Appendix VI – Woodrow Saltmarsh Survey in August 2018

EcIA - Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) August 2020 County Donegal Towns & Villages Sewerage Schemes. Ramelton – Milford – Rathmullan (RMR) Sewerage Scheme

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County Donegal Towns & Villages Sewerage Schemes

Ramelton – Milford – Rathmullan (RMR)

2018 Saltmarsh Survey

Report produced by Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. For Jennings O’Donovan On Behalf of Irish Water and Donegal County Council

Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd Main Street, Ballisodare, Sligo Ireland

Telephone: 071 Email: [email protected] October 2018

DOCUMENT CONTROL Document County Donegal Towns & Villages Sewerage Schemes Ramelton – Milford – Rathmullan (RMR) Saltmarsh Survey Report Client Jennings O’Donovan on behalf of Irish Water & Donegal Co. Co. Prepared by Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd Main Street, Ballisodare, Co Sligo, Ireland. T: +353 Lead Author Checked internally Approved by Checked by client 05.10.2018 Status / Version / Final / R03 / 17.10.2018 Date

STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY This report is written by, BSc ACIEEM and BA Mod (Hons) MSc, MCIEEM and has been checked and approved by MSc MSc(Arch) CEcol MCIEEM. has over ten years’ experience as a botanical surveyor. In addition, she has broad experience in conducting ecological surveys and preparing impact assessments and other ecological reports, including for Appropriate Assessment, to inform planning applications in Ireland and the UK. As an Associate Member of CIEEM, she employs a high degree of competence and professional standard in her approach to environmental assessment. The report has been reviewed by She is a Senior Ecologist with Woodrow. has completed an honours B.Sc. specialising in Botany and a M.Sc. in Ecology and Management of the Natural Environment. She is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). She regularly carries out reporting on Ecological Impact Assessment and to inform Natura Impact Assessments / Appropriate Assessments carried out by statutory authorities. Furthermore, she has several years’ experience in habitat surveys, mammal surveys, bird and bat surveys for a number of large infrastructure schemes, commercial and residential projects. is an experienced Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW). The report has been checked and approved by is a Director at Woodrow Sustainable Solutions. He is an experienced ecologist with over 30 years of experience in ecological surveys and assessment. Will is a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and a Chartered Ecologist. As such, he is required to abide by a strict code of professional conduct in all aspects of his work.

- Qualifications BSc (Hons) – Botany, University College of North Wales, Bangor, 1992

– Qualifications: B.A. Mod (Hons) – Natural Sciences (specialising in Botany), Trinity College, Dublin, 2008. M. Sc. – Ecology and Management of the Natural Environment, University of Bristol, England, 2011.

– Qualifications: HND Conservation Management. Farnborough College of Technology, 1989. M.Sc. – European Environmental Policy and Regulation, Lancaster University, 1994. M.Sc. (Arch) – Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies. University of East London, 2006.

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Designated Sites in relation to Saltmarsh Habitats ...... 1 1.1.1 Lough Swilly SAC (002287) ...... 1 2 METHODOLOGY ...... 3 2.1 Habitat Survey ...... 3 2.1.1 Fossitt habitat classification of saltmarsh ...... 3 2.1.2 Assessing correspondence to Habitats Directive Annex I habitats ...... 4 2.2 Condition Assessment of Habitats Directive Annex I saltmarsh habitats identified in the Study Area ...... 6 3 RESULTS ...... 8 3.1 Habitat Assessment ...... 8 3.1.1 Brownknowe Strand – the proposed RMR WwTP Outfall ...... 8 3.1.2 Ramelton - proposed pumping station location ...... 22 3.1.3 Ramelton - proposed rising main ...... 26 3.1.4 Rathmullan - proposed pumping station and rising main ...... 26 4 CONCLUSIONS ...... 27 5 REFERENCES ...... 28 APPENDIX I – Site Synopsis for Lough Swilly SAC ...... 29

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

1 INTRODUCTION

The current survey report has been undertaken by Woodrow Sustainable Solutions (WSS) on behalf of Jennings O’Donovan (known hereafter as JOD). WSS were commissioned to undertake a saltmarsh survey at specific locations, in order to inform the potential for progression of the proposed County Donegal Towns & Villages Sewerage Schemes known as the Ramelton – Milford – Rathmullan (RMR) project (See Figure 1 for Site Location). The results of this saltmarsh survey are to be used by JOD to inform the Biodiversity Chapter and Natura Impact Statement for the proposed RMR Scheme.

This report summarises the findings of saltmarsh surveys, which were carried out by Woodrow Sustainable Solutions on 23rd and 29th of August 2018. These surveys identified the saltmarsh habitats at two main locations and classified these according to ‘A Guide to Habitats in Ireland’ (Fossitt, 2000). Correspondence of these habitats to EU Annex I saltmarsh habitats was also checked and noted. Condition assessments were made for any areas of Annex I saltmarsh habitats that were identified. Condition assessments were conducted according to methodology described in the report for the Saltmarsh Monitoring Project 2007-2008 (McCorry Ryle, 2009). 1.1 Designated Sites in relation to Saltmarsh Habitats 1.1.1 Lough Swilly SAC (002287) The Application Site is partially located within Lough Swilly SAC (Site Code: 002287), which is a large site (c. 9257 ha) that comprises the inner part of Lough Swilly, extending from just south of Letterkenny to just north of Buncrana. At low tide, extensive sand and mudflats are exposed, especially at the mouths of the Swilly and Leannan rivers. The site is estuarine in character, with shallow water and intertidal sand and mudflats being the dominant habitats. Lough Swilly SAC is designated for the following Annex I habitats and Annex II species (habitats marked with an asterisk are Annex I Priority Habitats):

 [1130] Estuaries  [1150] Coastal Lagoons* (* = a priority habitat1)  [1330] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) (ASM)  [6410] Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae)  [91A0] Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles  [1355] Otter (Lutra lutra)

As stated by the Site Synopsis for Lough Swilly SAC, saltmarshes are well represented in the inner sheltered areas of the site, with good examples in the Ramelton area. Areas within these salt marshes correspond to the Annex I habitat Atlantic Salt Meadows, and are characterised by such species as thrift (Armeria maritima2), sea-milkwort (Glaux maritima), sea aster (Aster tripolium), sea arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) and red fescue (Festuca rubra). In addition, these areas provide valuable high-tide roosting sites for the large diversity of wildfowl and waders that feed on the intertidal mud flats in autumn and winter. The Site Synopsis for Lough Swilly SAC has been attached to this report within Appendix I.

1 Priority habitats indicated by (*) are those that are considered to be at risk of disappearing within EU territory (NPWS, 2013) 2 Throughout this document, Vascular Plant species nomenclature follows the ‘New Flora of the British Isles, 3rd Edition’ (Stace, 2010). The nomenclature for Bryophytes follows ‘Mosses of Britain and Ireland’ (British Bryological Society, 2010).

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Figure 1 - Geographic Location of the Ramelton – Milford – Rathmullan Sewerage Scheme (Source: JOD)

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

2 METHODOLOGY 2.1 Habitat Survey Woodrow were requested by JOD to carry out a saltmarsh survey in three specific locations within the RMR Scheme area. These sites were as follows:

 Ramelton Main Pumping Station (MPS) & Rising Main (Leannan Estuary);  RMR WwTP Outfall; and,  Rathmullan Main Pumping Station and Rising Main.

An initial habitat survey was undertaken at each site in order to determine if saltmarsh was present. This initial assessment was carried out according to the standard habitat classification system described in ‘A Guide to Habitats in Ireland’ (Fossitt, 2000), a field survey methodology devised specifically for habitat classification in the Republic of Ireland. The habitats encountered could then be cross-referenced to EU Habitats Directive Annex I habitat types, as described in the Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats (European Commission, 2013). The entire site was walked, plant species composition noted, and broad habitat types were assigned to the species assemblages as appropriate. 2.1.1 Fossitt habitat classification of saltmarsh

The Fossitt habitat classification system divides saltmarsh into two broad habitats types. These are described below. These habitat types may occur either as distinct zones or as complex mosaics, depending upon the underlying topography. According to Fossitt 2000, the correspondence between Lower Salt Marsh CM1 and Upper Salt Marsh CM2 within any salt marsh habitat categories listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive is not exact.

Lower Salt Marsh (CM1) is characterised by the predominance of salt-tolerant plants (halophytes), as it occurs on the seaward edge of the saltmarsh and thus is subject to prolonged submersion by salt water. The vegetation is usually dominated by common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima), often forming a short turf with glassworts (Salicornia spp.). Dense swards of cord-grasses (Spartina spp.) may occur at the lower limit of the saltmarsh in some places. Further inland thrift (Armeria maritima), sea plantain (Plantago maritima) and sea arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) tend to be prominent and may occur together with common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) and sea aster (Aster tripolium). In contrast to Upper Salt Marsh (CM2), there is little or no cover of rushes (Juncus spp.).

According to Fossitt 2000 this habitat has links with Annex I habitat categories as follows: “Correspondence between lower salt marsh and four types of salt marsh habitat listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (habitat codes 1310, 1320, 1330 and 1420; see Appendix 1) is not exact.” These Annex I habitat types include: 1310 - Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand; 1320 - Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae); 1330 - Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae); 1420 - Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi).

Upper Salt Marsh (CM2) is subject to less frequent and less prolonged inundation by salt water, and is typically dominated by rushes, such as sea rush (Juncus maritimus) and saltmarsh rush (Juncus gerardii), and red fescue (Festuca rubra). This habitat type typically supports salt-tolerant species such as thrift (Armeria maritima), common scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis), sea aster (Aster tripolium) and sea plantain (Plantago maritima), but may also contain species that are more characteristic of freshwater conditions such as marsh arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris) and lesser hawkbit (Leontodon taraxacoides).

According to Fossitt 2000 this habitat has links with Annex I habitat categories as follows:

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

“Correspondence between this category and the annexed habitats, ‘Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco- Puccinellietalia maritimae) (1330)’ and ‘Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) (1410)’ is not exact.”

2.1.2 Assessing correspondence to Habitats Directive Annex I habitats

Having classified the saltmarsh habitats present according to the Fossitt methodology outlined above, these habitats types were cross-referenced to saltmarsh habitats listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. It should be noted that correspondence between the Fossitt habitats and the Annex I classification system is not exact, and requires consideration of the individual species composition, location and physical characteristics of each saltmarsh area. However, the general relationship between Fossitt habitat types and Phase 1 habitat types is provided in Table 1 below (reproduced from McCorry and Ryle, 2009).

Saltmarsh communities in Ireland may correspond to one or more of five Habitats Directive Annex I habitat types. These Annex I habitats and their current Irish status are described in more detail in the Article 17 Report The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland (NPWS, 2013); their main characteristics are described in the following paragraphs:

1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand

This is a pioneer saltmarsh community that may occur on muddy sediment seaward of established saltmarsh, or form patches within other saltmarsh communities, where the topography is suitable and there is regular tidal inundation. It is generally composed of annual species, principally Salicornia or Suaeda species, which colonise periodically inundated muds and sands of marine or interior salt marshes. Due to its pioneer nature, it can be transient in nature and is highly susceptible to erosion, and its distribution is subject to change from year to year in response to changing conditions. The National Saltmarsh Survey undertaken during the period 2007-2008 (McCorry and Ryle, 2009) recorded this habitat type in 62 of the 131 saltmarsh sites assessed around the Irish coast.

1320 Spartina swards (Spartinon maritimae)

This Annex I habitat type is defined by the EU Habitats Interpretation Manual (European Commission, 2013) as ‘Perennial pioneer grasslands of coastal salt muds, formed by Spartina or similar grasses’. Although Irish saltmarshes contain considerable swards of common cord-grass (Spartina anglica) in places, including within a number of SACs, this species is not considered to be native to Ireland and moreover is considered to be an invasive species that represents a threat to Irish saltmarsh. Therefore, the NPWS has decided that these stands are not worthy of designation (McCorry and Ryle, 2009).

1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)

Atlantic salt meadows generally occupy the widest part of the saltmarsh gradient, and on larger saltmarshes they often exhibit a distinctive topography, with an intricate network of creeks and salt pans. They contain several distinctive zones, related to elevation and frequency of submergence. The lowest part is generally dominated by common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) with species like glasswort (Salicornia spp.) and annual seablite (Suaeda maritima). The invasive species common cord-grass (Spartina anglica) may be abundant here. The mid-zones are generally characterised by thrift or sea plantain (Plantago maritima); these grade into an upper zone dominated by red fescue (Festuca rubra), saltmarsh rush (Juncus gerardii) and creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera). Atlantic Salt Meadow is distributed around most of the Irish coastline; the National Saltmarsh Survey, undertaken during the period 2007-2008 (McCorry and Ryle, 2009), recorded this habitat type in all saltmarsh sites assessed around Ireland.

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi)

Mediterranean salt meadows occupy the upper zone of saltmarshes, usually adjacent to the boundary with terrestrial habitats. They are characterised by the presence of rushes such as sea rush (Juncus maritimus), in addition to typical saltmarsh species like sea aster (Aster tripolium), sea purslane (Atriplex portulacoides), sea-milkwort (Glaux maritima), saltmarsh rush (J. gerardii), common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) and sea plantain (Plantago maritima). Mediterranean salt meadows are widespread around the Irish coastline but occur less frequently than Atlantic salt meadows.

1420 Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi)

This Annex I habitat is defined by the EU Habitats Interpretation Manual (European Commission, 2013) as ‘perennial vegetation of saline muds that belongs to the phytosociological class Sarcocornetea fruticosi’. In Ireland, this vegetation type is characterised by the presence of perennial glasswort (Sarcocornia perennis), a species of foreshores and more well-drained areas of satmarshes, which is very rare in Ireland (listed in the Flora Protection Order and the Irish Red Data Book). It is generally found in sites that would otherwise resemble Atlantic salt meadow or Spartina swards. The National Saltmarsh Survey undertaken during the period 2007-2008 (McCorry and Ryle, 2009) recorded this habitat type in only five saltmarsh sites around Ireland, all in the southeast of the country.

Table 1 – General correlation between Fossitt 2000 broad habitat types and EU Habitats Directive Annex I habitat types (reproduced from McCorry and Ryle, 2009)

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

2.2 Condition Assessment of Habitats Directive Annex I saltmarsh habitats identified in the Study Area Saltmarsh habitats within the Study Area identified as corresponding to Habitats Directive Annex I saltmarsh habitat types, were subjected to a Condition Assessment in order to identify the quality and status of each habitat area. The condition assessment methodology was based on that described in the National Saltmarsh Survey 2007-2008 (McCorry and Ryle, 2009) and the JNCC’s guidance document Common Standards Monitoring for Saltmarsh habitats (JNCC, 2004). A structured walk was undertaken, making stops at intervals of 40-50m along the shoreline (at least 10 stops per assessment unit). At each stop, an assessment of each of the attributes listed in Table 2 below was made. Further details on the means of assessment of each attribute is provided in Table 3 below.

Due to the small size of the saltmarsh areas observed within the RMR sites, the area of each monitoring stop was considered to be 2m x 2m, as proposed by the JNCC guidance (as opposed to the 10m x 10m area utilised by McCorry and Ryle). At each monitoring stop, all plant species present were recorded and percentage cover of each species was noted. Notes were also made regarding the physical structure of the area, vegetation height and the presence of positive and negative indicator species, as defined by Common Standards Monitoring for Saltmarsh habitats (JNCC, 20043). The results of this assessment are provided in Table 4 and Plates 2-14 below.

Table 2 - Attributes recorded at each monitoring stop during the Condition Assessment of Annex I saltmarsh habitats within the Survey Area (reproduced from McCorry and Ryle, 2009)

1 Habitat Extent (Area) 2 Habitat Structure and functions  Physical structure: creeks and pans  Vegetation structure: zonation  Vegetation structure: sward cover  Vegetation structure: sward height  Vegetation composition: characteristic species  Indicators of negative trend (Common Cordgrass)  Other negative indicators  Indicators of local distinctiveness, such as notable plant species or vegetation mosaics. These are site-specific features, which are not adequately covered by the other attributes 3. Future prospects

3 Spartina spp. have been included only as negative indicators as these species are not native to Ireland

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Table 3 – Attributes and targets of Irish salt marsh habitats (reproduced from McCorry and Ryle, 2009 and JNCC, 2004)

Atlantic salt meadows Attributes Assessment Targets Habitat Extent Baseline habitat map and aerials. No change from baseline unless subject to natural changes. Physical Structure: Aerial photographs combined with site visit. No further human alteration to creek patterns or pans. Creeks and pans (Major erosion indicated by dissection and enlargement) Vegetation Structure: zonation Transect ** Maintain range of variation of zonation typical of the site while taking into account the dynamic nature of the zones. (Note any transitional zones low to mid marsh, mid to high marsh, high marsh to terrestrial). Vegetation Structure: Plant height Visual assessment of plant height at the Maintain site specific structural variation in sward. Target is stops. maintain diversity of sward heights (25% tall – 75% short) overall Vegetation Composition: Plant Visual assessment of plant cover at the Maintain 95% plant cover outside creeks and pans on low-mid and cover stops. upper saltmarsh. Target is less than 5% poached or bare ground. Vegetation Composition: Typical Visual assessment of cover at the stops. Maintain the presence of characteristic species (listed at bottom) of species Using percentage cover. salt marsh zones (site specific) as follows: Pioneer – (at least one species frequent and another occasional), low-mid marsh - (at least one of Puccinellia, Armeria, Glaux or Plantago dominant, other two listed species at least frequent), mid- upper marsh (at least one listed species dominant and three frequent) Vegetation composition: negative Areas of Spartina mapped. Visual No evidence of recent expansion of Spartina into pioneer saltmarsh indicator species: Spartina anglica assessment of cover at the stops, using the and mid-marsh areas. Target is less than 10% expansion in less modified DAFOR scale. than 10 years. Other negative indicators Visual assessment of damage from human Damage from human activities should be absent or zero. activities, such as reclamation, drainage, pollution, vehicle tracks, peat cutting, turf- cutting, poaching and overuse. Indicators of local distinctiveness Confirm the presence of rare plants or certain Maintain the presence and extent of the elements of local habitats or other features during site visits. distinctiveness. This is site specific.

** for the small areas of saltmarsh encountered at Brownknowe and Ramelton, which ranged from 0.5 m to 8 m in width, visual assessment was considered to be a more appropriate method than use of transects for assessing zonation within the habitat.

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

3 RESULTS The results of the saltmarsh surveys that were conducted on the 23rd and the 29th August 2018 are summarised below. 3.1 Habitat Assessment

As stated previously, the EU Habitats Directive Annex I habitat Atlantic Salt Meadow (1330) is a Qualifying Interest habitat of the Lough Swilly SAC. No other Annex I saltmarsh habitats are known to be recorded as occurring within the SAC, and none were recorded within this saltmarsh survey.

Saltmarsh habitats (Fossitt 2000 broad habitat categories) were recorded at two locations within the survey area:

 In the vicinity of the proposed RMR WwTP outfall pipeline at Brownknowe strand; and,  In the vicinity of the proposed pumping station in Ramelton.

No Saltmarsh species or habitats were identified at Rathmullan Main Pumping Station, therefore no saltmarsh habitat map has been produced for this area.

Two small stands of common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima), <1m2 each, were recorded at the location proposed for the Ramelton Rising Main on the northern side of the Leannan Estuary. This is illustrated in Plate 17 below. No saltmarsh habitat map was produced for this area given that there were no noteworthy saltmarsh species or extensive saltmarsh habitats encountered here.

3.1.1 Brownknowe Strand – the proposed RMR WwTP Outfall

A 500m stretch of coastline was assessed, from just west of Brownknowe Island, extending eastwards towards as the next small headland, located at the boundary between two improved / arable fields. This is a rocky stretch of coastline with a shingle shore. There are several strips of saltmarsh along this beach, located between the upper drift-line and the mid-shore; lower down the shore are areas of brown algae (seaweed) such as bladder wrack (Fucus vesicolus). The saltmarsh forms continuous strips in the majority of the site, but becomes more scattered moving eastwards, as shown in the habitat map provided in Figure 2 below. The seaward edge of the saltmarsh strip contains common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) and patches of scattered glasswort (Salicornia europaea), a pioneer saltmarsh species, and annual seablite (Suaeda maritima). Several plants of the non-native saltmarsh pioneer species common cord-grass (Spartina anglica) were recorded at one location within this zone (Irish Grid Ref: C 24530 23330). Despite being a principal component of the Habitats Directive Annex I habitat 1320 Spartina swards, this species is regarded as invasive in Ireland and thus not representative of Annex I habitat.

Common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) remains abundant in the midsection of the saltmarsh areas in this location, accompanied by locally abundant sea plantain (Plantago maritima), sea- milkwort (Glaux maritima), thrift (Armeria maritima) and sea aster (Aster tripolium). Saltmarsh rush (Juncus gerardii) is quite abundant in some areas. Red fescue (Festuca rubra) is also abundant in the vegetation, tending to become more abundant upshore; along the driftline this is sometimes accompanied by common couch (Elymus repens) and creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera).

3.1.1.1 Species recorded in saltmarsh areas at Brownknowe Strand Zonation of the saltmarsh areas at Brownknowe strand was assessed visually, as these areas were too small to satisfactorily undertake transects. The longitudinal bands of saltmarsh occurring along the shoreline at this site vary between approximately 4m to 8m in width, occupying the lower-mid to mid- upper zones of the shore. The substrate and physical structure within saltmarsh areas at this location is fairly homogenous, and lacks topographical features such as creeks and pans. Thus, the different zones within the saltmarsh are not discrete and merge into one another to some extent. The species observed within the different zones are listed in Table 4 below.

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Plate 1a – Saltmarsh habitat at Brownknowe Strand

Table 4 – Species noted in each zone of the saltmarsh at Brownknowe strand

Species Pioneer zone Lower- mid zone mid-upper zone Positive indicators Agrostis stolonifera  LA Armeria maritima  F Aster tripolium  O  F  F Atriplex prostrata  F/LA Carex extensa  R Cochlearia officinalis  O  O Elytrigia repens  LA Festuca rubra  A/LD Glaux maritima  F/A  F Juncus gerardii  O/LA  O Plantago maritima F/A  F/A Puccinellia maritima  D  A Salicornia europaea  O Spergularia marina  R/LO Suaeda maritima  F  F Triglochin maritima  O negative indicators Spartina anglica  R Rumex obtusofolius  R

3.1.1.2 Fossitt habitat types at Brownknowe Strand According to the standard Fossitt habitat classification system for saltmarsh, summarised in Section 2.1.1, the saltmarsh in this area generally represents a small-scale transition from Lower Salt Marsh (CM1) to Upper Salt Marsh (CM2).

3.1.1.3 Annex I habitat types at Brownknowe Strand As stated by McCorry (2007), nearly all Irish saltmarsh vegetation can be allocated to one of the EU Habitats Directive Annex I saltmarsh habitat types, with Atlantic Salt Meadows being the most common. According to Table 1, the saltmarsh habitat type at this site has potential correspondence to the Habitats Directive Annex I habitat 1330 Atlantic Salt Meadows (Lower Salt Marsh CM1 in the lower mid-zone, grading into Upper Salt Marsh CM2 in the mid-upper zone). The areas of saltmarsh

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018 at this location, although relatively small and sometimes scattered, were found to contain between six and ten positive indicator species for the Annex I habitat type Atlantic Salt Meadows (1330). Only two negative indicator species were observed in this area, at a very low frequency.

Although some areas within the saltmarsh contained the pioneer species glasswort (Salicornia europaea), this was generally reasonably-established vegetation accompanied by common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima), and these areas were thus considered to correspond to the Annex I habitat 1330 Atlantic Salt meadow (not 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand).

Assessment of habitat quality According to published targets for Irish saltmarsh habitats (see Table 3: Attributes and targets of Irish salt marsh habitats, reproduced from JNCC (2004) and McCorry and Ryle (2009), Annex I saltmarsh habitat that is in satisfactory condition should exhibit characteristic species for each zone (listed in Table 5) at appropriate frequencies:

 Pioneer zone: At least one listed species frequent and another occasional  Low-mid marsh: At least one of Puccinellia maritima, Atriplex portulacoides or Salicornia spp. dominant, and two other listed species at least frequent.  Mid-upper marsh: At least one listed species abundant and three frequent

Table 5 – Typical species for saltmarsh zones (reproduced from McCorry and Ryle, 2009 and JNCC, 2004)

Pioneer zone Low-mid marsh Mid-upper marsh Salicornia spp. Puccinellia maritima Festuca rubra Suaeda maritima Triglochin maritima Juncus gerardii Puccinellia maritima Plantago maritima Armeria maritima Aster tripolium Atriplex portulacoides Agrostis stolonifera Aster tripolium Limonium vulgare Spergularia maritima Glaux maritima Suaeda maritima Seriphidium maritima Salicornia spp. Plantago maritimum turf fucoids Aster tripolium Juncus maritimus Triglochin maritima Blysmus rufus Eleocharis uniglumis Artemisia maritima Leontodon autumnalis Carex flacca Carex extensa turf fucoids

It can be seen that, applying the above criteria to the species recorded within the individual saltmarsh zones at Brownknowe Strand, listed in Table 4, the saltmarsh habitats present at the site exhibit a good variety of the characteristic species for each zone, and therefore represent good-quality, albeit small, examples of the Annex I habitat type Atlantic Salt Meadow (1330).

Individual areas of saltmarsh at Brownknowe Strand Five main areas of saltmarsh were identified within the survey area at Brownknowe Strand. The chief characteristics of these areas are summarised in Table 6 below. A map indicating the location, extent and status of areas of saltmarsh habitat at Brownknowe Strand is provided in Figure 2 below.

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Table 6 – Summary of main saltmarsh areas at Brownknowe Strand

Map Approximate Zone Annex I habitat type Characteristics ref. Area (m2) 1 27 lower-mid to mid-upper 1330 Atlantic Salt Meadow Continuous 2 509 lower-mid to mid-upper 1330 Atlantic Salt Meadow Continuous 3 814 pioneer; lower-mid to mid-upper 1330 Atlantic Salt Meadow Continuous 4 89 lower-mid to mid-upper 1330 Atlantic Salt Meadow Scattered 5 178 lower-mid to mid-upper 1330 Atlantic Salt Meadow Scattered

Condition Assessment of the Annex I saltmarsh habitat at Brownknowe Strand

The results of the Condition Assessment for the saltmarsh areas at Brownknowe Strand are presented in Table 7 and Plates 2-14 below.

Identified Pressures and Threats There is no apparent grazing at Brownknowe strand and the shore is not easily accessible from the adjacent fields, separated from them by a low, but steep, slope. In general, there is no public access onto this shoreline apart from at one location (where the proposed rising main will be situated) where the landowner has access to the shoreline via a gap in the hedgerow and occasionally drives farm machinery through here (Plate 1b). Here, there is a small area of disturbed ground amongst the saltmarsh habitat (c.7m x 3m), as illustrated in Plate 1b below. However, the majority of this area is undisturbed by vehicle access (as illustrated amongst Plates 2 – 14 below).

Plate 1b – Farm access into saltmarsh habitat at Brownknowe Strand (at the proposed Rising Main location)

Few negative species were identified at Brownknowe strand. One stand of the invasive species common cord-grass (Spartina anglica) was noted close to Monitoring Stop 6. The Conservation Objectives supporting document for Lough Swilly SAC (NPWS, 2011) states:

“The only invasive and non-native species recorded on Atlantic Salt Meadow during the SMP [Saltmarsh Monitoring Project] was common cordgrass (Spartina anglica). Significantly large stands of Spartina have been recorded at Rathmelton4, Lower Lough Swilly and Green Hill. The target is that negative indicators such as Spartina should be absent or under control…The evidence suggests that there has been recent spread of Spartina at Green Hill and parts of Rathmelton, while it may have been planted at Lower Lough Swilly”.

4 Please note: Ramelton is also known as Rathmelton.

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Figure 2 – The location, extent and status of areas of saltmarsh habitat at Brownknowe Strand

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Table 8 – Results of Condition Assessment of potential Annex I saltmarsh habitats at Brownknowe Strand

Indicator Species for Saltmarsh % cover at each monitoring Stop ( indicates presence, cover less than 1%)

Scientific name English/common name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent 5 2

Armeria maritima Thrift 5  5   5

Seriphidium maritimum Sea wormwood

Aster tripolium Sea aster 10 15 5 3 7 5 20 20 15

Atriplex portulacoides Sea-purslane

Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved orache 5  

Blysmus rufus Saltmarsh flat-sedge

Carex extensa Long-bracted sedge 

Carex flacca Glaucous sedge

Cochlearia officinalis Common scurvy-grass 2  5 2

Eleocharis uniglumis Common spike-rush

Eleocharis parvula Dwarf spike-rush

Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch

Elytrigia (Elymus) repens Couch *

Elytrigia juncea Sand couch

Festuca rubra Red fescue 20 20 25 20 10 10

Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet

Fucus cottonii a turf fucoid

Frankenia laevis Sea-heath

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Indicator Species for Saltmarsh % cover at each monitoring Stop ( indicates presence, cover less than 1%)

Glaux maritima Sea-milkwort 10 2  15 15 5 5

Iris pseudacorus Yellow Iris

Juncus gerardii (gerardi) Saltmarsh rush

Juncus maritimus Sea rush

Limonium vulgare Common sea lavender

Limonium humile Lax-flowered sea lavender

Parapholis strigosa Sea hard-grass

Plantago maritima Sea plantain 5 20 15 10 10 50 25 20

Puccinellia distans Northern saltmarsh-grass

Puccinellia maritima Common saltmarsh-grass 5 5 20 10 30 10 20 33 10

Salicornia spp. Glasswort, Samphire  

Sarcocornia perennis Perennial glasswort

Spergularia marina Lesser sea-spurrey 5  

Suaeda maritima Annual sea-blite 5    1 7 10 2

Suaeda vera Shrubby sea-blite

Triglochin maritima Sea arrowgrass 3 2 

Negative indicator species:

Rumex obtusifolius Broadleaved dock 

Spartina anglica5 Common cord-grass *

5 Spartina anglica has been included only as negative indicator species here, as it is considered invasive. Spartina spp. are not native to Ireland.

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Indicator Species for Saltmarsh % cover at each monitoring Stop ( indicates presence, cover less than 1%)

Mean vegetation height cm 10 10 - 10- 15- 15- 10 - - - 10- 10- 10- 15 20 20 15 15 15 Total vegetation cover % 40 70 - 60 90 100 30 0 0 0 98 98 70

Number of positive indicator species present 6 8 - 7 10 9 6 - - - 6 9 10

Number of negative indicator species present 1 0 - 0 0 (1) - - - 0 0 0

Cover of negative indicator species <1 0 - 0 0 0 0 - - - 0 0 0

* present just outside the survey area

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Plates 2-14: Condition Assessment of potential Annex I saltmarsh habitats undertaken at Brownknowe Strand

Plate 2 Habitat: Atlantic salt meadow

Stop 1 - Patchy Atlantic salt meadow on shingle, approximately 40% cover of vegetation in total.

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Plate 2 Habitat: Atlantic Saltmarsh

Stop 2 - A strip of Atlantic salt meadow vegetation approximately 5m wide, on shingle

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Plate 4 Habitat: Rocky shore

Stop 3 - Rocky shore with no terrestrial vegetation (seaweed only). No saltmarsh habitat noted at this location. Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Plate 5 Habitat: Strandline / Atlantic salt meadow

Stop 4 – A strip of vegetation approximately 5m wide along the strandline, which is transitional between strandline vegetation and Atlantic salt meadow. This is edged up-shore by a strip of taller grassier vegetation with common couch (Elymus repens), silverweed (Potentilla anserina), bladder campion (Silene vulgaris), spear-leaved orache (Atriplex prostrata) and curled dock (Rumex crispus).

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Plate 6 Habitat: Atlantic salt meadow

Stop 5 – This strip of saltmarsh is almost 10m wide, on a muddier substrate than the previous area, located above the strandline. The vegetation is slightly different also; it appears poached with bare hollows. There is a 1m wide strip dominated by common couch (Elymus repens) along the upper shore, fringed by a hedge and arable fields. The saltmarsh is dominated by saltmarsh rush (Juncus gerardii) and common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) in the upper half, and sea plantain (Plantago maritima) and sea-milkwort (Glaux maritima) lower down; sea arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) is present at this location.

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Plate 7 Habitat: Atlantic salt meadow

Stop 6 – An 8m strip of Atlantic salt meadow above the strandline, on a substrate composed of soil and mud, edged along its upper margin by a hedge with blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg). The saltmarsh vegetation contains abundant saltmarsh rush (Juncus gerardii) and sea-milkwort (Glaux maritima). Some common cord-grass (Spartina anglica) was observed at the seaward edge.

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: Presence of Spartina anglica, an invasive species, a short distance from the monitoring stop

Plate 8 Habitat: Atlantic salt meadow

Stop 7 - Scattered Atlantic salt meadow on shingle

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Plate 9 Habitat: Rocky shore

Stop 8 - Bare rock and seaweed only, beneath large oak trees. Seashore springtail (Anurida (Lipura) maritima) was noted in this area. No saltmarsh habitat noted at this location.

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Plate 10 Habitat: Rocky shore

Stop 9 - Bare rock and seaweed. No saltmarsh habitat noted at this location.

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Plate 11 Habitat: Rocky shore

Stop 10 - Bare rock and seaweed only. No saltmarsh habitat noted at this location.

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Plate 12 Habitat: Atlantic salt meadow

Stop 11 – Atlantic salt meadow vegetation located between shoreline rocks and the driftline. The vegetation is dominated by sea plantain (Plantago maritima), sea aster (Aster tripolium) and common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima), on a substrate that is both rocky and muddy. There is 5-10% bare ground, but this is covered in seaweed.

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Plate 13 Habitat: Atlantic salt meadow

Stop 12 - Strip of Atlantic salt meadow between two small bays. The vegetation is more-or-less continuous and is dominated by sea aster (Aster tripolium), common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) and sea plantain (Plantago maritima).

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Plate 14 Habitat: Atlantic salt meadow

Stop 13 – A 5m wide strip of patchy Atlantic salt meadow along the edge of a muddy bay. The principal species here are sea aster (Aster tripolium), common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) and sea plantain (Plantago maritima).

Features of Local Distinctiveness: None Pressure/threats noted: None

3.1.2 Ramelton - proposed pumping station location At Ramelton, saltmarsh habitat observed within the Survey Area was limited to a very narrow strip of vegetation fringing the two small headlands and connecting road. The saltmarsh vegetation is generally 0.5m- 1m wide, dominated almost exclusively by sea plantain (Plantago maritima). Common scurvy grass (Cochlearia officinalis) was recorded in small amounts in several locations, but was classified as “rare” overall. Sea aster (Aster tripolium) was recorded in only one location along this stretch of coastline (one plant only). No other saltmarsh species were noted in the saltmarsh that fringes the coastline at this site.

The coast in this area is quite rocky and is more steeply-sloping than at Brownknowe Strand, therefore only a small band of vegetation lies within the inundation zone. This does not appear to be pioneer vegetation but rather the vegetation resembles that of the lower-mid saltmarsh zone. However, there appears to be little potential for the development of further saltmarsh habitat here given the topography of the coastline at this point.

One small, level corner of land at Irish Grid Reference C 23031 21277 (adjacent to the Augnish road, at the eastern end of the section that runs immediately adjacent to the coast) has developed a slightly more diverse saltmarsh vegetation, dominated by sea plantain (Plantago maritima) with red fescue (Festuca rubra), sea arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima), common scurvy-grass (Cochlearia officinalis), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and sea milkwort (sea-milkwort (Glaux maritima). These additional species were not noted at any other location within the Ramelton survey area. This small area measures approximately 2x3m in area, and the species present at this location suggest that it is more characteristic of the mid-upper zone, given the abundance of grasses such as creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and red fescue (Festuca rubra). This particular habitat lies outside the intended location for the Pumping Station or the Rising Main in Ramelton, in a sheltered corner to the south east.

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

3.1.2.1 Fossitt habitat types at Ramelton According to the standard Fossitt habitat classification system for saltmarsh, summarised in Section 2.1.1, the small areas of saltmarsh observed within the Ramelton survey area generally represent the Fossitt habitat type Lower Salt Marsh (CM1).

In addition, the western headland supports the Fossitt habitat GS2 Dry meadows and Grassy verges, dominated by creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus) and red fescue (Festuca rubra) with species such as silverweed (Potentilla anserina), common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), nettle (Urtica dioica) and creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense). The headland that lies in the eastern part of the survey area is a small urban park planted with lawns (Fossitt code GA2 Amenity grassland), trees and shrubs. Naturally-occurring alder (Alnus glutinosa), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and bramble (WL2 Treelines and WS2 Scrub) line the park boundary, fringing the narrow strip of saltmarsh vegetation.

The piece of land separating these two headlands supports a large stand of the Schedule III Invasive species Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), along with a small amount of the high-impact invasive species Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).

3.1.2.2 Potential for alignment to Annex I saltmarsh habitat types The small areas of saltmarsh occurring at Ramelton support an extremely limited diversity of species and are of very limited extent; it is considered that this is limited by the site’s topography.

According to published targets for Irish saltmarsh habitats (see Table 3: Attributes and targets of Irish salt marsh habitats, reproduced from JNCC (2004) and McCorry and Ryle (2009), Annex I saltmarsh habitat that is in satisfactory condition should exhibit characteristic species for each zone (listed in Table 5 above) at appropriate frequencies:

 Pioneer zone: At least one listed species frequent and another occasional.  Low-mid marsh: At least one of Puccinellia maritima, Atriplex portulacoides or Salicornia spp. dominant, and two other listed species at least frequent.  Mid-upper marsh: At least one listed species abundant and three frequent.

The narrow strip of saltmarsh plants that extend along most of the coastline within the Ramelton survey area do not appear to easily fall within any Annex I saltmarsh category. Only one species, sea plantain (Plantago maritima) is abundant within the Ramelton survey area, another species occurs only rarely (common scurvy-grass, Cochlearia officinalis) and a third species, sea aster (Aster tripolium) occurs at only one location. Although these species are considered to be indicative of Lower Saltmarsh (CM1) according to the Fossitt description, this area does not qualify as good-quality lower- mid marsh saltmarsh vegetation as described above (nor would it qualify as pioneer or mid-upper marsh).

The small corner of slightly more diverse saltmarsh vegetation recorded at Irish Grid Reference C 23031 21277, which is considered to represent the mid-upper marsh type, contains five species from the list of characteristic species provided in Table 5, all in reasonable abundance, and thus in terms of species composition alone it might be considered to qualify as the Annex I habitat type Atlantic Salt Meadows (1330). However, this area is very small, exhibits no zonation and is isolated, not forming part of any other larger saltmarsh unit. Due to the surrounding topography it does not have potential to develop further. Therefore this area has not been classified as Annex I Atlantic Salt Meadow (1330), nor does it fit any other Annex I saltmarsh habitat category. Regardless, this latter habitat area will be unaffected by the proposal.

Therefore it is considered that the saltmarsh at Ramelton does not align to any Annex I saltmarsh habitat type, and as such is not considered to be Annex I Atlantic Salt Meadow (ASM) habitat.

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Figure 3 – Map indicating the location, extent and status of saltmarsh habitat at Ramelton proposed pumping station location

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

Plate 15 – Strip of saltmarsh vegetation (Lower Salt Marsh, CM1) along rocky coastline at Ramelton, flanked by the Fossitt habitat GS2 Dry meadows and Grassy verges

Plate 16 – slightly more diverse area of saltmarsh vegetation at C 23031 21277 – not considered to qualify as Annex I Atlantic Salt Meadows (ASM)

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

3.1.3 Ramelton - proposed rising main No Annex I ASM habitat was encountered at the proposed location for the Ramelton Rising Main on the Northern side of the Leannan Estuary. Two small stands of common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) <1m2 each were recorded here (one had a single plant of sea plantain Plantago maritima). These were found in the vicinity of Irish Grid References C 22815 21475 and C 22829 21478. This is indicative of Lower Salt Marsh, CM1, however, no other saltmarsh plants were recorded at this location, or in the immediate area on this particular side of the Leannan Estuary. The dominant habitat in this location is Fossitt Category ‘Mixed Sediment Shores LS5’, which is often dominated by fucoids (particularly wrack species Fucus spp.) in this part of the estuary.

Plate 17 – Common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) and Sea Plantain Plantago maritima (small patch of eroded Lower Salt Marsh, CM1 within Mixed Sediment Shores LS5 habitat)

3.1.4 Rathmullan - proposed pumping station and rising main There were no Annex I ASM or broad Saltmarsh Habitats encountered at the Rathmullan Site. This area consisted of improved grassland grazed by horses, bramble scrub, and the shingle beach supported pioneer species such as perennial sowthistle Sonchus arvensis and water-pepper Persicaria hydropiper. Shingle lies within c.10m of the existing wall, vegetation growing in this habitat lies within c.14m of the wall. It should be noted that bare shingle is part of the pioneer habitat of 1220 Vegetated shingle in Ireland.

Plate 18 – The shingle beach in Rathmullan could support the pioneer community of Annex I 1220 Vegetated Shingle

It is considered that the vegetated areas of shingle show affinity to the pioneer community of Annex I 1220 Vegetated Shingle6 – however this is not a Qualifying Interest of the Lough Swilly SAC and was not assessed as part of this saltmarsh survey.

6 Martin et al. (2017) Available at: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM98.pdf (As accessed: 08.10.2018)

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

4 CONCLUSIONS Surveys for saltmarsh habitats were undertaken within the Survey area for the proposed RMR Sewerage Scheme in Co Donegal. Particular attention was paid to the potential presence of the EU Habitats Directive Annex I saltmarsh habitat 1330 Atlantic Salt Meadow, which is a Qualifying Interest of Lough Swilly SAC (site code 002287), or the presence of other Annex I salt marsh habitats, within and adjacent to the specified Survey Area. Table 9 below summarises the findings of these saltmarsh surveys.

Table 9 – Summary of saltmarsh habitats encountered within the specified RMR Saltmarsh Survey Areas

Site Saltmarsh Habitat Type (According to Fossitt, 2000) Annex I Salt Marsh Ramelton Main Pumping Lower Salt Marsh CM1 at the proposed pumping N/A – the habitat within the survey Station (MPS) & Rising station. area does not meet the criteria in Main on the southern order for it to be described as Annex side of the Leannan I Atlantic Salt Meadows (ASM), or Estuary any Annex I Saltmarsh category. Ramelton Rising Main Two small patches of Lower Salt Marsh CM1 however, N/A – the habitat within the survey location on the northern these do not form a continuous saltmarsh habitat and area does not meet the criteria in side of the Leannan exist within a littoral sediment environment of Mixed order for it to be described as Annex Estuary Sediment Shores LS5, dominated by fucoids I Atlantic Salt Meadows (ASM), or (particularly wrack species Fucus spp.) adjacent to any Annex I Saltmarsh category. Mud Shores LS4. RMR WwTP Outfall Lower Salt Marsh CM1 Atlantic Salt Meadows (ASM) (Brownknowe Strand)

Rathmullan Main None N/A – None present within survey Pumping Station & Rising area Main

Saltmarsh habitats were recorded at two main locations within the wider survey area: at Brownknowe Strand, the proposed location for the outfall pipe for the project; and along the coastline at Ramelton, in the vicinity of the proposed pumping station. No saltmarsh habitats were recorded within the survey area at Rathmullan, instead the shingle coastline habitats here conformed closer to the pioneer community of Annex I 1220 Vegetated Shingle. In addition, two small stands of saltmarsh plants, not conforming to Annex I Atlantic Salt Meadows (ASM), were noted at the proposed rising main location on the northern side of the Leannan Estuary.

The saltmarsh encountered at Brownknowe Strand occurred in five linear areas, and although it was scattered in places, the habitat was found to correspond to the Annex I habitat type Atlantic Salt Meadows (1330). A Condition Assessment was undertaken within this area, according the standard methodologies described in McCorry and Ryle (2009). The habitat was found to be in good condition overall, and no current threats or pressures were identified, other than the presence of a small amount of the invasive saltmarsh species Common cord-grass (Spartina anglica) at one location. There is one location within the ASM where disturbance has created a fragmented patch (approximately 7 x 3m) due to heavy farm traffic (see Plate 1b above). It is understood that this is the intended location for the Outfall pipeline and directional drilling will be used to avoid impacts upon the ASM habitat in this area.

The saltmarsh observed at Ramelton was quite different in character, occurring as a very narrow strip of vegetation along the more steeply sloping rocky coastline. This area supports only three saltmarsh species, two of them occurring only rarely. The saltmarsh in this area was not considered to align to any Annex I habitat type. One very small area (approx. 2x3m) exhibited a slightly more diverse range of species, due its more level topography and softer substrate, but this area was small and isolated and lacked any zonation or potential to increase in extent. This patch of habitat lies outside of the proposed working area, and was also considered not to qualify as Annex I habitat.

As such, Brownknowe Strand was the only site surveyed as part of this particular study which supported Annex I Atlantic Salt Meadows habitat. This was considered to be in good condition overall, apart from one small (c. 3 x 7m) location at a farm access point – which is the intended location for the proposed RMR WwTP Outfall.

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

5 REFERENCES

British Bryological Society (2010). Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland – A field guide. European Commission (2013). Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. EUR 28. April 2013. EC DG Environment. Nature ENV B.3. Fossitt, J. A. (2000) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2004). Common Standards Monitoring guidance for saltmarsh habitat. JNCC, Peterborough. Martin, J.R., Daly, O.H. and Devaney F.M. (2017) Survey and assessment of vegetated shingle and associated habitats at 30 coastal sites in Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 98. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Ireland. McCorry, M. (2007). Saltmarsh Monitoring Project 2006 – Summary Report. An unpublished report for the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin. McCorry, M. and Ryle, T. (2009). Saltmarsh Monitoring Project 2007-2008. A Report for Research Branch, National Parks and Wildlife Service. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. NPWS (2016). Site Synopsis: Lough Swilly SAC (Site Code: 002287). Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Available at https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY002287.pdf NPWS (2013). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Habitats Assessments Volume 2. Version 1.1. Unpublished Report, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland. NPWS (2011) Lough Swilly SAC (site code 2287) Conservation objectives supporting document -coastal habitats. Available at: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/2287_Lough%20Swilly%20SAC%20Coastal%2 0Supporting%20Doc_V1.pdf) Stace, C. (2010). New Flora of the British Isles, 3rd Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. Webb, D.A., Parnell, J. & Doogue, D. (1996). An Irish Flora (7th revised Ed.). Dundalgan Press, Dundalk.

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018

APPENDIX I – Site Synopsis for Lough Swilly SAC

Saltmarsh Survey Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd. RMR Sewerage Scheme, Co. Donegal October 2018