Biodiversity-Strategy-January-2023

50 Oak Woodland Oak woodlands are mainly dominated by oak trees, but they also contain a diverse mix of other native tree species, such as downy birch, hazel, holly and rowan. Their understorey and ground flora are normally quite diverse, with common plants including bluebells, wood anemone, bramble, ferns, lichens, mosses, liverworts, and not forgetting the important fungi. Most of Fermanagh and Omagh’s important oak woods, including Drumlea and Mullan Woods, Owenkillew and Glenelly Woods, Largalinny and Florencecourt, are all protected as ASSIs. However, many other pockets of important woodland exist throughout the District and are often associated with river corridors. Upper Lough Erne Crom ASSI is a ‘Mecca’ for wildlife and showcases a wide range of habitats, including oak woodland. It is the perfect place to visit in the hope of catching a glimpse of the wonderful purple hairstreak butterfly, a cheeky red squirrel or any one of the eight species of bat that occur in NI. Even the more common, but rarely sighted pine marten or otter may be spotted here. Wet Woodland Wet woodland is normally located around lake shores, streams, or on wet flushes where the soils are poorly drained or waterlogged. Typically, wet woodlands are dominated by willow, alder or downy birch, which are highly water-tolerant. The high humidity in wet woodlands also favours the growth of a variety of mosses and liverworts. Wet woodlands in the Fermanagh area are important for the rare alder buckthorn, which in turn, supports the regionally rare dark umber and brown scallop moths. Good examples of wet woodland are present in Castle Caldwell Forest, Castle Archdale Country Park and on the shores of Lower Lough Erne. Parkland Parklands are important types of woodland characterised by veteran or mature trees, both native and non-native, as well as deciduous and coniferous, which are surrounded by grassland pasture. They are normally associated with grand old houses or demesnes such as Ecclesville Demesne in Fintona, and the National Trust’s Castle Coole, Crom Estate and Florence Court. Parklands support a wide variety of species, including rare lichen species, many beetles, bugs, insects, and numerous 10.0 Appendices © J Corry © E Denton