WWeettllaanndd SSuurrvveeyy CCoouunnttyy MMoonnaagghhaann Part 1: Main Report

Report prepared for County Council & The Heritage Council

An Action of the Monaghan Heritage Plan 2006-2010

by Peter J. Foss, Patrick Crushell & Faith Wilson www.wetlandsurveysireland.com

November 2011 Wetland Survey Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Authors: Foss, P.J., Crushell, P. & Wilson, F. (2011) Title: Wetland Survey County Monaghan. Report prepared for Monaghan County Council and The Heritage Council.

(Main Report pages 1- 65; Site Reports: Part A (Aghavilla Spring to Gobbawell Spring) pages 66 – 245; Site Reports: Part B (Half Moon (Ballyloughan) to Tonyscallon Lough) pages 246 – 442).

An Action of the County Monaghan Heritage Plan

Copyright Monaghan County Council & The Heritage Council 2011

Wetland Surveys Ireland

Dr Peter Foss Dr Patrick Crushell 33 Bancroft Park Bell Height Tallaght Kenmare 24 Co Kerry

[email protected] [email protected]

All rights reserved. No Part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of Monaghan County Council.

Views contained in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of Monaghan County Council or The Heritage Council.

Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSI License number 2010/03 CCMA/ Monaghan County Council. All maps © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. License number 2010/03 CCMA/Monaghan County Council.

Photographic Plate Credits

All photographs by Peter Foss 2011 unless otherwise stated. Copyright Monaghan County Council & The Heritage Council.

Report cover photograph: Three turloughs in winter flood at Ballyloughan, County Monaghan. Photograph Copyright: Shirley Clerkin. Pyrola rotundifolia (Round-leaved Wintergreen), Drumgoan Fen, County Monaghan. Photograph Copyright: Peter Foss.

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

CONTENTS 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...... 4 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 5 3 WETLANDS SURVEY COUNTY MONAGHAN ...... 6 3.1 BACKGROUND...... 6 3.2 PROJECT SUMMARY...... 6 4 MATERIALS & METHODS ...... 8 4.1 WETLAND SURVEY COUNTY MONAGHAN - SITE SELECTION ...... 8 4.2 WETLAND SURVEY COUNTY MONAGHAN - FIELD SURVEY ...... 8 4.3 CONSULTATION WITH LANDOWNERS ...... 9 4.4 HABITAT CLASSIFICATION ...... 9 4.5 SITE CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION...... 9 4.6 WETLAND SURVEY COUNTY MONAGHAN DATABASE – STRUCTURE AND CONTENT ...... 9 4.7 COUNTY MONAGHAN WETLAND MAP (MWM) – GIS DATASET...... 9 4.8 CONSTRAINTS ...... 10 5 RESULTS...... 11 5.1 WETLAND SURVEY COUNTY MONAGHAN ...... 11 5.2 WETLAND TYPES RECORDED ON DETAILED SITE SURVEYS...... 13 5.2.1 Turlough Sites...... 13 5.2.2 Spring Sites...... 15 5.2.3 Transition Mire Sites...... 17 5.2.4 Raised Bog Sites ...... 19 5.3 PRELIMINARY SITE INSPECTIONS ...... 21 5.4 FLORAL OBSERVATIONS ...... 21 5.5 FAUNAL OBSERVATIONS ...... 22 5.6 SITE CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT...... 22 6 RECOMMENDATIONS...... 30 6.1 DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT OF THE MONAGHAN WETLAND RESOURCE ...... 30 6.2 SITE DESIGNATIONS ...... 30 6.3 PLANNING CONTROLS...... 30 6.4 COUNTY SURVEY...... 31 6.5 ONGOING MAINTENANCE OF THE COUNTY MONAGHAN WETLAND MAP SITE DATABASE ...... 31 6.6 ONGOING MAINTENANCE OF THE COUNTY MONAGHAN WETLAND MAP GIS DATASET ...... 31 6.7 HYDROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF WETLAND SITES...... 32 6.8 MANAGEMENT OF WETLAND SITES...... 32 6.9 ENFORCEMENT OF FINES FOR DUMPING...... 32 6.10 CONTROL OF INVASIVE SPECIES IN WETLAND SITES ...... 32 6.11 LOCAL AUTHORITY WETLANDS POLICY ...... 32 6.12 WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE ...... 32 6.13 PUBLIC INFORMATION AND INTERPRETATION ...... 33 7 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 34 8 APPENDICES...... 35

1 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Report Tables & Figures

Page List of Tables Number Table 5.1: Turlough sites reported from County Monaghan in Sheehy Skeffington et al. (2006) 13 Turloughs – Ireland’s unique wetland habitat. Table 5.2: Turlough sites reported from County Monaghan in Mayes (2008) Turlough Database 14 Consolidation Project. Table 5.3: Turlough sites identified in county Monaghan during the 2011 Wetland Survey 14 Table 5.4: Spring sites identified in county Monaghan during the 2011 Wetland Survey 15 Table 5.5: Transition Mire sites identified in county Monaghan during the 2011 Wetland Survey Table 5.6: Raised bog and cutover sites identified in county Monaghan during the 2011 Wetland 17 Survey Table 5.7: Preliminary site inspections of site in county Monaghan made during the 2011 Wetland 21 Survey Table 5.8: Conservation Assessment and ranking of sites surveyed in detail in county Monaghan 24 during the 2011 Wetland Survey

List of Figures Figure 5.1. Location of sites surveyed in detail as part of the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 12 2011

List of Appendices Appendix 1. List of priority sites selected for potential survey as part of the Wetland Survey 36 County Monaghan 2011 Appendix 2. List of sites surveyed in detail as part of the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 41 Appendix 3. List of sites on which a preliminary inspection was undertaken during the Wetland 48 Survey County Monaghan 2011 Appendix 4. Survey card used on the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 49 Appendix 5. Data fields in the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 Survey Database 51 Appendix 6. Appearance of Layouts within the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 Survey 55 Database Appendix 7. Individual site survey reports from the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 63-440

Site Reports: Part A (Aghavilla Spring to Gobbawell Spring) pages 66 – 245. Site Reports: Part B (Half Moon (Ballyloughan) to Tonyscallon Lough) pages 246 – 440. Appendix 8. National Roads Authority (2009) Site Evaluation Criteria

2 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011

The project involved a field survey of seventy five freshwater wetlands in County Monaghan, with the aim of identifying the specific wetlands and ecological interest of each site. These sites had previously been identified as being of potential interest during the County Monaghan Wetland Map project prepared in 2010. The sites selected for survey were suspected to contain notable wetland habitats including turlough, raised bog, petrifying spring and fen habitats. This report presents the results of the 2011 field survey and includes detailed site descriptions and habitat maps for the wetlands surveyed.

3 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

1 Acknowledgements

The Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) project 2011 was made possible through the financial support of Monaghan County Council and The Heritage Council. The project is an action of the County Monaghan Heritage Plan.

Many thanks to:

Shirley Clerkin, Heritage Officer, Monaghan County Council, for help and advice on many aspects of the 2011 survey.

Carmel Brennan, Biodiversity Officer, Monaghan County Council, for her assistance during the field survey.

Adrienne Burns, GIS Officer, Monaghan County Council for help with mapping issues.

All those landowners who facilitated access to their land during this survey and provided valuable local information.

Philip Shirley for allowing access to the Shirley Estate during the 2011 survey and George Babington the Estate Manager for his assistance in identifying potential wetlands within the Shirley Estate woodlands.

Local historian Larry McDermot for his help in information on the location of turlough sites in and around the Lough Fea/Shirley Estate.

4 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

2 Executive Summary

1. The aim of the Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) was to undertake a field survey of a selection of wetland sites identified during the County Monaghan Wetlands Map (MWM) project (Crushell & Foss 2010) for which little or no habitat or ecological information was available.

2. A total of 107 sites were initially selected for potential survey. As suggested in the MWM report (Crushell & Foss 2010), sites selected for survey included those believed to contain the EU Habitats Directive habitats: turloughs, raised bog, springs and fens. A number of additional sites were selected by the Monaghan Heritage Officer. Following this site selection process other sites in the vicinity of those already selected were examined on aerial photography and the most likely to contain interesting wetlands were included on the potential survey list. The initial 107 site list and the justification for their inclusion in the survey are listed in Appendix 1.

3. During the course of the field survey a number of additional sites were added to the survey list, in particular potential turloughs around the Lough Fea / Shirley Estate, at the request of the Monaghan Heritage Officer.

4. Field surveys were undertaken on a total of seventy five sites. Sixty eight of these were surveyed in detail and site descriptions, conservation evaluation and habitat maps were prepared (see Appendix 2). The remaining seven sites were surveyed in less detail (often visually assessed from a distance). Reports on these sites include a brief site description, indicative habitats and recommendations made on whether a future detailed survey was required (see Appendix 3).

5. For sites surveyed in detail habitats were classified and mapped according to the Guide to Habitats published by The Heritage Council (Fossitt 2000). Habitats that occur surrounding each wetland site were also recorded.

6. The information collected from the survey was used to update the 2010 Monaghan Wetlands Map (MWM) GIS dataset and MWM site database, where site records were updated or created for each of the sites surveyed in 2011.

7. Detailed survey information on site was stored within a County Monaghan Wetland Survey (MWS) database created for this project (and which is liked via the site code to the MWM database).

8. The main findings to emerge from the 2011 survey of wetlands are that a number of important wetland sites were identified during the survey (deemed to be of high local importance of greater). This included ten turloughs, one raised bog and ten transition mires. These habitats are listed under the EU Habitats Directive as habitats of conservation concern. Both turlough and raised bog habitats are listed as priority habitats for conservation.

9. The identification of ten new turlough sites within the county is of interest as this priority habitat type has not traditionally been associated with this region of Ireland. Prior to the 2011 survey, only one turlough site was previously surveyed in County Monaghan.

10. One site, Drumgoan Lough was found to contain a significant population of Pyrola rotundifolia (Round Leaved Winter Green) a Flora Protection Order species. This is only the second known location for this species in County Monaghan.

11. The results of the 2011 survey indicates that many important wetlands sites remain un-identified throughout the county and further surveys will be required to complete the inventory of wetland sites. This report lists a significant number of sites that require future survey.

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3 Wetlands Survey County Monaghan

3.1 Background

In 2010 Monaghan County Council and The Heritage Council funded the production of a county Monaghan wetland GIS dataset and associated site database holding information on all known and potential freshwater wetlands in county Monaghan (Crushell & Foss 2010).

The County Monaghan Wetlands Map (MWM) project identified more than 1,856 areas of wetland which were mapped in a digital dataset (MWM GIS dataset), representing an area of 7,319 ha (or 5.8% of the entire county). However, habitat and ecological information was available on only a selection of these wetland areas equating to 478 individual sites. This site information was held in a separate MWM Site database.

The 1,856 wetland areas were identified from a range of information sources, including published reports and surveys, other GIS datasets, recommendations from ecologists and from a systematic aerial photographic survey of the county, undertaken in conjunction with sub soil data and information on areas liable to flood within the county. Full details on how sites were identified and the data sources used in the preparation of the MWM GIS and MWM database is provided in Crushell & Foss 2010.

The main aim of the current Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) project was to carry out a survey of a selection of the most important un-surveyed sites identified in the MWM project for which there was little or no site information, and assess their ecological status with the view of improving the knowledge of the wetland resource of County Monaghan.

This aim was achieved by undertaking the following tasks: • Sites that were deemed a priority for survey were selected following a review of the MWM 2010 • Detailed field surveys were undertaken • Following the completion of field surveys, the ecological value of each site was assessed and sites were then ranked according to ecological importance • All data recorded during the survey was stored in a site database and the Monaghan Wetland Map GIS dataset updated to include the results of the survey

The outputs of the Conaghan Wetland Survey 2011 should assist Monaghan County Council in its obligations to protect the most important wetlands within the county and inform future conservation policies in relation to wetlands in county Monaghan

3.2 Project summary

This Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) project was undertaken over a 6 month period from the start of April 2011.

The following is a summary of the main elements which formed the basis of the project, details of which are provided in the Materials and Methods section which follows.

• 107 sites were selected from the County Monaghan Wetlands Map (MWM) GIS dataset for possible survey in 2011. Sites were selected on the basis of the potential occurrence of EU Habitats Directive priority habitats (e.g. turlough, raised bogs, petrifying springs and fens). Additionally, sites previously identified as containing wetlands in the MWM, and which appeared to contain significant wetland areas were selected adjacent to the priority sites selected above. A small number of sites were also recommended for survey by the County Monaghan Heritage Officer (see Appendix 1).

• Following the site selection process, field maps of the sites were prepared. A wetland survey recording card was designed (see Appendix 4).

• A Wetland Survey Database (MWS), to hold survey information on sites examined in detail, was created (see Appendices 5 & 6). This database was linked to the original County Monaghan Wetlands Map (MWM) site database where core information on wetland sites is held. Once survey information was inputted to the MWS survey database, a complete site report could be produced from data held within the two related databases (see Appendix 7). 6 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

• The field survey was undertaken during June 2011. A total of 68 sites were surveyed in detail and habitat maps and site descriptions were prepared (see Appendix 2). Following the field survey, the ecological value of each site was assessed using an objective site evaluation scheme. Sites were subsequently ranked in terms of their local, national or international conservation value.

• In addition a number of other wetland sites recorded in the MWM GIS dataset, but not selected for detailed survey in 2011, were surveyed in less detail, often from a distance. These less detailed surveys determined whether these “potential wetlands” were in fact wetlands, provided an indication of the main wetland type present, and informed a recommendation on whether the site required future detailed survey or not. A total of seven sites were given such a preliminary inspection (see Appendix 3).

• Information gathered during the field survey was used to populate the Wetland Survey Database (MWS), prepare habitat maps and update the County Monaghan Wetlands Map (MWM) GIS dataset.

• Individual site reports (which include site descriptions, habitat map, and conservation recommendations) were prepared for each site surveyed. These site reports are included in this final report.

• A CD containing digital copies of the updated County Monaghan Wetlands Map (MWM) GIS dataset and site database accompanies this report.

7 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

4 Materials & Methods

4.1 Wetland Survey County Monaghan - Site Selection

At project commencement a total of 107 sites were selected from the County Monaghan Wetlands Map (MWM) GIS dataset for possible survey. It was envisaged that a minimum of sixty sites would be surveyed in detail, based on the time and resources allocated for the project. The final list of sites proposed for survey is presented in Appendix 1 together with the reason for each sites inclusion.

The selection of sites to be surveyed was carried out over four stages: Stage 1: The first group of sites were selected on the basis of the likely occurrence of EU Habitats Directive priority habitats (e.g. turlough, raised bogs, petrifying springs and fens) (see Appendix 1 for list of sites).

Stage 2: Following a review of aerial photography other sites in proximity to those selected during Stage 1 and which appeared to contain significant wetlands were selected so as to maximise the efficiency of the field survey (see Appendix 1 for list of sites).

Stage 3: A number of sites were recommended for survey by the County Monaghan Heritage Officer (see Appendix 1).

Stage 4: During the course of the survey, a number of potential turlough sites around the Lough Fea/Shirley Estate were proposed for survey by the Heritage Officer.

4.2 Wetland Survey County Monaghan - Field Survey

Following on from the selection of the 107 sites for survey from the GIS dataset, the field survey was undertaken during the period 21st to 30th June 2011. Due to the time constraints for this survey only a limited amount of time was spent at each of the 75 site examined (68 detailed surveys and 7 preliminary inspections), but this was typically sufficient to describe the site, identify the habitats both within and immediately adjoining the wetland, determine if any of the habitats present corresponded to a habitat type listed under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, record any obvious threats/damaging activities to the site and to compile a brief list of both faunal and botanical species observed.

Site information was recorded using a standard field survey card (see Appendix 4), designed for this survey. The information recorded on these cards during the field survey was subsequently used to populate the Wetland Survey County Monaghan database.

Habitat information was marked up by hand on the aerial photographs or 6” maps for each of the sites surveyed in detail. The habitats (both within and adjoining the wetland) were classified according to Fossitt (2000), and where a habitat corresponded to a habitat listed under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive this was noted.

Plant identification followed Webb et al (1996), and species nomenclature follows Scannell & Synnott (1987). Searches for rare or protected species of plants (Curtis & Mc Gough 1988) was not the focus of this study but where these were observed note was taken for inclusion in the database.

Mammals observed were recorded using nomenclature in Sterry (2004) and birds were identified using Ferguson-Lee et al. (1983). Any reptiles, amphibians or (readily identifiable) invertebrates were also noted.

Information on threats and damage on the site, and the severity of this was also noted on the field card and the location marked on field maps.

Following the survey, sites were given an evaluation rating using the NRA ‘Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes’ as outlined in Appendix 6.

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4.3 Consultation with Landowners

Where possible, landowners were identified by calling to the nearest house to the wetland, and permission was sought for access to the site. Discussions with landowners typically included an explanation of the project often followed by an informal conversation about the particular wetland site and its past and recent management. If landowners could not be identified land was surveyed from the nearest publicly accessible point. All identified landowners provided access to their lands. A letter outlining the purpose of the survey prepared by the Heritage Office of Monaghan County Council was carried and shown to all landowners and displayed in survey vehicles.

4.4 Habitat Classification

The habitats within each wetland visited and those immediately adjacent to the site were classified using Fossitt (2000) ‘A Guide to Habitats in Ireland’. The habitat definitions and terminology used in this report follows this guide.

Guidance in determining whether or not a habitat type present within a wetland may correspond to an Annex I type was sought from a variety of sources including the Interpretation Manual of European Habitats (Ramao 1996), Guidelines for a National Fen Survey of Ireland – Survey Manual (Foss & Crushell 2008a), NPWS Study of the extent and conservation status of springs, fens and flushes in Ireland in 2007 (Foss 2007), The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland (NPWS 2008) as well as Fossitt (2000).

4.5 Site Conservation Assessment & Evaluation

Each wetland surveyed in the field was assigned an evaluation rating by the project ecologist(s) who had visited the site (Peter Foss, Patrick Crushell and Faith Wilson). This evaluation was based on the criteria outlined in Appendix 8. The NRA guidelines were revised in June 2009 when a category for County Importance was added.

4.6 Wetland Survey County Monaghan database – structure and content

A Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) database was created to hold survey data on sites from the present survey. This database was connected to the existing County Monaghan Wetland Map (MWM) site database (which holds general and descriptive site data recorded in various third party reports and datasets) via the unique site code number assigned to each site. This database was created using Filemaker Pro 11.0 software package which allows data export to Excel spreadsheets.

Fields used to store survey data in the MWS database are shown in Appendix 5, while the appearance of individual layouts within the MWS database are shown in Appendix 6.

Initially the sites selected for survey from the MWM GIS dataset (see below), but not already listed in the site database, had a site record created in the MWS database and a unique site number was assigned. This updated version of the MWM database (with the sites proposed for survey in 2011 added) was given the name County Monaghan Wetland Map (MWM) Version 2, and is included with this report on the final project disc.

4.7 County Monaghan Wetland Map (MWM) – GIS dataset

The County Monaghan Wetland Map (MWM) GIS dataset created by Crushell & Foss in 2010 (using ArcView 10 GIS software package on a Windows Operating System) was used throughout the MWS for all site selection and mapping purposes.

See Crushell & Foss (2010) for further details on the structure and format of this MWM GIS dataset.

9 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______All habitat maps produced during the 2011 MWS project were added to this MWM GIS dataset. In certain cases boundaries were also adjusted on sites based on field observations. The updated and revised version of the MWM GIS dataset was delivered at the end of the project to Monaghan County Council, dated 10 November 2011. A set of GIS files relevant only to this individual survey (MWS 2011) are also included on the CD that accompanies this report.

4.8 Constraints

The presence of bulls, high barbed wire fencing, high water levels and wide deep drainage ditches hindered field work by preventing safe access to parts of some of the sites.

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5 Results

5.1 Wetland Survey County Monaghan

Of the 107 sites initially selected for survey as part of the 2011 project (Appendix 1), a total of fifty five were visited during the field survey and described in detail, habitat maps were produced and conservation assessment was undertaken. A further thirteen sites, not included on the initial potential survey list, were also surveyed in detail. These sites were included during the survey at the request of the Monaghan Heritage Officer or were discovered during the course of the field survey. In total sixty eight sites were surveyed in detail during the 2011 MWS. The list of sites surveyed in detail in 2011 is presented in Appendix 2. In addition a further seven sites were given a preliminary site examination, the indicative habitats present were recorded and a recommendation was made on whether a future detailed survey should be undertaken or not. The list of preliminary sites examined is presented in Appendix 3. A map showing the location of the seventy five sites surveyed (in detail or as part of a preliminary site survey) are shown in Figure 5.1 below. Sites prioritised for survey included potential turlough, spring, transition mire and raised bog sites. Section 5.2 below presents the summary findings in relation to each of these habitat types.. In addition, the ecological evaluation of sites is discussed in section 5.6 below. A detailed report of each site (sorted according to site name) together with habitat maps are presented in Appendix 7.

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Figure 5.1. Location of sites surveyed in detail as part of the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011. © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. License number 2010/03 CCMA/Monaghan County Council.

12 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______5.2 Wetland Types Recorded on Detailed Site Surveys

Sixty eight sites were surveyed in detailed as part of the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 (MWS). The habitats present (both wetland and non-wetland) within and surrounding each wetland site were recorded using Fossitt (2000) based on field surveys observations. A summary of these wetland types, with examples of where they can been seen in county Monaghan is provided in Crushell & Foss (2010), while detailed habitat descriptions with species likely to occur on them is given in Fossitt (2000). Summary findings of the MWS 2011 in relation to those habitats targeted are presented in the following sections.

5.2.1 Turlough Sites

Turloughs are seasonal lakes that occupy basins or depressions in limestone areas, and where water levels fluctuate markedly during the year. They are virtually unique to Ireland and their greatest concentration is in counties Clare, Galway and Roscommon. The general pattern is to flood in winter and dry out in summer, but there may be other sporadic rises in response to periods with high rainfall levels. Turloughs normally fill through underground passages and sinkholes in the limestone, but some also have inflowing rivers or streams. Some turlough basins retain standing water in channels, pools or small lakes when flooding subsides. All areas within the normal limit of flooding are considered as part of the turlough habitat. The presence of the distinctive dark moss, Cinclidotus fontinaloides, on stone walls or rocks can help to establish this level.

Soils of turlough basins can include marls, peat, clays or loams. Large boulders or exposures of bedrock may also be present. This is a priority habitat under the EU Habitats Directive. Nutrient enrichment and inappropriate grazing regimes are the main threats to turlough habitats in Ireland.

Prior to the County Monaghan Wetland Survey 2011 only one turlough site was definitively recognised in county Monaghan, namely Moylan Lough located 5 km north of (Barron 2006; Foss & Crushell 2007).

Sheehy-Skeffington et al. report on Irish Turloughs (2006) reported 6 possible turlough sites in Monaghan. These are listed in 5.1 below, together with survey findings from the 2011 MWS.

Table 5.1: Turlough sites reported from County Monaghan in Sheehy Skeffington et al. (2006) Turloughs – Ireland’s unique wetland habitat.

Sheehy Site Name Grid reference MWS 2011 habitat findings Skeffington Site Code 237 Ballyloughan 283710 301100 Survey did not locate a turlough at this location 238 Ballyloughan 283880 301330 Survey did not locate a turlough at this location 239 Ballyloughan 284130 300750 Survey did not locate a turlough at this location 240 Donaghmore 284600 307970 Survey did not locate a turlough at this location 241 Kilmactrasha 283370 302620 Survey did not locate a turlough at this location 242 Monaltyduff 286260 302200 Not a turlough

A turlough study undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2008, to produce a definitive list of sites nationally, indicated that a number of additional turloughs might be located within the Carrickmacross area (Mayes 2008; see Table 5.2 below) due to the underlying limestone geology (Crushell & Foss 2010) in this area. However, the exact location of these was unclear and data on their extent and the habitats and species present on the sites was totally lacking.

13 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Table 5.2: Turlough sites reported from County Monaghan in Mayes (2008) Turlough Database Consolidation Project.

Mayes Site Grid reference Grid reference MWS 2011 habitat findings Code Site Name Easting Northing Survey did not locate a turlough at 361 Ballyloughan C (3) 284130 300750 this location Survey did not locate a turlough at 359 Ballyloughan A (1) 283709 301100 this location Survey did not locate a turlough at 360 Ballyloughan B (2) 283880 301329 this location 362 Half Moon (Ballyloughan 4) 284100 301340 Not a turlough site Survey did not locate a turlough at 364 Kilmactrasha B 283330 302569 this location Survey did not locate a turlough at 363 Kilmactrasha A 283369 302620 this location 365 Monaltyduff /Monalty 286240 303020 Not a turlough site 367 Tonyellida 284600 307969 Extinct in Mayes 2008 366 Moylan Lough 285426 308848 Turlough site

The 2011 County Monaghan Wetland Survey targeted a number of wetland areas in the Carrickmacross area and in particular in and around the Lough Fea / Shirley Estate to try and locate these turlough sites.

During the present survey it became clear that the grid references suggested in Mayes (2008) for the location of turlough sites (Ballyloughan A, B and C and Kilmactrasna A and B) in heavily wooded land within the Lough Fea / Shirley Estate, were inaccurate and that none of these location were in fact sites with turloughs (see Appendix 7).

However, in the same general vicinity, and thanks to the information of local historian Larry McDermot the present survey presents detailed information on ten turlough sites which conform to the EU Priority Habitat type (3180) Turloughs (see Table 5.3) and to our knowledge have not been reported before.

Table 5.3: Turlough sites identified in County Monaghan during the 2011 Wetland Survey.

MWS Site Name Site Easting Northing Conservation ranking following survey Code BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH D 615 283406 300956 A Rating: Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH E 616 283456 300839 A Rating: Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH F 617 283500 300742 A Rating: Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH G 622 283734 301585 A Rating: Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH J 629 284080 301014 B Rating: Nationally Important KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH G 625 283040 303118 B Rating: Nationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH H 621 283562 301393 C+ Rating: County Conservation value KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH F 624 284113 301799 C+ Rating: County Conservation value KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH H 626 283257 302795 C+ Rating: County Conservation value KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH J 627 283133 302974 C+ Rating: County Conservation value

Detailed reports for these sites are provided in the individual site descriptions in Appendix 7.

All of these sites have been rated as County conservation value or above, with four of the turloughs deemed to be of International importance and two of National importance due to their size, quality and geographic location. These sites represent a significant biodiversity asset for county Monaghan and should be afforded the highest level of protection.

During the course of the 2011 survey a number of other potential turlough sites in the Carrickmacross area were also identified which will require future survey to confirm their status.

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5.2.2 Spring Sites

Fossitt (2000) describes two different categories of spring habitat that occur in Ireland, calcareous (FP1) and non-calcareous (FP2). Calcareous springs may be associated with calcareous spring fens that can develop around permanent freshwater springs or areas of water seepage that are especially rich in calcium. The upwelling of water is often associated with an interface between permeable and impermeable rock or soil layers (Crushell & Foss 2010). These calcareous spring fens correspond with the EU habitat petrifying springs with tufa formation.The water supply may be from upwelling groundwater sources, or from seepage sources or sometimes from geo-thermal sources. In some instances, Petrifying springs may be closely associated with Alkaline fens but with less fluctuations in water. A key requirement is a steady flow of water, though this may dry up for short periods. Springs are often very small features covering no more than some tens of meters. Petrifying springs occur on shallow peaty or skeletal mineral soils. On contact with the atmosphere at the spring head, carbon dioxide is lost from the water or is depleted by photosynthetic activities of plants growing in the spring, which results in the precipitation of a calcium bicarbonate marl or tufa crust. The vegetation in such areas, and especially mosses may be coated in a thick crust of lime. Larger petrifying springs may form tufa cones that constitute a singular habitat. Spring vegetation is characterized by an abundant or dominant moss cover and may or may not be peat- forming. Calcareous spring fens are rare in Ireland. This is a priority habitat under the EU Habitats Directive.

As calcareous spring sites are often small in extent they are threatened by a range of land reclamation, turf cutting, and drainage activities, which can rapidly degrade their structure and function.

Prior to 2011 County Monaghan Wetland Survey no Calcareous spring fens were recognised in county.

One of the aims of the 2011 survey was to review the Geological Survey of Ireland karst dataset, which was incorporated into the Monaghan Wetland Map dataset (Crushell & Foss 2010). Those sites that may correspond to calcareous springs (FP1) were selected for survey during the MWS 2011, to determine whether they may be associated with calcareous wetland habitats or such as petrifying springs as defined by the EU Habitats Directive. Many of the sites were located within the Carrickmacross area which is underlain by limestone bedrock (Crushell & Foss 2010).

Although the majority of the springs shown in the GSI data set were located, or their previous location could be relocated, none of the springs found in 2011 conformed to the EU definition of Petrifying springs (see Table 5.4 below). None of the spring that still existed showed deposition of calcium carbonate or tufa deposits. Many of the spring sites had also been capped, drained or were being used as a local water supply. It would appear that local geological conditions are unsuitable for the development of this type of habitat in the Carrickmacross limestone area. It remains to be seen, following future surveys within the county, if any of the springs reported from the limestone areas in the north-west of the county could correspond with the EH habitat, Petrifying springs.

A review of the 22 springs located during the MWS 2011 is provided below, indicating the main habitats on the sites, their conservation ranking and an indication of the current status of the spring (see Appendix 7 for detailed site reports).

Table 5.4: Spring sites identified in County Monaghan during the 2011 Wetland Survey.

MWS MWS Site Name Comment on Conservation ranking Summary of main habitat(s) Site Spring status following survey of interest present on site Code (Fossitt) 527 AGHAVILLA SPRING Spring extinct No conservation value BL3 Buildings and artificial surfaces GS2 Dry meadows and grassy verges 529 ANNAHAIA SPRING Spring D Rating: Local FP1 Calcareous springs present/piped conservation value (moderate value) 532 CASHLAN EAST SPRING Spring E Rating: Local FP1 Calcareous springs

15 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______MWS MWS Site Name Comment on Conservation ranking Summary of main habitat(s) Site Spring status following survey of interest present on site Code (Fossitt) present/rubble conservation value (low FW4 Drainage ditches covered value) ED2 Spoil and bare ground 534 CASHLAN EAST SPRING 3 Spring E Rating: Local FP1 Calcareous springs present/capped conservation value (low by pump house value) 533 CASHLAN EAST SPRING 2 Spring No conservation value BL Built land present/capped BL3 Buildings and artificial surfaces 535 CLOGHVALLY LOWER Spring present C Rating: Local ER2 Exposed calcareous rock SPRING conservation value (high FW1 Eroding/upland rivers value) FP1 Calcareous springs 537 CORLEA SPRING Spring present E Rating: Local FP1 Calcareous springs conservation value (low value) 538 CORLECK SPRING Spring extinct No conservation value BL3 Buildings and artificial surfaces GA1 Improved agricultural grassland WL1 Hedgerows 539 CORLECK SPRING 2 Spring present D Rating: Local ER2 Exposed calcareous rock conservation value WN2 Oak-ash-hazel woodland (moderate value) FP1 Calcareous springs 544 CUMMOGE WELL Spring D Rating: Local FP1 Calcareous springs present/capped conservation value GA1 Improved agricultural (moderate value) grassland 554 GOBBAGWELL SPRING Spring extinct No conservation value GS2 Dry meadows and grassy verges 469 HALF MOON Spring present D Rating: Local FW4 Drainage ditches (BALLYLOUGHAN) conservation value FP1 Calcareous springs (moderate value) GS2 Dry meadows and grassy verges PF Fens & Flushes GS4 Wet grassland 557 LARAGH SPRING Spring extinct No conservation value GA2 Amenity grassland (improved) BL3 Buildings and artificial surfaces 558 LARAGH SPRING 2 Spring extinct No conservation value ED Disturbed ground WS2 Immature woodland 559 LARAGH SPRING 3 Spring E Rating: Local FP1 Calcareous springs present/capped conservation value (low ED Disturbed ground value) 561 LISCALL SPRING Spring present D Rating: Local WN2 Oak-ash-hazel woodland conservation value ER2 Exposed calcareous rock (moderate value) FP1 Calcareous springs 562 LONGFIELD OTRA SPRING Spring No conservation value FP1 Calcareous springs present/capped WS1 Scrub 564 MAGHEROSS SPRING Spring No conservation value BL3 Buildings and artificial present/capped surfaces 570 TOBAR LASAIR SPRING Spring present D Rating: Local FP1 Calcareous springs conservation value GA Improved Grassland (moderate value) 572 TOBERHEALS SPRING Spring present D Rating: Local FW4 Drainage ditches conservation value FP1 Calcareous springs (moderate value) 573 TOBERNAGALLIAG Spring extinct No conservation value GA1 Improved agricultural SPRING grassland 574 TOBERNAMUCKY SPRING Spring sporadic E Rating: Local FP1 Calcareous springs emergence conservation value (low WL1 Hedgerows value)

16 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

5.2.3 Transition Mire Sites

Transition mires and quaking bogs are peat-forming communities developed at the surface of waters with little or moderate amounts of nutrients, with characteristics intermediate between rich (alkaline) and poor (acidic) fen types. For this reason, they are considered as a separate habitat but they may occur within, or on the fringes of other peat-forming systems (Crushell & Foss 2010).

They present a large and diverse range of plant communities. In large peaty systems, the most prominent communities are swaying swards, floating carpets or quaking mires formed by medium-sized or small sedges, associated with Sphagnum or brown mosses.

Transition mires and quaking bogs are usually associated with the wettest parts of a bog or fen and can be found in wet hollows, infilling depressions, or at the transition to areas of open water.

The vegetation frequently forms a floating mat or surface scraw over saturated, spongy or quaking peat. Standing water may occur in pools or along seepage zones. The vegetation typically comprises species that are characteristic of bog, fen and open water habitats.

In some cases the mire occupies a physically transitional location between bog and fen vegetation, for example on the margin of a raised bog, or may be associated with certain valley and basin mires.

Like most peatland types in Ireland, transition mire have declined in extent mostly as a result of activities such as peat cutting and mining, afforestation, agricultural drainage and reclamation, infilling, and agricultural enrichment from adjacent farmland.

The Monaghan Fen Surveys (Foss & Crushell 2007 & 2008) indicated that transition mires were one of the most frequent and important fen types occurring in inter drumlin hollows and on cutaway bogs within the county, and that Monaghan may be the national headquarters for the Carex diandra variant of this fen type in Ireland.

Prior to the MWS 2011 a number of sites were identified as potential transition mire sites, although identification of this habitat type is notoriously difficult when using aerial photography.

During the MWS 2011 survey a number of good quality transition mire sites were identified (see Table 5.3 below), especially the sites at Raferagh East Fen, Drumgoan Fen, Kilmore West, Nure Beg Lake and Fen, Legghimore, Raferagh Fen, Kilmore Lake and Killygally Fen.

The transition mire site at Drumgoan Fen in particular stands out as a site of high conservation value due to the occurrence not only of the fen community and marl lake recorded on the site but for the occurrence of Pyrola rotundifolia (Round-leaved Wintergreen), a species listed under the Flora (Protection) Act 1999. This is only the second known location for Pyrola rotundifolia in Monaghan (Martin 2006). This is a rare wetland species in Ireland (Cross 1986), known mainly from counties Westmeath, Meath, Kildare and Wexford.

It is likely that a number of additional transition mire sites in the county remain to be discovered (see section 5.5 below).

Detailed reports for these sites are provided in the individual site descriptions in Appendix 7.

Table 5.5: Transition Mire sites identified in County Monaghan during the 2011 Wetland Survey.

MWS Site Name MWS Summary of main Summary of Conservation ranking Site habitat(s) of interest Habitats Directive following survey Code present on site Annex 1 Habitat(s) (Fossitt) present on site RAFERAGH EAST FEN - 384 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) Transition B Rating: Nationally RAFERAGH quaking bog mires and quaking Important FS1 Reed and large bogs sedge swamps FL1 Dystrophic lakes WS1 Scrub

17 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Summary of main Summary of Conservation ranking Site habitat(s) of interest Habitats Directive following survey Code present on site Annex 1 Habitat(s) (Fossitt) present on site DRUMGOAN FEN 587 WN6 Wet willow-alder- (7140) Transition B Rating: Nationally ash woodland mires and quaking Important FS1 Reed and large bogs sedge swamps (3140) Hard oligo- (Pyrola rotundifolia) PF3 Transition mire & mesotrophic waters quaking bog with benthic veg... FL3 Limestone/marl lakes KILMORE WEST BOG 555 FL1 Dystrophic lakes (7140) Transition C+ Rating: County GS4 Wet grassland mires and quaking Conservation value HH3 Wet heath bogs PB4 Cutover bog (3160) Natural PF2 Poor fen and flush dystrophic lakes and PF3 Transition mire & ponds quaking bog WN6 Wet willow-alder- ash woodland WN7 Bog woodland NURE BEG LAKE, FEN & 633 GS4 Wet grassland (7140) Transition C+ Rating: County MARSH PF3 Transition mire & mires and quaking Conservation value quaking bog bogs GM1 Marsh WS1 Scrub FL4 Mesotrophic lakes LEGGHIMORE FEN 589 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) Transition C+ Rating: County quaking bog mires and quaking Conservation value bogs RAFERAGH FEN 298 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) Transition C+ Rating: County quaking bog mires and quaking Conservation value GM1 Marsh bogs FL1 Dystrophic lakes (3160) Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds KILMORE LAKE 264 PF3 Transition mire & (3160) Natural C+ Rating: County quaking bog dystrophic lakes and Conservation value PB4 Cutover bog ponds FL1 Dystrophic lakes (7140) Transition GS Semi-Natural mires and quaking Grassland bogs GS4 Wet grassland PF2 Poor fen and flush WN6 Wet willow-alder- ash woodland WN7 Bog woodland KILLYGALLY FEN 583 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) Transition C+ Rating: County quaking bog mires and quaking Conservation value WN2 Oak-ash-hazel bogs woodland WS1 Scrub NURE BEG FEN 579 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) Transition C Rating: Local conservation quaking bog mires and quaking value (high value) WN6 Wet willow-alder- bogs ash woodland BALLINGARRY LOUGH 608 WN6 Wet willow-alder- (7140) Transition C Rating: Local conservation ash woodland mires and quaking value (high value) PF3 Transition mire & bogs quaking bog GM1 Marsh FS1 Reed and large sedge swamps FL4 Mesotrophic lakes DONAGHMOYNE FEN 628 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) Transition D Rating: Local conservation quaking bog mires and quaking value (moderate value) bogs

18 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Summary of main Summary of Conservation ranking Site habitat(s) of interest Habitats Directive following survey Code present on site Annex 1 Habitat(s) (Fossitt) present on site ENAGH ( BY) 597 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) Transition D Rating: Local conservation FEN quaking bog mires and quaking value (moderate value) FS1 Reed and large bogs sedge swamps

5.2.4 Raised Bog Sites

The final habitat of importance that was targeted for survey during the MWS 2011 was raised bog. Raised bogs are accumulations of deep acid peat (3-12 m) that originated in shallow lake basins or topographic depressions at the end of the last glaciation 10,000 years ago. The name is derived from the elevated surface, or dome, that develops as raised bogs grow upwards from the surface accumulating organic material; the domed effect is often exaggerated when the margins of a bog are damaged by turf cutting or drainage, and are drying out (Crushell & Foss 2010).

The surface of a relatively intact raised bog is typically wet, acid and deficient in plant nutrients (as bogs receive most of nutrients through rainfall), and supports specialised plant communities that are low in overall diversity. The vegetation is open and colourful Sphagnum mosses dominate the ground layer.

Raised bogs are most abundant in the lowlands of central and mid-west Ireland. This is a priority habitat under the EU Habitats Directive.

Intact actively growing raised bog is extremely rare, having decreased in area by over 35% in the last 10 years alone. Ongoing deterioration of the hydrological conditions of raised bogs at current rates caused by peat cutting, drainage, forestry and burning severely threatens the viability of the habitat at most locations in Ireland due to the economic value of the peat contained in raised bogs.

The MWS 2011 found that the majority of raised bog sites surveyed in the county were in poor to very poor condition (see Table 5.6), with only small areas of active peat growth. Many of the sites surveyed consisted of little more than degraded cutover bog with a mosaic of secondary communities such as transition mire and poor fen occurring within the cutover bog complex. On a number of sites active peat extraction was in progress on an industrial scale during the survey visit (e.g. Kilmore West Bog, Derryarrit Bog). Peat extraction was reported by local residents to be mainly for supply of peat to the mushroom growing industry, although sites were also being actively cut for domestic fuel.

Carnquill Bog was the most extensive raised bog site located during the MWS 2011 and is the site most likely to survive as a raised bog if measures were taken to protect its hydrological function. It still retains a small intact dome. The site has a significant cutover zone around the remaining high bog, which has regenerated secondary bog communities with heather, and some intervening wetter hollows. The dome of the bog is relatively uniform and dominated by Calluna vulgaris, Eriophorum angustifolium, some E. vaginatum and abundant Narthecium ossifragum. The surface was firm. There is little standing water in the hollows and pools are generally absent although a few algal bottomed pools were recorded. Sphagnum cover was generally poor, although in the hollows a number of species were recorded including Sphagnum magellanicum, S. papillosum, S. palustre and S. tenellum. Peat is being extracted for fuel by mechanical means on the cutover bog margin (currently there is no peat extraction from the high bog dome).

A number of raised bog sites remain to be surveyed, although many of these appear degraded from an analysis of aerial photography undertaken during the site selection process.

Detailed reports for these sites are provided in the individual site descriptions in Appendix 7.

19 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Table 5.6: Raised bog and cutover sites identified in County Monaghan during the 2011 Wetland Survey.

MWS Site Name MWS Summary of main Summary of Habitats Conservation ranking Site habitat(s) of interest Directive Annex 1 following survey Code present on site (Fossitt) Habitat(s) present on site KILMORE WEST BOG 555 FL1 Dystrophic lakes (7140) Transition mires C+ Rating: County GS4 Wet grassland and quaking bogs Conservation value HH3 Wet heath (3160) Natural dystrophic PB4 Cutover bog lakes and ponds PF2 Poor fen and flush PF3 Transition mire & quaking bog WN6 Wet willow-alder-ash woodland WN7 Bog woodland CARNQUILL BOG 531 PB1 Raised bogs (7120) Degraded raised C+ Rating: County PB4 Cutover bog bogs still capable of Conservation value WN7 Bog woodland natural ... (7150) Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynch... KILMORE LAKE 264 PF3 Transition mire & (3160) Natural dystrophic C+ Rating: County quaking bog lakes and ponds Conservation value PB4 Cutover bog (7140) Transition mires FL1 Dystrophic lakes and quaking bogs GS Semi-Natural Grassland GS4 Wet grassland PF2 Poor fen and flush WN6 Wet willow-alder-ash woodland WN7 Bog woodland DERRYNAGAD 550 PB4 Cutover bog C Rating: Local WN6 Wet willow-alder-ash conservation value woodland (high value) WN7 Bog woodland SKEATRY BOG 567 GS4 Wet grassland D Rating: Local PB4 Cutover bog conservation value WS1 Scrub (moderate value) KILVEY BOG 556 WN7 Bog woodland D Rating: Local PB4 Cutover bog conservation value (moderate value) DERRYARRIT BOG 546 HD1 Dense bracken E Rating: Local PB4 Cutover bog conservation value (low WN6 Wet willow-alder-ash value) woodland WN7 Bog woodland LENNAGHT BOG 560 WN6 Wet willow-alder-ash (4010) Northern Atlantic F Rating: Unknown woodland wet heaths with Erica value - survey required WN7 Bog woodland tetralix HH3 Wet heath PB4 Cutover bog PF2 Poor fen and flush FW1 Eroding/upland rivers

20 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

5.3 Preliminary Site Inspections

During the course of the MWS 2011 a number of sites were visually surveyed from a distance. Details of these sites are shown in Table 5.7 below. Two of these sites are proposed for detailed future survey, namely Lisdrumturk and Creevy (Swinburn) which appear to contain potential transition mire communities. The remaining sites, with the exception of Old Wood – lake which has been surveyed in detail as part of the National Parks and Wildlife Service Native Woodland Survey, were not found to contain any significant wetland areas.

Table 5.7: Preliminary site inspections of site in County Monaghan undertaken during the 2011 Wetland Survey.

MWS Site Name Site Easting Northing Indicative Conservation ranking or Code Centre Centre Habitat(s) survey requirement

CORNLARAGH NORTH 591 277626 303974 WS1 Scrub E Rating: Local conservation value (low value) / No survey required LISDRUMTURK 595 276778 304052 PF3 F Rating: Unknown value - Transition survey required mire & quaking bog OLD WOOD - GLASLOUGH LAKE 436 272500 341000 WN6 Wet B Rating: National Important willow-alder- (NPWS Native Woodland ash Survey undertaken) / No woodland survey required CREEVY (SWINBURN) 620 284128 305930 PF3 F Rating: Unknown value - Transition survey required mire & quaking bog CORNALARAGH WOOD 630 276298 304009 WN6 Wet E Rating: Local conservation willow-alder- value (low value) / No survey ash required woodland COMERTAGH 631 275847 304020 GA1 No conservation value / No Improved survey required agricultural grassland TIRNADROLA 632 278421 304343 GA1 No conservation value / No Improved survey required agricultural grassland and small GS4 Wet grassland patches

5.4 Floral Observations

Floral observations and records made on the sites surveyed in detail or as part of preliminary site inspection were included in the Wetland Survey County Monaghan database. For the site surveyed in detail the species recorded are presented in the site descriptions presented in Appendix 7.

The one site which yielded a rare plant find was the transition mire site at Drumgoan Fen where Pyrola rotundifolia (Round-leaved Wintergreen) was discovered during the MWS 2011. This is only the second known location for Pyrola rotundifolia in Monaghan (Martin 2006).

This is a rare wetland species in Ireland (Cross 1986), known mainly from counties Westmeath, Meath, Kildare and Wexford. This is a protected species under the Flora (Protection) Act 1999. Although this species is not threatened at present, it's habitats are vulnerable to land reclamation and drainage. The status of this species needs careful monitoring.

21 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

This site represents a significant biodiversity asset for county Monaghan and should be afforded a high level of protection.

5.5 Faunal Observations

Fauna, which are associated with wetland habitats, that were observed during the field survey were recorded in the MWS database. Species recorded on the sites survey in detail are included in the site descriptions presented in Appendix 7.

5.6 Site Conservation Assessment

On completion of the MWS 2011 fieldwork in 2011, sites were reviewed and given a site conservation rating using the criteria presented in Appendix 8. The site conservation rating for sites surveyed in detail is presented in Table 5.8 below. Of the sixty eight sites surveyed in detail, twenty four are deemed to be of county importance of greater. Only four sites have previously been recognized as being of conservation interest being listed as candidate Natural Heritage Areas by NPWS (Glaslough Lake; Monalty Lough; Monaltyduff – Monalty Lough; Kilvey Lough - Glaslough Lake).

Note that this information is only representative of a small selection of the wetland resource of County Monaghan – many additional sites, which may be of international, national or county interest undoubtedly occur but for which we currently have no data.

A Rated Sites (International Ecological Importance): Four sites (BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH D; BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH E; BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH F; BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH G) have been rated as of international conservation importance. These sites have been identified as containing habitats of conservation value that correspond to those listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. These include the following Annex I habitat types:

• 3180 Turloughs *

B Rated Sites (National Ecological Importance): Nine sites (BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH J; DRUMGOAN FEN; GLASLOUGH LAKE; KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH G; KILVEY LOUGH - GLASLOUGH LAKE; MONALTY LOUGH; MONALTYDUFF - MONALTY LOUGH; RAFERAGH EAST FEN – RAFERAGH; GRASSLAND) have been rated as of national conservation importance. These sites have been identified as containing habitats of conservation value that may correspond to those listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. These include the following Annex I habitat types:

• 3180 Turloughs * • 7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs • 3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters • 6410 Molinia meadows • 6430 Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities

C+ Rated Sites (County Value): Eleven sites (BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH H; CARNQUILL BOG; KILLYGALLY FEN; KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH F; KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH H; KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH J; KILMORE LAKE; KILMORE WEST BOG; LEGGHIMORE FEN; NURE BEG LAKE, FEN & MARSH; RAFERAGH FEN) have been rated as of county conservation importance. These sites have been identified as containing habitats of conservation value that may correspond to those listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. These include the following Annex I habitat types:

• 3180 Turloughs * • 7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration • 7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion • 7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs • 3160 Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds

22 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______C Rated Sites (High Value, Locally Important): Eight sites (BALLINGARRY LOUGH; BALLYLOUGHAN A; CLOGHVALLY LOWER SPRING; CORRINSHIGO (ED CLONES); DERRYNAGAD; DUNELTY; NURE BEG FEN; TONYSCALLON LOUGH) have been rated as of Local conservation value (high value). These sites have been identified as containing habitats of conservation value that may correspond to those listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. These include the following Annex I habitat types:

• 7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs

The remaining sites have been given a lower conservation value based on the habitats present and indicated in Table 5.7.

The sites, as summarised in Table 5.7 are currently undesignated (with the exception of the four sites: Glaslough Lake; Monaltyduff – Monalty Lake; Kilvey Lough - Glaslough Lake; and Monalty Lough which are candidate NHAs) and are also not listed as candidate Natural Heritage Areas in the NPWS sites database. It is recommended that those sites that are deemed to bog high local importance or greater (A, B and C+ importance) should be submitted to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for inclusion on their list of sites for consideration as NHAs.

23 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Table 5.8: Conservation Assessment and ranking of sites surveyed in detail in County Monaghan during the 2011 Wetland Survey.

MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary of Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of Habitats ranking following Code interest present on Directive Annex survey site (Fossitt) 1 Habitat(s) present on site BALLYLOUGHAN 615 H 00956 FL6 Turloughs (3180) Turloughs A Rating: TURLOUGH D 83406 Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN 616 H 00839 FL6 Turloughs (3180) Turloughs A Rating: TURLOUGH E 83456 Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN 617 H 00742 FL6 Turloughs (3180) Turloughs A Rating: TURLOUGH F 83500 Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN 622 H83734 01585 FL6 Turloughs (3180) Turloughs A Rating: TURLOUGH G Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN 629 H 01014 FL6 Turloughs (3180) Turloughs B Rating: Nationally TURLOUGH J 84080 Important DRUMGOAN FEN 587 282452 303355 WN6 Wet willow- (7140) Transition B Rating: Nationally alder-ash woodland mires and Important FS1 Reed and large quaking bogs sedge swamps (3140) Hard PF3 Transition mire oligo-mesotrophic & quaking bog waters with FL3 Limestone/marl benthic veg... lakes GLASLOUGH LAKE 82 272400 341500 FS1 Reed and large (3140) Hard B Rating: Nationally sedge swamps oligo-mesotrophic Important GM1 Marsh waters with GS3 Dry-humid acid benthic veg... grassland (6430) GS4 Wet grassland Hydrophilous tall WD1 (Mixed) herb fringe broadleaved communities ... woodland (6410) Molinia FL4 Mesotrophic meadows on lakes calcareous, peaty FW2 or clay... Depositing/lowland (7150) rivers Depressions on WN6 Wet willow- peat substrates of alder-ash woodland the Rhynch... KILMACTRASNA 625 H 03118 FL6 Turloughs (3180) Turloughs B Rating: Nationally TURLOUGH G 83040 Important KILVEY LOUGH - 234 273200 341300 FL4 Mesotrophic B Rating: Nationally GLASLOUGH LAKE lakes Important WN6 Wet willow- alder-ash woodland FS1 Reed and large sedge swamps MONALTY LOUGH 93 286508 302915 FS1 Reed and large B Rating: Nationally sedge swamps Important WN6 Wet willow- alder-ash woodland FL4 Mesotrophic lakes MONALTYDUFF - 345 286240 303020 FL4 Mesotrophic B Rating: Nationally MONALTY LOUGH lakes Important FS1 Reed and large sedge swamps WS1 Scrub

24 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary of Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of Habitats ranking following Code interest present on Directive Annex survey site (Fossitt) 1 Habitat(s) present on site RAFERAGH EAST 384 276500 304500 PF3 Transition mire (7140) Transition B Rating: Nationally FEN - RAFERAGH & quaking bog mires and Important FS1 Reed and large quaking bogs sedge swamps FL1 Dystrophic lakes WS1 Scrub TASSAN 568 278962 326210 GS1 Dry calcareous B Rating: Nationally GRASSLAND and neutral Important grassland BALLYLOUGHAN 621 H 01393 FL6 Turloughs (3180) Turloughs C+ Rating: County TURLOUGH H 83562 Conservation value CARNQUILL BOG 531 257618 339296 PB1 Raised bogs (7120) Degraded C+ Rating: County PB4 Cutover bog raised bogs still Conservation value WN7 Bog woodland capable of natural ... (7150) Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynch... KILLYGALLY FEN 583 283466 298801 PF3 Transition mire (7140) Transition C+ Rating: County & quaking bog mires and Conservation value WN2 Oak-ash-hazel quaking bogs woodland WS1 Scrub KILMACTRASNA 624 284113 301799 FL6 Turloughs (3180) Turloughs C+ Rating: County TURLOUGH F Conservation value KILMACTRASNA 626 H 02795 FL6 Turloughs (3180) Turloughs C+ Rating: County TURLOUGH H 83257 Conservation value KILMACTRASNA 627 H83133 02974 FL6 Turloughs (3180) Turloughs C+ Rating: County TURLOUGH J Conservation value KILMORE LAKE 264 255466 337365 PF3 Transition mire (3160) Natural C+ Rating: County & quaking bog dystrophic lakes Conservation value PB4 Cutover bog and ponds FL1 Dystrophic (7140) Transition lakes mires and GS Semi-Natural quaking bogs Grassland GS4 Wet grassland PF2 Poor fen and flush WN6 Wet willow- alder-ash woodland WN7 Bog woodland KILMORE WEST 555 256155 337487 FL1 Dystrophic (7140) Transition C+ Rating: County BOG lakes mires and Conservation value GS4 Wet grassland quaking bogs HH3 Wet heath (3160) Natural PB4 Cutover bog dystrophic lakes PF2 Poor fen and and ponds flush PF3 Transition mire & quaking bog WN6 Wet willow- alder-ash woodland WN7 Bog woodland LEGGHIMORE FEN 589 282697 305262 PF3 Transition mire (7140) Transition C+ Rating: County & quaking bog mires and Conservation value quaking bogs

25 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary of Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of Habitats ranking following Code interest present on Directive Annex survey site (Fossitt) 1 Habitat(s) present on site NURE BEG LAKE, 633 282979 300238 GS4 Wet grassland (7140) Transition C+ Rating: County FEN & MARSH PF3 Transition mire mires and Conservation value & quaking bog quaking bogs GM1 Marsh WS1 Scrub FL4 Mesotrophic lakes RAFERAGH FEN 298 276100 304700 PF3 Transition mire (7140) Transition C+ Rating: County & quaking bog mires and Conservation value GM1 Marsh quaking bogs FL1 Dystrophic (3160) Natural lakes dystrophic lakes and ponds BALLINGARRY 608 289297 304925 WN6 Wet willow- (7140) Transition C Rating: Local LOUGH alder-ash woodland mires and conservation value PF3 Transition mire quaking bogs (high value) & quaking bog GM1 Marsh FS1 Reed and large sedge swamps FL4 Mesotrophic lakes BALLYLOUGHAN A 340 283709 301100 WD1 (Mixed) C Rating: Local broadleaved conservation value woodland (high value) WN2 Oak-ash-hazel woodland CLOGHVALLY 535 283870 305940 FP1 Calcareous C Rating: Local LOWER SPRING springs conservation value FW1 (high value) Eroding/upland rivers ER2 Exposed calcareous rock CORRINSHIGO 543 255306 336412 PF2 Poor fen and C Rating: Local (ED CLONES) flush conservation value WN7 Bog woodland (high value) WN6 Wet willow- alder-ash woodland DERRYNAGAD 550 258935 339072 PB4 Cutover bog C Rating: Local WN6 Wet willow- conservation value alder-ash woodland (high value) WN7 Bog woodland DUNELTY 601 289614 303928 WN6 Wet willow- C Rating: Local alder-ash woodland conservation value FS1 Reed and large (high value) sedge swamps NURE BEG FEN 579 282829 300768 PF3 Transition mire (7140) Transition C Rating: Local & quaking bog mires and conservation value WN6 Wet willow- quaking bogs (high value) alder-ash woodland TONYSCALLON 368 276300 320700 FL4 Mesotrophic C Rating: Local LOUGH lakes conservation value FS1 Reed and large (high value) sedge swamps WS1 Scrub 529 284220 307460 FP1 Calcareous D Rating: Local ANNAHAIA springs conservation value SPRING (moderate value) BALLYLOUGHAN B 341 283880 301329 WD2 Mixed D Rating: Local broadleaved/conifer conservation value woodland (moderate value) WD1 (Mixed)

26 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary of Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of Habitats ranking following Code interest present on Directive Annex survey site (Fossitt) 1 Habitat(s) present on site broadleaved woodland

CORLECK SPRING 539 283570 308940 ER2 Exposed D Rating: Local 2 calcareous rock conservation value WN2 Oak-ash-hazel (moderate value) woodland FP1 Calcareous springs CORNACREEVE 541 254961 336747 WN7 Bog woodland D Rating: Local (ED ) GS4 Wet grassland conservation value BOG (moderate value) CUMMOGE WELL 544 285510 305210 FP1 Calcareous D Rating: Local springs conservation value GA1 Improved (moderate value) agricultural grassland DONAGHMOYNE 628 284714 307643 PF3 Transition mire (7140) Transition D Rating: Local FEN & quaking bog mires and conservation value quaking bogs (moderate value) ENAGH (FARNEY 597 281307 298147 PF3 Transition mire (7140) Transition D Rating: Local BY) FEN & quaking bog mires and conservation value FS1 Reed and large quaking bogs (mode rate value) sedge swamps HALF MOON 469 284100 301340 FP1 Calcareous D Rating: Local (BALLYLOUGHAN) springs conservation value GS4 Wet grassland (moderate value) GS2 Dry meadows and grassy verges KILMACTRASNA A 344 283369 302620 ER2 Exposed D Rating: Local calcareous rock conservation value WD1 (Mixed) (moderate value) broadleaved woodland KILMACTRASNA B 470 283330 302569 ER2 Exposed D Rating: Local calcareous rock conservation value WD1 (Mixed) (moderate value) broadleaved woodland WD2 Mixed broadleaved/conifer woodland KILMACTRASNA 619 283665 303200 FL4 Mesotrophic D Rating: Local LOUGH lakes conservation value FS1 Reed and large (moderate value) sedge swamps KILVEY BOG 556 273861 341593 WN7 Bog woodland D Rating: Local PB4 Cutover bog conservation value (moderate value) LISCALL SPRING 561 283970 307180 WN2 Oak-ash-hazel D Rating: Local woodland conservation value ER2 Exposed (moderate value) calcareous rock FP1 Calcareous springs SKEATRY BOG 567 256744 338019 GS4 Wet grassland D Rating: Local PB4 Cutover bog conservation value WS1 Scrub (moderate value)

TOBAR LASAIR 570 284750 306660 FP1 Calcareous D Rating: Local SPRING springs conservation value GA Improved (moderate value) 27 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary of Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of Habitats ranking following Code interest present on Directive Annex survey site (Fossitt) 1 Habitat(s) present on site Grassland

TOBERHEALS 572 285520 304790 FW4 Drainage D Rating: Local SPRING ditches conservation value FP1 Calcareous (moderate value) springs CASHLAN EAST 532 282730 309040 FP1 Calcareous E Rating: Local SPRING springs conservation value ED2 Spoil and bare (low value) ground CASHLAN EAST 534 282820 309020 FP1 Calcareous E Rating: Local SPRING 3 springs conservation value (low value) CORLEA SPRING 537 282910 308960 FP1 Calcareous E Rating: Local springs conservation value (low value) DERRYARRIT BOG 546 256868 337534 HD1 Dense bracken E Rating: Local PB4 Cutover bog conservation value WN6 Wet willow- (low value) alder-ash woodland WN7 Bog woodland GLASLOUGH 338 272074 342102 FS1 Reed and large E Rating: Local CONSTRUCTED sedge swamps conservation value WETLANDS (low value) LARAGH SPRING 3 559 284160 307420 FP1 Calcareous E Rating: Local springs conservation value ED Disturbed (low value) ground TOBERNAMUCKY 574 284490 300500 FP1 Calcareous E Rating: Local SPRING springs conservation value WL1 Hedgerows (low value) LENNAGHT BOG 560 254892 337639 WN6 Wet willow- (4010) Northern F Rating: Unknown alder-ash woodland Atlantic wet value - survey WN7 Bog woodland heaths with Erica required HH3 Wet heath tetralix PB4 Cutover bog PF2 Poor fen and flush FW1 Eroding/upland rivers AGHAVILLA 527 284370 306850 BL3 Buildings and No conservation SPRING artificial surfaces value GS2 Dry meadows and grassy verges BALLYLOUGHAN C 342 284130 300750 WD4 Conifer No conservation plantation value CASHLAN EAST 533 282820 309040 BL3 Buildings and No conservation SPRING 2 artificial surfaces value CORLECK SPRING 538 283450 308930 BL3 Buildings and No conservation artificial surfaces value GA1 Improved agricultural grassland WL1 Hedgerows DRUMMOND 618 280888 298544 GS4 Wet grassland No conservation CROSSROADS value GOBBAGWELL 554 284190 305240 GS2 Dry meadows No conservation SPRING and grassy verges value LARAGH SPRING 557 283690 307660 GA2 Amenity No conservation grassland value (improved) BL3 Buildings and 28 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary of Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of Habitats ranking following Code interest present on Directive Annex survey site (Fossitt) 1 Habitat(s) present on site artificial surfaces

LARAGH SPRING 2 558 283880 307460 ED Disturbed No conservation ground value WS2 Immature woodland LONGFIELD OTRA 562 285800 305870 FP1 Calcareous No conservation SPRING springs value WS1 Scrub MAGHEROSS 564 284150 303310 BL3 Buildings and No conservation SPRING artificial surfaces value TOBERNAGALLIAG 573 283470 308780 GA1 Improved No conservation SPRING agricultural value grassland TONYELLIDA 343 284600 307969 GA1 Improved No conservation (DONAGHMORE) agricultural value grassland

29 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

6 Recommendations

6.1 Distribution and Extent of the Monaghan Wetland Resource

The results of the County Monaghan Wetland Survey 2011 indicates that the main GIS layer which was developed for the identification of potential wetlands in Monaghan (The County Monaghan Wetlands Map, Crushell & Foss 2010) and was derived from a variety of data sources (previous wetland reports and surveys inter alia.) and a visual inspection of wetland areas across the county, has proved a useful tool in identifying wetlands of ecological importance in the county.

Of the 75 sites surveyed during 2011 that had been identified in the MWM project 2010 (Crushell & Foss 2010) only a limited number (mainly spring sites) no longer supported a wetland (see Appendix 2 & 3), and many of the sites contained significant conservation worthy wetland areas. These results provide definitive proof that undertaking detailed wetland survey by suitably qualified ecologists of areas characterised as a ‘Unknown wetland type’ as defined in the County Monaghan Wetlands Map project (Foss & Crushell 2010) can lead to the discovery of important wetland areas at a county level.

6.2 Site Designations

It is recommended that all wetland sites, which have been identified in this survey, and rated as either A, B or C+ (of international, national or county importance) are forwarded to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for inclusion on their list of sites for survey and possible designation.

Although the official procedure for designating new Special Areas of Conservation has closed it may be possible for these sites (A or B ranked sites) to be included within the boundary of existing SACs or future NHAs following a boundary revision. These sites should be listed as candidate Natural Heritage Areas to be assessed by NPWS for possible designation as Natural Heritage Areas.

6.3 Planning Controls

Sites which are listed as being of county importance (C+) or of high value, local importance (C) and of moderate value, local importance (D) should be highlighted and included in any recommendations made under the County Biodiversity Action Plan or included in local area plans, county development plans or other planning strategies. Again, such recommendations for recognition and listing of sites should be made on a regular basis as further information on the wetland resource of county Monaghan becomes known.

As a planning tool it is recommended that council planners consult with the GIS layers, which indicate potential wetlands in county Monaghan and where a development could adversely affect a wetland – through water abstraction, infilling, drainage, etc.

In the event that an application is made that could potentially impact on these sites, a site visit should be conducted by a suitably qualified ecologist to determine the importance and sensitivity of the area.

It is recommended that council staff should be aware of a variety of issues regarding wetlands when assessing development proposals and planning applications. These include:

• The need for an appropriate buffer zone surrounding wetland sites. • The importance of hydrology in how wetland sites function and how indirect impacts on a wetland system can be caused by activities occurring at some distance from the wetland • The cumulative effect of seemingly isolated losses of wetland habitats across the county on the county resource • The loss of wetland habitats as a result of fragmentation of sites and impacts on wetland hydrology • The ecological value of wetland habitats adjacent to, and fringing lakes and ponds • The ecological value of large areas of reed and tall sedge swamps, rivers and river flood plains in controlling and reducing the impacts of flooding events • The wetland fauna, some of which are listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive found in the county wetlands and the potential impacts on these species as well as their habitats

30 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______• The limited coverage provided in the initial NPWS NHA survey – this was never a comprehensive survey of the entire county – many sites of high nature conservation value remain undesignated • The potential value of wetland sites which are outside statutory designated areas and the need for adoption of a precautionary approach when assessing applications that may impact on same.

6.4 County Survey

It is recommended that the countywide survey of wetlands in Monaghan continues and builds on the baseline information gathered in the County Monaghan Wetlands Map project (Crushell & Foss 2010) and the list of sites surveyed in detail as part of the County Monaghan Wetland Survey 2011 project. A list of provisional sites recommended for survey is presented in Table 5.3 above, and in Appendix 1 (those sites selected for survey in 2011 but which were not examined due to resource constraints).

This survey list could be further expanded following the addition of other un-surveyed sites recorded in the County Monaghan Wetlands Map (Foss & Crushell 2010).

Where a field survey is proposed it is recommended that the following information is gathered for each site surveyed: • A detailed site description highlighting the wetland habitat types (classified according to Fossitt Level III) present on each site should be provided • The extent of each of the wetland habitat types within each site should be mapped • The general site boundaries of the overall site should be mapped to ensure the conservation of a hydrologically intact unit • Damage/threats to the conservation and future protection of the site should be recorded • Faunal observations made should be recorded • A botanical list of the species present should be recorded • An evaluation of the habitats present within each site as to whether or not any of the habitats present may be of international conservation value, should be made • Each site should be given a ranking based on the criteria outlined in Appendix 8

6.5 Ongoing Maintenance of the County Monaghan Wetland Map Site Database

Undoubtedly additional information on wetland sites listed in the County Monaghan Wetlands Map site database exists.

For example extensive survey work has recently taken place (2011) as part of the EIS for the proposed Eirgrid Interconnector with , which may have identified additional wetland areas or conducted surveys on such sites. Unfortunately it was not possible to include this data in the 2011 MWM GIS and database revision. It is recommended that this data is compiled within the database and that it is kept up to date where possible by collating data from additional surveys, EIS documents, etc. This work needs to be done concurrently with ongoing maintenance of the County Monaghan Wetlands Map GIS dataset and following the naming procedure described in Crushell & Foss 2010.

6.6 Ongoing Maintenance of the County Monaghan Wetland Map GIS Dataset

Coupled with ongoing updates of the County Monaghan Wetlands Map site database (Crushell & Foss 2010) it is recommended that the GIS layers are also regularly updated to reflect knowledge on the ground. This could include digitising the location of new wetland sites which are identified in the county following fieldwork, boundary amendments of potential wetland site polygons to a more appropriate extent and removal of any sites that were identified as potential wetlands but no longer contain wetland habitats.

Habitat maps of wetland sites have been created for only a small number of sites (i.e. those which were visited as part of field surveys (Barron 2006; Foss & Crushell 2008, 2009 and Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011) and focused on undesignated wetland sites. NPWS may be able to provide additional detailed habitat maps of designated sites (i.e. NHAs, SACs and SPAs) and this information should be incorporated into the County Monaghan Wetlands Map GIS dataset. This work needs to be done concurrently with ongoing maintenance of Monaghan Wetlands Map database and following the naming procedure described in Crushell & Foss

31 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______2010.

6.7 Hydrological Assessment of Wetland Sites

A hydrological assessment of all sites which have been given a rating of A, B or C+ should be commissioned in order to assist in our understanding of how these wetlands function hydrologically. The National Fen Survey manual (Foss (2008) also recommends that a hydro-chemical analysis is conducted.

6.8 Management of Wetland Sites

Agricultural activities have the potential to adversely affect wetland habitats. Drainage, land reclamation, and enrichment from fertilizer application are among the agricultural activities that were recorded as damaging the integrity of wetland sites in County Monaghan during the current study. It is important that, through appropriate agri-enviromental schemes, land management practices in the vicinity of wetland sites recognise the value and sensitivity of wetland ecosystems. This is currently of high priority due to the abolition of the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) and the need for a replacement scheme that will encourage the conservation of wetland habitats.

6.9 Enforcement of fines for dumping

Dumping and infilling of wetland sites is an ongoing threat to wetlands in County Monaghan and has previously been highlighted (Foss & Crushell, 2008 & 2009). This practice should be dissuaded through both education on the value of wetlands and the enforcement of suitably deterring fines. Article 10(1)(y) of the EPA Guidance Manual Waste Facility Permit and Registration Regulations requires that an application for a waste facility permit or certificate of registration contain details of the biodiversity of the land and specifically details wetlands within same.

6.10 Control of invasive species in wetland sites

It is important that invasive species are controlled and eradicated within wetland sites as they have the potential to adversely affect the biodiversity interest of wetlands, cause serious nuisance and can be very costly and difficult to remove once they become established. Typical species affecting wetlands include Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Indian balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). It is recommended that all records of invasive species in County Monaghan are submitted to the Invasive Species Ireland database (http://www.invasivespeciesireland.com/sighting/) where advice on control and removal is available.

6.11 Local Authority Wetlands Policy

A review of the statutory provisions that govern the management of wetlands in County Monaghan (such as the Habitats Directive, Wildlife Act, Water Framework Directive, Environmental Liability Directive, Nitrates Directive, Planning Act, etc.) should be conducted and the role of the Local Authority in this regard should be examined. This review could be done in collaboration with other Local Authorities.

Increased co-ordination between agencies in their policy and operative approaches to wetlands need to be strengthened.

6.12 Water Framework Directive

As a member of the European Union, Ireland must, as of the 22nd December 2000 implement the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). This directive provides a consolidated, strengthened framework for the protection and improvement of all of our waters - rivers, lakes, marine and groundwaters, and of our water- dependent habitats and species. The aim of the Water Framework Directive is to prevent any deterioration in 32 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______the existing status of our waters, including the protection of good and high status where it exists, and to ensure that all waters are restored to at least good status by 2015.

The objectives of the WFD are: • to protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems (and terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly dependent on aquatic ecosystems) • to promote sustainable water use based on long-term protection of available water resources • to provide for sufficient supply of good quality surface water and groundwater as needed for sustainable, balanced and equitable water use • to provide for enhanced protection and improvement of the aquatic environment by reducing / phasing out of discharges, emissions etc. • to contribute to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts • to protect territorial and marine waters • to establish a register of 'protected areas' e.g. areas designated for protection of habitats or species

Clearly the identification of wetland habitats in County Monaghan assists in fulfilling not only obligations under the EU Habitats Directive and the National Biodiversity Plan but also in implementing the Water Framework Directive. County Monaghan is located within the Neagh Bann and the North Western River Basin Districts.

6.13 Public information and Interpretation

Public awareness about the importance of the county wetlands could be developed through a series of targeted measures. These could include:

• Specific events county-wide as part of ‘Heritage Day’ which takes place annually in September further details are available from http://www.ramsar.org/wwd/wwd_index.htm • A series of school visits celebrating local wetlands – co-ordinated through the Heritage in Schools Scheme • Public display boards and signage at popular wetland sites • A workshop on wetland management for landowners and farmers

33 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

7 Bibliography

The bibliography list is presented in alphabetical order by author. Code number appearing on the LHS is reference/report code number in the MWM Bibliography Database.

597 Atherton, I., Bosanquet, S. & Lawley, M. (2010) Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland – a field guide. British Bryological Society, London. pp. 835 123 Barron, S. (2006) County Monaghan Wetland Survey. BEC Consultants. Internal Report, Monaghan County Council. 492 Clerkin, S. (2010) Monaghan County Council Heritage Office, EIRGRID Meath-Tyrone 400kV Interconnector EIS, Review of Natural and Cultural Heritage. Internal Report Monaghan County Council. 674 Cross, J.R. (1986) The distribution and status of Pyrola rotundifolia L. in Ireland. Irish Naturalists’ Journal, 22 (1) 16-20. 550 Crushell, P. (2011) EIRGRID Meath-Tyrone 400kV Interconnector EIS, Review of Natural and Cultural Heritage in Monaghan. Internal Report Eirgrid. 466 Crushell, P. & Foss, P.J. (2010) The County Monaghan Wetlands Map 2010 - Desk Survey & GIS Preparation . Report for Monaghan County Council & The Heritage Council, pp 159. 53 Curtis, T. & McGough, N. (1988) The Irish Red Data Book 1 Vascular Plants. Wildlife Service, Stationery Office, Dublin pp. 168. 201 Douglas, C. & Ryan, J. (1981) Blackwater River proposed arterial drainage scheme. Environmental Impact Assessment (Co. Monaghan). Unpublished report, Forest and Wildlife Service, Dublin. 200 Douglas, C., Lockhart, N. & Ryan, J. (1983) Pre-drainage survey Finn/Lackey Catchment Counties Monaghan & Cavan. Unpublished report, Forest and Wildlife Service, Dublin. 444 Farrell, L. (1972) A preliminary report on the Areas of Scientific Interest in County Monaghan. An Foras Forbartha, Dublin. 192 Ferguson-Lee, J., Willis, I & Sharrock, J.T.R. (1983) The Shell Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland. Michael Joseph Ltd., London 585 Foss, P., Crushell, P. & Wilson, F. (2011) Wetland Survey County Monaghan. Part 1. Report for Monaghan County Council & The Heritage Council. pp. 67. 126 Foss, P.J. (2006) Monaghan Fen Site Reports. Field Excursion by Peter Foss, Colman Ó Críodáin NPWS, and Shirley Clerkin Heritage Officer Monaghan Co. Co. - 14 to 15 August 2006. Unpublished Report, National Parks and Wildlife Service. 155 Foss, P.J. (2007) National Parks & Wildlife Service Study of the Extent and Conservation Status of Springs, Fens and Flushes in Ireland 2007. Internal report for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Ireland. 182 Foss, P.J. & Crushell, P. (2007) Monaghan Fen Survey 2007 (Vols. 1-3). Report for Monaghan County Council and the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Dublin. 232 Foss, P.J. & Crushell, P. (2008a) Guidelines for a National Fen Survey of Ireland - Survey Manual. Report for the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Dublin. 267 Foss, P.J. & Crushell, P. (2008b) Monaghan Fen Survey II (Volumes 1-3). Report for Monaghan County Council and the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Dublin. 33 Fossitt, J. (2000) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Ireland. 480 Malone, S. (2008) Monaghan Marsh Fritillary Survey, Autumn 2008. Irish Peatland Conservation Council. 181 Martin, J. (2006) Survey of rare/threatened and scarce vascular plants in County Monaghan. BEC Consultants Internal Report, National Parks and Wildlife Service. 405 Mayes, E. (2008) A national survey of potential turlough sites. Draft report prepared for NPWS. 493 Monaghan County Council (2006) County Monaghan Heritage Plan 2006-2010. Monaghan County Council, Monaghan. 494 Monaghan County Council (2007) Monaghan County Development Plan 2007-2013. Monaghan County Council, pp. 504. 394 Nelson, B. & Woodrow, W. (2008) County Monaghan Dragonfly Sites - preliminary key site analysis and recommendations. Internal report, Monaghan County Council, pp. 10. 266 NPWS (2008) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ireland. pp. 135. 257 OSI (2008d) Spring on 6 inch map series. (GIS Dataset). Ordnance Survey of Ireland. 49 Ramao, C. (1996) Interpretation manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 15. European Commission, Environment, Nuclear Safety and Civil Protection, Brussels. 73 Scannell, M.J.P. & Synnott, D.M. (1987) Census catalogue of the flora of Ireland. The Stationery Office, Dublin. 584 Smith, G.F., O’Donoghue, P., O’Hora, K. & Delaney, E. (2011) Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny, pp. 133. 671 Sterry, P. (2004) Complete Irish Wildlife. Harper Collins Publishers, London, pp. 319. 74 Webb D.A., Parnell, J. & Doogue, D. (1996) An Irish Flora. Dundalgan Press Ltd., Dundalk. 582 Wilson, F., Crushell, P. & Foss, P. (2010) County Sligo Wetland Survey - Phase III. Unpublished report for Heritage Office, Sligo County Council, Ireland. 473 Woodrow, W. (2008) Monaghan Dragonfly Survey 2008. Woodrow Sustainable Solutions, pp. 95. 478 Woodrow, W. (2009) Monaghan Irish Damselfly and Water Beetle Survey 2009. Woodrow Sustainable Solutions, pp. 132.

34 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

8 Appendices

In the report appendices which follow, the PDF layouts (produced from Excel or Word files) have been formatted and reduced to allow printing of tables at A4 page size. The original Excel spreadsheets from which some of these PDF’s were created are included on the CD Rom accompanying this report.

List of Appendices Appendix 1. List of priority sites selected for potential survey as part of the Wetland Survey 36 County Monaghan 2011 Appendix 2. List of sites surveyed in detail as part of the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 41 2011 Appendix 3. List of sites on which a preliminary inspection was undertaken during the Wetland 48 Survey County Monaghan 2011 Appendix 4. Survey card used on the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 49 Appendix 5. Data fields in the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 Survey Database 51 Appendix 6. Appearance of Layouts within the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 Survey 55 Database Appendix 7. Individual site survey reports from the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011. 63-440

Maps © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. License number 2010/03 CCMA/Monaghan County Council.

Appendix 8. National Roads Authority (2009) Site Evaluation Criteria 441

35 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______Appendix 1: The Wetland Survey County Monaghan

List of Sites Initially Proposed for Survey in 2011

The list is sorted alphabetically by site name and formatted, surveyed sites appearing first so as to print on A4 page.

Data presented for each site includes: Site code, Site name, Grid reference, possible Fossitt habitat type present, justification for inclusion of site on the 2011 survey list, and an indication of whether the site was surveyed in 2011.

MWS Site Name Possible Fossitt Reason for selection

Site Habitat Present Code Easting Northing Survey Completed 527 AGHAVILLA SPRING 284370 306850 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 529 ANNAHAIA SPRING 284220 307460 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 608 BALLINGARRY 289297 304925 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of LOUGH type aerial photography of southern part of county. Yes 340 BALLYLOUGHAN A 283709 301100 FL6 Turlough Potential turlough site. Yes 341 BALLYLOUGHAN B 283880 301329 FL6 Turlough Potential turlough site. Yes 342 BALLYLOUGHAN C 284130 300750 FL6 Turlough Potential turlough site. Yes 531 CARNQUILL BOG 257618 339296 PB1 Raised bog Potential raised bog. Yes 532 CASHLAN EAST 282730 309040 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. Yes 533 CASHLAN EAST 282820 309040 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING 2 spring dataset. Yes 534 CASHLAN EAST 282820 309020 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING 3 spring dataset. Yes 535 CLOGHVALLY LOWER 283870 305940 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. Yes 537 CORLEA SPRING 282910 308960 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 538 CORLECK SPRING 283450 308930 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 539 CORLECK SPRING 2 283570 308940 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 541 CORNACREEVE (ED 254961 336747 Unknown wetland Wetland area that occurs adjacent to SHESKIN) BOG type Lennaght Bog. Yes 591 CORNLARAGH 277626 303974 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of NORTH type aerial photography of southern part of county. Yes 543 CORRINSHIGO (ED 255306 336412 Unknown wetland Wetland area that occurs adjacent to CLONES) type Lennaght Bog. Yes 544 CUMMOGE WELL 285510 305210 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 546 DERRYARRIT BOG 256868 337534 Unknown wetland Remnant raised bog adjacent to Kilmore type Lake. Yes 550 DERRYNAGAD 258935 339072 Unknown wetland Potential raised bog site in vicinity of type Carnquill Bog. Yes 587 DRUMGOAN 282452 303355 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. Yes 601 DUNELTY 289614 303928 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. Yes 597 ENAGH (FARNEY BY) 281307 298147 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. Yes 82 GLASLOUGH LAKE 272247 340840 FL2 Acid Suggested by S Clerkin. Areas of wetland oligotrophic lakes within woodland are evident on orthophoto. Yes 554 GOBBAGWELL 284190 305240 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. Yes

36 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______MWS Site Name Possible Fossitt Reason for selection

Site Habitat Present Code Easting Northing Survey Completed 469 HALF MOON FL6 Turlough Potential turlough site. (BALLYLOUGHAN) 284100 301340 Yes 583 KILLYGALLY 283466 298801 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. Yes 344 KILMACTRASHA A 283369 302620 FL6 Turlough Potential turlough site. Yes 470 KILMACTRASHA B 283330 302569 FL6 Turlough Potential turlough site. Yes 264 KILMORE LAKE 255969 337398 PB1 Raised bog; Potential raised bog. WN7 Bog Woodland; FL3 Limestone / marl lakes Yes 555 KILMORE WEST BOG 255960 337870 Unknown wetland Potential raised bog site adjacent to type Kilmore Lake. Yes 234 KILVEY LOUGH - 273200 341300 FL2 Acid Suggested by S Clerkin. Areas of wetland GLASLOUGH LAKE oligotrophic lakes within woodland are evident on orthophoto. Yes 557 LARAGH SPRING 283690 307660 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 558 LARAGH SPRING 2 283880 307460 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 559 LARAGH SPRING 3 284160 307420 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 589 LEGGHIMORE 282697 305262 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. Yes 560 LENNAGHT BOG 254892 337639 PB1 Raised bog Potential raised bog. Yes 561 LISCALL SPRING 283970 307180 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 595 LISDRUMTURK 276778 304052 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. Yes 562 LONGFIELD OTRA 285800 305870 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. Yes 564 MAGHEROSS SPRING 284150 303310 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. Yes 93 MONALTY LOUGH 286508 302915 FL6 Turloughs Potential turlough site. Yes 345 MONALTYDUFF - 286230 303016 FL6 Turloughs Potential turlough site. MONALTY LOUGH Yes 579 NURE BEG 282829 300768 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. Yes 436 OLD WOOD - 272500 341000 FL2 Acid Suggested by S Clerkin. Areas of wetland GLASLOUGH LAKE oligotrophic lakes within woodland are evident on orthophoto. Yes 298 RAFERAGH 276500 304500 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. Dragonfly survey site requiring detailed vegetation/habitat survey. Yes 384 RAFERAGH EAST - 276100 304700 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of RAFERAGH type aerial photography of southern part of county. Damselfly Site. Yes 567 SKEATRY BOG 256744 338019 Unknown wetland Potential raised bog site adjacent to type Kilmore Lake. Yes 568 TASSAN GRASSLAND 278962 326210 Suggested by S. Clerkin. Damp grassland with abundance of orchids. Check exact site location with Shirley Clerkin Yes 570 TOBAR LASAIR 284750 306660 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. Yes 572 TOBERHEALS 285520 304790 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. Yes 573 TOBERNAGALLIAG 283470 308780 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. Yes 574 TOBERNAMUCKY 284490 300500 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. Yes 368 TONNEYSCALLON 276300 320700 Unknown wetland Suggested by S. Clerkin. Yes 37 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______MWS Site Name Possible Fossitt Reason for selection

Site Habitat Present Code Easting Northing Survey Completed LAKE type 343 TONYELLIDA 284600 30796 FL6 Turlough Potential turlough site. (DONAGHMORE) 9 Yes 528 AGHERAKELTAN 259131 338738 Unknown wetland Small wetland located adjacent to type Derrynagad that looks of interest from orthophoto. 584 ARDRAGH 275410 307420 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 594 AUGHRIM BEG 289703 309692 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 585 AUGHRIM MORE 289327 309942 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 530 BLIND WELL 283620 304340 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. 580 CARGAGHLISNANARN 288763 309519 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of EY type aerial photography of southern part of county. 596 CARRICKARTAGH 278201 307172 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 411 CLARDERRY 275516 324839 PB1 Raised bog Potential raised bog.

588 CLOGHOGE AND 288813 309016 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of TIEVADINNA type aerial photography of southern part of county. 593 COMRAGHS 293149 305485 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 604 COOLCAIR LOUGH 287110 309655 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 598 COOLKILL LOUGH 261925 319155 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 590 CORCREEGHAGH 273753 305896 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 98 CORDOO LOUGH 272901 323691 PB1 Raised bog Potential raised bog.

536 CORFINLOUGH BOG 273529 323455 PB1 Raised bog; Potential raised bog. FL2 Acid oligotrophic lakes 540 CORMOY SPRING 283350 307070 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. 542 CORNANAGH 274322 324861 Unknown wetland Wetland area that occurs adjacent to type Derryarrilly Bog. 606 CORRAVOO 281238 314997 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 313 CUMRY LOUGH 269475 318213 FL2 Acid Suggested by S Clerkin. Dragonfly oligotrophic lakes surveysite. 545 DERRYARRILLY BOG 274319 325664 PB1 Raised bog; Potential raised bog. FL2 Acid oligotrophic lakes 547 DERRYBEG BOG 246652 324151 PB1 Raised bog Potential raised bog.

548 DERRYGLAM SPRING 282920 304360 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. 549 DERRYLAUAN 281950 302610 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. 577 DOAGH 277357 303245 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county.

38 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______MWS Site Name Possible Fossitt Reason for selection

Site Habitat Present Code Easting Northing Survey Completed 602 DRUMAKILL 286342 320526 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 578 DRUMERLOUGH BEG 277877 299769 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 551 DRUMGOOSAT 280980 300940 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. 607 DRUMGURRA 278380 305246 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 610 DRUMINTIN 260061 318977 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 603 DRUMMOND 294414 307726 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 612 EDERGOLE 261289 319874 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 552 GARRIFLY SPRING 285570 308520 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. 581 GREAGHLONE 276899 302401 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 592 GREAGHLONE 277038 302952 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of NORTH type aerial photography of southern part of county. 599 KILMURRY 289288 310237 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 556 KILVEY BOG 273861 341593 PB1 Raised bog Potential raised bog.

614 KINDUFF 262097 321586 FL2 Acid Professional judgment following analysis of oligotrophic aerial photography of southern part of lakes; ; Unknown county. wetland type 609 KNOCKAVOLIS 281285 315960 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 611 LACKLOM 293201 306170 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 600 LAGAN LOUGH 279490 314638 FL2 Acid Professional judgment following analysis of oligotrophic aerial photography of southern part of lakes; Unknown county. wetland type 83 279001 313507 PB1 Raised bog Potential raised bog.

563 LURGANS SPRING 283260 304030 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. 613 MAGHERNAHARNY 266493 321050 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 565 RATHMORE SPRING 284140 309040 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. 566 RORANNA BOG 244795 322727 PB1 Raised bog Potential raised bog.

582 SCALKILL EAST 277219 301862 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 605 SCALKILL WEST 276101 301678 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county. 586 SHANKILL LOUGH 272925 308606 Unknown wetland Professional judgment following analysis of type aerial photography of southern part of county.

39 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______MWS Site Name Possible Fossitt Reason for selection

Site Habitat Present Code Easting Northing Survey Completed 569 TIRGARVAN SPRING 281490 304790 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst spring dataset. 571 TOBER BRIDGEY 285930 307120 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. 575 TOBERNASHILLITA 283620 304470 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset. 576 TULLYMACKILMARTIN 285640 308380 FP1 Calcareous Calcareous spring mapped in GSI karst SPRING spring dataset.

40 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______Appendix 2: The Wetland Survey County Monaghan

List of Sites Surveyed in Detail in 2011

The list is sorted alphabetically by site name and formatted so as to print on A4 page.

Data presented for each site includes: Site code, Site name, Grid reference, main wetland habitat type recorded, and conservation ranking following survey.

MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of interest of ranking Code present on site Habitats following (Fossitt) Directive survey Annex 1 Habitat(s) present on site AGHAVILLA SPRING 527 284370 306850 BL3 Buildings and No artificial surfaces conservation GS2 Dry meadows and value grassy verges ANNAHAIA SPRING 529 284220 307460 FP1 Calcareous D Rating: springs Local conservation value (moderate value) BALLINGARRY LOUGH 608 289297 304925 WN6 Wet willow-alder- (7140) C Rating: ash woodland Transition Local PF3 Transition mire & mires and conservation quaking bog quaking value (high GM1 Marsh bogs value) FS1 Reed and large sedge swamps FL4 Mesotrophic lakes BALLYLOUGHAN A 340 283709 301100 WD1 (Mixed) C Rating: broadleaved woodland Local WN2 Oak-ash-hazel conservation woodland value (high value) BALLYLOUGHAN B 341 283880 301329 WD2 Mixed D Rating: broadleaved/conifer Local woodland conservation WD1 (Mixed) value broadleaved woodland (moderate value) BALLYLOUGHAN C 342 284130 300750 WD4 Conifer plantation No conservation value BALLYLOUGHAN 615 H 83406 00956 FL6 Turloughs (3180) A Rating: TURLOUGH D Turloughs Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN 616 H 83456 00839 FL6 Turloughs (3180) A Rating: TURLOUGH E Turloughs Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN 617 H 83500 00742 FL6 Turloughs (3180) A Rating: TURLOUGH F Turloughs Internationally Important BALLYLOUGHAN 622 H83734 01585 FL6 Turloughs (3180) A Rating: TURLOUGH G Turloughs Internationally Important

41 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of interest of ranking Code present on site Habitats following (Fossitt) Directive survey Annex 1 Habitat(s) present on site BALLYLOUGHAN 621 H 83562 01393 FL6 Turloughs (3180) C+ Rating: TURLOUGH H Turloughs County Conservation value BALLYLOUGHAN 629 H 84080 01014 FL6 Turloughs (3180) B Rating: TURLOUGH J Turloughs Nationally Important CARNQUILL BOG 531 257618 339296 PB1 Raised bogs (7120) C+ Rating: PB4 Cutover bog Degraded County WN7 Bog woodland raised Conservation bogs still value capable of natural ... (7150) Depression s on peat substrates of the Rhynch... CASHLAN EAST SPRING 532 282730 309040 FP1 Calcareous E Rating: springs Local ED2 Spoil and bare conservation ground value (low value) CASHLAN EAST SPRING 2 533 282820 309040 BL3 Buildings and No artificial surfaces conservation value CASHLAN EAST SPRING 3 534 282820 309020 FP1 Calcareous E Rating: springs Local conservation value (low value) CLOGHVALLY LOWER 535 283870 305940 FP1 Calcareous C Rating: SPRING springs Local FW1 Eroding/upland conservation rivers value (high ER2 Exposed value) calcareous rock CORLEA SPRING 537 282910 308960 FP1 Calcareous E Rating: springs Local conservation value (low value) CORLECK SPRING 538 283450 308930 BL3 Buildings and No artificial surfaces conservation GA1 Improved value agricultural grassland WL1 Hedgerows CORLECK SPRING 2 539 283570 308940 ER2 Exposed D Rating: calcareous rock Local WN2 Oak-ash-hazel conservation woodland value FP1 Calcareous (moderate springs value)

42 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of interest of ranking Code present on site Habitats following (Fossitt) Directive survey Annex 1 Habitat(s) present on site CORNACREEVE (ED 541 254961 336747 WN7 Bog woodland D Rating: SHESKIN) BOG GS4 Wet grassland Local conservation value (moderate value) CORRINSHIGO (ED 543 255306 336412 PF2 Poor fen and flush C Rating: CLONES) WN7 Bog woodland Local WN6 Wet willow-alder- conservation ash woodland value (high value) CUMMOGE WELL 544 285510 305210 FP1 Calcareous D Rating: springs Local GA1 Improved conservation agricultural grassland value (moderate value) DERRYARRIT BOG 546 256868 337534 HD1 Dense bracken E Rating: PB4 Cutover bog Local WN6 Wet willow-alder- conservation ash woodland value (low WN7 Bog woodland value) DERRYNAGAD 550 258935 339072 PB4 Cutover bog C Rating: WN6 Wet willow-alder- Local ash woodland conservation WN7 Bog woodland value (high value) DONAGHMOYNE FEN 628 284714 307643 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) D Rating: quaking bog Transition Local mires and conservation quaking value bogs (moderate value) DRUMGOAN FEN 587 282452 303355 WN6 Wet willow-alder- (7140) B Rating: ash woodland Transition Nationally FS1 Reed and large mires and Important sedge swamps quaking PF3 Transition mire & bogs quaking bog (3140) FL3 Limestone/marl Hard oligo- lakes mesotrophi c waters with benthic veg... DRUMMOND CROSSROADS 618 280888 298544 GS4 Wet grassland No conservation value DUNELTY 601 289614 303928 WN6 Wet willow-alder- C Rating: ash woodland Local FS1 Reed and large conservation sedge swamps value (high value) ENAGH (FARNEY BY) FEN 597 281307 298147 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) D Rating: quaking bog Transition Local FS1 Reed and large mires and conservation sedge swamps quaking value bogs (moderate value)

43 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of interest of ranking Code present on site Habitats following (Fossitt) Directive survey Annex 1 Habitat(s) present on site GLASLOUGH 338 272074 342102 FS1 Reed and large E Rating: CONSTRUCTED sedge swamps Local WETLANDS conservation value (low value) GLASLOUGH LAKE 82 272400 341500 FS1 Reed and large (3140) B Rating: sedge swamps Hard oligo- Nationally GM1 Marsh mesotrophi Important GS3 Dry-humid acid c waters grassland with GS4 Wet grassland benthic WD1 (Mixed) veg... broadleaved woodland (6430) FL4 Mesotrophic lakes Hydrophilo FW2 us tall herb Depositing/lowland fringe rivers communiti WN6 Wet willow-alder- es ... ash woodland (6410) Molinia meadows on calcareous , peaty or clay... (7150) Depression s on peat substrates of the Rhynch... GOBBAGWELL SPRING 554 284190 305240 GS2 Dry meadows and No grassy verges conservation value HALF MOON 469 284100 301340 FP1 Calcareous D Rating: (BALLYLOUGHAN) springs Local GS4 Wet grassland conservation GS2 Dry meadows and value grassy verges (moderate value) KILLYGALLY FEN 583 283466 298801 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) C+ Rating: quaking bog Transition County WN2 Oak-ash-hazel mires and Conservation woodland quaking value WS1 Scrub bogs KILMACTRASNA A 344 283369 302620 ER2 Exposed D Rating: calcareous rock Local WD1 (Mixed) conservation broadleaved woodland value (moderate value) KILMACTRASNA B 470 283330 302569 ER2 Exposed D Rating: calcareous rock Local WD1 (Mixed) conservation broadleaved woodland value WD2 Mixed (moderate broadleaved/conifer value) woodland

44 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of interest of ranking Code present on site Habitats following (Fossitt) Directive survey Annex 1 Habitat(s) present on site KILMACTRASNA LOUGH 619 283665 303200 FL4 Mesotrophic lakes D Rating: FS1 Reed and large Local sedge swamps conservation value (moderate value) KILMACTRASNA 624 284113 301799 FL6 Turloughs (3180) C+ Rating: TURLOUGH F Turloughs County Conservation value KILMACTRASNA 625 H 83040 03118 FL6 Turloughs (3180) B Rating: TURLOUGH G Turloughs Nationally Important KILMACTRASNA 626 H 83257 02795 FL6 Turloughs (3180) C+ Rating: TURLOUGH H Turloughs County Conservation value KILMACTRASNA 627 H83133 02974 FL6 Turloughs (3180) C+ Rating: TURLOUGH J Turloughs County Conservation value KILMORE LAKE 264 255466 337365 PF3 Transition mire & (3160) C+ Rating: quaking bog Natural County PB4 Cutover bog dystrophic Conservation FL1 Dystrophic lakes lakes and value GS4 Wet grassland ponds PF2 Poor fen and flush (7140) WN6 Wet willow-alder- Transition ash woodland mires and WN7 Bog woodland quaking bogs KILMORE WEST BOG 555 256155 337487 FL1 Dystrophic lakes (7140) C+ Rating: GS4 Wet grassland Transition County HH3 Wet heath mires and Conservation PB4 Cutover bog quaking value PF2 Poor fen and flush bogs PF3 Transition mire & (3160) quaking bog Natural WN6 Wet willow-alder- dystrophic ash woodland lakes and WN7 Bog woodland ponds KILVEY BOG 556 273861 341593 WN7 Bog woodland D Rating: PB4 Cutover bog Local conservation value (moderate value) KILVEY LOUGH - 234 273200 341300 FL4 Mesotrophic lakes B Rating: GLASLOUGH LAKE WN6 Wet willow-alder- Nationally ash woodland Important FS1 Reed and large sedge swamps LARAGH SPRING 557 283690 307660 GA2 Amenity grassland No (improved) conservation BL3 Buildings and value artificial surfaces LARAGH SPRING 2 558 283880 307460 ED Disturbed ground No WS2 Immature conservation woodland value

45 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of interest of ranking Code present on site Habitats following (Fossitt) Directive survey Annex 1 Habitat(s) present on site LARAGH SPRING 3 559 284160 307420 FP1 Calcareous E Rating: springs Local ED Disturbed ground conservation value (low value) LEGGHIMORE FEN 589 282697 305262 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) C+ Rating: quaking bog Transition County mires and Conservation quaking value bogs LENNAGHT BOG 560 254892 337639 WN6 Wet willow-alder- (4010) F Rating: ash woodland Northern Unknown WN7 Bog woodland Atlantic value - survey HH3 Wet heath wet heaths required PB4 Cutover bog with Erica PF2 Poor fen and flush tetralix FW1 Eroding/upland rivers LISCALL SPRING 561 283970 307180 WN2 Oak-ash-hazel D Rating: woodland Local ER2 Exposed conservation calcareous rock value FP1 Calcareous (moderate springs value) LONGFIELD OTRA SPRING 562 285800 305870 FP1 Calcareous No springs conservation WS1 Scrub value MAGHEROSS SPRING 564 284150 303310 BL3 Buildings and No artificial surfaces conservation value MONALTY LOUGH 93 286508 302915 FS1 Reed and large B Rating: sedge swamps Nationally WN6 Wet willow-alder- Important ash woodland FL4 Mesotrophic lakes MONALTYDUFF - MONALTY 345 286240 303020 FL4 Mesotrophic lakes B Rating: LOUGH FS1 Reed and large Nationally sedge swamps Important WS1 Scrub NURE BEG FEN 579 282829 300768 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) C Rating: quaking bog Transition Local WN6 Wet willow-alder- mires and conservation ash woodland quaking value (high bogs value) NURE BEG LAKE, FEN & 633 282979 300238 GS4 Wet grassland (7140) C+ Rating: MARSH PF3 Transition mire & Transition County quaking bog mires and Conservation GM1 Marsh quaking value WS1 Scrub bogs FL4 Mesotrophic lakes RAFERAGH EAST FEN - 384 276500 304500 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) B Rating: RAFERAGH quaking bog Transition Nationally FS1 Reed and large mires and Important sedge swamps quaking FL1 Dystrophic lakes bogs WS1 Scrub

46 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______MWS Site Name MWS Easting Northing Summary of main Summary Conservation Site Centre Centre habitat(s) of interest of ranking Code present on site Habitats following (Fossitt) Directive survey Annex 1 Habitat(s) present on site RAFERAGH FEN 298 276100 304700 PF3 Transition mire & (7140) C+ Rating: quaking bog Transition County GM1 Marsh mires and Conservation FL1 Dystrophic lakes quaking value bogs (3160) Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds SKEATRY BOG 567 256744 338019 GS4 Wet grassland D Rating: PB4 Cutover bog Local WS1 Scrub conservation value (moderate value) TASSAN GRASSLAND 568 278962 326210 GS1 Dry calcareous B Rating: and neutral grassland Nationally Important TOBAR LASAIR SPRING 570 284750 306660 FP1 Calcareous D Rating: springs Local GA Improved conservation Grassland value (moderate value) TOBERHEALS SPRING 572 285520 304790 FW4 Drainage ditches D Rating: FP1 Calcareous Local springs conservation value (moderate value) TOBERNAGALLIAG SPRING 573 283470 308780 GA1 Improved No agricultural grassland conservation value TOBERNAMUCKY SPRING 574 284490 300500 FP1 Calcareous E Rating: springs Local WL1 Hedgerows conservation value (low value) TONYELLIDA 343 284600 307969 GA1 Improved No (DONAGHMORE) agricultural grassland conservation value TONYSCALLON LOUGH 368 276300 320700 FL4 Mesotrophic lakes C Rating: FS1 Reed and large Local sedge swamps conservation WS1 Scrub value (high value)

47 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell 2011 ______Appendix 2: The Wetland Survey County Monaghan

List of sites on which a preliminary inspection was undertaken during 2011 survey

The list is sorted alphabetically by site name and formatted so as to print on A4 page.

Data presented for each site includes: Site name, Site code in MWM database, Grid reference, date of inspection, indicative habitats present and indication whether future detailed survey and habitat mapping is recommended.

MWS Site Name Site Easting Northing Date of Indicative Conservation Code Centre Centre preliminary Habitat(s) ranking ot survey inspection requirement COMERTAGH 631 275847 304020 26/06/2011 GA1 Improved No conservation agricultural value / No survey grassland required CORNALARAGH 630 276298 304009 26/06/2011 WN6 Wet willow- E Rating: Local WOOD alder-ash woodland conservation value (low value) / No survey required CORNLARAGH 591 277626 303974 26/06/2011 WS1 Scrub E Rating: Local NORTH conservation value (low value) / No survey required CREEVY 620 284128 305930 23/06/2011 PF3 Transition mire F Rating: (SWINBURN) & quaking bog Unknown value - survey required LISDRUMTURK 595 276778 304052 26/06/2011 PF3 Transition mire F Rating: & quaking bog Unknown value - survey required OLD WOOD - 436 272500 341000 25/06/2011 WN6 Wet willow- B Rating: National GLASLOUGH LAKE alder-ash woodland Important (NPWS Native Woodland Survey undertaken) / No survey required TIRNADROLA 632 278421 304343 26/06/2011 GA1 Improved No conservation agricultural value / No survey grassland and small required GS4 Wet grassland patches

48 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Appendix 4: Field Survey Card for the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011

49

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

50

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Appendix 5: Key to data fields in the Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) Survey Database

As part of the Monaghan Wetland Map 2010 project (MWM) two main databases were used to hold site information, which were also used during the 2011 field survey.

The first was the MWM GIS Dataset (ArcView 10.0 GIS software package) to hold site related information on each polygon, point or linear feature mapped. Data held in this dataset were converted into MapInfo format at the end of the project period for use by Monaghan County Council.

This dataset was revised and updated as part of the MWS 2011 project. Fields in the GIS dataset are the same as those used in Foss & Crushell (2010) with some minor adjustments. A detailed explanation of the various GIS files and associated attribute fields are presented in the readme document accompanying the GIS files on the final MWS 2011 project CD.

The second was the MWM Site Database (Filemaker Pro 11.0 software package) which held some of the information in the GIS database, but allowed for easier sorting of site records, additional data input on sites (e.g. site descriptions) and data analysis of records. This main MWM site database was supported by a second smaller Bibliography database which held information on reports, survey and GIS data sets which were consulted during the project. This database was also used to create the report bibliography.

Details of the MWM GIS dataset and site database, and the fields under which data was recorded is provided in Foss, P.J. & Crushell, P. (2010) The County Monaghan Wetlands Map 2010 - Desk Survey & GIS Preparation. (Available from Monaghan County Council).

To hold data from the 2011 Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) a supplementary database was created to hold site survey information. This Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) Survey Database (a relational database) was linked to the original MWM site database via the site record number.

Details of the data fields (name as it appears in operational mode within various database layouts; and in brackets the field name within database) in the Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) survey database are provided below.

Once survey information has been incorporated into the MWS survey database, and by selecting the “Show complete site report” button, a full survey report for the site can be viewed on screen. By selecting the “Create final PDF of complete site report - description, maps and habitat map” button a PDF of the complete site report, as included in the final report of the 2011 survey, is created and can be saved to a PDF file.

4.1 Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) survey database

A series of database layouts, containing site survey information, form the main structure and content of the MWS survey database (see Appendix 4 for appearance of the various layouts). These layouts were used when adding survey data to the database. These layouts (indicated by green or pink buttons along the top of the MWS database window) and the site information they hold are:

Title Layout: Opening title page of the Monaghan Wetlands Survey database (MWS) displayed when FileMaker Pro application is launched, with database title, version number, logos, copyright statement, and a background notes, version history and enter button.

Background Notes Layout: Layout containing basic user information on the operation of the MWS relational database.

Version History Layout: Layout containing basic information on the current and past versions of the MWS database.

Home Page Layout: Layout containing basic survey and site details. Blue coloured fields are lookup fields which take site data from the main Monaghan Wetlands Map site database (MWM) (using the site code as the lookup reference) while the green fields contain field survey data collected in 2011.

51 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Site Description Layout: Layout containing a series of descriptive text fields in which survey observations were to be recorded. Notes to guide the recorder on what information is to be included in each descriptive field are provided.

Species List Layout: Layout containing a list of the flora and fauna recorded on the site during the field survey.

Site Photograph Layout: Layout containing 3 site photographs from the field survey.

GIS Maps Layout: Layout containing 3 site maps produced and exported from the MWM GIS dataset after survey was completed (Locations map showing site on OS Discovery Map; Aerial photograph showing site boundary and Fossitt Habitat Map of the site. These 3 maps can also be viewed in an enlarged layout option).

The final two layouts, accessed via the pink link buttons display the Fossitt Habitats Present on the site and Threats and Damaging Operations layouts. This information is stored within the main Monaghan Wetlands Map (MWM) site database. The reader is referred to the Foss & Crushell (2010) wetland map report for additional information on these layouts.

An explanation of the data fields used in the survey database is provided below.

Name in bold is the name applied to database fields as seen when accessing the database in browse/operating mode; the underlined name is the actual field name assigned within the database (used when exporting data, performing calculations etc.). The appearance of the various layouts in the MWS survey database is presented in Appendix 6.

4.2 Data fields held in the MWS Survey database

Main Site Survey Layout

Site Code (Site Code) The unique site code for the site as displayed in the County Monaghan Wetlands Map (MWM) site database.

Lookup fields – this is data that is obtained via a lookup from main MWM site database and displayed in the Wetland Survey County Monaghan (MWS) survey database via an automatic relational lookup command:

• Site Name (Site Name) • Total Site Extent (ha) from GIS (Total Site Extent (ha) from GIS) • Easting Centre (Easting Centre) • Northing Centre (Northing Centre) • Name(s) (Townland) • Solid Geology (Solid Geology) • Subsoil Type (Subsoil type) • River Catchment (River catchment Name) • Site designation (Site designation) • Site type (Site type) • Wetland areas on site (Wetland areas on site) • Site designation (Site designation) • Site source (Site source) • Site background data sources (as per Bibliography references) (Site background data)

These fields are locked within the MWS survey database and can only be changed or altered in the MWM site database.

Date of wetland survey (Date of wetland survey) Date detailed field survey undertaken. Format dd/mm/yyyy.

Site source information (Site source information) List of information sources on site, relating to where site was reported, when survey undertaken etc. Check box options. 52 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

Conservation Ranking following Survey (Conservation ranking following survey) Conservation ranking for site based on results of field survey and subsequent conservation assessment. One check box option to be selected following survey.

• A Rating: Internationally Important • B Rating: Nationally Important • C+ Rating: County Conservation value • C Rating: Local conservation value (high value) • D Rating: Local conservation value (moderate value) • E Rating: Local conservation value (low value) • F Rating: Unknown value - survey required • No conservation value

A button also links to a page of background information on conservation ranking to assist in assigning site to appropriate status.

Altitude (mOD) (Altitude m) Altitude of site meters above Ordnance datum.

Water Table Depth (cm) (water table cm) Water table depth within wetland site. Recorded in cm.

Substrate type (Substrate type) Check box options: • Clay • Peat • Silt • Tufa • Rock • Other (describe)

Substrate depth (cm) (substrate depth cm) Substrate depth under wetland area recorded in cm.

Substrate stability (substrate stability) Check box options: • Very firm • Firm • Some quaking • Quaking • Floating mat

Management on site (management on site) Check box options: • None • Rough Grazing • Grazing • Burning • Peat Cutting • Mowing • Silage • Other

Landuse adjacent to wetland site (Adjacent landuse) Landuse outside of wetland site boundary, Fossitt habitat list. Check box options, select as many as required.

Species Recorded on Site

Flora on site (Flora on site)

53 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______List of flora recorded on site. Higher and lower plants, mosses and lichens.

Fauna on site (Fauna on site) List of fauna recorded on site. Vertebrates and invertebrates.

Site Descriptions

Site Location (Site location) In this section include information on the location of the site relative to nearest town etc.

Site Description and wetland habitats recorded (Site Description n wetland habitats recorded) In this section include general site description, habitats present, substrate type, stability, depth and water table.

Description of any potential Hab Dir Annex I habitats/ Rare Flora Fauna Species etc. (Description of any potential Annex 1 habitats) EU Habitats Directive habitats recorded for the site, rare species information etc.

Site Photographs

Site Photographs 1, 2 & 3 (Site Photograph 1, 2 & 3) Layout allows 3 site photographs to be imported to represent wetlands on site.

Site Photograph Captions 1, 2 & 3 (Site Photograph Caption 1, 2 & 3) Layout allows 3 site photograph captions to be recorded.

Site & Habitat Maps

Site location map discovery Figure 1 (Site location map discovery) Layout allows image of wetland site location map based on OS Discovery map to be imported. A caption field for the map is also included (Site location map caption).

Air photo site location Figure 2 (Air photo site location) Layout allows image of wetland site location map based on Aerial photograph to be imported. A caption field for the photograph is also included (Air photo site location caption).

GIS habitat map Figure 3 (GIS habitat map) Layout allows image of wetland habitat map to be imported. A caption field for the habitat map is also included (GIS habitat map caption).

All three of the above can be viewed as enlarged images by selecting the appropriate “Go to enlarged layout” button.

54 Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Appendix 6: Wetland Survey County Monaghan Survey Database Layouts

Title Layout –Wetland Survey County Monaghan Database

55

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Background Notes Layout – Wetland Survey County Monaghan Database

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Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Home Page Layout – Wetland Survey County Monaghan Database

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Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Site Description Layout – Wetland Survey County Monaghan Database

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Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Species List Layout – Wetland Survey County Monaghan Database

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Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Site Photograph Layout – Wetland Survey County Monaghan Database

60

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______GIS Maps Layout – Wetland Survey County Monaghan Database

61

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Conservation Notes Layout - Wetland Survey County Monaghan Database

62

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Appendix 7: Individual Site Reports from the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011

Sites are listed in alphbetical order by site name. All maps © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. Licence number 2010/03 CCMA/ Monaghan County Council.

MWS Site Name Site Code Page Number MWS Site Reports: Part A AGHAVILLA SPRING 527 66 ANNAHAIA SPRING 529 71 BALLINGARRY LOUGH 608 76 BALLYLOUGHAN A 340 82 BALLYLOUGHAN B 341 87 BALLYLOUGHAN C 342 92 BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH D 615 97 BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH E 616 103 BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH F 617 109 BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH G 622 115 BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH H 621 121 BALLYLOUGHAN TURLOUGH J 629 126 CARNQUILL BOG 531 132 CASHLAN EAST SPRING 532 138 CASHLAN EAST SPRING 2 533 143 CASHLAN EAST SPRING 3 534 148 CLOGHVALLY LOWER SPRING 535 153 CORLEA SPRING 537 158 CORLECK SPRING 538 163 CORLECK SPRING 2 539 168 CORNACREEVE (ED SHESKIN) BOG 541 173 CORRINSHIGO (ED CLONES) 543 179 CUMMOGE WELL 544 185 DERRYARRIT BOG 546 190 DERRYNAGAD 550 196 DONAGHMOYNE FEN 628 201 DRUMGOAN FEN 587 206 DRUMMOND CROSSROADS 618 212 DUNELTY 601 217 ENAGH (FARNEY BY) FEN 597 223 GLASLOUGH CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS 338 229 GLASLOUGH LAKE 82 234 GOBBAGWELL SPRING 554 241

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

MWS Site Name Site Code Page Number MWS Site Reports: Part B HALF MOON (BALLYLOUGHAN) 469 246 KILLYGALLY FEN 583 252 KILMACTRASNA A 344 258 KILMACTRASNA B 470 263 KILMACTRASNA LOUGH 619 268 KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH F 624 273 KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH G 625 279 KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH H 626 285 KILMACTRASNA TURLOUGH J 627 291 KILMORE LAKE 264 296 KILMORE WEST BOG 555 303 KILVEY BOG 556 309 KILVEY LOUGH - GLASLOUGH LAKE 234 315 LARAGH SPRING 557 320 LARAGH SPRING 2 558 325 LARAGH SPRING 3 559 330 LEGGHIMORE FEN 589 335 LENNAGHT BOG 560 341 LISCALL SPRING 561 347 LONGFIELD OTRA SPRING 562 352 MAGHEROSS SPRING 564 357 MONALTY LOUGH 93 362 MONALTYDUFF - MONALTY LOUGH 345 368 NURE BEG FEN 579 373 NURE BEG LAKE, FEN & MARSH 633 379 RAFERAGH EAST FEN - RAFERAGH 384 385 RAFERAGH FEN 298 391 SKEATRY BOG 567 397 TASSAN GRASSLAND 568 403 TOBAR LASAIR SPRING 570 409 TOBERHEALS SPRING 572 414 TOBERNAGALLIAG SPRING 573 420 TOBERNAMUCKY SPRING 574 425 TONYELLIDA (DONAGHMORE) 343 430 TONYSCALLON LOUGH 368 435

Maps © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. Licence number 2010/03 CCMA/Monaghan County Council.

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______

Key to Subsoil Types

Code Parent Material A Alluvium undifferentiated AcEsk Clayey esker sands and gravel BktPt Blanket peat Cut Cutover peat FenPt Fen peat GDCSs Sandstone sands and gravels (Devonian/Carboniferous) GLPSsS Sandstone and shale sands and gravels (Lower Palaeozoic) GLs Limestone sands and gravels (Carboniferous) KaRck Karstified limestone bedrock at surface L Lake sediments undifferentiated Made Made ground Rck Bedrock at surface TDCSs Sandstone till (Devonian/Carboniferous) TDCSsS Sandstone and shales till (Devonian/Carboniferous) TLs Limestone till (Carboniferous) Water Open water at the surface

Key to Habitat Map Symbols

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Appendix 8: Site Evaluation Criteria

Modified from National Roads Authority (2009). Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Roads Schemes.

Rating Importance of Ecological Sites A Internationally important Sites designated (or qualifying for designation) as SAC* or SPA* under the EU Habitats or Birds Directives. Undesignated sites containing good examples of Annex I priority habitats under the EU Habitats Directive. Sites designated (or qualifying for designation) as SAC* for salmonids or Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directives. Major salmon river fisheries. Major salmonid (salmon, trout or char) lake fisheries. B Nationally important • Sites or waters designated or proposed as an NHA* or statutory Nature Reserves. • Undesignated sites containing good examples of Annex I habitats (under EU Habitats Directive). • Undesignated sites containing significant numbers of resident or regularly occurring populations of Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive or Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive or species protected under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. • Major trout river fisheries. • Water bodies with major amenity fishery value. • Commercially important coarse fisheries. C+ County value Area of Special Amenity. Area subject to a Tree Preservation Order. Area of High Amenity, or equivalent, designated under the County Development Plan. Resident or regularly occurring populations (assessed to be important at the County level) of the following: • Species of bird, listed in Annex I and/or referred to in Article 4(2) of the Birds Directive; • Species of animal and plants listed in Annex II and/or IV of the Habitats Directive; • Species protected under the Wildlife Acts; and/or • Species listed on the relevant Red Data list. Site containing area or areas of the habitat types listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive that do not fulfil the criteria for valuation as of International or National importance. County important populations of species, or viable areas of semi-natural habitats or natural heritage features identified in the National or Local BAP, if this has been prepared. Sites containing habitats and species that are rare or are undergoing a decline in quality or extent at a national level. C High value, locally important Sites containing semi-natural habitat types with high biodiversity in a local context and a high degree of naturalness, or significant populations of locally rare species. Sites containing any resident or regularly occurring populations of Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive or Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive. Small water bodies with known salmonid populations or with good potential salmonid habitat. Large water bodies with some coarse fisheries value. D Moderate value, locally important Sites containing some semi-natural habitat or locally important for wildlife. Small water bodies with some coarse fisheries value or some potential salmonid habitat. Any water body with unpolluted water (Q-value rating 4-5). E Low value, locally important Artificial or highly modified habitats with low species diversity and low wildlife value. Water bodies with no current fisheries value and no significant potential fisheries value. F Unknown Value Sites of possible ecological value which require further investigation at the optimum season to establish importance. Sites of possible fisheries value requiring further survey.

* SAC = Special Area of Conservation, SPA = Special Protection Area, NHA = Natural Heritage Area

Wetland Survey County Monaghan Foss, Crushell & Wilson 2011 ______Wetlands Survey County Monaghan (MWS) 2011 CD ROM Contents

by Peter Foss, Patrick Crushell & Faith Wilson

Contents:

1. Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011. Report prepared by Peter J. Foss, Patrick Crushell & Faith Wilson (In PDF format, requires Adobe Acrobat to view) 442 pages

(Main Report pages 1- 65; Site Reports: Part A (Aghavilla Spring to Gobbawell Spring) pages 66 – 245; Site Reports: Part B (Half Moon (Ballyloughan) to Tonyscallon Lough) pages 246 – 442).

2. Monaghan Wetland Map Site Database 2011 Version 2.0 (requires Filemaker Pro 8.0 or later format to view).

3. Monaghan Wetland Survey Database 2011 Version 1.0 (requires Filemaker Pro 8.0 or later format to view).

4. Bibliography database (requires Filemaker Pro 8.0 or later format to view).

5. Excel tables to accompany the Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 report

Appendix 1: List of sites selected for potential survey in 2011 Appendix 2: List of sites surveyed in detail on MWS 2011 Appendix 3: List of sites for which preliminary inspection only was made on MWS 2011

List of Turlough Sites List of Spring Sites List of Transition mire sites List of Bog sites

6. GIS files from the Monaghan Wetland Survey 2011 a. ArcView GIS dataset (Requires ArcView 10 GIS Software) b. MapInfo GIS dataset (Requires MapInfo GIS Software)

7. GIS files from the County Monaghan Wetlands Map 2011 – revised and updated version.

a. ArcView GIS dataset (Requires ArcView 10 GIS Software) b. MapInfo GIS dataset (Requires MapInfo GIS Software)

8. CD box cover for Wetland Survey County Monaghan 2011 (PDF format)

All maps © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. Licence number 2010/03 CCMA/Monaghan County Council.