Montiaghs Moss SAC

Montiaghs Moss is a cutover lowland raised bog, consisting of an intricate mosaic of peat ramparts, trenches, pools and drains, interspersed with grassland, alder and willow carr and tall hedgerows. These habitats support a wide range of plants and animals, including many rarities.

The area is particularly notable as one of the longest established colonies of the Marsh Fritillary butterfly in NI. The species was first recorded in 1983 and has been recorded annually since 1990 (except for 1997).

It is believed that the colony here represents a metapopulation, with a comparatively large core permanent population. 89 webs were counted in 1999.