The beautiful tidal estuary that stretches before you today, comprises of maritime grasslands, heath and wetland habitats with a narrow channel running southward towards Cregane stand (the Warren). The formation of this habitat evolved due to the silting up of the estuary. According to local tradition the catalyst was the formation of a sand bar (Warren) as a result of the Lisbon tsunami of 1755. However, there is no documentation from the time to corroborate this. As a result of silting up of the estuary due to the Warren to the south and the causeway to the north, a mini ecosystem has evolved. Within this ecosystem there can be found: sea snails and worms, krill, shrimp, crab, pollock, mullet, silver eel, sand fish, rock fish and bass. These attract bigger predators such as sea otters and an extensive array of bird life. In an article written in 1837 it is highlighted that the estuary of Rosscarbery was famed for it’s great numbers of silver eels, which were fished during the summer months.  From the neolithic to the bronze age, this area would have comprised of a low-lying woodland that over time became reeded swamp. This prehistoric environment was evident in a four meter peat layer in geological core samples taken in the area. On occasion, during low spring tides and stormy weather, the estuary's geological history can be seen on the Warren strand as woody peat deposits. As well as the tangible evidence of this peat layer, it also features in local folklore. It is said that in the 1960s lady Carbery of Castle Freak, in correspondence to a local man Patrick Sheehan, describes the finding of Irish Elk remains in a peat layer in this area. The letter detailed that the bones were found during the construction of the post office causeway (built between 1809-1814). Unfortunately, the letter has been lost to time, but its content has been kept alive in oral tradition. The Irish Elk Megaloceros, was not exclusive to Ireland, but has been found throughout Europe and as far as Russia. It was, in fact, the largest deer species ever and had the largest antlers. This species developed during the glacial periods of the last ice-age and most fossil remains, like that mentioned in Lady Carbery’s letter, dated to between12,150 and 10,600 +/-495 years ago. At the shoulder they would have stood 1.8 metres tall with the stags having an antler width of 4 metres. Their nearest living direct decendents today would be Fallow deer.