An F orasForbai'diai

The NationalInstitutefor PhysicalPlanning andConstructionResearch

If If

Teach Mhairtin

Bothar WaterlooIF -

Ath Cliath 4

Teleion 64211

St. Martin's HouseWaterloo RoadDublin 4

CONSERVATION AND AMENITYADVISORY SERVICE

A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON AREASOF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST INCOUNTY CAVAN

L. Farrell,Research Assistant,An Foras Forbartha.

July, 1972.

i

r

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

Section A PREFACE 1

B Vulnerability of habitats

General Introduction 6

Geological map of Co. Cavan 9

D Explanation of the criteria used in rating

areas and deciding on their priority

10

E Table summarizing the sites visited 3.2

F Detailed reports on the sites 15

G Table summarizing the priority of the sites

and recommendations for their protection

79

3

FOREWORD

This report is based on data abstracted from the files of the Conservationand Amenity Section, Planning Division, An Foras Forbartha, from the

published literature, and several periods of field work between May 24th

and June 15th, 1972. It is a preliminary survey upon which it is hopedfurther research will be based.

The help of Dr. J.S. Jackson, and Miss Scannell of the National Herbarium

is gratefully acknowledged. The maps which appear in this report are

reproduced from the Ordnance Survey by permission of the Government.

(Licence No. 121/72).

SECTION A.

Preface

The abundance of open countryside in Ireland is immediately apparent to

anyone visiting the island. Although much of the land is artificallyfertilized, a large percentage is used as pasture, and even though the

natural composition of the grassland has been modified, it has not been

ploughed and destroyed. Vast areas of upland blanket bog and the red

raised bogs of the Midlands still exist and many miles of hedgerows border

the small fields.

One habitat which has been decimated over the centuries is woodland. Manyof the original deciduous woods have been felled and not replaced. Planting

of coniferous species on marginal land has compensated for the loss innumbers, but not in ecological interest.

Ireland is rich in archaeological and geological sites also, and it is thisenvironmental and aesthetic diversity which is our national heritage - a

heritage which requires and demands the full attention of our intellect if weare to continue to exist in harmony with it and to ensure its survival.

This particular report is concerned with county planning in relation to sitesof scientific interest. Often these areas are of educational importance andof recreational value. What we are concerned with at the present time is theintegration of these various interests with the actual physical nature of the

countryside.

At the moment the Conservation and Amenity Advisory Service is attempting to

visit, describe and record areas of natural and semi-natural habitats throughout

the country. Localities of specific importance i.e. noted for the occurrence

of a rare species or rare natural phenomenon, are also listed. Oncerepresentative examples have been delimited, the development of the area of

interest and that of the surroundings has to be considered as a whole unit.For example, if an area of marshland is considered to be of particular

1.

scientific interest, then a drainage scheme in the neighbourhood coulddestroy the habitat.

Having previously stated that Ireland has a wealth of natural phenomena,

is it possible to define the value in concrete terms? The key to the situationis that of diversity. The intricate network of grasslandlmountains, lakes and

woods provides an ever-changing vista for us to enjoy. Because of the

diversity too, of human nature, there are many different ways in which weenjoy the countryside. In order to rationalize the situation, four categoriesmay be distinguished - one particular area may be important for amenity,

recreational, scientific or educational reasons, or a combination of all four.

The present problem is how to combine all these interests in that area, andit is at this stage that the work of the local authorities becomes important.Robert Boote summarizes this importance in a statement issued at the 7thsession of the European Conference of Local Authorities -

'Local authorities hold the key to the success of conservation in Europe.

They carry out a wide range of functions which have a direct impact upon thephysical environment. Planning and education - two of the most formativeaspects of modern society - are of prime importance here. Local authoritiescan also develop and manage considerable areas of land and water and most

have powers to create new amenities and landscapes. In these and numerousother ways, they are well equipped to conserve and enhance those qualitiesof the environment that contribute so much to the life and heritage of Europeanmar':' .

(Reference : Conservation - The Human Environment

Published by An Foras Forbartha, December 1971)

2.

SECTION B.

Vulnerability of Habitats

Areas of scientific interest can be damaged in many ways. They can be

completely destroyed by scrub or tree clearance, by turf cutting or by

arterial drainage, or they can suffer insidiously through pollution, fertilization,grazing or overuse for recreation.

Woodland in Co. Cavan is very much scattered and found chiefly on the

periphery. As early as 1612 during the plantation, it was claimed that

there was no timber in Cavan for necessary building and application was

made to bring in timber. In the extreme west the Shannon valley was wooded

where the river enters Lough Allen, and so also was the southern shore of

Lough Macnean Upper and the valley of the Swanlin. From the border north of

Belturbet, woods stretched at least to Ballinagh. The northern and eastern

shores of Lough Sheelin and around Kingscourt carried timber, while south

of Cootehill were woods of oak, birch and alder. Remnants of these wood-

lands still exist, but there is no extensive stand of deciduous woodland.

On Slieve Russell, in the north west, forestry plantations cover the lower

slopes, but these are of little ecological value as the dense growth allows

the passage of little light through the canopy and the ground flora is virtually

non-existent. Several areas of deciduous woodland are mentioned in this

report and it is hoped that they will remain so, to act as ecological examples

and to provide sheltered walks for our leisure time.

Extensive areas of upland peat spread over the north-western mountains .

These are cut for turf by the local farmers, but no real danger of loosing

this habitat exists because of the locality and the vast resources.Afforestation of large areas would be a more economical form of land-use,but, as previously stated, this detracts from the ecological value.

Very few lowland bogs are to be found in the county. Kilconny Bog on the

eastern boundary is the largest raised bog. The threat here is that of

3.

burning. Occasional burning keeps the coarse heather from becoming a

complete dominant and so enables more plant species to come into the

community. Frequent burning, hovlever, destroys many species and the

botanical diversity is lost.

Drainage schemes for Co. Cavan are not proposed in the immediate future.

But the main ecological interest of the county lies in and around the

numerous lakes and marshes, and the value of these should be considered

when inaugurating such schemes.

Closely connected with drainage is the problem of water pollution. Our

attention has been focused on the effluent entering Lough Sheelin, causing

organic enrichment of the water producing dense algal blooms, manifested

as a thick green scum, and seriously depleting the oxygen content. Onevery noticeable result is that the fish populations cannot breathe properly.

This happened only two years ago when hundreds of dead. fish were washed

up onto the shoreline. Control of sewage disposal and other pollutants

must be restricted in all areas, not just those in the immediate vicinity of

a lake. Upstream development is as important in the life of a river as is

the surrounding development.

Intensive grazing of an area of grassland can produce a 'species-pocr'

turf. The grazing animal selects the finer-leaved species and the morerobust species spread at the expense of the former, resulting in a coarse

grassland. This is of little value to the farmer and is not of any ecological.

value. But controlled stocking of an area often helps in the maintenance of

a rich grassland area. preventing the dominance of any one species and the

invasion of scrub.

Overuse of areas for recreation is not a problem in Co. Cavan today. Theonly areas where it may become a destructive influence are those scenicareas around the larger lakes, where picnicers' excessive trampling of the

vegetation destroys the plant cover. Opening up of or drawing attention

4.

to, sites of rare species may damage the species but usually some

individuals survive so that the species is not eliminated . Careful planning

and disclosure of information is needed in such cases.

c

5.

SECTION C

General Introduction

Cavan is one of the largest counties in Ireland having an acreage of 467 , 200,

it is interesting ecologically because of the many different habitats and

its geological diversity. The main areas of note are centred around the

hundreds of small lakes .

Geologically and geographically, the county can be divided into two: the

long north-westerly arm is composed entirely of Carboniferous rocks - shales,

limestones and sandstones - whilst the large, almost square eastern portion

is made up of Silurian rocks with a few outcrops of the Carboniferous

sandstones and a granite block. Around the many small lakes are alluvial

deposits on top of the Silurian and it is these patches which yield the

interesting species, as well as the limestone outcrops in the north-west.

The north-west also provides much of the geological interest because of

the visual manifestation of the stratification of the Yoredale series on top

of the Lower and Middle Limestones, and the narrow bands of outcropping

Upper Limestone. The Bala beds of thinly-bedded shales contain many

fossils, especially Goniatites, and are exposed in the deep mountain

streams. The Upper Limestones is a network of underground caverns and

streams - at least 17 caves are mentioned in J.C. Coleman's 'Caves of

Ireland' . Perhaps the best known of the holes is the Shannon-Pot

the traditional birthplace of the River Shannon. On the surface there are

small patches of limestone pavement and many small cliffs.

Botanically speaking, the greater interest lies in the aquatic and semi-

aquatic habitats. Cavan is renowned as being a rather wet county so it

is not surprising that the Careces, or sedges, abound . Several of the rarer

Irish species are to be found here including Carex aguatilis, C . elongata ,

and C . strigosa .

6.

The rivers Erne, Shannon and Blackwater drain the area. Of these, the

Erne system with its 'crazy-paving' structure of lakes and peninsulas is

the most fascinating and ecologically important. Around the .lakes, pockets

of woodland add to the scenic and botanical value.. The area is alsoimportant as a wildfowl refuge holding vast numbers of winter duck and, in

particular, large populations of the Great Crested Grebe.

The larger bodies of water - Loughs Macnean Upper, Lough Gowna, Lough

Sheelin, Lough Ramor and Lough Kinale - provide items of ornithological

interest. With the exception of Lough Kinale, all have small wooded islands

which are ideal roosting places for the wildfowl. Around the shoreline are

reed beds, marshes and borders of scrubland which add to the ecological

diversity and range of habitats for the different species, both ornithological

and botanical.

Once again returning to the north-west, another habitat not previouslymentioned is the vast acreage of blanket bog covering the Cuilcagh mountains,

Benbrack to the south and the range on the western boundary. Although

there are several areas of similar dimensions in Ireland, this one is worthy

of note because of its proximity to the outcropping Upper Limestone. The

different vegetation communities meet on the Corratirrim hillside, resulting

in one of the most visually attractive and botanical interesting areas in the

region.

7.

REFERENCES

The following is by no means an exhaustive list of references concerning

Co. Cavan, but these listed below provided an excellent basis for this report.

CARPENTER G.H.

CHARLESWORTH

COLE J.M.G.

1907

1938

Lathraea squamaria inCo. Cavan.I.N. XVI 132

The Historical Geologyof Ireland

Royal and ParsleyFerns in Co. CavanI.N.J. VII 54

COLEMAN J . C .

FARIS P.C.

McCRACKEN E.

PRAEGER R.L.

PRAEGER R . L .

PRAEGER R.L.

STEWART S .A .

1965

1949

1971

1896

1905

1934

1882

The Caves of Ireland

Carex elongata inCo. CavanI.N.J. IX 247

The Irish woods sinceTudor times. David &Charles, Newton Abbot

The field clubs of CavanI.N. V 193Plants of the Cavan lakesI. N. XIV 260

The Botanist in Ireland

Report on the botany of themountainous portion of .

Co. Fermanagh to the west ofLough Erne and the adjoiningdistrict of Cavan.Proc. R.I.A. Ser. 2 111 531 - 44

8.

SECTION D

RATING OF AREAS CF SCIENTIFIC Ii%,jPORTANCE

This is a measure of the relative importance of areas of scientific importance.

The importance of each area is indicated in terms of the following categories:

International Importance

1. Only area of its type in Europe.

2. One of the few such localities in Europe.

3. One of a natural series in Europe.4. Recognised international importance.

S. Specialised educational importance.

tiona l Importance

1 . Only area of its type in Ireland.2. One of a few such localities in Ireland.

3. One of a natural series in Ireland.4. Recognised national importance.

S. General or specialised educational importance.

Regional Importance

1 . Only area of its type in province.

2 . One of a few 'Localities in Ireland.

3. One of a natural series in region.

4. Fine example of its kind.

5. General or specialised educational importance.

Local Importance

1 . Only area of its type in county.

2. One of a few localities in province.

3. Fine ex_-imple of its .inc}

4. General educational importance.

10.

.

PRIORITY OF AREAS OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

This is a measure of the relative urgency necessary for protection of the

areas of scientific importance

Each site is given a priority rating of A, B or C C.

The rating of any area is based on a combination of the following criteria:-

a) the importance of the area

b) the vulnerability of the area

c) the nature and imminence of any threats to the area.

1'.. .

CT

AB

LE

SU

MM

AR

ISIN

G S

ITE

S O

F SC

IEN

TIF

ICIN

TE

RE

ST I

N C

OU

NT

Y C

AV

AN

Site

!Pag

e N

o.R

ef.

1.L

ough

Oug

hter

15.

BE

colo

gica

l.

2.Fa

rnha

m a

nd C

oalp

it L

ough

s18

.B

Eco

logi

cal.

3.C

orra

tirri

m20

.C

Eco

logi

cal.

4.C

uilc

agh

24.

CE

colo

gica

l.

5.K

ilcon

ny B

og27

.w

B

6.Sh

anno

n Po

t29

.C

Geo

mor

phol

ogic

al.

7C

ordo

nagh

y B

oa32

.C

Eco

logi

cal.

i

{

Bru

se H

ill35

.N

.317

,982

Ci

Geo

logi

cal,

Eco

logi

cal.

9.W

oods

nea

r D

rum

keen

Hou

sed

38.

CE

colo

gica

l.

10 .

Lou

gh K

inal

e40

.C

Orn

ithol

ogic

al.

I

I

+

`i

i

I f

i1

y

!

i i

.

i

i I

f

8.I

Site

;Pag

eN

o .

jG

rid

Ref

.R

atin

gPr

iori

ty:I

nter

est

11.

Bla

ckro

cks

Cro

ss43

.H

.152

,238

Loc

alC

Bot

anic

al,

Eco

logi

cal.

12.

Lou

gh S

heel

in46

.N

.427

,849

Loc

alC

Bot

anic

al.

13.

Mar

sh n

ear

Mad

abaw

n B

ridg

e5o

.H

.643

,091

Loc

alC

Bot

anic

al, E

colo

gica

l.

14.

{M

arsh

land

at B

lack

wat

er B

ridg

e ,

52.

N. 6

32 ,

833

Loc

alC

Bot

anic

al.

15.

Haz

el s

crub

nor

th o

fC

orra

tirri

m' 5

4.H

.082

,376

Loc

alC

Bot

anic

al, E

colo

gica

l.

16.

Swan

Lou

gh{

57.

N.3

14,9

12L

ocal

CB

otan

ical

.

17.

Lou

gh R

amor

59.

N.6

16, 8

38L

ocal

CB

otan

ical

, Orn

ithol

ogic

al, E

colo

gica

lN

.578

,852

18.

Lou

gh G

owna

63.

N.290,920

Local

CO

rnith

olog

ical

, Eco

logi

cal

19.

Com

mon

s L

ough

66.

H.3

80,1

51L

ocal

Ci

Bot

anic

al, E

colo

gica

l

20.

Glasshouse Lough

68.

H.280,068

Loc

alC

Bot

anic

al, E

colo

gica

l

i'

i( '

I

i

II

i!i

z

II

f I

!`

d la

i I i

I

i

iI

I

L"

Site

Page

Gri

d R

ef .

Rat

ing

Prio

rity

Inte

rest

No.

21.

Farr

en C

onne

ll E

stat

e71

.N

.490

,820

Loc

alC

Bot

anic

al, O

rnith

olog

ical

, Eco

logi

cal

22.

Lou

gh M

acne

an U

pper

73.

H.0

65,3

801

Loc

alC

Bot

anic

al, E

colo

gica

l

23.

Ann

agh

Lou

gh76

.H

.395

,125

Loc

alC

Bot

anic

al, E

colo

gica

l-

f

{{ 1

j

SECTION F.

Name of area LOUGH OUGHTER

Acreage 2,500 (See map)Grid reference H. 345, 055Scientific interest Ornithological, Botanical, EcologicalRating National

Priority C

Description of site

Lough Oughter can be considered a refuge area. Because of its diversetopographical structure - the numerous islands, peninsulas and interwoven.

lakes - secluded areas remain much as they were hundreds of years ago.The southern part of the lough, in particular, is fairly well wooded and

provides ideal habitats for many bird species. The reeded bays especiallyare important wildfowl feeding areas, and the largest Irish population of

Great Crested Grebes breeds here.

Farnham and Coalpit Loughs in the N. Easterly part of the system are examplesof the type of country to be found and a separate discussion of their specificinterest follows this more general description.

The area is too complex to enable a thorough ecological survey to be carriedout in a short period of time, but it is recommended that such a projectshould be undertaken in the near future .

Some of the more interesting plant species recorded by Praeger earlier in thecentury are listed below to give an indication of the botanical importance.

Call itriche autumnalis (Staivvort)

Cardamine amara (Large Bitter Cress)

Carex acuta (Slender--tufted Sedge)

G. elata (Tufted Sedge)

C. pseudocyperus . (Cyperus Sedge)

15.

Chara aculeolata

Cladium mariscus

Cicuta virosa

Crepis paludosa

Hydrocharis morsus-ranae

Isoetes lacustrisJuncus diffusus

Lastraea montana

Lastrea thelypterisLemna gibba

Melittis melissophyllum

Polygonum laxiflorum

P. minus

Potamogeton angustifolius

Rhamnus catharticus

Sium latifolium

Utricularia intermedia

Threats to the area

No immediate threats

Recommendations

(Alga)

(Saw Sedge)

(Cowbane)

(Marsh Hawk's-beard)

(Frog-bit)

(Quill-wort)

(Rush)

(Mountain Fern-'(Marsh Fern)

(Gibbous Duckweed)

(naturalised) (Bastard Balm)

(Lax-flowered Persicaria)

(Lesser Persicaria)

(Pondweed)

(Buckthorn)

(Water Parsnip)

(Intermediate Bladderwort)

A more detailed survey of the whole area is needed in order to assess itsimportance more accurately. General planning control for the region shouldbe considered.

16.

J

Name of Site Al,.TD COALPIT LOUGHS

Grid Reference H. 397;078

Acreage 193

Scientific Interest Botanical, Ecological , Ornithological

Rating Regional

Priority B

Description of Site

These two loughs are very similar botanically in that they are surrounded by

Phragmites communis (Common Reed) and scrub - mainly composed of Alder;

Hazel, Birch and Sycamore. At the southern end of each of the loughs is

an area of marshy, reeded ground with numerous willow trees near the lake

margin. It is under the shelter of the trees that the rare Summer Snowflake

(Leucojum aestivalis) is found. It is thought to be introduced in County

Cavan and is recorded as being naturalized only in the south of Ireland.

The woodlands surrounding Farnham House extend around the loughs and it is

here that Carex stri.gosa (Thin--spiked Wood Sedge) and Lathraea

(Toothwort) are found. These are uncommon species and represent new

post-1930 records.

Threats to the Area

None apparent.

Recommendations

The area is off the main road and most of the visitors are fishermen. Because

of its relative inaccessibility it is probably not necessary to issue a

Conservation Order but general planning control should be considered.

i8.

liAC-1iC.T r`!k^1!t.

1 t .i l _ 7 E.r..F[1-.,td i= is S1 S

t

SLu 3 U i d V

.

'` 135 0i' Cjn

Y

r I a/r111t7().I tS

2 r y 190.E

I

Ciaf./, l.1

. IY

Name of area

Acreage

Grid reference

Scientific interestRatin

Priority

CORRATIRRIM

269

H. 078, 372

Botanical, Geomorphological, Ecological

Regional

C

Description of site

J

The Upper Carboniferous Limestone outcrops in narrow bands in several areas

in the north-western arm of the county. The best example of limestone vegetation

and formations is the district around Corratirrim. Numerous caves are located

to the west and south and many restricted patches of limestone pavement are to

be found. The fact that there are peaty, acidic areas interspersed among the

limestone adds to the ecological interest.

On the steep slopes and small limestone cliffs Sesleria caerulea (Blue Moor

Grass) is almost completely dominant. In the flatter, grassland areas a typical.

species list is comprised of the following herbaceous species :-

Bellis perennis

Cerastium vulgatum

Galium verum

Hieracium iilosella

Lotus corniculatus

Plantago lanceol.ata

Polygala vulgaris

Potentilla erectaPrunella vulgaris

Succisa pratensisThymus drucei

(Daisy)

(Common Chickweed)

(Lady's Bedstraw)

(Mouse-Ear Hawkweed)

(Bird's-foot Trefoil)

(Ribwort Plantain)

(Milkwort)

(Common Tormentil)

(Self-Heal)

(Field Scabious)

(Wild Thyme)

The grassland itself is of a fairly open nature in that it is comprised of 7 grass

20.

species, none of which is a dominant. Several sedges add to the diversity.

0

Grasses Sedges

Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass) Carex caryophyllea (Spring Sedge)

Briza media (Quaking Grass) C. flacca (Glaucous Sedge)

Festuca ovina (Sheep's Fescue) C . pulicaris (Flea Sedge)

Helictotrichon pubescens (Hairy Oat Grass)

Keoleria cristata (Crested Hair Grass)Sieglingia decumbens (Heath Grass)

Sesleria caerulea (Blue Moor Grass)

The small patches of limestone 'pavement' harbour several fern and moss

species in the grikes (hollows), but there is a very restricted flora in these

areas as the soil is very shallow.

Sheep graze the mountain side and basic slag was being applied by hand near

the summit.

The following is a list of caves already expi ored in this area (The Caves of

Ireland by J.C. Coleman).

1 . Shannon Pot - due west of the pot is a cavern. 1/3 mile N .E .

of the pot is a stream sink

2. Pollboy - sink of water flowing north from Eden Lough.

3. Pollnaowen - (Pollnaswen)

Sink of water flowing from Garvagh Lough

4. Caverns - i mile south of Garvagh Lough

5. Pollnagossan - stream from Tallyboggan Lough sinks here

6. Pollnaskeoge - No exploration possible

7. Pollah.una - Stream from Tittinbane (1713 ft.) flows north for 2 miles

to sink here

21.

Threats to the area

None apparent. The present form of land use is likely to continue.

Recommendations

No action needed

22 .

Lt/ :.L C i 1 ,1'

t :;~, r `Is;F I' { -fir: .t t

L

77 T

{e1 " .. ...................... r^1..'f

.. .. 1/mar-- ,./

i ' I

3

( Il s;liL;l.r

1 r jn ijC Ialttjc) LV t ±i

.. ............ / I I 1 _

......... ...i ;t -

.

i? /7,'T. 7T 'ei TR 7T :11T

:...,::......

v

`.......... ; .. -- ..........r

I C.J 1

1 --71 1

^ 11 1 r.. .g,00 ..'.

DmiDUe( list ----1 .,.. _ i ........

23.

, . t C ..« C t.

r

C

(rcpt.

v if\ ...... 214

I

.....y

y x}a

l r

..

197' .. 1 ` 1 .Vol;

}

X1

ave..a .........._.. ,

,.......,..., o..':'.........: x

1.

C SM

_ ..t A

T.T., iR \... I \ d \ r ` /f o' r. rS i

... rt., _... -

..

`2w . ..39.

Name of area

Acreage

Grid reference

Scientific interestRatin

Priority

Description of site

CUILCAGH MOUNTAIN

1,269

H. 095, 207

Botanical, Geological, EcologicalRegional

C

(See I" Map ) .

Above the 1000-foot contour line is continuous blanket peat dominated by

Calluna vulgaris (Ling). The lower slopes have a swallower layer of peat

and are colonized by six co-dominant species :-

Calluna vulaarisEriophorum vaginatum

Narthecium ossifragum

Rhacomitriurn lanuginosum

Sphagnum acutifolium

Trichophorum caespitosum

(Ling)

(Bog Cotton)

(Bog Asphodel)

.(Woolly Moss)

(Moss)

(Deer Grass)

The zonation is fairly distinctive. It follows the topographical and geological

boundaries very closely. Above 1000 ft. are the shales of the Yoredale Series

and below are the Carboniferous Sandstones. Cuiicagh mountain has yieldednumerous fossils, the most interesting being Goniatites.

Because of the visible geological changes reflected by the vegetation zoning,

this area is of educational value.

Threats to the area

Slieve Russellto the West and the N.W. of Cuilcagh have been afforested,

but it seems unlikely that all the upland areas in this district will be planted.

211.

Recommendations

Benbrack, to the south of Cuil.cagh, is of similar construction and should be'

included in the general area. Afforestation of the whole area should be

prevented.

b

2S,

Name of Site KILCONNY BOG

Grid Reference N. 680,832Acreage 355

Scientific Interest Botanical, EcologicalRating Local

Priority B

Description of Area

This is a fairly extensive area of raised bog on the borders of countiesCavan and Meath. There are very few areas of bog in County Cavan.

The Calluna vulgaris (Ling) covering much of the bog is about 18 inches inheight and may possibly be burnt periodically. Much of the bog is verywet and of a 'pool and hummock' nature. Other parts are covered profuselywith the lichen Cladonia impexa and there are many small patches of barepeat. Andromeda polifolia (Bog Andromeda) was recorded during this visit,

representing a new post-1930 record for the county.

Threats to the Area

The hog is planted with conifers in several places around the edge but it isunlikely that the whole bog will he planted.

The short vegetation may be a result of burning but it may simply be areflection of the wetness of the peat. Frequent burning destroys the naturalcommunities but occasional burning does not have any prolonged affect.

Recommendations

This area should certainly be conserved as a raised bog and not plantedwith conifers. A Conservation Order is not thought necessary but generalplanning control should be considered.

I ,;f f t_I!' i

\ 1 r i : i- I s i C i 5

t 1J it1

t SfIU

28.

sTfllr. '

Name of area SHANNON POT

Acreage 10

Grid reference H. 269, 320Scientific interest Geomorphological, Ecological

Rating Local

Priority

Description of site

This is the traditional birthplace of the River Shannon. Numerous streamletsflow from a nearby bog and converge at the 'pot', which is a circular pool

surrounded by trees. A fairly fast-flowing stream emerges to the south.

The wet meadows surrounding the pot contain many spikes of the Common

Spotted Orchid, (Dacty orhiza fuchsii) . The main vegetation type is wet

grassland on the lower mountain slopes . A thin layer of peat overlies the

Carboniferous Sandstone with the result that sedges dominate the short turf.

Four species of sedge are present :-

Carex hostiana

C. nigraC. paniceaC . pulicaris

Only 9 other species were found, these being the 3 grasses Anthoxanthum

odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass), Cynosurus cristatus (Crested Dog's Tail)and Nardus stricta (Mat Grass)

and the herbs :-Bellis perennis

Cirsium dissectum

Prunella vulgaris

Ranunculus acris

Succisa pratensis

the Sharp-flowered Rush (Luncus acu.tiflorus)

(Daisy)

(Meadow Thistle)

(Self-heal)

(Meadow Buttercup)

(Field Scabious)

29.

C

;

The Shanron tot is well signposted from Dowra and Blacklion and a footpathleads from the road to a deserted cottage nearby the pool. It is included inthe report mainly for the aesthetic value but it is also of geomorphologicalinterest as one of a series of s,%ellow holes and caves in this region.

Threats to the area

The number of visitors is not known, but unless the pressure is very heavythe area is likely to remain unaffected.

Recommendations

No action needed.

30.

(C)

C

I

Q

r V::

c

ef

:77-

v'

C11 -

Name of area CORDONAGI-y BOG

Acreage 198

Grid reference N. 310, 946Scientific interest Botanical; EcologicalRating Local

Priority C

Description of site

A

This is a small area of cutover peat with numerous rectangular hollows which

were peat cuttings and are now colonized almost completely by sedges . The

raised areas between the hollows are sparsely covered with vegetation, the

main species being Potentilla erecta (Tormentil), Calluna vulgaris (Ling),Erica tetralix (Cross-leaved Heath), Molinia caerulea (Purple Moor Grass)and Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass) .

A virtually stagnant stream corsses the bog and several stagnant pools

are associated with it, containing Menyanthes trifoliata (Bog Bean) andViola palustris (Marsh Violet) .

Several variants in the vegetation pattern exist. In some areas Erioohorumyaginatum (Cotton Grass) is the dominant, whereas Pteridiurn aguilinum

(Bracken) covers other patches, and yet other parts have many small

Salix (Willow) bushes.

During a visit in 1968 the Botancial Society of the British Isles recordedCarex limosa (Mud Sedge) Carex dioica (Dioecious Sedge) Hypericum elodes

(Bog St. John's Wort) and Thelypteris phegopteris (Beech Fern) . These aresome of the more interesting species.

The area as a whole is not of great botanical importance, but the diversityof communities found here make it of educational value.

32

C

ty.,_e'C

3

i} r

tom,

C!:)

ti

f-- 2,C

D

e.4

Name of area

Acreage

Grid reference

Scientific interestRa tin

ori-ty

Description of site

BRUSE HILL

170

N. 317, 982

Botanical , Geological, Ecological

Local

C

Bruse Hill shows clearly different vegetation zones. On the Westernslopes three associations can be distinguished. For the most part smallflushes alternate with heather patches. The flushes are the richer habitatin of species diversity, the main species being :-

Carex oanicea

Carex demissa

Carex_pulicari s

Pinguicula vul ari.s

Succisa pratensisNardus stricta

Cirsium dissectum

(Carnation Sedge)

(Common 11'eilow Sedge)

(Flea Sedge)

(Butterwort)

(Field Scabious)

(Mat Grass)

(Meadow Thistle)

The species to be found in the 'grassland' association are :-

Anthoxanthum odoratum

Potentilla erectaCalluna vulgarisErica tetrali_x

(Sweet Vernal Grass)

(Tormentil)

(Ling)

(Cross--leaved Heath)

Near the top of the hill is the three association. The vegetation cover issparse and the greater percentage is bare rock and bare peat patches. Speciesinclude :-

Carex binervis

Calluna vulgaris

terms

(Green-ribbed Sedge)

(L i.ng )

35.

Anthoxanihum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass)

Polygala vulgaris (Milkwjwort)

Vaccinium myrtilis (Bilberry)

uncus squarrosus (Heath Rush)

Trichophorum caespitcsum (Deer Grass)

The eastern slope is almost completely dominated by heather. Furtherdown areas of Ulex europaeus (Gorse) scrub and Salix (Willow) scrub arefound scattered throughout a grassland community.

The skeleton bushes of Ulex and Calluna indicate that the area is burnt.

Much of the north slope has been quarried for granite by Rcadstone Clondalkin

Cement. The pink granite is very attractive and hence in demand.

The main interest of the hill is the ecological diversity offered by the

different habitats. Two uncommon ferns Thelyoteris o, hegop-leris (Beech Fern)

and Thelypteris limbosperma (Mountain Fern) have been recently recordedfrom the area.

Threats to the area

Continued quarrying would exhaust the supply of granite and deplete the

botanical interest.

Recommendations

That future quarrying should be restricted.

3 6.

D

[ti

f0irE

kvE

'f t ie il1.l

c!i'

ts

Ie

trial.U

L-

[i £4r4{:J kl

8

1i

!u-). -

,-

`\/

`/i/ \

y-!

t:I

r

1

00

I

r

,..-I

1

lvJ

.IN

!w

\

Name of area WOODLANDS NEAR DRUNIKEEN HOUSE

Acreage 42

Grid reference IN. 416, 077Scientific interest Botanical : EcologicalRa tine LocalPriority C

Description of site

Surrounuing Drumkeen House, which is now a Loreto Convent, are mixeddeciduous woods on either side of the Cavan-Bultersbridgeroad. The mainspecies is beech although some sycamore and elm are interspersed throughoutthe area. The occasional young oak tree occurs .

The ground flora consists entirely of Endymion non-scriotus(Bluebell) onthe slopes, whereas the flatter areas are colonized by Gaiium a arine(Goosegrass), Heracleum sphond ylium (Hogweed), Stachy;rs sylvatica(Wood Woundwort), Geranium robertianum (Herb Robert), Allium ursinum (WIidGarlic), Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry) . A small stream flows Through thewoodland and this is covered by a carpet of Ranunculus renens (CreepingButtercup) with alder trees at the edge.

Although this is not an extensive area of woodland, it is of botanical interestbecause of its mixed deciduous nature and the different ground floracommunities.

Threats to the area

There is somrie dumping along the roadside., but it is not extensive.

Recommendations

No action needed

38.

J

' '- -1 jv3 Jt `. .

r

YllN, fl;

.

I t, }

tLEii 10n

UUt.t t+.

42.

`i.

E t, 1, _, Iv

/` CiF

f ti t , ('; ( t

C ` f i ' 9P0.},.j Gys` ,_, .r.. also

1

«,

-°,' ``1

.°,,;r jaK of That,, 711-1 -f7!1 /pnl 1iG':.

'I .= -= %3 'x'11' ,_,

.F f 1`.tt.l

; f' tt ...1 t ly i (..+ i,.,' } t_. iu e ! 1a f E r l i 1e C1

I(;

G . 0ti. t i t t': (1 1' s(

E.J Ltt i; Cl L

6

' - _i- i is ' `1a . 1 ', _ I, 3

J9.

V. I

v

Name of area LOUGH KJNALE

--reage 163 (Co. Cavan)Grid reference N. 392, 820Scientific interest Botanical, OrnithologicalRating LocalPrior

Description of site

C

The greater portion of Lough Kinale comes within the Co. Longford boundaryand a detailed description is included in the report for that county. Therest of the lough is divided betww.weon Co. Cavan and Co. Westmeath. Althoughthe part in Cavan is relatively small the ecological value of the lough must beconsidered as a whole unit and hence the importance of the lesser area isdiscussed here.

The main interest lies in the marshland surrounding the loughshore. The reedbeds provide suitable nesting places for many species of wildfowl and are alsoof botanical importance. As association dominated by Phragmites communis(Common Reed) and Carex elata (Tufted Sedge) is the most frequently occurringplant community. Other species in this association include :-

Acrocladium cu s pidatum

Carex lepidocarpa

Eguisetum fiutiatile

Hydrocotvle vulgaris

Hypnum cupressiforme

Mentha aguatica

Pedicularis palustrisRanunculus flammula

Samolus valerandi

Moss)

(long-stalked Yellow Sedge)(Water Horsetail)

(Pennywort)

(Moss)

(Water Mint)

(Red-rattle)

(Lesser Spearwort)

(Brookweed)

In winter the lough holds large numbers of Tufted Duck and Pochard. Wildfowl

40.

jm

counts give the following figures

12 January 1,969 23 March 1971

Mallard 12 2

Mute Swan 6 3 8

Pochard 2425 -Teal 25 2

Tufted Duck 2160 500

Whooper Swan 3 8

Threats to the area

None apparent for the area in Co. Cavan

Recommendations

General planning control for the whole lough area is recommended

41.

Name of area BLACI,ROCKS CROSS

Acreage 30Grid reference H. 152, 238Scientific interest Botanical, ecologicalRating Local

Priority C

Description of site

The land surrounding Blackrocks Cross can be considered representativeof the various ecological habitats to be found in the valleys of the CuilcaghMountains. A blanket bog of about 1 , 000 ft. covers the mountains and belowis a wet, acidic grassland community with juncus sauarrosius (Heath Rush),

Trichophorum caespitosum (Deer Grass), Calluna vulgari.s (Ling), Vacciniumn

myrtilis (Bilberry) and several pha rn m. species (Moss) being the maincolonizers.

The most interesting habitats are the valley stream and the boulders on theneighbouring slopes . At Blackrocks Cross itself the valley sides are coveredwith developing scrub -. Elm, Rowan, Sallow, Oak and Birch. In between thetrees grow patches of Luzula sylvatica (Great Wood-rush), Endymion non-scrintus (Bluebell) Vaccinium myrtilis (Bilberry), Calluna vulrgaris (Ling) andPteridium aquilinum (Bracken) . Under the boulders and around those in thestream are numberous bryophytes. A rare fern, Hymenophyllum tunbrigense

is abundant in the rock crevices, and a small Willow-herb, Lrpilobiurn nerterioides,a local species creeps along the damp rocks.

The stream itself has cut through the rock to reveal thin-bedded fossil. shalesseparated by slate bands.

Threats to the area

None apparent

43 .

Recommendations

No action needed. The grasslands are grazed by sheep and the peat cut forfuel, but these forms of land use will not adversely affect the vast resourcesof the lowland grassland or blanket peat in the near future.

44.

(-ifrr. ' C

:.'t l3ia _

.i1

45.

\sl L _A ., u F f 4 \..It

ii3F

Lt E..,C

7t

[p inE:r CC i'rti' 1'1;,fir3t i t if 1 1 t_.i V t C! p ' 'I Li

......

_ f

..........a I 21'a,.y+-^."`y a 't I- y /\: clkiy ',3.

v: / ... .# -

...........

I'

I

, }rte

:I ,

,OFF jq72Name of area

Acrea e

Grid reference

Scientific interestRating

Priority

Description of site

LOUGH SHEEP LIN

23 (area visited)

N. 427, 849

Botanical

Local

C

Although a Large lake, Lough Sheelin does not provide a great deal ofecological interest. Access to the shore is restricted as much of the land

surrounding the lough is privately owned.

An area visited near Summe.rville had numerous offshore islands fringed by

Phragmites communis (Common Reed) and Scirpus lacustris (Bulrush) . In

the shallow water between the islands and shoreline beds of. Carex rostrata

(Bottle Sedge) grow. Associated with this species are Carex nila (CommonSedge) (Mare's Tail), Hydrocotvle vulgaris (Pennywort),Mentha aguat_ica (Water Mint), Ranunculus flamrnula . (Lesser Spearwort) and

Rorippa isiandica (Marsh Yellow-cress).

There are several areas of scrubland around the lough, but very few areextensive.

Further investigation at different points along the shoreline is needed.

Threats to the area

There are several car park and picnic areas located at points on the northshore, but many of the small roads leading down to the water's edge areprivate. Because of the limited ecological interest it seems possible to

combine all the various interests without adversely affecting the area,provided that thoughtful planning is implemented.

46.

_

Recommendations

A further investigation of the shoreline is required. General planning controlis needed particularly in view of the recent pollution problems .

47.

viii L.ST- 12

Shale:,

_ Inch to MHO

48.

U 4' l E 14U it :h f

n 1 \.._.........F ;' U.. v.,( / ( J > rJ .( r7 l, .

\ / I.....1 ,;y \c

-IJ 13 -

..:-, .+``.o ' "air rM :fit r J,

L o 61.

49.

11

lEt'iE t lI g.-a s,,: i Ft`

f i .u 1 r ... ! i i..:.a

' a S a /, °rEl,;LEL U 1.l:i3LLt LU

'..:.' ;}.`_;" ,.,_ , roe/ ! \ \ / ! i.± /

.. ti ,+ t ,,.1 ` rte 1 iJ' '"a [ti 'j -,. , . . _ p ,. .:.,._,.% '

{ is °° a .t't

,..-y..7 00: \ _ a

..: ,r x _ " ..... ` ,, e. .f» I s / . 4r o -- .-_

Name of area MARSH NEAR MADABAWN BRIDGE

Acreage 32

Grid reference H. 643, 091Scientific interest Botanical

Rating Local

Priories C

Description of site

This is a small area of very wet marshland. It is interesting becauseno particular species is dominant and so that a fairly open and diversecommunity results. The main species are Menyanthes trifoliata (Bog Bean),

Equisetum fluviatile (Water Horsetail), Galiurn _a lustre (Marsh Bedstraw)and Carex acuta (Slender-tufted Sedge) . Altogether 20 species were recordedwhich is good for this type of habitat.

Threats to the area

None apparent

Recommendations

No action needed

so.

t tt i1 4 ` t t[ e. tJ r

r- f,Io .c,a LT Ct 1 L; .

r* r.

E!E`Ji tlu La

51.

-

-

I

- 1 i` Vay+ 'Zf'aa ^ j ..` S fir/ - 6

Name of Site MAPSHLAII;1D AT RIVER BLACKWATER BRIDGE,S . ENT OF L. RAMOR

Grid. Reference N. 631,833Acreage 73

Scientific Interest Botanical

Ratinq Local

Priority C

Description of Area

To the south of the bridge at the southern end of Lough Ramor, are wet

meadows bordered by the River Blackwater. On the left bank is a smallvery wet area dominated by the grass Alopecurus pratensis (Common Fox-tail)with Viola palustris (Marsh Violet) in the hollows. Caltha palustris (MarshMarigold) , Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) , Cardamine pratensis,(Lady's Smock) and Ranunculus lingua (Great Spearwort) are abundant.

On the right bank is a wet meadow dominated by the grasses Alopecurus

pratensis and Anthoxanthu.rn odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass) with some

Lolium per"enne (Perennial Rye-grass) . Cardamine pratensis is very abundantand the flowers formed a 'sea of pink'. Spergularia arvensis (Corn Spurrey)

and other species, more common in drier habitats, are present, indicatingthat this area may have been sown at some time.

Another meadow has much uncus articulatus (Jointed Rush) , Poa pratensis,(Smooth Meadow Grass) and Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) which is

the more typical type of community of marshy areas.

Threats to the Area

None apparent.

Recommendations

The area is grazed by cattle at the present and a change in management seems

unlikely, therefore no specific action is required.

52.

U

Li Yt g tt

cpt t 1 r ; L

Lju ,Etc. G LUa

I:IIu

53 .

f: ui; f F tsE..:i r t,.JCltm(L 1P t!'J l .wl[:wC+t LJ

r.

Name of area HAZEL SCRUB NORTH OF CORRATIRRIM

Acreage 47

Grid reference 1-1. 082, 376

Scientific ii terest Botanical, EcologicalRating Local

Priority

Description of site

C

There are many small areas of scrubland in Co. Cavan. This particular one

is chosen because of its fairly rich ground flora and because it is an exampleof scrub on the limestone outcrop of Corratirrim mountain. This whole area isnoteworthy.

Other tree species in the scrubland include Pru.nus spi::osa (Blackthorn),

Ilex actui_`olium (Holly), Crataegus magyna (Hawthorn) and Fraxinus

excelsior (Ash).

Usually the ground is covered to a large extent by mosses -- here Mnium and

Eurynchium-.formed only a small part of the lower storey, enabling at least20 other plant species to add to the diversity.

The herbaceous species include :-

Anemone nemorosa

Cardaminc flexuosa

ChrySOS lenium oppositifolium

Conopodium majus

Endymion non-scriptus

Geum urbanum

Geranium robertianum

Oxalis acetosella

(Wood Anemone)

(Greater Bitter Cress)

(Golden Saxifrage)

(Pignut)

(Bluebell)

(Wood Aven)

(Herb Robert)

(Wood Sorrel)

rJ 4.

L siniachia nemcrum

Orchis mascula

Primula vulgaris

Ranunculus ficaria

Urtica dioica

Viola reichenbachiana

Threats to the area

(Yello,,r: impernel)

(Early Purple Orchid)

(Primrose)

(Lesser Celandine)

(Stinging Nettle)

(Woodland Viola)

A smaller area of hazel scrub to the west is being felled, but it seems unlikelythat all the scrubland in the area will be removed.

Recommendations

No action needed

55.

s

'(I fF jtU, u r EJ

---

y11

i Lo;oo !

I - .1I1S ,-.-

tdiUY[tt. '. ,tf !^i !TEL 1 C,I

.,..........1

`I

7 ;I .-I / ....1:....... 0 " l i :: r '. t { 111 .

a Cep r' 'f !e r

... % '4

..j,^111

, II j- yO`j `'`s, '' -__\` -J

l

t.-........

ice........ -.

1\ \ J......\ \ -1..... .............

.r \ -, \ `\/ t t .

J

,:'0

5

,1,

,

_......... ....... .' ...........`

1

- .. Y.. 1_1..x. _, -

1 _. I y t::f '

... ,(1 + ;rv - _ ., = ' >! ... l --_ 1.

r e x rice

_ .. i

r(

fr ti

^

t I - f - .. .. I : S

----------- -

AY`J r ......... ...... .......... .q \

_ -- ...... 1.i \`

J _. Y.- -..........

L-.

Ej

Name of Site SWAN LOUGH

Grid Reference. N . 314 , 912

Acreage 134

Scientific Interest Botanical

Ratite LocalPriorit,,C

Description of Area

The semi-aquatic vegetation surrounding the lough produces several interestingspecies - these include Ranunculus lingua (Great Spearwort) and Carexaduatilis (Northern Sedge) . C. ar,uati_is is not a common species in Ireland,but it is found around many of the loug. shores in this county. Nothing elseof particular note is found here, but 43 species were recorded showing a fairlydiverse community.

Threats to the Area

Sewage from nearby farmhouses flowed into the tough discolouring it in severalplaces , but this would not unduly affect the plant communities.

Recommendations

No action needed.

57.

t.;i a+e.itl..Zt`. t i l- t r

f.!lye

t ..., .

3

li

r

Ford '\ \ -/'`.. \traliEMC:? a

w1':crcc

r

.. 1nrlrwiir. a Z 9 +cct.,

r

253

c `:L :t`;6

am- `,- > , .;l gnri e- I /`1 4 _

' \ i7 i -' if, -..FJ itirua_'J. ,> t\` I3(3IC.eavvr u,,.! / i? i \,:' _.. _ _.>a of ;iii

l

//

.73 0, Ir.^iudmq u, it 6 F Z.o L- ,.

'l rid ',ri?

SR.

Name of area LOUGH RAMOR

Acreage 59 and 67

Grid reference IN. 616, 838 and N. 578, 852Scientific interest Botanical, ornithological, ecologicalRating Local

Priority C

Description cf site

Lough Ramor is fringed around much of its perimeter by hazel and hawthornscrub. This is an important habitat for Blackcaps. At the western end areseveral areas of forestry plantations, surrounded by a narrow belt of deciduoustrees .

Many of the small islands are wooded also and these must be consideredimportant refuges fcr many birds . The lake is also a refuge for winteringwildfowl.

At several points around the southern shore are marshes, dominated bysedges.

The first marsh is dissected by many small streams which are colonized byMenyanthes trifoliata (Bog Bean) Sparganium sp. (Bur reed) and severalspecies of Carex (sedge). About 20 Mallard were in the bay and 2 MuteSwans are nesting in the reeds. The marshland is dominated by Luncus

effusus (Soft Rush) and various sedges.

The second area is a completely sedge-dominated community; Carex rostrata(Bottle sedge) and Carex nigra (Common Sedge) being the more frequent species.Caltha paiustris (Marsh Marigold), Potentilla palustris (Marsh cuinquefoil)and Eruisetum fluviatile (Water Horsetail) are other common species in theassociation. Some of the less common sedges include :-Carex curta ("White Sedge)

Carex vesicaria (Bladder Sedge)

Carex elata (Slender-tufted Sedge)

59.

A rare sedge species Carex ag at;iis) is to be found on the north shorethe exact locality is withheld as a protection measure but a distribution mapindicates the importance of this site. It is the presence of the scrub and smallareas of woodland around the lake, and also the wooded islands and pocketsof reedy areas that make the lough interesting both from an ornithologicaland botanical aspect.

Threats to the area

None apparent

Recommendations

0 The wooded islands and lake shores should be,preserved and general planningcontrol for the whole region should be considered.

CAREYAQUA-nus

Waidenb.

0r ? I

1

0 1930 onvyardso Bc,crc 1930

v 41

It

.i- .1==5 S

,P. ff.a:rt

r

11 i 1,j U, / h i 6 l. t ail 18

Sale:.I I chI t

\i r. r J rt r/

II

61.

L;IIuFt!^' .-Ale 6r. rr'a'('1

1

f \ f4` t i S ittl'E Ed,iE ti 19

iJ

s,,4 E.r.a

,J

62.

--

rq t c

31 viius

G R..h-Jc

r ^a

I t j t tq r r' i r`, ii ' 1 1'ty_ f r°

:e.nryA Ir::n3' d R

d Y. P0 1 3?

Ci

f

20

63 .

'.' hi/ 9 XagJ /.'

,, ja'°,..

0f .`ry`

.m. ,t

7-1

' ', /

t u;l CTr:trA

/

Fr! Fide u: Ia1

1

t

I / \ i.......

l COj°+7:rs/IevnverQN-U ; -\ _' v A R ^Y

T" `awz :

!l isjadl/ rl,\! : .a, u;ihtr / ` .

%/300, y

1W.........

jo"

ty.

ofl

Name of area LOUGH GOWNA

Acreage 230 approx. (Co. Cavan)Grid reference N. 290, 920Scientific interest Ornithological, EcologicalPatina LocalPriority C

Description of site

The numerous small islands and many peninsulas of Lough Gowna makethis an ideal overwintering ground for wildfowl. There is very little ofbotanical interest, however, small pockets of marshland in the N.E. parebeing the only areas worth noting.

A wildfowl count during the winter period gave these figures :-

Goldeneye 50

Mallard 400

Mute Swan 150

Pintail 10

Pochard 20

Shelduck 36

Shoveler 80

Tea]. 70

Tufted Duck 250

Whooper Swan 80

Widgeon 200

Threats to the area

None apparent

Recommendations

17th January, 1967

The scrub and woodland around the lough should be preserved

r,:-l .

l !i1 ( 111] I'-N, G ICi iio;1w

C.i. S t llr Ib { 21

Sca(c: 1_ Inch to 1 NE

v ni

TP,

65.

'Y\1 `\\ LL

J , r

Name of area COMMONS LOUGH

Acreage 92

Grid reference H. 380, 151Scientific interest Botanical : EcologicalRating Local.

Priority C

Description of site

This is one of many similar Toughs around Belturbe but it has the addedinterest of old peat cuttings which provide several interesting aquaticspecies .

At the southern end of the tough is a reeded area with willow trees backedby a wet area in which are old peat cuttings. Narrow bridges between thepools are colonized by Carex panictilata (Tussock Sedge). The aquaticvegetation includes : -

Hydrochaeris morsus-ranae (Frog-bit) which is not a common species;Utricularia sp. (Bladderwort), Potentillalust.ris (Marsh Cinquefoil),Carex nigra (Common Sedge), Lemna triscula duckweed) anoccasional species, Eguisetum ftile (Water Horsetail), Lythrumsalicaria (Purple Loosestrife) and 2 species of PotamQgeton (Pondweed) .

The Royal Fern (Osrnunda regalis), which is uncommon in the eastern partof the country, grows around the edges of the pools.

Other areas around the tough may be of value but further investigation isneeded to assess them.

Threats to the area

None apparent

Recommendations

No action needed

66.

i. ,k

: E if

r40_

ItL'FF VLS0

;,j y

G t: i rl

-- -1-1, .rrlrt c/' Sinlrrl6/ fl

Id11;.

"NI

\rl

67.

.Ct G S

rep n n ;a:

27 .n .Yrl& G/ YL

i

a, < i2. %Y,.-c + -"/ urn '

4 vA..-r..I{- I/`C 6' I ,n..jT.......

_.,_ .J I z G. ..5. 'i-__.o/ _ +-'vx__ .t._ / .1G` -

Ircw':r `\ -

Y

m 0. -IN, s

\`., i..,j.b'ur,/ur: u/ a":., IGJ:i v

.`.,. 'v 11

`\ 1

f

Name of area GLASSHOUSE LOUGH

Acreage 168

Grid reference H. 280, 068Scientific interest Ecological : BotanicalRating Local

Priority

Description of site

Situated on the borders of Leitrim and Cavan, Glasshouse Lough has severalareas of woodland coming down to the shoreline. At the eastern end is abeech wcod on a small hillock, bordered by ash and sycamore. The beechtrees are about 50 feet high and there is an understorey of holly. The woodlandis fairly open and as a result the ground flora is fairly diverse. Melica uniflora(Wood Melick), an uncommon grass species, grows at the edge of the wood.

Between the wood and the lake margin is a flat stony area approximately 30feet wide. Much of this w.s bare ground and the dominant plant group is thesedge family.

Carex panicea

Carex flacca

Carex caryoph ly lea

Carex le:ridocarpa

Carex demissa

Carex puiicaris

(Carnation Sedge)

(Glaucous Sedge)

(Spring Sedge)

(Long-stalked Yellow Sedge)

(Common Yellow Sedge)

(Flea Sedge)

Because of the open nature of this habitat no one species is dominant andhence a species rich community exists.

Most of the lakes in the region are surrounded by reed and small marshyareas but this is a different type of habitat and is therefore of ecological andbotanical interest.

68.

C

ly

Threats to the area

None apparent

Recommendations

General planning control should be considered.

o9

Z

l 23

fE Cli e. U 6ti it 11 Eli ;

5 11 U U :S' E L A liIu° 4 1111 ifi-tA I9v5

110.

-

I-0,

' ir,. S'arfdtr oi.l{

Name of Site

Grid Reference

Acreage

Scientific InterestPatting

Priority

Description of Area

FARRFN COII HELL ESTATE

N. 490,820

338

Botanical, Ornithological, EcologicalLocal

C

The woodland on the estate consists mainly of mixed deciduous species --Beech, Oak, Sycamore, Lime and Hors echestnut . These are all mature trees,some attained a height of 100 feet. Along the boundaries are Scots Pines,70 feet high, in which herons are known to nest. The driveway is fringedby firs and evergreens .

At the edge of the woodland to the north is an area of bogland and some oldpeat cuttings with a small Birch/Willow woodland. Drosera rotundifolia

(Sundew) and Drosera intermedia (Long--leaved Sundew) are to be found in

abundance in both the cuttings and on the bog. Utricularia sp. (Bladderwort)grows in the pools, while Lcopodium selago (Clubmoss) is found on bare peatpatches on the bog. Andromeda polifolia (Bog Andromeda) is also present -another new post--1930 record for this species . One of the five cavan heronries

is situated here, but there are only four pairs of birds.Threats to the Area

None apparent.

Recommendations

The mixed woodland and the bog and peat cuttings nearby provide excellentexamples of different ecological communities and as such have an educationalvalue. General planning control for the area is recommended.

71.

tT . -

1 i i .. f t j'gyp, +FS:..' .. ... [ t: a 14 L t i I C l ti a... i riu .D 6

a

5 ----2 \ !5 _

77

Al -Co,

r!

, --- ' d

3 2

T

s,3.IUtst_,f,f i tCO ttit

R

200:

72.

A

t r

-'Y .::1 1=.)-:.L Jam.... ...-95i1."li'Z-r,'i

A jf'. --

....._.... a `` .+.

S35 J / --1

Name of area LOUGI-i :1ACINEAN UPPER

Acreage 25 (grassland area)Grid reference H. 065, 380Scien' ific interest Botanical, EcologicalRating Local

Priority C

Description of site

The greater part of Lough Macnean Upper is in Co. Fermanagh; while thewestern shore is within the boundaries of Leitrim. The Upper CarboniferousLimestone outcrops along the Cavan shore and the wet grassland around thesouthern shore is of considerable botanical interest.

The grassland is an open community with rio one species dominating. Thefine-leaved Red Fescue grass (Festuca rubra) is abundant and 7 species ofCarex (sedge) are mingled throughout the area.

The most frequent association is between Carex nigra (Common Sedge),Anthoxanthum odoratu.m (Sweet Vernal Grass), Caltha palustris (MarshMarigold), Ranunculus revens (Creeping Buttercup) with the moss Acroclad.iumcu pidatum. Wetter areas are covered by Eriophorum vaginatum (Bog Cotton)with Carexnicea (Carnation Sedge), Ranunculus flammula (Lesser Spearwort),Mentha aquatica (Water Mint) and Menanythes trifoliata (Bog Bean).

Altogether 48 species were recorded showing the diversity of this relativelysmall area.

Threats to the area

There is a newly constructed quay down to the lough shore where boats aremoored and a small car park exists nearby. These facilities are presumablyused mainly by anglers . It seems unlikely that further areas will be openedup in this gray however.

7 3.

Recommendations

General planning control for the whole lake should be considered. The

grassland along the southern shore is of particular interest and should beconserved .

74 .

tip ;`1 _

F t i t -7

0 U. c: 1'.` 10

\

t;<

$:sfua of Wd-r 174 lo:-;

A lY

\\

\/

'v

-'^ e v

..........

O: e , 1 n t -...,..

1/3

%

.rr i c nrr t y Gru,al Yd. \ T i

ua4r - ' I - F ._ .1929I!: c 1 h ) - O 1 ul nl t ,/,rr [ ' + vc trCa3 \v 11

t

25

///

it o t y Ch t r7 3

11 I i\ t cd:nOn t ,lv

,a , -, .fI Il y -- 1~e, «^c.`., 5 (,.t lC I J, r l `.

1 \ !.. °'. Q`O Ill !1 (I ri 1 ,~ kJ -

't . . + t1/ K Y a h 7 l l t n a h

- . rerl .\I . ( lPI .\ \^ 1t(`C r;,u_ f S._!.`' 14 \ y ,.. t 1

+ i \ t u al r=it S o t )y!

.+ 1 (' r + . ' II' , - ' I r- 1 I t 1` + ` v't - .n,;2o NO

_I _:4 \ 1.a, rte, r i --;

Lrhr 1 t t. r ,. c"f \ P!' on\ " - 1\ I ( fllt Y'`

r

1 .! c tfr r .Pi. !

is.

1i

I

1

fll-- -.114 1

t t

n .,F 1 / ... I .,

1 I O .-

I,:'./ J / tL7 1 ,..-" t.

/

- , \ - ___.._ _..

'r. _........

1 1 -

° cl

I`

.t 11%., ,,i

u -P p -11; e

Name of area

Acreaaa

Grid reference

Scientific interest

Priority .

Description of s:.te

ANNE GH LOUGH

247

H. 395, 1-.5'Botanical

Local

C

(p, UMSIGLk6N)

The lake is surrounded by a fringe ofPhragmites communis (Common Reed)

backed by trees. A rare sedge species is to be found in abundance aroundthe shcreline and extending back into the meadows, where it grows in amuch weaker forty. As this particular species is know from only 2 morelocalities in the %%7hole of Ireland, this area is of specific importance, butthe flora as a whole is not remarkable.

Threats to the area

The lake is owned by the Inland Fisheries Trust and most of the -visitorsare anglers who are unlikely to cause much damage. Along the eastern shorea lay-by has been constructed but the number of visitors is probably not greatand they would be unlikely to trample the area.

Recorn;.nendations

General planning control of the lake shore is needed if the species is to remainundisturbed.

r

_

.

7

i c < a CY til (: -\1t;7'er `

'_1 ,c? _ t i I S, fca r r 7'S g

lei i20

41 1 l J \ - Gr

4

'i"fir, , +lyl ?J \ \ ' \ ` ;C / rr )vr Iw-.t i

Tr_--

\\t(

yam" tcIn t 4 0 F:cSr r.a:,i

I \fe

y. a \'i r ). , , rte. I, :E ! ,_

l/°J.f%'`. --- r ^` ....... tom' ' -r j p ,\ _ II , q - htr

` O u` 1 it I

r,G 1 r l Y/ i \jJ/' 1` ` .....' /,v/,4

+xo :`\;.\,

121. i \\ f/ aP'

ln. i., 1 - '?, rows- 1 yip \,.r -/rr.../ .r ;r si :'`, ) .. _

"_f 1,

.,

tfi 1 F[tr. t r l r I E!./ \\" j'I ir:nd

r'4( r'tr!

77.

Z

31,

i

r Ya; oil

ttt

.f

r t,

i

.a t l t . 1. , e I.., E . i.. .,, L

, ( 1

?rLh67S91

--r

i. X5»1 ' ' > t' . j - t lJ' +1

i Vii/:_ 'Yi.

:.,. _.1, `- , 1. r r-ji',

'a- ." /

00%

.

1, \ .r _- / F >

y-_ ' ,` /~' . J i t'at`- >.. .' ' !t.''y,, 'r-tf > : '' f --+ _J,

\`

The distribution of Carex e?ongata in Great Britain and Ireland

FI_OINGATA. L.

19.10 onwzr'so 6<Gort 143^

'1l ty,

., ityr 1

- \ ifI i / 1

c v -,,

78.

F-3

TA

BL

E S

UM

MA

RIS

ING

TH

E P

, T

OR

ITY

OF

TH

E S

ITE

SA

ND

RE

CO

MM

EN

DA

TIO

NS

FOR

TH

EIR

PR

OT

EC

TIO

N

Site

No

Prot

ectio

nN

eces

sary

Gen

eral

Pla

nnin

gC

ontr

olSp

ecia

lT A

men

ity O

rder

-[C

onse

rvat

ion

Ord

erT

ree

Pres

erva

tion

Ord

er

Lou

gh O

ught

er

;, ar

nham

and

Coa

ipit

Lou

ghs

i

1

Cor

ratir

rim

Kilc

onny

Boq

-!

9

Shan

non

Pot

t ord

onag

hy B

og:e

Bru

se H

illx

Woo

ds n

ear

Dru

mke

en H

ouse

Ik

Lou

gh K

inal

e

Bia

c'kr

ocks

Cro

ss

C

(

-

i

i

_i

!k

+ i i

_x

Site

No

Prot

ectio

nN

eces

sary

Gen

eral

Pla

nnin

gC

ontr

olSp

ecia

lA

men

ity O

rder

Con

serv

atio

nO

rder

Tre

e Pr

eser

vatio

nO

rder

Lou

gh S

heel

in*

Mar

sh n

ear

Mad

abaw

n B

ridg

e

Mar

shla

nd a

t Bla

ckw

ater

Bri

dge

*I

k

Haz

el s

crub

nor

th o

f C

orra

tirri

rn*

Swan

Lou

gh

Lou

gh R

aror

Com

mon

s L

ough

Gla

ssho

use

Lou

gh

Farr

en C

onne

ll E

stat

e

Lou

gh M

acne

an U

pper

Ann

agh

Lou

gh

Lou

gh G

owna

i

*

., * *j

re-

i

!

I

__t

I

Ii

i I i !

i

I(.11111

L.

scale:. 1. In

4

26.

:Lilrn L.ra. /

.

rnA:.

.!

I/*

1'hulrAirlror.

t `.6 Lit

I'

to 1 Mile

N

i\

I

I/ - -

— A

/ e / ,' J -. ( '-'--S \

S / SI / /

—

/ I - —/ -( " --- -

—

r i/ 5-

'1 -, -- 5-

— - -.' '' -

- -. - -

- HI,',,,-

- S. --— I;,''- . —— . 1 ' - - . --. . - s'.' I'

C,II

I

/

-

S

5-, / -

,-i-- 5 '5_ - S -. -—-'—s--,.

\,.5-'

",J.,-

- -/ - -- , ,,J ,, A-

- -

1 — - I"5 '--iS---,' I

A ' , ,-, --

1 r,-- I

C .'

-

5_I , ''. - -

-

" '_- - - ,- .-

1 .— ./.. : -. j -

I 4

-JI- I

/

/——ft

-1 /1( - - --.- 2• , \ -, -LI-

— ' -- .5 - - S -

1

/

I

/1 i \ / /— \

2

f/. .', - -, ' \ -'-, —- /F , \ .. I1,11

'- I 5'\\

\ I / ) / I

If - / / /I 225kC -

— I )/ 5' — — - ly 1

— — I—

—C-

', '— -- -- — . - - --..—' .1 -' -

- ,- -, I' -' ---- - , - - - -. - - I - -

- -. - -

I -_ — I — —

1-.'- ——--5'--'-'- -- . , -\ --,

5- --/'_ .. *,.A-\ - .1—5_ \ J — - — — —

- ,1

— — —

/

I

I

/ -

- /