Biodiversity-Strategy-January-2023

17 5.0 Our District’s Biodiversity – At a Glance Our District boasts a rich array of natural habitats which are home to a range of diverse species. Unique Geodiversity and Calcareous Habitat Unique geodiversity (rocks, landforms and processes) including notable calcareous habitats and karst (limestone) formations dominate the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. Our Diverse Grasslands Notable examples include lowland meadows, purple moor grass, rush pastures and roadside verges . Woodlands Notable examples include oak woodland (e.g. Drumlea), wet woodland (e.g. fringes around Castle Caldwell Forest, Castle Archdale Country Park), parkland (e.g. Castle Coole), ashwoods (e.g. Hanging Rock - coniferous forests throughout the district and many species rich hedgerows. Urban Gardens Examples such as our urban & rural gardens, public parks and open space & school grounds . Precious Bogs & Heath Notable examples of Lowland Raised Bog include Black Bog (SAC), Fairywater Bogs (SAC), Moninea; Blanket Bog in Bessy Bell, Sperrins, Pettigo Plateau & Cuilcagh Mountain; Upland Heathland in Mullaghcarn, Brougher Mountain, Slieve Beagh and Cuilcagh. Famous Rivers and Lakes Notable examples include (but not limited to) Lough Erne, Owenkillew River, River Strule, Erne River, Lough Melvin, Murrins NNR, Killyfole, Gortin Lakes and Loughmacrory.