Lurgan Lough ASSI

The wetlands associated with Lurgan Lough form a series of irregular basins within gently-undulating land, separated by gently rising ground which is only a few metres above the level of the basins. These low ridges still retain semi-natural vegetation over most of their area and thus link the basins as an ecological unit with a total area of 16.20 hectares.

Two of the basins have lakes surrounded by marginal swamp. Otherwise, the main wetland areas are fen, occurring as intricate mosaics with wet heath/bog in areas of old cut-over. Small areas of Salix (a genus of trees or shrubs including the willow) carr (a type of wetland with peaty soils, generally found in low-lying situations) are also present within the wetland. The site also holds a number of valuable habitats on the more elevated areas, including unimproved acid grassland, dry heath, gorse scrub and broad-leaved woodland.

Some of the former peatland area has been reclaimed to wet Juncus (rush) pasture or semi-improved grassland, but the quality of the semi-natural habitats is generally good, with little evidence of damage, apart from local nutrient-enrichment. The site thus forms an extensive complex of varied habitats which must be considered as having substantial wildlife interest.
The two lakes support a rich aquatic flora, with white water lily, yellow water lily, unbranched burr-reed and branched burr-reed.

Lurgan Lough contains a number of notable fen species, including cowbane, Royal fern and narrow buckler-fern. The fen vegetation at Lurgan Lough is also one of the most important wetland habitats in South Armagh for invertebrates. It supports a number of rare species of water beetles, ground beetles and spiders.