Lough Anierin ASSI

Lough Anierin is a mid-altitude lake generally surrounded by hill slopes. It is a special place because of its aquatic flora and fauna, which is dependent on unpolluted water and low levels of plant nutrients. The lake margins to the west are predominantly peaty while the eastern half is diverse ranging from boulder and rock to gravel, cobble and sand.

Beds of Shoreweed, Water Lobelia and Quillwort are abundant in a typical zonation on the eastern shore. The western shore of the lake has a broad, floating stand of White Water-lily grading into a narrow stand of Broad-leaved Pondweed to the east. Other submerged and floating leaved species found in the lake include Common Water-moss, Alternate-flowered Water-milfoil and Small Pondweed. Species typical of moderate nutrient levels such as stoneworts and Red Pondweed are found mainly in the north and east ends of the lough.

In the fen margins surrounding most of the lough Sharp-flowered Rush and Bottle Sedge predominate with Common Spike-rush, Water Horsetail, Slender, Common and White Sedge occurring to a lesser extent. This fen area grades into Common Reed which forms dense and open reed beds, particularly on the central southern shore, and a zone of Common Club-rush swamp towards the open water. This area of the lough provides cover, foraging and nesting habitat for wetland birds such as the reclusive Water Rail. Evidence of the presence of European Otter is also found.

All of the plant communities that make Lough Anierin such a special place depend on the ASSI being kept in good condition. We therefore need to protect it from certain activities, which have been identified as potentially damaging to the site.