English: The Gearagh at very low water level The valley of the river Lee in County Cork once contained extensive partially flooded oak-forest. They were a maze of little streams and islets, virtually uncrossable except to the few inhabitants. For centuries they were a hiding places for rebels, outlaws and freedom fighters. In the more peaceful days of the mid twentieth century dams were built lower down the river to generate electricity and the character of the Gearagh was almost destroyed by flooding, along with its abundant list of wild species. Of late the Electricity Supply Board has tried to reverse this process a little by making the area a wildlife reserve. At low water level, some of its previous character may be imagined.