Physiographic interest is of the presence of calcium carbonate deposits, or marl, which is precipitated out of the calcium-rich water with its associated wetland flora and fauna including submerged beds of Stoneworts. This is a relatively rare lake type in NI and the water chemistry is a result of the underlying geology.
The lough exhibits the natural succession from open water to terrestrial vegetation and includes a number of scarce plant communities. In addition to a number of rare plant species, the area is also of interest for its invertebrates.
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