An Foras
Forbartha CONSERVATION AND AMENITY Teoranta ADVISORY SERVICE IP The National Institute
for Physicala ..mI mg and Construction Research
AREAS OF SCIENTIFICINTEREST IN OOuNTY SLIGO
T. Curtis R. Goodwillie Teach Mhairtin R. Young Bbthar Waterloo Ath Cliath 4 1978 Telefbn 764211 St. Martins Horse Mlftloo Road Brb4 AREAS OF SCIENTIFIC-:INTEREST IN CO. SLIGO.
T. Curtis R. Goodwillie R. Young
1978. PREFACE An Foras Forbartha has beenengaged in preparing a comprehensive National Heritage Inventory for anumber of years. The Inventory includes both man-made structuresand the natural environment.One purpose of the inventoryis to make available to localauthorities specialist information for Incorporationin Development Plans. Under the provisions of the LocalGovernment (Planning andDevelopment) Acts, .1963 and 1976 each planningauthority is required to make aDevelopment Plan for the3area of theauthority and to review it at least oncein every 5 year period. The planmust contain objectives, interalia for preserving, -improving and extending amenities.It may also containobjectives in relation to any ofthe purposes mentioned in the thirdschedule to the Act Including the preservationof buildings of artistic,architectural and historical interest. The other purposeof the inventory is to provide an authoritative and systematicrecord of the heritage as itexists. In fulfilling this second objective,An Foras Forbartha hasdischarged one Protection of the of the main recommendationscontained in its report The National Heritage, publishedin 1969. Following the publication ofthis report, a National HeritageInventory Working Party, consisting ofrepresentatives of governmentdepartments and agencies concerned withthe National Heritage, wasestablished in December 1969 to ensure co-operationand to prevent duplicationof effort in the preparation of the inventory.The departments and agencies represented on the Working Party are: Bord Failte, Bord na Mona,Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (FisheriesDivision), Department of Lands (Forest and WildlifeService), Department of LocalGovernment, An Fora s Forbartha, An Fora sTaluntais, Geological Survey, National Gallery, Office of PublicWorks and the Ordnance Survey. The establishment of theConservation and AmenityService by An Foras Forbartha in 1971 made itpossible for additional specialiststaff to be engaged by the 'Instituteallowing work on theNational Heritage Inventory to be speededup. Preliminary reports have nowbeen completed for the twenty-seven administrative counties. The preliminaryreports have been finished achievement for which creditmust go within six years, a remarkable and to the- to those directly involvedin undertaking the county surveys members of the National HeritageWorking Party for theirconsiderable help and assistance.
(iii) i
Separate heritage inventoryreports on the buildingsof architectural interest and areas ofscientific interest are beingpublished for each county. These reports areof a preliminary nature.Omission of an item or area should notbe interpreted as meaningthat it does not have a heritage value. It isanticipated that these reportswill be continuously expanded andimproved and in this contextcomments and observations from individualsand organisations areinvited. This report has been prepared by Tom Curtisunder the direction of Rod Young.' It is based on apreliminary report on areasof scientific interest in Co. Sligo, preparedby Roger Goodwillie in1972.
David Cabot, Head of Conservationand Amenity Research, Planning Division.
(iv) CONTENTS It
PREFACE INTRODUCTION :DESCRIPTION OF THECOUNTY -AREAS OF SCIENTIFICINTERES
F' (a) Sites of biologicalinterest
Ben Bulben Uplands 7 Glencar Cliffs 10 Bricklieve Mountains andKeshkorran 12 Knockalongy and KnockachreeCliffs 15
Woodlands Belvoir and Stony Point 18 Bonet River Wood 20 Union Wood 22 Knockarea Glen 24 Slish Wood 26 Cummeen Wood 29 Doonee Rock 31 Wood near Five Mile Bourne 33 Lakes and Wetlands 35 Ballygilgan -37 -Lough Gara Templehouse Lake 40 Lough Arrow 42 Bunduff Lough 44 Colgagh Lough 46 Dunneill River below DromoreWest 48 50 Easky River - :Aidtermon Fen 52
Coastal Sites Ballysadare Bay 54 Inishcrone Spit 56 Derinch Island 61 Yellow Strand 63 Deadmans Point (RossesPoint) 65
(i) Islands Ardboline and Horse Island 67 Inishmurray 69
(b) Sites of Geological Interest
C ulleena more 71 Serpent Rock 73 Streedagh Point 75 -Abbeytown Mine 77 Aughris Head 79 Mullaghmore 81 Rinn 83
Plus: Dunneill River below DromoreWest. Knocknarea Glen.
(it) 1 . INTRODUCTION
Basis of the Survey
The survey was carried outin order to list arepresentative range of natural and semi-naturalhabitats as well as the sitesof special significance in thecounty. -These latter may, forexample, be important in havingunusual environmental conditions,or for showing exposures of rock that arevaluable in elucidatinggeological history. In approach, thesurvey is basically a botanical onewith inputs from geology and earth sciences,ornithology and otherbranches of zoology. There is good reason forthis apparent bias.A biological site is of interest because of itsdiversity (number of species) orthe density of one or a group oforganisms.Both these things are areflection .of habitat conditions andwhere they are very high orlow they show that unusual site factors are present.The problem is how tofind these extremes and identifythe real from the apparentones . spiders etc.) is difficult Work on invertebrateanimals (insects, snails, and more time consumingthan that on the largerplants.Consequently, the state of knowledgeabout this part of theIrish fauna is incomplete, and in many parts of the countrypractically non-existent.Repeated either diversity or densityand therefore visits are required to measure time. many interestingcommunities must remainunknown at the present they may be impossible toput into perspect- If they have been sampled The groups of ive nobody knows whether they areunusual or not. animals which one can evaluate moreconveniently are the larger,better- known organisms such asbirds and to a more limitedextent fish and butterflies.Data from these groupsand from others, where it is meaningful, have beenincorporated into the siteanalysis. depends on plants for food,whether directly or, Since all animal life and density indirectly through intermediateplant eating forms, diversity diversity and density inall other forms of in the plant cover indicates weight to the life.:It therefore seemsreasonable to give greatest botanical features of theenvironment. An indication that unusualfactors are present at anysite is often given by the presence of a rarespecies of plant oranimal :one which is intolerant of mostenvironments and thereforerestricted in its distribution. in its own right as partof the Irish flora Such a species may be important and grown in a or fauna.As such it can be removedfrom the countryside garden or a cage.However, the intricatecommunity from which it comes is impossible to recreate, onceit has been destroyed.For this reason, the community is a morevaluable entity.It may conceal otherunusual things, some of greatervalue to mankind.
1 The survey has concentrated onnatural and semi-natural communities since these cannot bedeveloped artificially, at leastwithin a reason- able period.It does not of courseexclude man-made ecosystemsand where natural processes haveled to the colonisation ofthese by secondary organisms, there is oftenconsiderable interest; for example, in manmade lakes andsloblands and sometimes inplanted woods.
Vulnerability of Natural Areas
In the course of normaldevelopment many naturalareas are being and will continue to be subjected todifferent conditions thanthose* to -which they have become adjusted.All will be reflected by changesin the ecological balance and in some casesthese will-be to the detriment of the area.Slow modifications may becaused by the addition,. or removal, of nutrients and by otherselective pressures such as grazing, trampling and fire .. They are not sonoticeable as rapid changes dueto drainage or physical destruction,but they may be just as damaging. Woodland is one of the mostvulnerable communities for it canbe swiftly destroyed if a concerted effort ismade.Clearance may be carried out to increase the agricultural areaof a farm, to replant withother more productive tree species or, morelocally, for road wideningand housing development. When a deciduouswood is replaced by a coniferous one, either by felling and replanting orby underplanting, theassociated community of animals and is totally altered.Although the actual numbers of birds and insects maybuild up again to their formerlevels, the species content is much morerestricted and usually is oflittle interest.The belts and lines of mature treesthat may be left, in no way maintain an intactcommunity and contribute only toamenity.On the other hand quite small blocksof trees can preserve a gooddeal of their former interest. In woodland, a low densityof grazing animals may haveonly a slight effect on the community,preventing some species from flowering or spreading naturally.As it builds up, however, itgradually removes the undergrowth, changing theinternal climate and affectingthe insect (and bird) life.Tree seedlings are graduallykilled or suppressed and no saplings are recruited.These are necessary for thesurvival of the wood itself.The trees become old andsusceptible to rot and windthrowand the canopy is opened out.The evergreen shrub.Rhododendron ponticum, has a similar effect by shading,and constitutes a worse threat, orat least a more intractable one, tothe future of many woods. By contrast, grazing unmanagedgrassland seldom does significantdamage since this community isadapted to it.In places, grasslanddepends on a certain level of grazing toprevent scrub invasion butwhere the plant
2 cover is thin, physicaldamage can be caused by trampling onsuch sites as eskers and blanket bog .In places affected by human trampling, the pressure is oftenaggravated by vehicles or fires in sand dunes or on lakeshores the vegetation canbreak down and expose the soil to erosion. Generally more serious to 'natural'grassland is the application of fertilisers-This is a different selective pressureand it favours coarsefast-growing grasses at the expense of theflowering plants 11 that usually abound in such pastures.Certain species can disappear and with them their dependant butterfliesViand other insects.Local extinctions like this are seldom inducedby grazing although it does often restrict flowering.Herbicides can obviously have a greateffect where ever they are used.Generally, this is in greatlymodified communities such as fields and gardens but whereroadside verges are also treated, the depletion to the local floraand fauna can be significant.
Methods of Protection
Because of limited public interestin conservation up to a few yearsago, the legal framework necessary forthe adequate protection of ournatural heritage is only just coming intoexistence.However, even those statutes that have been available upto this have not been fullyutilised. The main laws concerned are theLocal Government (Planningand Develop- ment) Acts of 1963 and 1976 and theWildlife Act 1976.In addition, there are certain laws underwhich conservation can be secured as anincidental benefit of their main purpose.These include the Foreshore Act,1933, the Forestry Act, 1946, the Fisheries(Consolidation) Act, 1959, and the Protection of Animals(Amendment) Act, 1965. The Local Government Acts allow aplanning authority to develop or secure the development of land for conservationunder the general area of preserv- ing or improving amenities..This includes both ecologicaland geological sites.If conservation objectives arewritten into a Development Planit is the duty of the Local Authorityto carry them out. The actual means of carrying them outlies in three positive instruments and in the more general obligationfor a developer to retain planning permission before development starts.Residential and industrial works can be prevented in any areain this way, but agriculturalbuildings and those connected with forestry arelargely exempt.Similarly, the Local Authority is given no control over largescale agricultural changes such as drainage and afforestation.
3 The Special Amenity Areaorder under this Act reinforcesthe process of development control and gives astronger hand to the planningauthority seeking to prevent development, asit has the backing ofthe full Council and later the Minister and Oireachtas.With such an Order, development can be prevented orcontrolled at a certain level inthe interest of amenity and/or nature conservation.Where this latter aspect is importantthe authority can go further by making aConservation Order to protectthe `.flora or fauna in a particulararea.The purpose of the Tree Preservation a Order is to impose a managementplan on trees and woodlandsof special allowing felling ... amenity value - protectingthe more important trees, but nd replanting when necessary. _Both these Orders can bemade without compensating the owner, andthe planning authority may bereluctant to use them for this reason.Provision is made for compensation,but this 'usually has to come from local ratherthan central funds.Once such an order has been made, yhe planningauthority has the power to acquire the site.In some cases it can alsobe obliged to purchaseland where _.' development has been refused.
The most important developmentin recent years has been thepassing of the Wildlife Act, 1976, which givesthe Minister for Lands, in consultation with a WildlifeAdvisory Council, wide powersfor the conservation of all wildlifeand their habitat.He is able to establish nature reserves on Stateland, including the seabed ofterritorial waters, and also to designate refuges forfauna on private land after compensat- ing the owner.Where drainage schemes willaffect nature reserves he can modify them tominimise or avoid damage.
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4 .2. DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTY
The most outstanding geological feature of Co. Sligo is thehigh, extensive limestone plateau, which dominates the landscape in the north-east of the county. Here the upper beds of Carboniferous limestone, which have been eroded away over much of theCentral Plain give a landform which is unique in Ireland.-The plateau has several outliers, as at Knocknarea and further south at Keshcorran sand the Bricklieve Mountains.": The latter group are cut offfrom the main mass of the limestone mountains of Sligo by aridge , over which ;limestone was once deposited but later removed by erosion. =-'va:I. -This ridge had its origins in the Caledonian orogeny andnow forms the backbone of the Ox Mountains the western parts of whichare broad and high and consist of granite and gneissic rocks. Quartziteoutcrops ::conspicuously at Collooney and a .narrow wedge of gneiss continues eastwards, outcroping at the southern shore of Lough Gill and penetrating some of the limestone hills surrounding the lake. --Therest ..:: zof the surface of the county is lowlying andis drift covered.- The richest mountain flora in Ireland occurs on the cliffsof the Dartry Mountains and in Glenade, across the county boundary in Leitrim. Many rare species of higher plant, ferns and mosses growhere In - abundance and for several species this is their only localityin the country. In such, a rich community there is likely tobe a rich and diverse invertebrate fauna, though little work has yet been doneIn the area. Because of the unique character of the flora, thearea is of great scientific importance. A similar, though reduced, flora occurs on the south sideof the Glencar valley and on Keshcorran and the Bricklieve Mountains. The latterrange has a complex topography, contains interesting plant communities and includes a well-known prehistoric settlement. In addition, the remains of several species of animals have been found in thecaves of Keshcorran. The Ox mountains contain some of the species found inthe Bricklieve range but, as acidic conditions generally predominate, the flora isnot as diverse - though the cliffs of Knockalongy and Knockachreehold interesting communities. As none of the rivers are of a large sizethere has been little opportunity for the development of a diverse riparian flora:However, there are ti numerous lakes scattered throughout the county, the largest of whichare L. Arrow, L. Ga ra and L. Gill. The twoformer lakes are of interest for the numbers of wildfowl that winter there, Lough Gara being themost important site in the county for wintering birds. Lough Gill, lyingbetween the limestone and metamorphic hills, is an important area scientifically.Its northern shores are bordered by steep limestone hills whilst tothe south gneiss and schist occur, which changes the character of theflora dramatic- ally - here acid oak woodland predominates. The smaller islands in the lake hold a native woodland vegetation which includes theStrawberry tree,'(Arbutusunedo), which is found elsewhere only in Cork and Kerry. .5 On the mainland, however,native woodland occurs only atthe edges of the lake, as areas formerlywooded have,' been greatlyinterfered with as a result of forestryoperations. However, the lakeshore still contains a rich flora includingseveral uncommon species,though truly aquatic vegetation is poorly developed. Many of the sites inthis report occur along the coastand include several areas of geological interest,such as Streedagh. Point andSerpent Rock. Though cliffsoccur along the coast they rarelyhold good examples _ of cliff vegetation,=though that at Rosses Point -holds'nusual assemblage of species.-'-. Manysand dunes occur, butinonly a few cases has a rich dune flora developed.This is due in part to erosionby'wind, but in many of the areas vegetation coverhas been damaged by over- grazing and recreational pressures.Management may benecessary in some of the dune areasto allow revegetation totake place and consequently the formation ofstable dunes. of interest'being .Few large marshesoccur in the county, the only areas Ballygilgan and Ardtermon Fen.-However, both BallysadareBay and Derinch Island hold good examplesof brackish vegetation, -whilstat Ballysadare there issalt marsh in which some unusualspecies of plant are found. The largest islandoff the coast is Inishmurray, whichis noted for its archaeological remains and its importantsea-bird colonies. Ardboline and Horse Island also provideimportant habitats for coloniesof breeding sea birds. Several areas of woodland areincluded in this report and many The most _ ofLands, Forestry division. diverse stretches of woodland occuraround L. Gill and bothacid oak woodland and ashoak woodland on limestoneoccur. The lattertype is extremely rich floristically andit contains many uncommonspecies both in the shrub and field layer.The hedgerow flora atthe fringes of. these woodlands is also diverse andincludes black' bryoAy,{(Tamuscom= a. - .which is unknown elsewherein Ireland. As development occurs nd scientific knowledgeincreases the scientific importance of various areaswill change and continuousreassessment is required to monitor such changes.It will be seen that Co.Sligo contains many areas of scientificimportance, each ofwhich has been given a rating.
however_as_development-pessures.. estioy some ho3never_:as _development These ratings.°may:change to be sites and modify of ars., Thus_ a_report like this: complete.
6 BENBULBEN UPLANDS.
T
I - . a - A:
T;
:': /I
: - -. I
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4
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i. 6" : Sligo 5,6,8,9 : 4" :7 1" 43 7 BEN BULBEN UPLANDS
Area c. 1400 ha
. Grid Reference G 69 43 . Scientific Interest Ecological, botanical,geological
.Interns+4"=1o -'T"&I~r+aneum
Dartry Mountains consist of the upperbeds of :Ben Bulben and the They stand up Carboniferous limestonecapped in placesb y shale s. ndingc:ountryand the in ahig hplateau 300-450 metresabove the surrou exposed to denudation, formlofty cliffs ranging edges, having been long block scree usually occurs .from 15-300 metres inheight.Bellthese cliffsliff occ at an angle of 40-50degrees slope. long exposure of the "it.emesa tYpe of landform WILLch-hasarisen from the - - upland areas to erosion isof great interestgeomorphologically, -as are exposed on the cliffs and on someof the summits the upper Visean reefs shale, In addition,this regionis also the type localityfor the Ben Bulben the Glencar limestoneand the Dartry limestone. mv. Botanically the chiefimportance of the area lies inthe profusion of alpine plants which occuron the cliffs throughoutthe area. A wide including some speciesnot found elsewhere variety of alpine species occur, be met in Ireland. Nowhereelse in the country are somany species to with in such abundance,particularly on the cliffsof the Gleniff valley. Throughout the site thesteeply sloping screesbelow thecliffs vegetated, though very wetowing for run-off fromthe higheroae welHere stononifera), :'Golden Saxifrage3(Chrysosolenium _ :_.. Bent Grass,) (Agrostis Mountain Saxifrage. t(Saxifraaaaizoides) are ovvositifolium);-Aand Yellow odoratum) and theSedge, common, with SweetVernal Grass,,, (Anthoxnnthum {;ICarex vaniceaP Conditions on the cliffs arealso extremely wet andhere the alpine The tree and shrubspecies include Willow;. vegetation is best developed. s (Salix vhylicifolia), Yews(Taxus baccata) andjuniper,.) unioe occurring throughoutthe region include _ oommunis).The commonest species the ferns,42 ysto teris fracilAsnieniumviride1,Ivmenoohyllum lonchide., Meadow Rue.,(Thalictrumminus), wilsoniil and =Polvstichum (Rhodiola roses), Harebell, Welsh Poppy -.1 (Meconopsiscambrica), Roseroot_,, (Campanula rotundifolia)and ViviparousFescue-(Festuca viviyara). Species more restricted areAlpine Meadow Rue(Thalictrum alpinum), Hoary Rock Cress,; (Arabishirsute), Purple Saxifrage :.Saxifra a
8 oopositifolia), Mossy Saxifrage] (S. bynoides), Mountain Sorrel., (Oxyria dlgyna) and Mountain Avensa (Dryasoctouetala). Where- the cliffs are interrupted by more gentlysloping ground, grassy vegetation usually predominates, -but where theunderlying rock outcrops Mossy (Silene acaulis) and Alpine Sedge,(Carex bigelowii) are found. Several maritime* species also occurcommonly throughout the area.e.gBladder Campion, (Silene maritime),Sea Plantains Plants o _ ande..,,--r man- (Cochlearia officinalis). . oe' Y -+ peat covered and dominated by Lingo -- CThe summit- ft h 91 eatis (Calluna vulgaris) °and Bell Heather (Eriecinerea), with Lesser 447nrayblade(Listeracordata)t'occurring commonly underneath the former. -.Denudation of the peat cover is taking place along theedges ofth plateau and ori armore open Crowbarry (Va ccinium vitas -ids ea - are frequen ni rum . 'and Cowberry
- The list of bryophytes for the area is largeand the region has been _ visited by many expeditions.---:Speciesof the following genera. are known to ,nium!, nb1YStegium'; `©ccurTiminia'_ a ia£ncalypta, ebouliaand adotheca.'"j,3 In view of the remarkable floristicrichness of the area, many interesting invertebrates might be expected to occur, though todate'nowork has been carried out on any of the groups.
Evaluation This plateau area and its extensioninto Leitrim has been called 'botanically, the richest in Ireland'.It provides the best example in the country of alpine and artic-alpinevegetation and includes two species which occur nowhere else in Ireland.It is rich also in species of bryophytes and promises to hold aninteresting range of invertebrates.For .hese reasons it is of great interestecologically. However the re-opening of mine workingsin the area mayconstitute'-a threat and hence :a thorough to many, of the. unusualspecies occurring on the cliffs survey of the area surrounding the mineshould be carried outand the. potential changes to' the cliff .floraassessed'.'
9 — — — — —————ta...br.. — . — — —. — —— — . r •
GLENCARCLIFFS
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Scale lcm=105m (115 yds) Sheets 411:7 l":43
10 GLENCAR CLIFFS
Area 31 ha
Grid Reference G 73,41 Scientific interest Botanical; ;ecological
Ratin
Miffs are-A_.-: similar to those of the Ben Bulben region,but are - .- - . 1;. considerably'-. more,.-- 1---.Fr- eroded and wetter.he alpine communities found '..in the last area also occurhere,but not in such abundance and many _ of the rarer species are absentA few speciesabsent from the Ben several species - Bulben area, however,-are common" here, including (Equisetum variegatum), - -_`of Hawkweed' " Hieracium spp F;) Horsetail, r7:Butterwort) (Pincuicula vulgaris) and ;Whitebeam (Sorbushihainca) .r Goat Willaw%7 (Sa11x_ - -``Several tree species occur on-the cliffs including In °` 1 irea Birch(Betula Dubescefls) -. and Hazel _1 (Corylus`avelianar.'!' the slumped hollows among the cliffsscrub vegetati n has developed.. r-z z- j e=tlieado_fn antTs:pecies,;but S"ycamoie_ ` = r. oseudoplatanus),is frequent and is actively regenerating. The ground 4lar beneath the scrub isrich in bryo -ytes and Harts Tongue Fern: _(Phyllitis scolopendrium), is common.`
Evaluation
.__- Though somewhat eclipsed by the floristicrichness of the adjoining Ben -'rBulben area, these cliffs have an interestin their own right and contain several species not found in the latter region.In addition an interesting f nia1 occurs. T'rare species o a m
11 Sheets I" 7 1" : 66 6" Sligo : 34. 40
12 BRICKLIEVE MTS. AND KESHCORRAN
Area 3140 ha Grid reference G,7,1 Scientific Interest Geological; botanical Rating National 'importance
This site is a region of karsttopography with caves, dry valleys and limestone pavements; itsmost striking feature beingthe series of parallel rifts running across thesummit plateau. The wallsof these valleys vary between 10-30 metresin height and on their floorssmall peat bogs have developedand in one case a small lake.Fossil coral reefs of Visean age are wellexposed and have been calledpatch reefs' by Caldwell and Charlesworth41) . ;i Botanically the area is extremelyrich and though the area istotally underlain by limestone, it is theacidic (cacifuge) flora that isbest developed. This has beenascribed by Webb(?) toahe the area. Throughout the area patches ofscrub and woodland occur,mostly on the steep slopes beside thecliffs. Hazel; (Corylusavellana), is the .:= commonestspecies, followed by Ash_; (Fraxinusexcelsior), Rowan., (Sorbus aucu aria ,Birch:, (Betula pubescens), Goat Willow, (Salixcaprea). and Holly, (Ilex aguifolium). Elm_,(Ulmus glabra):,is common throughout the eastern side of the area. The ground flora beneath thewoodland is rich, withRamsons1(Alliu ursinum , Hart's Tongue Fern,(Phyllitis scolopendrium), andPrimrose.. (Primula vulgaris)., the commonestspecies. In addition, species characteristic of neutral toacidic conditions occur,including Foxglove., (Digitalis purpurea), BucklerFern, (Drpteris spinulosa), WaterAvens (Geum rivals) and Frochan.(Vaccinium myrtillus . By far the most widespreadcommunity throughout theregion is a calcareous grassland swarddominated by a Bent Grass,, rostis sp.), Fescue, (Festucaovina), and Crested Dog gIs 1.. cristatus) Associated species are False Oat;,(Arrhenatherum elatius), CrestedHair- Grass.,.(Koeleria cristata), HeathGrass , (Sieglingiadecumbens , Downy Oatgrass, (Helictarichonpubescens), Yellow Oat;, (Trisetumflavescens), Quaking Grass, (Brizamedia), Woodrush_, (Luzulasylvatica), Heartsease.; (Prunella vulgaris), Pignut.;(Conopodium maius), YellowRattle, (Rhinanthus minor), Lady's Bedstraw ,(Galium verum) , and theOrchids, Gymnadenia conopsea";., Plantantherabifolia ;and P. chlorantha- .
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(2) 13 There is also a distinctive flora onexposed limestone at the base of the cliffs and on the cliff ledges, someof the more frequent speciesbeing Marsh Valerian f; (Valerianofficinalis), Early Purple Orchid,,_Orchis (Geranium lucidum), RockCress. (Drab& mascula , Shining Cranesbill.. Fern,, incana , Harebell,-. (Campanularotundifolia,and Brittle Bladder (Cystopteris fragilis). Evaluation This area is of great interestgeologically owing to the manykarst features which are foundhere. Botanically it isextremely rich and contains several interesting plantcommunities -;possiblyas aresult of the unique humidity factors which operatein the region. _Inaddition, many caves occur in which remainsof many animals] now extinctin Ireland.,,have been found. These include Reindeer,Artic Lemming, Bearand Wolf,and in all seventy species of animal were,4entified, ranging fromsnails and birds up to man. (Scharffet al.)(1).. +
(1)
14 - ' I" riir '1 WI P U ':w"' L I I, II KNOCKALONGY AND KNOCKACHREE CLIFFS
t
Scale 1 cm = 634 m (0.4 mile)
Sheets I" : 7 1": 54. 6" Sligo 18. 19
15 KNOCKALONGY AND KNOCKACHREE CLIFFS
Area 174 ha
Grid Reference G 52128 Scientific Interest Botanical
»_ ilC Lilly _ AeylJLL .IAVJL LOILLM
:. As there are few cliffs in the Ox Mountains,the two areas within this site provide one of the only habitats for alpine plantsin this part of the .county.
-,:,The cliffs of Knockalongy overlook Lough Minnaun. They consist of granite and gneissic rocks and are 'for the most partcovered by wet heath vegetation dominated by Ling (Calluna vulgaris) ,and Purple Moor Grass. i(Molinia'.caerulea). However, -where heath is absent owing to increasing ms';s steepness of the cliffs, Wiilow:i(Salix aurita) ;is frequent,wi" th Clubmoss (Selaginella (Carex pallescens), trichomanes), Filmy Fern.°,(Hymenophvllum wilsonii,Hawks beard,?(Crepis paludosa).;',and Beech Fern. (Thelypteris phegopteris), which Is very large here and in great abundance.
The wet gneissic surfaces of the Knockachree cliffs hold interesting communities .which include several northern and alpine species. On some parts of the cliffs, which are not too steeply-sloping,a wet heath dominated by Gallons. and _Sphagna occurs,-,-- with the 'following species associated:- Sedges (Carex nicra ; C. panacea 'and G. oulicaris), Butterwort. ,(Pinguicula vulgaris), Bog Thistle.; (Cirsium
and Cross-leaved Heath;3(Erica tetralix). . The steepest parts of the cliffs hold many species ofwoodland _r plants and these include Wood Anemone`.- (Anemone nemorosa), Violet (Viola rivintana), Hard shield Fern,(Polvstichum aculeatum)-stand the mosses'.{ Breutelia chrysocoma Neckera crisps.: ;Conocephalum' conicum , Pleurozia purpureum',land Preissla cruacrata The more characteristic mountain plants occurring are Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris ), Wild Thyme (Thymus drucei), Golden Rod. (Solidago virgaurea), Stone Bramble.,, (Rubus saxatilis), Cowberry,,. (Vaccinium vitis-idea), Clubmoss ;(Selaainella selaginoides) and Harebeii(Campanuia rotundifolia). Yellow Mountain Saxifrage (Saxifrage aizoides) is especially abundant and grows'in a wide variety of habitats. 16 Evaluation: As these cliffs provide oneof the few habitats for alpineplants in the area, they are of greatinterest. Though gneiss isthe major rock type, the some calcicole species such asNTeckera crisp, indicates that some of the morebasic minerals arepresent and this such an _rallows _the development of afairly rich flora to take place on r"apparently acidic rocks. - r'
17 BELVOIR AND STONYPOINT
Sligo 15. Sheets: I" : 7 1" 55.6 " BELVOIR AND STONY POINT
Area 4 ha
Grid reference G. 713, 328 Scientific interest Botanical
. Rating - National --
ZI-L
-- Gia.aft_b interest = _,1'h -.. -twoa eeas e 1 t e outh western-Sideof ou9h _ ibecause- -e' o the well=developed .woodland,whichhas _arisenunderzhe -oodland.is dominated rev cc'.tirs tn.e mixed .'; k (Querou8 perm ) wh_ stat'Bell voiiris = spebfes with Ash; (Fraxinus excelsior),Willaw(Sal1x atrocinerea), association avellana) -,and Sycamore; (oerpseudoolatanus Throughout both areas large treesof Yew '( Taxus bac_c_5W)and - ; -Strawberry Tree,> (Arbutus unedo)w,occur.= 3 .e rs'==
rte-- - - .The .ground floor of the woods is richin species and the following are abundant: Wild Garlic;,,-, (Alliumursinum), : Bluebell;:(Endymion non- scri tus , Wood FalseBrome,(Brachypodiumsylvaticum) and Wood Sorrel(Oxalis acetosella). Alsooccurring are Speedwells_.r. (Veronica montana3 andIV. chamaedrys),'Woodruff, (Galiumodoratum), Pignut (Conopodiummaius), Wild Strawberryn (Fraaria vesca Roughjelked-Meadow aGra s s, (Poatrivialis), Cuckoo. Pint;, (Arum maculatum), Woundwort, (Stachyssylvatica), Lady Fern)th rium filix-foemina), Garlic Mustard,(Alliaria petiolata), Tutsan(Hyoericum androsaemum) and Black Bryony,(Tamus communis), which occurs mostly at the edges of thewoodland. species, Inaddition both areas are richin bird-life and some uncommon such as Blackcap, breed inthe woodland.
.Evaluation This poition of Lough Gill isextremely' important for, thenumber of -trees of.butus unedo. which occur. `-This is the onlyarea outside Cork and Kerry iNwhere 'Arbutus'! occursas a native treeand hence the locality is of great botanicalinterest. The woods at L.Gill also' contain the only known station in thecountry for Pamuscommunis`14and this further enhances the scientificinterest of the site. Inaddition, the ground flora of the woodlandis fully representativeof limestone woodland and it containsseveral species which are uncommonin the county.
19 -- BONET RIVER WOOD
Area 9 ha
Grid Reference G 78,34 Botanical; ecological National importance
What remains ok this wood occurs as anarrow strip along the river and the lake shoreto Trawane Bay., The soils on which It occurs are derived from the underlying limestoneand from silt deposited by the river. -.This has allowed the developmentof a rich flora ,"chiefly of Ashy (Fraxinus excelsior), lus avellana).and Oak- . (Quercus traeal. Close to the river the trees attain a largesize but i;:get progressively more wind shorn asthe lake- shore_isreached and the exposure becomes greater.- ---,The Around florais also rich -and includes some rare species, = -- The common herb species areBluebe1F,(Endvmion non-scriotua), Primrose (Primula vulgaris--Remote Sedge -(Car exremota), Wild Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), and Wood Sorrels(Oxalis acetosella)."=Also present are Wood Saniclea (Saniculaeuropea), (Ranunculus auriconius), Cuckoo Pint,, (Arum maculatum), Violet ;(Viola rivintana), Garlic Mustard, (Alliaria petiolata), Early purple Orchid,(Orchis masculaand Birds nest Orchids (Neottia nidus-avis). A limestone bluff at Bald Rock holds treesof Whitebeame Sorbua and Yewa(Taxus baccata). -ru 'cola- Y. The lake shore holds a typical florawhich includes some uncommon 'species. A sharp geological transitionto the base-poor gneissicrocks causes the flora to become morecalcifuge and the tree canopybecomes dominated by Oak and Birch, (Betulavubescens). The ground flora here is Hard "less rich, the common species beingFrochana (Vacciriium mvrtillus), Ferns (Blechnum soicant)s andWood Sorrel., (Oxalis acetoaella). Buckler Fern(DrvOoteris . - Accompanying these species are Crinkled Cdilafia ), Golden Rok-%, Solids o ,-.aemula , Broad Buckler Fern(D. -r. vi aurea , and woodru h *_(hu`zulasylvatica)
Evaluation The flora of the woodland appears tobe the richest in herb species inthe county. This is due to the diversityof soil types which occur at the site allowing the development of a rich anddiverse flora. Some uncommon species occur .under-the woodland canopyand along the adjoining lake shore.
21 UNION WOOD
Scale 1 cm = 105 m (115-yds)
Sheets : 7 1" : 55. 6" Sligo. 20 22 UNION WOOD
Area 2 8 ha
Grid Reference G 68,28 Scientific Interest Botanical; ecological National importance Rating .1
This woodland contains oaks of large stature,mixed with Rowan,,- (Sorbus aucuoaria) and,Birch., (Betula pubescens). t Theunderstoreyyis open with Holly.,(Ilex acruifolium),..Hazel (Coiyluo-Avellb) ' ==_ (Fraxinus excelsior)scattered throughout the area.Holly is the only '-tree species that appears to be regenerating. - The ground layer holds a typical calcifugeflora, the underlying rock being gneiss. Woodrush.A (Luzulasvlvatica).. Is abundant with Pr chan-N (Va ccinium cnYrtillus) I and Bell Heather(Erica cinerea) the associated species. The other species of the ground layer includeWood Sorrel,;; (Ii acetosella), Bluebell; (Endymion non-scriptus), GreaterStitcbworta (Stellaria_holostea), Bush Vetch, (Vicia septum :SandHard Ferns B1hnum
.. . - - spirant). . Also occurring are the Buckler Ferns,F?Drvooterisdilitata; y=-: aemula), and: D.borreri?, Lady FernV(Athyrium filix-foaming), oxglove.i (Digitalis purpurea), Bracken. )(Pteridium aauilinum). and Wavy Hair Grass] (Deschampsia flexuosa). '- Bryophytes e.g. 1bicranum mains ,6ol trichum formosum, alum, hornum7, loberia;,fRa .?Physciaand !Parmel Evaluation ollowinq' the. -almost :complete.aestruLtion if -Shish.Woo 1lriion..;. Wood has become the most important oakwood inthe county. It holds a typical flora and contains many species typicalof oceanic conditions. Further investigation of the lichen flora may yetproduce many more interesting species. Regeneration is probablybeing prevented by Fallow Deer and in addition Rhododendron-.(Rhododendron oonticunf) grows in a few places. 23 NNV i LnLM N,p. J1G71 u, 1 KNOCKNAREA GLEN Area 76 ha 1 Grid reference G. 63, 34 Scientific interest Botanical, ecological _ Rating Regional importance and is=- This dry valley runsalong the southernbase of Knocknarea woodland. -Ash is aconspicuous` :tree here, with filled with oceanic (Euonvtus eurooaeus). Elm,*j (Ulmus glabra),hazel and Spindle Treed The ferns and otherground flora are luxuriantand several interesting bryophytes have beenfound: seepage fromtte limestone walls has formed deposits of tufa onwhich Hvpnum commutatum;and Weissia verticillata'r are conspicuous;#bnomodon viticulosus'; grows ondamp dreides and f 1'hamnium alooecurumgrow in rocksiClimaciumden etzaeria- the wood proper.Species' of : Le eunea , JAMermannia_ and are among the mostinteresting liverworts. The ground flora isparticularly rich: Hart'sTongues Ph llitis scolouendrium), Bugle., (miuaareptans), Wood Sanicle Sanicula euroea , Ivy Broomra pe j(Oroba nchehedera e) ,,, and Wood Fescue , (Festuca altissima); are someof the more interesting.-species. Evaluation interest mainly for its This is a well-knownbotanical locality, of which give rise. to/ a greatluxariance of unusually moist conditions its lower plants.It also is ofgeomorphological importance as orientation and dirt' valley1eathres areof interest. natural wind damage inthe past which is k The wood has suffered therefore unusual for an Irishwoodland. The amountof rotting timber is an importantfeature of the ecosystem. - 25 rA A V to II cno 01N to I a ca SLISH WOOD Area 6 ha Grid reference G. 75,33 Scientific interest Botanical Rating Regional importance Slish Wood was formerly one of the four mostimportant areas of oak woodland in the west of Ireland, but now ithas been almost completely planted with coniferous trees.Now only a lakeside frings of mature decidous woodland occursand even':parts of this have been underplanted with Douglas Fir. - Because of the interference, onlysmall reminants of typical deciduous woodland and flora occur-Several small areas hold natural oakwood where Oakuercus pet ae Is dominant and much Rowan (Sorbus auau_), and Holly'( ex aguifolium) occurthroughout the understorey. A few tall Birch (Betulapubescens) are found scattered through the wood, whilst on the rocky lakeshore Yew (Taxes baccata), Whitebeam (Sorbus rupicola) and Aspen(Populus tremula) occur. In addition, several introduced tree species arefound, including Lime (Tilia europea) and Sycamore (Acerpseudoplatatius) . There are also records for the Strawberry Tree (Arbutusunado) in the area. The ground layer consists of calcifugespecies, with the Woodrush (Luzula sylvatica) dominant over much ofthe area. Of frequent occurrence are Frochan (Vacciniummyrtillus), Honeysuckle (Lgnicera periclymenum) and Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella).The commonest species of bryophytes are Dicranum maius,Thuidium tamariscinum and Plagiothecium undulatum. At the eastern end of the area the vegetationbecomes more open and the trees here are even-aged and verylarge. The ground flora includes Bluebell (Endymion non-scriptus),Wavy Hair Grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) and Red Champion(Silene dioica), with Bracken (Pteridium aauilinum) forming purestands in a few places. No regeneration of tree species isapparently taking place in the wood. Many interesting species of lichen wererecorded from Slish Wood before it was interfered with and it ispossible that some of these still persist. Evaluation The remaining part of the wood is ofconsiderable interest, as its tree 27 species are many and itshigher and lower plantsspecies are a good representative sample of awell-developed acid woodlandflora.In :r addition#several species ofmammal are found in the areaincluding Fallow Deer and Badger. k 28' r,..4 01O 0 cC Nm CUMMEEN WOOD Area 8 ha Grid reference G64136 - Scientific Interest Ecological; botanical Rating Local Importance Cummeen Wood is an area of young woodland on thesouth shore of Sligo Bay. ` It occurs bn a steep slope andhas been much shaped by wind action. The underlying rock is limestone and there aremany outcrops of this in the area. Consequently the flora iscalcicole and both the treej'shrub layer and ground flora are richin species. Ash. tFraxinus excelsior)is typically dominant, with Hazel - (Corvlus avellana) and Blackthorn _.(Prunus solnosa)_ abundint% in the -shrub layer. '-Holly..:' (Ilex aauifolium),-Willow 'ASalfx ca°rea .' and T. auritaare frequent with Alder .1,(Alnus alutinosa) occurring commonly in'the wetter areas of the wood. The restof the shrub layer consists of Guelder Rose(Viburnum ooulus), Hawthorn. (Crataeaus monoavna) and Spindle eurocaeus). Sycamore---. (Acer oseudoolatanus)_ also occurs throughout the wood. The ground flora consists of the following species:- Hart's Tongue (Phyllitis scolooendrium), Shield Fern,(Polvstichum setiferum), Cuckoo maculatum), Bluebell(Endvmion non-scriotus), Golden Saxifrage(Chrysosolenium oopositifollum), Bugle(Atuaa Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) and Wood False Brome (Brachvoodium sylvaticum). The Dog Rose,.. (Rosa and the Burnet Rose. (Rosa pimninellifolia) occur. commonly along the margins of the wood- land. - Evaluation The chief importance of the area is the occurrence ofa well-developed natural Ash/Hazel wood, which, because of the steepness of theslope upon which it occurs, is inaccesible to grazing animals. Thusthe flora is very diverse and rich in species. The great exposureto which this site is subjected also makes it an interesting area forstudy. 30 CORINE BIOTOPES INVENTORY 01 Country Ireland 1 00 02 Site No al- AFF, NHI PLHKAso sr" Antr i t3E3T .08 " County S tX6o. 09 Coordinates t J 5'r, ° i',ti 10 Area 7.00 11 Linear 12 Altitude Mean Max a .7, At sod Q 1 Gti fvbo-, a/s 641, evo, rAco ^ew 4 Cs.ml.eyvAgAd da..V,o 4 . -f,taaAa z_&b 14a_,z a es f .ss /c7- ..auo%s Adz-ate;/ 0 - M00 : eIl'.H 40AW YAli- 1, ; 0. DOONEE ROCK Area 12 ha Grid Reference G 72132, Scientific Interest -Ecological Local Importance .:z the southern shore of Doonee Rock Is anelevated limestone -bluff_ on Lough Gill. A sheer cliffoccurs on its northernsidethe rest of it %-. steep wooded slopes. As forestryplantations being surrounded by the encroach on much of the area,natural vegetation is found only on summit of the Rock andon the cliff.' ry.-Despite its U --T- l summit consists mostly of Hazel:(Corylusavellnna),_but " _ :`wood on the pet[ae kj-NocCUr some Ash:I(Fraxinusexcelsior) and Oak-,Iy(Quercus also. The ground floraischaracteristic of mixedwoodlandand includes Wood Sorrel. (Oxalisacetosella), Strawberry vesca , Bluebell,-(Endymion non-scriotusLWood Sanicuia euro ea.and Wood Anemone::.&emonenemorosa). - The flora of the cliffcontains Spindle Tree(E1onymua eurooaeus, Yew, (Taxes baccata),Guelder Rose,(Viburnum opulusStone Bramble - (Rubes saxatili), Blue MoorGrass.. (Sesleriacaeruleaand the Sedge 'Carex flaccathe last two speciesbeing especially common. The adjoining lake shore areacontains both marshand woodland communities. The latteris dominated by oakbeneath which a typically Species occurring here areHeath Pea. calcifuge flora has developed. Melick (Lathvtus montanu ),F Bucker Fern.-,(Droteris dilitata), Wood (Melica uniflora) 'andWood Brome : (Zernaramose). Bracken is also frequent throughout the area. The marsh is largelydominated by Purple MoorGrass.-,, =) 'and Bog Myrtle.-. (Mvricagale), with Bog thistle -? sium dissectum r,and Yellow Loosestrife(vsimachia vulaarts) ,the associated speciesThe edges of the marsharei]-z!plds the sedges' Carex elata-and '.ni rai whilst; atthe waters edge Reed;'(Phraamites australis-occurs with LessdrSpearwort(Ranunculus flammula}. Evaluation This area is alreadythe site of a forestry naturetrail and hence is of value. Several uncommonspecies our though amenity and educational disappeared Yellow Birds Nest,(Monotropa hvpopithvshas apparently owing to the forestry operations.The- occurrence of threedifferent communities In such asmall area, makes itof ecological interest. 32 WOOD NEAR FIVE MILE BOURNE Scale; . 1cm=105m (115 yds) Sheets : I": 7 let: 55 6" Sligo 15 33 WOOD NEAR FIVE MILEBOURNE Area 2 ha Grid reference G. 77, 45 Scientific interest Ecological Local Importance Ratin k- This wood is interestingin that it has onlyrecently been re-established from limestone- grassland.It consists mainly ofHazel -(Corylus in places by Ash, (Fraxinusexcelsior) and Elm (Ulmus clabra), with thefollowing species commonin the shrub layer:- caorea), Holly, 'J' Ile t,allows V- (Salt atrocinereaand.. aauifolium) *and Guelder Rose-,,(Viburnum oculus). The ground flora is richand the following arethe most frequent species:- Wood Sanicle, a (Saniculaeurooea), Broad BucklerFern,.mryovterie dilata'ta), Male Fern ; (D : -!elix- mas)-, Lady Fern (Athvriumfilix- oemina) ,-= . Of less frequent occurrence ^and Wood Anemone'A&nemone nemorosa). Ni htshade . .y(Circ:aealutetiana), the sedge,=.&M - ''are Enchanters.; w Orchid sylvaticaCuckoo Pintrum maculatum), Early Purple (Orchis mascula), St.John's wort : (Hy ericumandrosaemum)..:and Pignut) (Conopodiummains) Evaluation transitional stage betweenscrubby grassland and The wood is at the study of the mature woodlands:and hence the site isof interest for the phases of succession. . 34 BALLYGILGAN Scale 1cm=105m(115yds) 6" : Sligo 8 Sheets 1,,: 7 1" ; 42:43 35 BALLYGILGAN Area 2 8 ha Grid reference G. 64, 44 Scientific interest - Ornithological Rating National Importance .The site consists of fields, the low lying areasof which are flooded in winter. In the upper parts there isa grass sward of Fescue.f( (Anthoxanthum odoratum) `,and Festuca',spp.;;Fog,,,,(HolcusSweet Vernal Grass.; .Yorkshire, Fog,,(Holcus lanatus), inwhich the Thistles Cirsium arvense and^ are abundant. Other speciesoccurring are!- Red -.Clover.; (Trifolium gratense), White Clover (T. revens), Crested.Dog's Tall(Cynosurus cristat.us),Sheep's' Sorrel,{Rumex acetosa), Field Horse .and Tall, (Ettuisetum arvense),Silverweed . Potentilla anserina) Rye s s I (Lolium perenne) . In the lower areas thosespecies characteristic of periodically flooded areas occur, including CreepingButtercup_) (Ranunculusrevena), Marsh Foxtail. ;(Alopecurus geniculatus) andAmphibious Bistort.'.(Polovum amphibium), all of which are common. Speciesfrequently associated with these are the Sedges, -Carex hirta; and C. niaraSpike Rush (Eleocharis palustris), Lady's Smock(Cardamine pratensis),1 Reed Grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Soft Rush(Tuncus effusus), and Bog3titchwort..- (Stellaria alsine),- --`Where., there is little vegetation cover,Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga), and Water Cress:(Rorippa microphylla)« arefound. These fields form a mainland wintering areafor Barnacle Geese and numbers vary from 250-400 in mostwinters. Evaluation Ballygi)gan.is the only regular-mainland :wintering.area._for macle. Geese in .'Ireland.-,. our,Barnacle population winter _ islands. The area isthus of great educational value; close to Sligo town, it is easily accessible and of greatinterest as a field-trip locatibn. 36 LOUGH GARA Scale : 1 cm = 634 m (0.4 mile) Sheets :1"7 and 12.1 " : 66, 77 6" SLIGO 44, 45, 46, 47 37 LOUGH GARA Area 920 ha. Grid Reference G Ornithological; botanical __Scientific Interest - Regional- interest - . ,ugh Gars is surrounded by levelshoreswhich are either Stony and e11=iisd 6r boa covered.Lowering-of the lake level has resulted ' - ina ge areas of the lake-bed beingcolonised by semi-aquatic (El_eocharis valustris), which vegecationnotably by the Spike Rushr- . __ . as,fororai_ed associated species include Y extensive swards.1 The4"- levidocarva), Water Mint .edges (Carex rostra '.ni ra and; C. Me.4h- 'LMentha'aauatica), Red Rattle(Pedicularis valustris), and Brooklime (Sa molus valerandi) becomes peaty,- the Horsetail MMLSStum `-mWhere-the shore substrate 1palustre , Marsh Cinquefoil(Potentilla valustris), PurpleLoosestr e _;n ythrum salicaria) and MarshPennywort (Hvdrocotylevulcraris) are .. found. being colonised ='.'The upper, and consequentlydrier parts of the shore, are by scrub vegetation'] :Willows,(Salix`-'i Hazel, Hawthorn, and Oak with scattered Ash and Holly.The commonest speciesfound here are Tutsan (Hypericumandrosaemun), .Cow Wheat (Melamvyrumvratense), and Rosebay Willow Herb(Eyilobium anaustifolium) - Rose (Rosa sherardii) , T'.; area also displays avegetation assemblagecharacteristic of an The woodland, ..earlystage of plant successionwhich would ultimately go to the commonest species beingCreeping Willow (Salixrevens), Meadow r' Fescue (Festuca vratensis),and Red Fescue(Festucss rubs), whilst occurring' frequently areColtsfoot (Tussilago farfaraBlack Bog Rush (Schoenus ni cri ca ,Quaking Grass (Brizamedia) and Northern Bedstraw (Achilles vtarzn.t)f- '(Galium boreale) . TheTherarer species include") Sneezewort "--Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia'valustris), MountainEverlasting (Antennaria ._dioica).:and Hop Trefoil, (Trifoliumcamvestre . Lough Gara is also an importantwintering area for wildfowland counts taken in 1965 and 1967revealed the following:- 196 5 1967 (Aerial survey) Mute Swan 12 Whooper Swan 66 172 Bewick's Swan 16 White-'fronted Goose 120 160 Tufted Duck 1,500 38 Also occuring in 1965 were 800Pochard, 80 Mallard and 6 Great Crested Grebes. Other species werefound to occur but in very small numbers. Many species also breed atthe lake and the islands holdlarge breeding colonies of LesserBlack-backed Gulls with smaller numbers of Herring Gulls andCommon Terns. The lake shore also provides breeding habitats for Snipe,Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank and Ringed Plover, thoughnesting wildfowl are thought tobe`few-} in number. 7- 5 Evaluation Lough Gara is the most importantlake in Sligo for winteringwild- =foiul and is also of some importance forits nesting birds. It also ,holdsan interestingmarginal florawhich shows an early stage woodland and includes severalspecies . in the plant succession to which are uncommon in the county. - -. - - - - f- -=- - _ 39 TEMPLEHOUSE LAKE Scale 1 cm =634m (0.4 mile) Sheets. 4"= 7. 1" =65 6" : Sligo 32,33 e 40 TEMPLEHOUSE LAKE Area 175 ha Grid Reference G 62,17 Scientific Interest Ornithological x tY _.. Regional importance `.ThiRa 1k is'cf considerable importance as a wintering and nesting - -ftarea for wildfowl "I Most of the lake shore isfringed by woodland, consisting both of native and introduced species, 'and.occurring close to the water& edge are Willows(Salix atrocinerea and S. aurita , ,an 1the exotic Dogwood (Corpus stolonifera).A_0-j ,---_i -.Wintering are:Mallard 260, Teal 100,Wigeon 150, -Shoveler 2, _Tufted Duch 40, Goldeneye 30, Shelduck15, 4Greylag Goose 13, = White-frontedGoose 31.,and Whooper Swan 19. Thenumbers change depending on1how much shooting occur Evaluation Templehouse lake is of importance regionally as it holdstwo species of Goose and a good varietyof other wildfowl species. It possibly has the greatest breedingdensity of Mallard in the county. 1 41 LOUGH ARROW Scale 1 cm = 634 m (0.4 mil . Sheets : lot: 7 1" : 66 1'. L-4, 6" Sligo 34, 40, 41 42 LOUGH ARROW (parts) Area 180 ha Grid Reference G 7, 1..., - Scientific Interest Ornithological `Rating .-Local importance `-The shores of this lake are for the most partstony, but several -shelteredbays occur in which Lake Rush,; '(Scirpus lacustris) and _.Reed.>3 (Phracmites australis),, are found in abundance. _.These areas - orm important cover for nesting and moulting wildfowl' the inlets ;'--=near and Ballindoon holding the greatest concentrations :of water-birds. s The wooded islands and some-areas along the shore areused by :- r=nesting Tufted Duck. In winter the lake is frequented byflocks of Pochard, Tufted- Duck, and Goldeneye, though dabbling duck numbers are low. Teal, however, frequent the lake's edge, where cover is provided by overhanging trees. No wildfowl counts are as yet available for the area. As cultivation practices extend right down to the 'shore, littleof botanical interest is found, but a typical calcicole flora isfound on drift deposits on the western side of the lakeand rare lake-shore .species has been found. The old estate woodlands.,. bordering the lake have a richbird fauna, largely of passerines,though Rhododendron. (Rhododendron ponticumY has overrun much of the area and hence threatens thesehabitats. Evaluation The lake is of local interest ornithologically as it holdsa considerable variety of wildfowl *.,'in winter and also provides several habitatsfor nesting wildfowl and passerines. 43 BUNDUFF LOUGH Scale : 1 cm = 634 m (0.4 mile) Sheets : in 7 1" : 54 6" Sligo 2, 3. 44 BUNDUFF LOUGH Area 87 ha Grid Reference G 72, S.56 Scientific Interest Ornithological; botanica - N Local portance This site is a lake of the lagoonal type, formedby the damming of a - n - - branch of the Duff river behind sand-dunes. The margins consistof- reedswamp dominated by Bulrush;,-(Tvoha latifolia), Read,. (Phraamites :_-'australisWater Hors etalli it' (Evuisetum fluviatile),and Burreed '(Soarcanium erectum). -This gives way inland to a marsh association _ --,with Bog Bean (Menyanthes trifoliata),and Marsh Marigold (Caltha ,:.ipalustris)? predominating. AThe associated species here are Spike Rush _ '(Eleocharis oalustris),`Sedge(Carex nigra), `Marsh Bedstraw= ulim lustree ,and Meadow Sweet -Filinendula ulmaria).'_ y The margins are dominated by Amphibious Bistort.' (Polvconum amohibium) -where the substrate is stony and unable to support theReedswamp u4L community, while at the north-eastern end of the Lough, whereconditions Se- are drier, an association typical of wet grassland conditions ocars1Here -Rough Meadow Grass.,, (Poa triyialis), Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus), Soft Rush.(Tuncus effusus) and Marsh Cinquefoil;(Potentilla oalustris),are dominant. .The lough Is of great interest because of its populationsof wintering wildfowl and account taken in 1967 revealed the following:- .Mallard 40, Teal 100, Wigeon 1,' Shoveler 8, Pochard 70,Tufted Duck 10, Mute Swan 10, Whooper Swan 25, White-fronted Goose 35. Inaddition, the lough provides nesting habitats for Mallard, Teal, Water Rail,Coot and Little Grebe. Evaluation: The Bunduff area is the third most important haunt ofducks and swans In the county.Its chief value lies in the wide variety of speciesthat occur there in winter and it forms an important location forfield-trips. ; t--Loa Botanically it is of interest as a large number ofreedswamp and marsh species occur. 45 mwco mco I." rn cn 01 S COLGAGH LOUGH Area 36 ha Grid Reference GT 74,35 Scientific Interest Ecological Rating Local Cblgagh Lough is a limestone lake with abundantmarl deposits. This substance is derived from the decompositionof gelatinous algae and charophytes and it accumulateson the bottom of the lake and on the aquatic vegetation. Though it doesnot allow the development of a rich ,'And diverse flora, Lake Rush,. (Scircuslacustris) is locally abundant, with Amphibious BistortJ (Polvvonum amohibium), Pondweed r (Potamoaeton colcol=), water Mint.* (Mentha aauatica)t;,andMarsh Marigold (Caltha oalustris) .thecommon associated species. The invertebrate fauna is rich and includesmany species of, molluscs, Coleoptera and -leeches. The margin of the lake is stony and is dominatedby a sward of grasses and sedges, in which the dominant speciesare Bent Grass,QWrostl stonlonifera), jointed Rush., (Tuncus articulatus),andthe sedge, Carex serotina i- With these speciesoccur the Lesser Spearwort,. (Ranunculus flammula, Marsh Ragwort,, (Senecio avuaticus) and the moss, Clima ium dendroides !. Evaluation This type of lake, with a marl substrate,is commonly encountered in the midlands but infrequently outsidethat area. Thus, this site is probably unique in county Sligo.It provides unusual habitat conditions, both for flora and fauna, and hence isof interest ecologically. 47 F3Na aNm NID OD zaWj DUNNEILL RIVER BELOW DROMORE WEST Area c3ha Grid reference G. 43, 34 Scientific interest Geomorphological; botanical Local Importance The Dunneill River has cut a vertical gorge in thelimestone of this area and this has resulted in the formation of concaveand convex walls now largely overhung with ivy and tree growth. -These shady ..sites now contain an interesting community, especially of bryophytes, which includes one rare species. Evaluation The site is an excellent area for the study offluvial action and its role in erosion processes.It also contains some interesting bryophytes . 49 EASKY RIVER 0 Scale 1. cm = 105 m (115 yds) Sheets 1" : 7 111: 54 6": Sligo 11. 50 . EASKY RIVER 13 ha Grid Reference G 38,36 Scientific Interest Botanical; ejcologioal, .. gating Local importance The river at this site is bordered by deposits ofglacial drift which are very steeply sloping. Though Alder, (Alnuscglutinosa),, dominates the upper and lower slopes of thedrift, calcareous marsh plant communities arise wherever water seepage from the drift occurs.This type of community is best developed on the easternside of the river. The.dominant species of the community are BogRush,, (Sc= ni ricans ,the rushes flfuncus andO. lepidocarpa'f.Other associated species include Meadow Thistle,, (Cirsiumdissectum), Blue Moorgrass; (Sesleria caerulea),Bog Pimpernels (Anaaallis tenella), Spike Rush, (Eleocharis auincrueflora), Grass of Parnassus,% (Parnassia-oalustris), Butterwort, (Pinguicula vulgaris) and twospecies of Marsh Orchid.,, (Da ctvlorhiza" s pp .) . A line of woodland is found along the river formuch of its length and consists mainly of the Introduced species Horsechesnut and Sycamore. However, Elm, Ash, Oak and Hazel occurwth'a.rich ground flora--. - consisting of the following species:- Wild Garlic . (Allium ursinum), Bugle.. (Aluaareptans), Marsh Hawksbeard (Crepis paludosa), Cuckoo Pint.(Arum maculatum), Twayblade .. atera ovata ;and Woodland Brome.,(Bromusramosus).Guelder Rose,-.,,(Viburnum o ulus , is the commonest speciesof the shrub layer. Evaluation The calcareous flush areas hold interestinggiant::communities within which are found some rare species not found elsewherein the county. The woodland, as well as having a rich ground flora,is of some importance locally for its bird and mammal populations. 51 U' 1k — !_!') r it..,.. :1 • ,• - — tw._,. - • •'"a' I Ji' 2 j Ip1'. • .. :i - ii. I 'I ARDTERMON FEN Area 6.5 ha Grid Reference G. 588, 436 Scientific Interest Ecological Local This area contains both acid and calcareous plant communities inclose :proximity. --It appears to be a cut-over raised bog fromwhich almost all the peat has been removed. A very small remnant ofthe original bog surface remains and here those plant species characteristic of acid -;conditions s are found including the sedges., (Carex echinatisk canicea and C. demissathe Woodrush (Iuzula multiflora), Tonzentil (Potentilla erects) -and the Spotted Orchid, (Dactylorhiza mace fa). The `greater part of the area is partly quaking and-extremely calcareous. Stoneworts-.Chara)spp.), are abundant and their remains form a marly deposit, in which the following species occur commonly:- Sedges, (Carex leoidocaroaland_f;C. ibstra Bog Cotton;, (Erlochorum anccustif 4lum); Bog Bean (Menvanthes trifoliata),; and Spike Rusha,(Eleocharts oalustris),_ Frequently associated with these species are-Ze 9Q 6-,- rex so''-_ .flacca), Mate'A aTJ,(Hionuris vulaaris), Lesser Spearwort,(Rantnuulus flammula,Marsh Pennywort;, (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) and Fool's Watercress-...,, (Aoium nodiflorum). In some parts of the area Reed, (Phragmitesaustralis),:, is dominant and Iris sseudacort (Alnus clutinosa), among which Spruce has been planted... At itsedges' - Sedge (Carex disticha), Common Rushes (Tuncus effusus)c, and Rough-stalked Meadow Grass4,,,(Poa trivialis):., are common, with Twayblade., (Listera ovata), Adders' Tongue_.,(Oohioglossum vulgatum) and the moss,. Climaciuin dendroides, the associated species. Evaluation Despitethe interference which this area has undergone,- this area is ecologically-interesting because of the presence of both base-rich and base-poor plant communities in close proximity, some of which are characteristic of several stages in the succession to raised bog. 53 Scale 1 cm = 634 m (0.4 mile) Sheets I" : 71" . 54. 55 6" Sligo 13, 14, 19, 20 54 BALLYSADARE BAY Area c 1550 ha Grid Reference G 6,3 Scientific Interest Ornithological; botanical . fi =r = Regional importance Ballysadare Bay is a large shallow estuary in which muchmud is -exposed at low tide.. This mud provides an abundance offood for wildfowl and waders including Eel Grass(Zostera marina) and -r-Tasselweed3 (Ruvoia maritima), as well as numerous species of -invertebrates upon which waders feed. -`;Substantial numbers of wildfowl frequent the area in winter anda .count taken in November 1971 revealed that 1,100 birds were 'present though no species totals were taken. Speciesincluded Wigeon, Shelduck and Brent Geese, 50-60.o1.which were counted in 1967 and of which more probably occur at present.In additior% the Bay is the most important site in thecounty for waders. A saltmarsh is found at the head of the Bay.and consists of the typical species Sea Poa, (Puccinellia maritima), Mud Rush uncus gerardii), Sea Mite,., (Suaeda maritima) ,and Glasswort_-, (Salicornia eurooaea;;'agg.),1n addition, several uncommon salt-marsh species occur eg., Red Blysmus,.,,(Blvsmus rufus) and Spike Rush; (El_ vuinaueflora). Though usually found only in tid4pools,rasselweed3 (Rupaia maritima ); occurs out on the open mud flats. Evaluation The beY is an important area for wintering wildfowland waders and large numbers of birds occur there in winter. Also itholds a good example of salt marsh vegetation in which a few species are found. 55 Scale 1cm 105 m (115 yds) .Sheets 1 53. 6" .Sligo .16 56 INISHCRONE SPIT Area 84 ha Grid reference G 26, 29 Scientific Interest Botanical; ecological Ratin Regional importance The sandhills at Inishcrone Spit consist of high, badly-eroded dunes at the western end of the area and some lowerdunes closer to the mainland.South of the dunes an extensive dune slack occurs. A foredune ridge occurs along the length of the southernportion of the spit and along the middle parts of the northernshore. .Rapid- erosion of these dunes is occurring and several large blowoutsare found throughout the western half of the: spit. Little vegetation covers the dunes and consequently thereare extensive areas of loose sand subject to drift by windaction none of of grasses can become established for any length of time. However, the following species are found:- Kidney Vetch (Anthvllis vulneraria), Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus c orniculatu:), Milkwort (Polygala vulgaris), Sand Cat's Tail (Phleum arenarium) and, where the dunes are relatively more stable, the moss, Tortularuralifocmis. The present erosion appears to be a result of overgrazing,which has weakened the plant cover and exposed large areas of baresand. In the more stable areas of the dunes the florais well-developed and the common species typical of these habitats occur. Theseare Carline thistle (Carlina vulgari s), Chickweeds (Cerastium semidecandrum' and C. diffusum), Burnet Rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia), Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor), Rue-leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga tridactYlites and Eyebright (Euphrasia occidentalis). Dune slacks are few, but a slack in the southernpart of the spit held the following species -.Creeping Willow (Salix repens),-Quaking Grass (Briza media), Heartsease (Prunella vulcaris), Silverwee'd (Potentilla anserina) and Water Mint (Mentha aauatica). .Species ocurring less frequently are Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris), Early Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata), Adderps Tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum), Bog Thistle (Cirsium dissectum), Black Bog Rush (Schoenus nigricans), Butterwort (Pincuicula vulgaris) and Twayblade (Listera ovata). 57 Evaluation This area appears to hold the richest duneflora in the county and it also contains an extensive area of duneslack within which several uncommon species occur. 58 STRANDHILL DUNES • -. - • Scale 1 cm =105m yds) Sheets 7 1".54 6" Sligo 13. 59 STRANDHILL DUNES Area 68 ha Grid reference G. 59, 34 Scientific interest Ecological; botanical .Ratin Regional importance The Strandhill dunes link an island of morainic origin tothe shore and aretypical of west coast dunes in suffering badly from winderosion. A huge blowout extends from the west side of thedunes -to'the- centre. duri ysiem; giving-off further blow=outs and 4ulleys;1so that -a=considerable part of the area is bare sand. 6r;-- i : - However, in the southern part of the dunes there Isa large area of stable sand and in the. absence of grazing animals (exceptfor a few - rabbits) a good cover of vegetation has developed. This isdominated by Marram Grassj (Ammoohila arenaria) with abundant Red Fescue, --_(Festuca rubra), False Oat, (Arrhenatherum elatius), Cocksfoot;, (Dactylis alomerata),i and White Clover, (Trifolium reverts). In the areas less-dominated by grasses,,, the flora is diverseand contains many of the typical sand dune species The mostabundant rere:-.`-n}Wlld Thyme. (Thymus drucei), Birds Foot Trefoil.(Lotus cornicul- atus, ands, Creeping Willow (Salix recens). Frequent are9 Kidney Vetch (Anthvllis vulneraria), Mouse-eared Hawkweeds (Pilosella officlnarum), Sandwort., (Arenaria seroyllifolia), Carline Thistle, (Carlina vuloarts -and Biting Stonecrop(Sedum acre). Of infrequent occurrence are the ovra madalis1andj'hr s a ifera and Sand Timothy (Phleum arenarium). - - A variety of mammal species also occurs in the area. Evaluation This is a prime example of a wind-eroded system ofdunes large areas of bare, moving sand, close to a stabledune area that is densely vegetated. The vegetation, being ungrazed,is of interest andan uncommon plant species occurs here, , 60 - II .+Int.- DERINCH ISLAND Area c 100 ha I Grid reference G 60 30 Scientific Interest Ecological Rating Local importance The area is a reclaimed saltmarsh, consisting of wetmeadow (through which drainage ditches have been cut), areas of brackish waterand open p pools. Close to the sea wall,where the water is brackish, thefollowing species occur:- Celery-leaved Crowfoota, (Ranunculussceleratus), g_ mar. (Carex extensa) and J2. -otrubae , Sea Clubrusha (Scirgusmaritimus)a. and Brooklime.-_ (Samo tls valerandi). The drainage ditch -margins holda rich flora including -9$dge ta'and }Sea lubku"li" (Scirpus maritimus), Lesser laiula), Marsh Bedstraw(Galium palustre), Water Speedwell(Veronica anaQallis- aauatica), Spike Rush,,(Eleocharis palustris)and Arrow Grass (Triglochin palustr e). s Forget-me-not,, (Myosotis caespitosa)-pandBur-reed:7(Soarganium erectum .are common species of the pool margins,while in the open water are found Marestaill (Hippuris vulgaris),Pondweed, (Potamogeton Horsetail) (Ecuisetum fluviatile berchtoldii)-and Large numbers of passerines occur here throughoutthe year and the area provides a wintering habitat for many wildfowl and waders,including Mallard, Teal and Snipe. -.In addition the area is richin invertebrates. Evaluation This area holds a very diverse andhihly.produetive marsh system, with abundant invertebrate life and large numbers of wildfowl,waders and passerines occurring. Botanically it is very diverse owing tothe number of aquatic and semiaquatic habitats found in the area.Another point of Interest. is the occurrence of a disused oyster farm, whichis being rapidly colonized by many plant species. 62 .4 - ¼ j •4 — •4.4 ' f - . jJ/ hi .4 S YELLOW STRAND Area 20 ha Grid reference G. 57, 44 Scientific interest Ecological Rating Local importance I s, This area contains two sites. Sub-site 1 This site lies on thecliffs at Lackaneena,South theallow Strand- The cliff top is closelygrazed and is dominated byYFescue Clover Trifoliumaaward. ` Abundant throughout areDaisy,is tus corniculatus), with the ver s),.-.and no_ foi14 .Lo maritimar occurring - and&: . uacono lanceolata _Plantains'al- . frequently. -Alsosent are BulbousButtercup, (Ranunculusbulbosus), officinalis), Wood Rush,, (Luzulaonmoeetris), Scurvy Grass,,(Cochlearia less and SpringSedge caryophyllea). The following are frequently encountered, CrestedHair Grassa (Koeleriacristata), Sag Milkwort (Glaux maritime and Centaury.(Centaurium erythrea).Two rare species occur at the site. Sub-site 2 This area, lying behindthe sand hills at theYellow Strand, has been smoothed out by the depositionof large quantities ofsand. The vegetation is of the machairtype, i.e., aherb-rich community usually growing on a level surfaceformed from wind blownsand. The dominant species are Sand SedgeQ(Carex arenaria) , andMeadow Grass (oa pratensis), with the followingassociated species:- Lady'sBedswk., (Galium verum), MouseEar Hawkweed-(Pilosella officinarum , vulcaris), Violetb,(Violariviniana), Mountain ever- wort, (Polyccala fuchsia) lasting(sntennaria dioica)-,.and theOrchidsi'Dactylorhiza and,D incarnat-l reoens),,is abundant with' In the damper areasCreeping Willow,--j(Salix the Black Bog Rushes(Schoenus nigricans).Also occurring are Sedge (Carex flacca), Lady'sSmock, (Cardaminepratensis) -wand Bog Pimpernel,.. (Anacallis tenella). Evaluation These two sub-siteshold two vegetation typesof great interest and sub-site 2 'may be theonly locality for the machairtype of vegetation in county Sligo.In addition several rarespecies of plant occur. 64 - \fI cy - I '21? - - -- >1 _7 4_ - n-C- - —-— / - -tI - F' - b - -- i-I, - yr L.' - -' - cs-'- —c :--- If/— - — DEADMAN'S POINT MOSSES POINT) :, 4 ha Grid Reference G 62,39 Scientific Interest Ecological Local importance =_ - =This site sea'cliffs on which an unusual assemblage of plant species are found. -This ncludes Sea Spleen wort; Mountain Everlasting(Antennaria dioica), Blue Moor Grass., (Seslerla Creeping Willow; (Salix reoens), Kidney Vetcha_ =vulnerarla)- and Thyme(Thvmus drucel). _ :Along the southern side of the area an interesting communityoccurs on the soils over the underlying Moor Grass `(Sesleria caerulea)9=dominates with Sheep's Fescue(Festuca = -Downy Oatz (Helictotrichon pubescens). " a Several species characteristic of acid conditions are found, indicating an increase in the acidity of the soil on a predominantlycalcareous substrate. These species are.Ling. (Calluna vulgaris), erects), Devil's-bit:Scabious A (Succisa pratensis): and Spotted Orchid, (Da cylorhiza ma cula ta). This community is similar to that which occurs in thekarat limestone areas of the=: west of Ireland and species such asBlack Bog Rush..., (Schoenus nigridans), Burnet Roses (Rosa pimpinel1ifol1a),,,. and Crested Hair'Grass,) (lseleria cristata).a occur with the typical woodland types.. Bluebell (Endvmion non-scriptus) and Pignut (Conopodium maius). Evaluation The curious plant communities found at this site exemplify certaintrends apparent in the vegetation of western Ireland, such as speciesIndifference to soil acidity and habitat.In addition the grassland described appears to be a rare community and one which increases thevalue and interest of the site. --- 66 ______ ARDBOLINE AND HORSE ISLAND - Pt - I 'I;' 41 -. - .j 1L- - —Pd f - .,f_r':'u7. t.' - ri r 3'a' I.- C - nt't,....,...ç -: Scale : lcm105m(ll5YdS) Sheets: 4"7 : 1" 42. 6" Sligo : 7 67. ARDBOLINE AND HORSE ISLAND _ Area 7.2 ha and 5.6 ha GridReference G 55f44& G 561V45 Scientific Interest Ornithological: Rating Regional importance This .site consists of two islands,both of which are important for the numbers of nesting sea birds which they hold. Ardboline== :7 This island has high cliffsalong its western edge and several species of bird nest here, including the Cormorant.,-300 pairs of these nested in 1969; but much more recently thecolony was estimated at 100 breeding pairs.This makes the island the most importantCormorant colony in county Sligo. Shags also nest, alongwith Great Black=backed gulls; Herring Gulls and a few Auks. Horse Island Horse Island resemblesArcboline`in its bird fauna, holding substantial numbers of nesting Cormorantsand Shags. Counts taken in 1969 revealed that Cormorants totalled 80 breedingpairs and Shags numbered about 20 pairs. Evaluation Both islands are of importance forthe number of breeding sea binds which they hold. In addition BarnacleGeese winter on each of the islands. 68 INISHMURRAY INISHMURRAY - Area 112 ha Grid ,Reference G 57;4 Scientific Interest Ornithological Rating Regional importance - Inishmurray is a low-lying Sandstone mush expos d-,,;.r to Atlantic storms andwhose surface is largelycovered y wet acidic grassland. In the drier areas a fineclose growingturf occurs with White Clover-©, (Trifolium'revens). and Red Fescue (Festucarubra), predominating. The old fields on theisland now hold a flora of the wet grassland type in whichthe following species commonly are. found:- Bent Grass)(Agrostisstolonifera), Marsh Bedstraw ( um i including iftuncus .palustre), several species of Rush, salicaria) and Marsh q= -_effusus Purple Loosestrife;, (Lvthrum Ragwort,,(Senecio, aauaticug}}aauaticus--- u - The chief interest of the island,apart from its archaeologicalremains, lies in the large nesting coloniesof birds which occur. Fairlylarge populations of terns, includingArtic terns, nest here and asizeable colony of Eider ducks breed onthe island. In addition aflock of Barnacle Geese(200_birds)over winters- here.: Evaluation The island is extremely importantfrom the ornithological pointof view, as Eider duck haveonly 4 colonies of a similarsize in Ireland.It provides a nesting habitat forseveral species of term andholds a large flock of Barnacle Geesein winter. 70 i . A CULLEENAMORE Area 7 ha .Grid Reference G 6013 Scientific interest Geological; zoological 'Rating: .National Importance - --- to - - s is- a site of a post-glacialoyster bed with ;the shells still inthe y`position'of growth. The bed now forms a lowcliff about 4 feet in heiaht at the'back of the present beachand the feature is a striking :. _ . : -+ -__ -, ;example a L__ _L _ ._» _- .,....a cha'ngein sea level to the recentst. Evaluation` ..This is an important site for the investigation of postglacial sea level changes and for the informationit reveals about oyster growth before the influence of modern man. Itis one of a series of similar features on the west coast and may be the mostsignificant. t 72 .WV V SERPENT ROCK Area 63 ha Grid reference G 56145 e- 'Scientific Interest Geological National Importance AtSerpent Rock the most complete section of thenorth-western= -: Carboniferous strata are exposed.It is thus one of the critical sites for geological research in the area. An excellent series ofcaninoid fossil corals occurs and these stand out from the rock matrix in certain sections- of the strata. tvaluauon In view of the excellent state of preservationof the strata and their importance in establishing a chronology for the Carboniferous period in this area, the site. is of great interestgeologically. = t 74 i 4 N vO E-E DUEN -_ r p y as as SZREEDAGH POINT Area 158 ..ha Grid Reference G 63151 Geological; ecological Scientific Interest -:r J Rating National Importance. The succession of strata atSteedagh Point is identical tothat of the lower,part of Serpent Rock.It contains abundant remainsof caninoid coral fossils but many otherspecies occur here also.. Therock types found here include argillaceouslimestones,oolitic limestones, conglomerates and thin deposits of chert.The ecological interest stems from the slightly unusual structureof the sand dunes andshore communities .These are situated on a shinglespit of recent origin which runs north-east up to Conor's Island.-`Along the spit a storm beach lines the base of the sand duneswhilst in the dune-slack areas shingle is again exposed, makingthese areas drier thanwould nomrally be the case. Thesand dunes support a typical flora ;dominated by Marram Wmmoohila arenaria:), with the winter annuals Hair Grass,(Aira praecox),and Cat's Tail,.. (Phleum arenarium)..andand Chickweed. -,(Cerastium diffusum), . andthe perennials Biting Stonecrop f. , the moss ;Tortula ruraliformis (Sedum acre), Cats Ear, A(Hypochoerisradicata) And Red Fescue. (Festuca Closeto Steedagh Point ashort turf sloping towards thesea is composed _.- Sea Pink -(Armeria maritime), of Sheep's Fescue <(Festuca ovina), Bog Pimpernel(Ariacallis tenel-la) 'and Primrose - (Primulavulaaris). This unusualassociation is probably due to the mild oceanicconditions which prevail at the site, allowingmoisture loving plants to growin a fairly dry habitat. Evaluation The site is as important as thatat Serpent Rock for theestablishment of a correct stratigraphy for theCarboniferous period in`thearea. The sand dunes and the plantassociations at the Point are ofecological interest owing to the unusualhabitat and climatic conditionswhich occur. ABBEYTOWN MINE Scale 1 cm = 105 m (115yds) Sheets I" : 7 1" . 55. 6" Sligo. 20. 77 ABBEYTOWN MINE Area c 2 ha Grid reference G 66130 Scientific Interest Geological Regional Importance Ra ting_ - i s is an old minewith exposed.cores. Galenaand sphalerite occurin the lower Viseanlimestones and significant quantities of each remain. Evaluation ore -: is a well-knownsite- for, the occurence of lead-zinc done of the few known in limestone. 1 78 N- n01 AUGHRIS HEAD Area 22 ha Grid Reference G 50 Scientific Interest Geological; ornithological _ r - 3 Regional %; ~= =This site consists of uppercarboniferous strata with a Viseanfossil fauna. :-Its other feature is a sizeableseabird colony on *the cliffs which includes numbers of auks andgulls as well,as cormorant and shag. Evaluation: Y ,,; .importance because of its_st atigraphical - ; ;- This site isof regional interest. ti 80 MULLAGHMORE t - A - i aS -& r - tt - -. tc it _lL I s / / sj,t - -. —— -, — -ft A - 4':tf-t C: Scale : lcm1O5mG15YdS) 6" Sligo 2. Sheets : 4":7 1" 42. 43 81 MULLAGHMORE Area 35 ha Grid reference G 69156, Scientific interest Geological Regional Importance iA The sea cliffs in this area contain a variety ofsandsbnnes and thin limestonesboth of which are of deltaic origi' ThWdepositional features are also of interest with cross-bedding particularlywell fossils occur in - .:displayed,-- sometimes in three dimensions. _Tlace " some of the strata 'these include grazing trails and burrows Evaluation 't' This is the type area for the Mullaghmore sandstonesbut no type section has yetbeen described. The main exposures are onthe cliffs and on wave cut platforms. 1 82 a - • - .: • j...? 'i:,: i. z a II a 0a (a - - RINN Area 1.7 ha Grid reference G.62,36- Geological Local Importance s is another. part of the raised beach found atCulleenamoreSand Msagain composed mainly of oyster shells. It is also anarchaeological -_ site of some importance. '- -__ _- .-`.` ... _ _- valuation:_ -- ° `:-_ _ -_ _ ough of less value than Culleenamore at the moment, Rinn-seems :' -relatively :secure from development and therefore is less likelyto e :W' interfered with. ::-Thus` it must be considered of local importance.. i