Carn/Glenshane Pass SAC

Carn/Glenshane Pass extends over the uplands to the north-east of the Sperrin Mountains, between Maghera and Dungiven. With an area of largely intact blanket bog, estimated to be just over 1650 ha, it is one of the few remaining examples of good quality blanket bog within this region of Northern Ireland.

The peatland complex is comprised of a series of raised and flushed peat bog units within an all encompassing mantle of blanket peat. The blanket bog is somewhat degraded in places with large blocks eroded, other sections drained and still other areas overgrazed. Nevertheless, the peatland supports good Sphagnum-rich blanket bog vegetation with high dwarf-shrub cover. The site also includes a well-patterned hummock, hollow and pool complex. Localised pockets of wet heath occur on the steeper slopes.