Volume 4 – Appendix 6.3 – Designated Site Summaries 1
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Designated sites within 15 km of Lough Ree Power ADF Designated site Distance from Qualifying Interest / Special Conservation Interest Site Description ADF Conservation objectives indicated as appropriate [R, M , G, U] R = Restore specific QI/SCI M = Maintain specific QI/SCI G = Generic CO for all QI/SCI in N2000 site, i.e. Maintain or Restore U = Site-specific Conservation Objective Under Review Lough Ree SAC/pNHA 4 km − Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or A large mesotrophic moderate-eutrophic lake situated in an ice deepened depression in carboniferous limestone on the River Shannon. Greater part is less than Hydrocharition - type vegetation [3150] [R] 10 m in depth but there are deep troughs from north to south of depths between 17-33 m. Lough Ree has a long and much indented shoreline, mostly stony with (6.5 km along − Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland some gravel and sand. In parts, reed swamp, alkaline fen, bog, freshwater marshes, wet and dry grassland and wet woodland occurs. Numerous islands, some hydrological facies on calcareous substrates ( Festuco- wooded, occur in the lake. Dry broad-leaved woodland of good quality is included in site. Lough Ree is surrounded by agricultural land of moderate to high pathway) Brometalia ) (*important orchid sites) [6210] [R] intensity and is close to Athlone town. Eutrophication may be a problem but at present Lough Ree is less affected than other midland lakes, notably Lough Derg. − Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120] [R] One of the largest and most important lakes in Ireland, Lough Ree is an excellent example of a natural eutrophic system. The old oak woods at the site are − Alkaline fens [7230] [M] considered the best in the midlands. The site also contains very good examples of degraded raised bog much of which retain a typical raised bog flora and which − Limestone pavements [8240] [M] could be improved by restoration works. Bog woodland is also represented though some of this is planted Pinus species. A further area of wet woodland on − Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum cutover peat is notable for the abundance of Frangula alnus. Good to moderate examples of alkaline fens and calcareous dry grasslands also occur. Limestone in the British Isles [91A0] [U] pavement with species-rich woodland occurs at Rathcline. Several Red Data plant species occur. Lutra lutra is frequent on the site and the fish Coregonus − Bog woodland [91D0] [R] autumnalis pollan has been recorded. It is an important bird site for wintering and breeding waterfowl, and has a colony of Sterna hirundo. It is of particular importance for the breeding population of Melanitta nigra, as it is one of only three sites for the species in Ireland. Water quality of the lake is considered good. − Lutra lutra (Otter) [1355] [M] Lough Ree SPA 4 km − Little Grebe ( Tachybaptus ruficollis ) [A004] [G] Situated on the River Shannon between Lanesborough and Athlone, Lough Ree is the third largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. It lies in an ice-deepened − Whooper Swan ( Cygnus cygnus ) [A038] [G] depression in Carboniferous Limestone. Some of its features (including the islands) are based on glacial drift. The main inflowing rivers are the Shannon, Inny (6.5 km along − and Hind, and the main outflowing river is the Shannon. The greater part of Lough Ree is less than 10 m in depth, but there are six deep troughs running from hydrological Wigeon ( Anas penelope ) [A050] [G] − north to south, reaching a maximum depth of about 36 m just west of Inchmore. The lake has a very long, indented shoreline and hence has many sheltered pathway) Teal ( Anas crecca ) [A052] [G] − Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053] [G] bays. It also has a good scattering of islands, most of which are included in the site. The lake is classified as a mesotrophic system. The water of Lough Ree − Shoveler ( Anas clypeata ) [A056] [G] tends to be strongly peat-stained, restricting macrophytes to depths of less than 2 m. Swamp vegetation, especially of Phragmites australis, occurs in the sheltered − Tufted Duck ( Aythya fuligula ) [A061] [G] areas around the lake. The swamp often grades to species-rich calcareous fen or freshwater marsh. Lowland wet grassland, some of which floods in winter, is found in abundance around the shore. Some of the islands are wooded. − Common Scoter ( Melanitta nigra ) [A065] [G] − Goldeneye ( Bucephala clangula ) [A067] [G] Lough Ree is one For of inspection the most purposes important only. Midland sites for wintering waterfowl, with nationally important populations of Anas penelope, Anas crecca, Anas acuta, − Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Coot ( Fulica atra ) [A125] [G] Anas clypeata, Aythya fuligula and Bucephala clangula. Nationally important populations of Pluvialis apricaria and Vanellus vanellus are also associated with the − Golden Plover ( Pluvialis apricaria ) [A140] [G] lake. Regionally important numbers of Cygnus cygnus and Anser albifrons flavirostris are also found in the vicinity of the lake. The site supports a nationally − Lapwing ( Vanellus vanellus ) [A142] [G] important population of Sterna hirundo. Larus ridibundus breeds (nationally important) and Larus fuscus and Larus canus have bred in the past (recent census − Common Tern ( Sterna hirundo ) [A193] [G] information is poor). Lough Ree is an important site for breeding duck and grebes, with Aythya fuligula and Podiceps cristatus having populations of national − Wetland and Waterbirds [A999] [G] importance. Of particular note is that it is one of the two main sites in the country for breeding Melanitta nigra, a Red Data Book species. The woodland around the lake is a stronghold for Sylvia borin and this scarce species probably occurs on some of the islands within the SPA. Lutra lutra is frequent within the site and the fish Coregonus autumnalis pollan occurs. Ballykenny-Fisherstown 12.5 km − Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser Site is situated in the north central midlands overlying Carboniferous limestone. Lough Forbes is a naturally eutrophic lake on the Shannon system and is fed also Bog SPA albifrons flavirostris) [A395] [G] from the north by the River Rinn. The lake has well developed swamp vegetation and displays natural transition to seasonally flooded grassland, marsh and raised bog. The raised bogs, known as the Ballykenny-Fishertown complex, are separated by the Camlin River, which has further areas of callow grassland. The Castle Forbes estate on the eastern shore of the lake is extensively planted with mature semi-natural woodland, including some stands of old oak. This site has important examples of several habitats listed on Annex I of the EU Directive, notably active raised bog, degraded raised bog, naturally eutrophic lakes and old oak woodlands. The lake and callow grasslands provide good habitat for a range of wintering waterfowl species, including regionally important flocks of Cygnus cygnus, Anas crecca and Anas penelope. Species such as Phalacrocorax carbo and Aythya fuligula are also represented but in low numbers. The bogs were formerly used by wintering Anser albifrons flavirostris but these appear to have been now abandoned in favour of grassland sites elsewhere. Falco columbarius has been recorded and may breed in the site. Lagopus lagopus occurs on the bogs. Brown Bog SAC/pNHA 12.5 km − Active raised bogs [7110] [R] Brown Bog is a small midland raised bog situated approximately 7 km west of Longford town. Uncut high bog accounts for a relatively high proportion (c.70%) − Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural of the site, though the largest part of this is classified as degraded bog. The high bog is surrounded by a rim of cutover bog, much of which has been invaded by regeneration [7120] [R] Volume 4 – Appendix 6.3 – Designated Site Summaries 1 EPA Export 15-03-2019:03:45:51 Designated site Distance from Qualifying Interest / Special Conservation Interest Site Description ADF Conservation objectives indicated as appropriate [R, M , G, U] R = Restore specific QI/SCI M = Maintain specific QI/SCI G = Generic CO for all QI/SCI in N2000 site, i.e. Maintain or Restore U = Site-specific Conservation Objective Under Review − Depressions on peat substrates of the Betula pubescens scrub. Other habitats in the cutover zone are broad-leaved woodland, a small stand of planted conifers, and some wet grassland. A large Rhynchosporion [7150] [R] area of cutover bog to the east of the site has recently been planted with conifers. Brown Bog is one of the best examples of a small, relatively intact midland raised bog in Ireland at present. The active bog is characterised by flat, quaking areas with frequent pools and with a wet flush. Sphagnum cover is high and includes the relatively rare S. imbricatum and S. fuscum. Lichen cover, mainly Cladonia spp., is high. The degraded area of high bog is relatively undisturbed and considered a good example of the habitat. It is possible that a significant portion of the degraded bog could be re-wetted in the future. Rhynchosporion vegetation is well-developed and of good quality. Lagopus lagopus, a threatened and Red listed species in Ireland, has been reported from the site. In general, this small bog is of good quality and has been relatively free of damaging activities such as peat-cutting and drainage. Mount Jessop Bog 8.7 km − [7120] Degraded Raised Bog Mount Jessop Bog SAC occurs within the larger raised bog system that is designated as Mount Jessop Bog NHA (001450). It is situated 5 km south-west of SAC/ NHA − [91D0] Bog Woodland* Longford Town in the townland of Mount Jessop, Co. Longford. Conifer plantations at the site were all felled by 2012 and all of the intensive drainage systems associated with the plantations were blocked by 2013 as part of an EU-funded LIFE project so as to raise the water table and restore Active Raised Bog on the site.