Turmennan consists of a valley mire, which is in a transitional stage between fen and bog. It supports a wide range of plant communities, ranging from swamp to a variety of fen types and wet grasslands.
Small pockets of wet heath and scrub further enhance the scientific interest of the area.
The diversity of wetland habitats supports a rich invertebrate community with a number of notable Odontata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) and aquatic Coleoptera (water beetles).
The fen communities range from slightly base-rich to markedly acidic which is partly related to past patterns of peat cutting. Sedges dominate the sward with a variety of associated herbs depending on local edaphic conditions. A carpet of brown mosses dominated by Calliergon cuspidatum and Calliergon cordifolium occurs beneath the more base-rich fen with the more acidic areas characterised by Sphagnum bog-mosses.
Notable plants include marsh St John's-wort, floating club-rush and least bur-reed.
Related articles
- ASSI Guidance for Public Bodies/Competent Authorities
- Coastal Areas of Special Scientific Interest
- Conservation Management Plans (CMPs)
- European Marine Sites - Marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas
- Introduction to Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) for Northern Ireland’s Special Areas of Conservation
- Marine Conservation Zones
- Marine Protected Areas
- Marine Ramsar sites
- Portrush Coastal Zone
- Special Areas of Conservation
- Special Areas of Conservation for Harbour porpoise
- Special Protection Areas