Appendix 11A Designated Wildlife Sites

A5 Western Transport Corridor Volume 3 – Appendices

APPENDIX 11A DESIGNATED WILDLIFE SITES

Designated wildlife sites are significant nature conservation factors for the scheme as many wildlife sites receive significant legal and policy protection from activities that may harm them; and wildlife sites generally contain the best examples of high quality ecological features within Northern Ireland.

Legislation

This list below summarises the legislation which is relevant to the assessment, i.e. legislation relevant to designated sites which may be affected by the Proposed Scheme.

Northern Ireland

 Amenity Lands Act (Northern Ireland) 1965;

 The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended);

 The Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended);

 The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended);

 The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 (as amended); and

 The Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

Republic of Ireland

 The Wildlife Act, 1976;

 The Flora (Protection) Order, 1999;

 The Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000; and

 European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.

The following EC Directives and international conventions are implemented by some of the above NI and ROI Acts and Regulations:

 Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive);

 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands) (1971) (as amended by the Paris Protocol 1992 and the Regina amendments 1987);

 Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the Bern Convention) (1979);

 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (the Bonn Convention) (1979);

 Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the Birds Directive); and

 Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS) (1991) (as amended).

Special Protection Areas (SPA)

SPA receive full protection under the Birds Directive and are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Directive), vulnerable, and migratory birds within the European Union. SPA form part of the Natura 2000 network, and are therefore protected under the Habitats Directive. All NI SPA are also designated as ASSI and therefore receive additional protection under the Part IV of The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. Any development likely to have significant impacts upon a Natura 2000 site will have to be assessed for its implications on the site’s conservation status, an obligation under the aforementioned Regulations.

Ninety three species are listed upon Annex I to the Birds Directive, of which approximately thirty are regularly recorded in NI (although many of these occur solely as summering migrant populations, passage migrants or scarce visitors). The presence of important populations of Annex I bird species, or non-Annex I migratory birds, is a primary consideration in the identification of SPA.

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

SAC are designated under the EC Habitats Directive. SAC are areas that have been identified as best representing the range and variety within the European Union of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the Directive. SAC, together with SPA, form the Natura 2000 network. As part of the Natura 2000 network, all SAC in the study area receive legal protection under The Conservation Regulations or the European Union (Natural Habitats). Where projects are likely to, or there is residual uncertainty as to whether they may, have a significant effect on the ecological integrity of a Natura 2000 site, that project must fully ascertain the nature of these potential effects and be subject to an ‘Appropriate Assessment’ as defined by the legislation. The Regulations require competent authorities to consider or review planning permission, applied for or granted, affecting a European site, and, subject to certain exceptions, restrict or revoke permission where the integrity of the site would be adversely affected. Equivalent consideration and review provisions are made with respects to highways and roads. Candidate SAC (cSAC) receive the same level of protection as full SAC.

Ramsar Sites

Ramsar sites are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, agreed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. They were originally intended to protect sites of importance, especially as waterfowl habitat, although the Convention has broadened its scope over the years to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognising wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities. Ramsar sites are not legislated under European legislation, although national Planning Policy Statement 2 (PPS2) recommends they should be afforded the same level of consideration and protection as Natura 2000 sites.

Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) (NI)

ASSI provide statutory protection for the best examples of NI’s flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features. These sites are also used to underpin other national and international nature conservation designations. ASSIs are notified under Part IV of The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. Under this legislation they have powers to prevent damaging operations affecting such sites. Any such operation must be notified to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) beforehand and permission sought. Various offences and provisions apply to these sites, but in summary, any persons who intentionally or recklessly damages or disturbs each ASSI may be liable to a criminal conviction and a fine of up to £20,000. Public bodies are required to further the conservation and enhancement of ASSI land through the appropriate exercise of their functions.

Policies

Regional Development Strategy (RDS)

In 2010 The Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland published a revised Regional Development Strategy (RDS) for the future development of Northern Ireland to 2035. RDS 2035: Building a Better Future provides an overarching long term strategic planning framework to facilitate and guide the public and private sectors long term directions.

The RDS is material to decisions on individual planning applications and appeals. Changes to the legislative requirements were made under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. The bulk of the Act will not come into force until planning powers transfer to local councils in April 2015 as agreed by the Executive. When planning powers transfer the Department of the Environment (DoE) will continue to be responsible for planning policy and guidance. The Order currently requires Departments to “have regard to the regional development strategy” in exercising any functions in relation to development. The requirement for these policies to be in general conformity with the RDS will remain.

Whilst many of the objectives of the previous strategy published in 2001 and amended in 2008 are still valid the RDS 2035 now replaces it.

Of particular importance to ecology and the current project are the policies contained in Regional Guidance RG11: Conserve, protect and, where possible, enhance our built heritage and our natural environment. This includes the following aim of relevance to wildlife sites:

 Identify, establish, protect and manage ecological networks. Ecological networks, including the protection of priority species, are needed to maintain environmental processes and help to conserve and enhance biodiversity. A well established ecological network, including designated sites, should provide the habitats needed for ecosystems and species populations to survive in an increasingly human dominated landscape.

 Protect designated areas of countryside from inappropriate development (either directly or indirectly) and continue to assess areas for designation. Designating special areas for protection is an effective way of ensuring our wildlife and natural landscapes retain their individual characteristics. Some areas are deemed of such importance that they are formally designated under various pieces of national and international legislation.

Northern Ireland National Planning Guidance (Planning Service)

The two national Planning Policy Statements (PPS) which are most relevant to Ecology and Nature Conservation are PPS1 and PPS2.

PPS 1: General Principles This guidance document introduces the general framework for local development control within NI. It includes the following statement in paragraph 12 which is of relevance to ecology and nature conservation.

‘When working towards sustainable development the department will aim to: conserve...natural resources (including wildlife...), taking particular care to safeguard designations of national and international importance.’

PPS 2: Natural Heritage (July 2013) This guidance document introduces principles for the protection, mitigation and compensation of features of nature conservation value (sites, habitats and species) within NI. The policies specific to designated wildlife sites are:

 Policy NH 1 - European and Ramsar Sites - International outlines measures to protect international sites;

 Policy NH 3 - Sites of Nature Conservation Importance - National outlines measures to protect national sites; and

 Policy NH 4 - Sites of Nature Conservation Importance – Local outlines measures to protect sites of local conservation importance.

Local planning context

In addition to planning guidance at a national and regional scale, local planning policies are of relevance and local development documents should be of some consideration to trunk road projects, especially if any potential affects resonate beyond the boundary of the existing Transport NI lands. The development plan policies which Transport NI should have regard to in relation to this scheme and biodiversity are outlined in the Local Development Plans

Local Development Plans In accordance with national policy guidance contained in the RDS and PPSs, Local Development Plans have been published by the Planning Service, part of the DoE. The following Local Plans affect the current scheme:

 Derry Area Plan 2011 – adopted May 2000;

 Dungannon & South Tyrone Area Plan 2010 adopted March 2005; and

 West Tyrone Area Plan 2019 – Issues Paper published October 2005 and Draft Area Plan currently in preparation (covers districts of Strabane & Omagh).

When published the latter is likely to contain policies such that ‘account will be taken of national and international nature conservation designations together with any sites identified as being of local nature conservation importance’.

Details of Development Plans in NI can be found on the Planning Services website at: http://www.planningni.gov.uk/index/policy/dev_plans.htm

Statutory designated sites

The statutory nature conservation sites listed below were all recorded within the ecology study area. The site boundaries of these sites are shown on Figure 11.4.

International sites

Six sites with international designations are located within the study area. These sites are listed below with a brief summary of the reasons for their designation taken from the official JNCC declarations.

Lough Foyle SPA (NI/ROI) (Site Code UK9020031) Lough Foyle lies on the north-west coast of NI and straddles the international border with the ROI. The site comprises a large shallow sea lough that includes the estuaries of the rivers Foyle, Faughan and Roe. The site contains extensive intertidal mud-flats and sand-flats (with mussel Mytilus edulis beds), saltmarsh and associated brackish ditches. The diversity of coastal habitats has resulted in the lough being of major importance for a diverse assemblage of waterbirds both during the spring and autumn migration periods, and in winter (Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) website).

The site supports populations of European importance of bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica (1,896 individuals, representing 10.8% of the wintering population in Ireland (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6)), Bewick's swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii (78 individuals, representing 3.1% of the wintering population in Ireland (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6)), golden plover Pluvialis apricaria (4,891 individuals, representing 2.4% of the wintering population in Ireland (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6)) and whooper swan C.cygnus (890 individuals, representing 8.9% of the wintering population in Ireland (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6)).

The site also supports populations of European importance of the migratory light-bellied brent geese Branta bernicla hrota (3,730 individuals representing 18.6% of the wintering Canada/Ireland population (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6)), in addition to regularly supporting at least 20,000 waterfowl (and thereby qualifying as a wetland of international importance) (JNCC website).

A section of Lough Foyle located within the ROI (between Muff and Whitecastle) is also designated as Lough Foyle SPA (site code 004087). The site synopsis document supplied by the NPWS website (http://www.npws.ie/protectedsites/specialprotectionareasspa/loughfoylespa/) does not highlight the qualifying features of the site. The site comprises a section of the western shore of Lough Foyle from Muff to north of Vances Point in Co. Donegal. The site is part of the larger cross- border Lough Foyle complex. The majority of the wintering waterbirds that utilise this site occur along the southern and eastern shoreline of Lough Foyle in Derry. Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 341 of 2011 states that the wetland habitat that is contained within the SPA and the waterbirds that utilise this resource are listed as a special conservation interest for this site. It is therefore considered practical to consider the designated area of Lough Foyle residing within the ROI as contiguous with that (and its associated qualifying features) designated within NI.

Lough Swilly SPA (ROI) (Site Code 004075) This site comprises the inner part of Lough Swilly in north Co. Donegal and extends from just east of Letterkenny northwards to Killygarvan (c. 2 km north of Rathmullan) on the west side and to c. 2 km south of Buncrana on the east side; it includes the adjacent Inch Lough (formerly Inch Lough and Levels SPA, Site Code 004130). Between Farsetmore and Inch Levels a series of improved pasture and arable fields of importance to geese and swans are included. The site includes sections of the estuaries of the River Swilley, the River Leannan and the Isle Burn and the predominant habitat is a series of extensive sand and mud flats which are exposed at low tide. Other habitats represented in the site are salt marshes, lagoons (at Inch Lough and Blanket Nook), rivers and streams, sand and shingle beaches, lowland wet and dry grasslands, drainage ditches, reedbeds and scrub. Inch Lough, whilst artificial in origin, is one of the largest and best examples of a shallow, low salinity lagoon in the country; it supports what is probably the largest population in the country of the Red-listed charophyte Chara canescens. A small sandy island within the lough, used during the summer months supports nationally important breeding populations of Sandwich Sterna sandvicensis and common terns S.hirundo, mute swans and tufted duck Aythya fuligula.

Lough Swilly SPA supports internationally important numbers of Whooper Swan (1,673 - mean peak for the five winters 1995/96-1999/2000), Greenland White-fronted Goose (847 for the Lough Swilly flock - mean peak for the five winters 1994/95-1998/99) and Greylag Goose (1,218 - mean peak for the five winters 1995/96-1999/2000). The main areas of the site used by these species are at Big Isle, Farsetmore, Blanket Nook, Ballylawn and Inch Levels. The flock sizes for Whooper Swan and Greylag Goose are the highest in the country. Considerably higher numbers of

Whooper Swan (peak of 1,946) have been recorded, especially early in the season, as this is the area where the swans make their Irish landfall in autumn on their return from breeding grounds in Iceland. Both Greenland White-fronted Goose and Whooper Swan are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. The site is also of special conservation interest for holding an assemblage of over 20,000 wintering waterbirds (NPWS website).

The site additionally supports a nationally important wintering wildfowl assemblage.

Lough Neagh & Lough Beg SPA (Site Code UK9020091) This site in the centre of Northern Ireland and includes three eutrophic water bodies, Lough Neagh and two related loughs, Lough Beg and Portmore Lough, together with surrounding swamp, fen, wet grassland and swampy woodland. The boundary of the proposed Special Protection Area follows the boundaries of the Lough Neagh ASSI, Lough Beg ASSI and Portmore Lough ASSI and also forms part of another site which is listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The site qualifies for designation by supporting internationally important numbers of wintering birds and nationally important breeding birds. The site regularly supports pochard Aythya farina (26,341 individuals representing 7.5% of the population (5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/960)), tufted duck Aythya fuligula (22,372 individuals representing 2.2% of the population (5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96)), goldeneye Bucephala clangula (10,776 individuals representing 3.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96)), Bewick's swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii (136 representing 5.4% of the all-Ireland population (5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96)), whooper swan Cygnus cygnus (1,031 individuals representing 10% of the all-Ireland population (5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96)) and common tern Sterna hirundo (185 individuals representing 6% of the all-Ireland breeding population (count, as at 1995). The site additionally qualifies as a wetland of international importance by regularly supporting over 20,000 of a variety of species of waterfowl in winter.

The site additionally supports a nationally important breeding bird assemblage.

Lough Neagh & Lough Beg Ramsar (Site Code UK12016) The site is designated as a Ramsar site for the following criteria: Criterion 1; Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the United Kingdom and is very shallow for its size, covering an area of 383 km2 with a longest length of 30.5 km and narrowest width of 12.1 km across the middle. This site also contains a smaller lake, Lough Beg (1,125 ha) to the north, as well as a small satellite lake, Portmore Lough (286 ha) which is situated to the east of Lough Neagh. The site supports beds of submerged aquatic vegetation fringed by associated species-rich damp grassland, reedbeds, islands, fens, marginal swampy woodland and pasture.

Criterion 2; the site supports over 40 rare or local vascular plants and a large number of rare or local invertebrates. Criterion 3; the site regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from different groups of waterfowl which are indicative of wetland values, productivity and diversity, and has a large number of plants and animal species that are confined or almost confined to this areas within NI. Criterion 4; the site supports an important assemblage of breeding birds which occur in nationally important numbers. Criterion 7; the site supports a population of pollan Coregonus autumnalis, one of the few locations in Ireland and one of the two known locations in the UK (the other is Lower Lough Erne). It is one of the most important species in Ireland in terms of faunal biodiversity since it occurs nowhere else in Europe. Criterion 5 the site supports an assemblage of

wintering birds of international importance totalling 86,639 waterfowl (5 year peak mean 1998/99- 2002/2003).

Criterion 6; the site supports species/populations occurring at levels of international importance in spring/autumn: Tundra swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii, (26 individuals, representing an average of 0.1% of the all-Ireland population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)) and in winter: Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus, (1,523 individuals, representing an average of 7.2% of the population), Common pochard Aythya ferina, (20,279 individuals, representing an average of 5.7% of the population), Tufted duck Aythya fuligula, (17,807 individuals, representing an average of1.4% of the population), Greater scaup, Aythya marila marila, (3,377 individuals, representing an average of 1% of the population) Common goldeneye Bucephala clangula clangula, (6,645 individuals, representing an average of 1.6% of the population)) all from 5 year peak mean 1998/9- 2002/3.

The River Foyle and Tributaries SAC (NI) (Site Code UK0030320) This SAC is designated for both its Habitats Directive Annex I habitat and Annex II species it supports. Its primary reasons for designation are:

 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation (this habitat type is characterised by the abundance of water- crowfoots Ranunculus spp., subgenus Batrachium (Ranunculus fluitans, R. penicillatus ssp. penicillatus, R. penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans, and R. peltatus and its hybrids). Floating mats of these white-flowered species are characteristic of river channels in early to mid- summer. They may modify water flow, promote fine sediment deposition, and provide shelter and food for fish and invertebrate animals.); and

 Atlantic salmon Salmo salar (the river has the largest population of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in Northern Ireland, with around 15% of the estimated spawning numbers. The majority of the salmon returning are grilse (single wintering salmon), with a smaller but important number of spring salmon (multi-wintering salmon) also occurring.)

A qualifying feature, but not primary reason for designation is its population of otter Lutra lutra.

The habitat occurrence account for this SAC is not yet available.

The River Finn SAC (ROI) (Site Code IE0002301) This site, all within Co. Donegal, comprises almost the entire freshwater element of the River Finn and its tributaries, as well as Lough Finn, where the river rises and the spawning grounds at the headwaters of the Mourne and Derg Rivers, Loughs Derg and Belshade. The tidal stretch of the Foyle north of Lifford to the border is also part of the site where the River Finn SAC is more or less contiguous with the River Foyle SAC. This SAC is designated for both the Habitats Directive Annex I habitat and Annex II species it supports.

 Active blanket bog, oligotrophic waters of sandy plains, wet heath and transition mires.

 Atlantic salmon; and

 Otter.

None of the habitats for which the site is designated are present within the section of the River Finn SAC that is included within the study area. Habitat that supports the Annex II species is adjacent to the site for about a 2km length between Strabane in NI and Lifford in ROI and a 1km length to the west of Magheramason.

Owenkillew River SAC (NI) (Site Code UK0030233) This SAC is designated for both its Habitats Directive Annex I habitat and Annex II species it supports. Its primary reasons for designation are:

 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation;

 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum; and

 Freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera.

Habitats Directive Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site include:

 Bog woodland (priority feature).

Habitats Directive Annex II species present as a qualifying feature but not a primary reason for selection of this site includes:

 Atlantic salmon; and

 Otter.

None of the habitats for which the site is designated are present within the section of the Owenkillew SAC that is included within the ecology study area.

Tully Bog SAC (NI) (UK0030326) Tully Bog is an isolated lowland raised bog lying in a shallow hollow within the former flood-plain of the Fairy Water River. This SAC is designated for its Habitats Directive Annex I habitats only. The primary reason for designation is:

 Active raised bogs (priority feature)

There are no other qualifying features for this site.

National sites

Ten sites with a national statutory designation were recorded within the ecology study area. These sites are listed below with a brief summary of the reasons for their designation taken from the official DoE ASSI declarations.

River Foyle and Tributaries ASSI (component ASSI to River Foyle and Tributaries SAC) (NI) (declared 2003) This site is designated for the physical features of river and associated flora and fauna including Atlantic salmon and other fish species, otter, birds, fresh water mussel and aquatic vegetation communities and riparian woodland. Of particular importance is the population of Atlantic salmon, which is one of the largest in Europe. The area is also important as a river habitat. In their upper catchments, the rivers are all fast-flowing spate rivers with dynamic flow regimes characterised by sequences of rapid, riffle and run. Although the banks may have been modified in the past, the channels are natural and composed of large cobble substrate with scattered boulders and sandy marginal deposits, while cobble side and point bars and discrete sand deposits are common features. At the upper reaches of the River Derg and its two tributaries, the aquatic flora reflect the highly acidic character of the water, with mosses and liverworts dominant. Beds of stream water crowfoot occur where the flow is less dynamic.

Owenkillew River ASSI (component ASSI to River Owenkillew SAC) (NI) (declared 2001) This site is designated for the physical features of river and associated flora and fauna, with adjacent woodlands providing additional interest. The river is notable for the physical diversity and naturalness of the bank and channel, and the richness and naturalness of its animal and plant communities. It is a very important river for aquatic plant communities and rare plant and animal species; it includes the largest known population of freshwater pearl mussel in NI and it also supports a diverse fish community including Atlantic salmon and other species. The river gradually changes in character from ultra-oligotrophic to mesotrophic as it flows from its source to its confluence with the Strule. The river flows through plantations, moorland, riparian semi-natural broad leaved woodland, rough pasture and some fen/swamp communities. The woodlands are characteristically acid in type and provide shelter for riverine animals such as otter and a wide variety of riparian bird species.

Tully Bog ASSI (component ASSI to Tully Bog SAC) (NI) (declared 1996) This site is designated for the peatland flora and associated fauna. Biological interest relates to size and intactness of the bog, in addition to the diversity of the vegetation and structural features and presence of rare and notable species. Special features include a well-defined dome. Hand cutting has been restricted to edges of the peat and the lagg and has created a mosaic of habitat including pools which are known to support characteristic invertebrate fauna including a diverse water beetle, damselfly and dragonfly assemblage.

Strabane Glen ASSI (NI) (declared 1993) This site is designated for the woodland flora and characteristic associated fauna: calcareous upland mixed Ash/Hazel woodland which is considered atypical and rare for the region and is due to the underlying geology. The valley represents a line of weakness between the Upper Dalradian schists and a basic igneous unit. The woodland has developed along both sides of the valley and has a wide diversity in structure, plant communities and overall species richness.

McKean’s Moss ASSI (NI) (declared 1996) This site is designated for the peatland flora and associated flora: biological interest relates to its position within NI being the most north-westerly lowland raised bog in the country, in addition to the diversity of peatland flora and fauna and the presence of rare and notable species. It has a moderately well defined dome and the bog has been cut in the past and is dominated by wet woodland. The hand cuttings are extensive but are confined to the edges of the site.

McKean’s Moss Part II ASSI (NI) (declared 1997) McKean’s Moss Part II is an integral part of McKean’s Moss ASSI designated for the peatland flora and associated flora, and is the most north-westerly lowland raised bog in NI. This part of the bog system has been cut for turf in the past and is now dominated by woodland with a ground flora dominated by Sphagnum mosses and Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea. The old hand cuttings provide additional habitat diversity to McKeans Moss ASSI and are integral to the hydrological integrity of the bog.

Grange Wood ASSI (NI) (declared 1999) This site is designated for the woodland flora and fauna: a range of woodland vegetation types are present including base-rich woodland communities that are characteristic of Carboniferous limestone rocks. The structure and composition of the wood is very variable and reflects the variation in environmental conditions and past and present management practices. Due to the diversity of woodland communities the wood has one of the richest plant assemblages in the Sperrins region. The canopy is generally dominated by hazel with occasional tall ash standards; there are some water logged areas that support alder and willow species. The field layer is diverse. The woodland supports many animal species including breeding birds.

Baronscourt ASSI (NI) (declared 2011) This site is designated for its parkland habitat and associated species. This historic parkland is characterised by a wide variety of parkland tree and shrub species including significant numbers of open-grown veteran trees and some ancient trees. The biological interest comes from the standing and fallen dead wood which provides a specialist habitat for rare and uncommon species of invertebrates (particularly beetles and flies), lichens and fungi. The parkland tree habitat also provides an important habitat for a wide range of plants and animals including birds, invertebrates and mammals including bats and red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris.

Lough Neagh (component ASSI to Lough Neagh and Lough Beg SPA and Lough Neagh & Lough Beg Ramsar Site (NI) (declared 1992) This site is designated for its large shallow freshwater eutrophic lake and associated flora and fauna. It is of biological interest for wintering breeding birds, wetland vegetation, invertebrates and fish species. The site consists of the open lake, marginal waters and fringing land including wet grassland, fens, woodland, swamp, cut-over bog, basalt rock outcrops and boulders and mobile sandy shores. These habitats provide niches for exceptional numbers of rare plants, including those protected under Part 1 of Schedule 8 of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985, invertebrates, rare fish and large numbers of waterfowl and breeding birds.

Lough Beg ASSI (component ASSI to Lough Neagh and Lough Beg SPA and Lough Neagh & Lough Beg Ramsar Site (NI) (declared 1987)

This site is designated for its very shallow lake and the diversity of habitats and wildlife that it supports. The lake formed from a widening on the River Bann at its exit from Lough Neagh supports extensive submerged aquatic vegetation, with swamp vegetation to the east shore and some of the most extensive areas of unimproved wet meadows in NI. These habitats support large numbers of rare plants including those protected under Part 1 of Schedule 8 of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 and large numbers of wintering waterfowl and breeding birds.

Non-statutory designated sites

One non-statutory wildlife site is located within the study area. This is Strabane Nature Reserve which is designated for its wet woodland and ponds.