Moneygal Bog Part 2 ASSI

The area is of special scientific interest because of its physiographical features and peatland flora and associated fauna. Moneygal Bog Part II is an integral part of Moneygal Bog ASSI.

The biological interest of the bog relates to the size of the intact dome, its western position within Northern Ireland and the presence of one of the best lowland raised bog pool systems. Moneygal Bog lies in a basin surrounded by low hills directly north of Castlederg and represents the most north-westerly lowland raised bog in Northern Ireland. The bog lies at a moderate elevation between 130m and 140m O.D. and displays some characteristics of transitional intermediate bog.

Within Moneygal Bog ASSI, which was declared in March 1987, the peat deposits are deep and permanently waterlogged and the main feature of interest is a well-defined dome. Sphagnum hummocks and a well-developed system of pools are arranged concentrically around the site of an old bog burst. The intact dome supports frequent hummocks of the notable Sphagnum imbricatum and S. fuscum as well as Racomitrium lanuginosum which, in association with the pools create an impressive microtopography. The pool margins are typically dominated by Sphagnum papillosum with Bog Asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, Common Cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium and Round-leaved Sundew Drosera rotundifolia. The bog vegetation is generally characterised by a high cover of Sphagnum mosses, ericoid dwarf shrubs and associated species. Old hand cuttings are extensive around Moneygal Bog, but are confmed to the margins, leaving the central core of the bog intact.