Knockballymore Lough ASSI

Physiographic (the shape of the land surface) interest is of the presence of calcium carbonate deposits, or marl, originating from the calcium-rich water. Its associated wetland flora and fauna, includes diverse and extensive submerged beds of stoneworts, the Atlantic stream (or white clawed) crayfish along with a number of locally distributed species of aquatic beetles.

Water chemistry reflects the underlying geology. Marl Lakes are a relatively rare lake type in NI and this is one of the best.

The lough exhibits the natural succession from open water to terrestrial vegetation and includes a number of scarce plant communities, in addition to a number of rare plant species.