The site, Castlewellan Lake, is a mid-altitude lake that lies in the valley between Slievenaslat and Slievebeg, within the grounds of Castlewellan Forest Park.
It has been declared as an ASSI because of its aquatic flora and fauna, which are dependent on the unpolluted water and low levels of nutrients.
The diverse substrate of the lake ranges from boulder and rock, to sand and gravel on the deeper waters. This provides a variety of niches for a wide range of plants and animals.
Such lakes are becoming increasingly rare in Northern Ireland due to pollution.
The floral interest in the site is focused on the aquatic plant community which is dominated in the shallows by shoreweed, while the rare quillwort is found in the deeper waters. Pondweeds and alternative water-milfoil form submerged beds. The site is also valuable for wetland animals including birds and invertebrates. There is evidence that otters regularly frequent the site.
Related articles
- ASSI Guidance for Public Bodies/Competent Authorities
- Coastal Areas of Special Scientific Interest
- Conservation Management Plans (CMPs)
- European Marine Sites - Marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas
- Introduction to Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) for Northern Ireland’s Special Areas of Conservation
- Marine Conservation Zones
- Marine Protected Areas
- Marine Ramsar sites
- Portrush Coastal Zone
- Special Areas of Conservation
- Special Areas of Conservation for Harbour porpoise
- Special Protection Areas