Knockninny Hill ASSI

Knockninny Hill is a residual block of hard limestone from the Lower Carboniferous Age. Limestone pavement, a Karst feature of limited distribution, occurs on the summit and northern flanks of the hill.

This supports a rich, unimproved, limestone grassland community characterised by a short, tightly grazed sward. A number of notable species have been recorded including a diverse orchid population. Dense flowered orchid is present in only its second known Northern Ireland location.

The well developed wood, on the steep, rocky flanks of the hill is characteristic of shallow base-rich, limestone soils. The canopy is comprised of ash and low hazel. The ground flora is typically species-rich and supports a number of notable species such as Columbine, stone bramble and includes the very rare yellow bird's-nest.

A series of old meadows occur on the deeper, heavier clay soils around the lower slopes of the hill.

The area is also important for butterflies and moths and several other notable invertebrates have also been recorded.