Biodiversity-Strategy-January-2023

46 These numbers show just how important our District is in terms of biodiversity, and in turn, the ecosystem services we benefit from. The habitats and wildlife corridors between these protected sites are equally important in supporting healthy, functioning ecosystems, rich and abundant in a wide variety of wildlife. Wetlands Wetlands are a widespread and important feature within the Fermanagh and Omagh landscape. The Fermanagh Lakelands are known for their biodiverse, scenic and recreational value. The Lakelands are central to the character of the area and form much of the landscape. The diversity of the habitats and species found across the Council area, owe much to the presence of these lakes, as 11 NI priority habitats are associated with wetlands. The reedbeds, muddy banks, their associated flood plains and wet meadows, provide a host of invaluable transition zone opportunities for wildlife, including plants, insects and wildfowl. Wet woodlands frequently fringe the Lakeland shores, offering more habitat opportunities to other groups of wildlife, such as mammals. Wetlands are perhaps the most under threat, due to their sensitivities to drainage, water pollution and infilling. Lakes and Ponds There are many wonderful examples of loughs in our Council area, such as the magnificent Upper and Lower Lough Erne, unique Lough Melvin, the Seven Sister cluster at The Murrins, and the many smaller loughs dotted around Fermanagh and Omagh. There are also Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), such as Killyfole, Gortin Lakes and Loughmacrory. Lough Erne is particularly important for wildfowl, including species such as the tufted duck, great crested grebe and mute swan. In winter, populations of whooper swan and goldeneye arrive to avoid the harsher climates of northern latitudes. Breeding waders and a delightful sandwich tern colony also thrive on some islands within Lower Lough Erne. Forty of Lough Erne’s islands are managed by the RSPB for their benefit. The pollan, which is Northern Ireland’s only native species of whitefish, is found in Lower Lough Erne. This is one of only a few locations this fish has been recorded on the island of Ireland. Lough Melvin is particularly noteworthy, as there are three races of brown trout present: namely, sonaghan, gillaroo and ferox. Arctic charr are also found in these waters, representing Northern Ireland’s only location for this species. Rivers and Streams From mammals to birds and insects to plants, rivers and streams provide vital resources for all wildlife. The smallest stream will have huge importance for localised biodiversity and a cumulative importance for the catchment area, as each tributary feeds larger rivers downstream. Fermanagh and Omagh’s rivers are important for many species, including the European protected otter, freshwater pearl mussel, Atlantic salmon, native brown trout and white-clawed crayfish. Notable rivers that occur in the area include the Cladagh River, Erne River, Sillees River, Colebrooke River, the River Strule, Owenreagh River and Owenkillew River. Scrub patches and strips of woodland often follow river corridors, as do belts of wildflower meadows, further enhancing the value of catchment and riverbank areas. Calcareous Habitats The Council area hosts a significant quantity of Northern Ireland’s calcareous habitat. The underlying carboniferous limestone of the Fermanagh area gives rise to several interesting and notable habitat types, many of which are only found in this area. The rarity of these calcareous habitats, along with their significant contribution to biodiversity, means they are afforded protection through statutory designation. The Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark is an excellent network of wildlife sites across the Fermanagh area 10.0 Appendices