Cloghcor Lough ASSI

Cloghcor Lough has been declared an ASSI because it supports an important population of the Irish Damselfly, a species which is not found in Great Britain.

The Irish Damselfly is mainly associated with small lakes and shallow pools or flooded peat cuttings in fens and bogs. Populations of this species have undergone a decline over the past few decades in Ireland. The presence of floating-leaved aquatic plants, such as those found at Cloghcor Lough, is an important attribute of sites favoured by this species. Other dragonfly and damselfly species associated with the site include Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common Darter, Four-spotted Chaser and Hairy Dragonfly.

The semi-natural habitats surrounding the lough are important for maintaining water quality.  These include swamp dominated by Water Horsetail and fen dominated by Bottle Sedge, with herbs such as Water Mint, Marsh Willowherb and notably, Nodding Bur-marigold.