Oweninny Bog, Co. Mayo
Oweninny Bog, Co. Mayo
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| Oweninny Bog, Co. Mayo |
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Title: |
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Freehold
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Date Acquired: |
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1981
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From Whom Acquired: |
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Bord na Mona
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Designations: |
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- NHA (2001)
- Proposed SAC (466) due to the occurrence of two protected plant species; Saxifrage hirculus and the rare mosses, Homalothecium nitens and Meesia triquetra.
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Management: |
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Management agreement with Bord na Mona since 1981. Duchas own a 'buffer zone' surrounding the Iron Flush and are currently establishing a management plan as part of the sites SAC designation.
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Management Contacts: |
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First contact should be made to An Taisce Head Office.
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ADDRESS / GRID REFERENCE
- Situated on the headwaters of the Sruffaunnamuingabatia, a tributary of the Oweninny River, Bellacorick, Co. Mayo.
- N 54' 09'' W 09' 31''
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE
- Rich-flush habitat, uncommon outside north Mayo.
- Presence of rare plant species.
HISTORY / DESCRIPTION
Oweninny Bog contains a small minerotrophic fen developed on glacial till overlying calcareous sandstone. This particular Flush is of considerable interest, both in terms of the rich-flush habitat, which is uncommon outside of the north Mayo region in Ireland, and because of the presence of rare plant species. Drains and extensive areas of mechanically-cut peat surround the entire site. The continued survival of this habitat, and the species which occur there, is threatened by the lack of grazing, the drainage and peat-cutting activities occurring around the site, and the resultant development towards rank grassland and scrub.
HOW ACQUIRED
Donated.
MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND FUTURE PLAN
- Review existing management agreement with Bord na Mona. It has been acknowledged that peat extraction has damaged the hydrology of the site.
- Re-establish a management committee with significant scientific representation and some local involvement as a prerequisite.
- Make strong representation independently and in collaboration concerning windfarm development.
- Push to connect the Iron Flush and the Nature Reserve to create a continuous conservation area.
- Establish an endowment fund.