Kilnameel ASSI

Kilnameel is a series of fields containing a variety of grassland types. It is particularly important because of the extent of species-rich dry grassland present on the site. Species-rich dry grassland is a particularly rare resource in NI and is usually not found in large field parcels.

Several field units are managed for hay and are dominated by grasses, notably yellow oat-grass and downy oat-grass. A range of associated herbs typical of unimproved grasslands, such as common knapweed, ox-eye daisy and eyebright. are also present. Some of the banks within the site, where the limestone is very locally exposed, are exceptionally species-rich. These swards are characterised by numerous orchids e.g. twayblade and the notable frog orchid. lady's bedstraw and yellow-rattle are common with the notable adders-tongue and mountain everlasting.

Wet grasslands and a range of other minor habitats occur within the site adding to overall diversity.