Derryvore Fen
Isolated remnant of the once extensive wetland previously found
to the south of Lough Neagh before the water level of the lough
was lowered during a series of drainage schemes. Derryvore Fen
lies in a shallow interdrumlin hollow where impeded drainage
results in permanent wet conditions. Much of the surface peat
has been harvested resulting in a series of cuttings separated
by narrow peat ramparts. These flooded cuttings display successional
stages of vegetative infilling ranging from open water to those
that are completely grown over by mossy fen carpet. This rich
variation of community types is reflected in the high diversity
of wetland plants present - a number of which are locally notable.
There is no public access to this site.
Selshion Bog
Isolated remnant of the once extensive wetland previously found
to the south of Lough Neagh before the waterlevel of the lough
was lowered during a series of drainage schemes. Selshion Bog
lies in an interdrumlin hollow where impeded drainage results
in permanent wet conditions. Much of the surface peat has been
harvested resulting in a series of cuttings separated by peat
ramparts.
The cut over peat surface, due to the depth of past excavation
and current water table, varies in wetness. The deeper flooded
cuttings display successional stages of vegetative infilling
ranging from open water to those that are grown over by mossy
fen carpet. Where the peat surface lies at or close to the water
table, a secondary bog vegetation has developed under dryer
conditions dominated by Purple Moor-grass heathland. This rich
variation of community types is reflected in the high diversity
of wetland plants present - a number of which are locally notable.
In addition to its botanical importance, the site is one of
the most important wetlands in the east of the province for
invertebrates. This is largely because of the Dragonfly fauna,
which is known to comprise at least 13 species including the
rare Irish Damselfly.
There is no public access to this site.