now, I continue my sometimes-tricky trek until I reach the end of the Barnane walk, and emerge onto a curving road. Directly across from me, is Glenabo woods and shaded by a canopy of tall trees, another trip down memory lane begins for me.