This site comprises of a number of low-lying fields on the shores of Upper Lough Erne. It is remarkable for the range of plant communities it supports and is also of value for it's breeding birds. Common reed and bulrush dominate the water edge.
Behind this is a fen zone in which tall sedges such as tufted sedge and bladder sedge dominate. A wide range of other species grow here including purple loosestrife, cowbane, and yellow loosestrife. The main area of the site is mown for hay and is exceptionally species rich. The dominant plant cover is sedges and rushes - carnation sedge, glaucous sedge, common sedge and sharp-flowered rush. However a wide range of other plant species occur, including meadow sweet, knapweed, meadow thistle, sneezewort, eyebright and hay rattle.
A number of scarce plant species occur including greater water-parsnip, marsh stitchwort, and marsh pea, growing abundantly in some areas.
A colony of Irish lady's tresses orchid has recently been discovered on the site: this species is extremely rare throughout Europe.
The fields also provide a suitable habitat for breeding waders. lapwing, curlew, redshank and snipe were all recorded in 1986.
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