Oweninny Bog, Co. Mayo Click on an image to view a larger version.
		Title:				Freehold
		Date Acquired:				1981
		From Whom Acquired:				Bord na Mona
		Designations:				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.
		Management:				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.
		Management Contacts:				First contact should be made to An Taisce Head Office.

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.