Conservation
Protected Sites
The designation and protection of sites is just one important
measure to ensure the conservation of peatlands. Many peatland
sites are designated and legally protected as a result of
European, national and local legislation. Most peatland sites
are protected for nature conservation but some are designated
for their archaeological features. In Northern Ireland there
are a number of site designations that are relevant to peatlands.
- Natura 2000 – Special Areas of Conservation
(SAC) and Special Protected Areas (SPA)
- Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)
- National Nature Reserves (NNR)
- State Care Monuments (SCM) and Scheduled
Monuments (SM)
Natura 2000 sites – SACs and SPAs
Pettigoe Plateau
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In 1992 the EU adopted the Habitats Directive the main aim
of which was the conservation of natural habitats and of wild
flora and fauna. A number of habitat types, including alkaline
fens, raised bogs and blanket bogs, are given priority status
within the Directive. Sites that are proposed for designation
in accordance with the Habitats
Directive are known as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
The EC has yet to endorse the list of sites so all SAC sites
are currently referred to as candidate SACs. Government policy
however is to treat candidate SACs as though they have been
designated.
In 1979 the EU adopted the Birds Directive which aimed to
conserve all species of naturally occurring birds and their
habitats. Sites that are designated in accordance with the
Birds
Directive are known as Special Protected Areas (SPAs).
To date 29 of the 51 proposed SACs and 1 of the 12 designated
SPAs in Northern Ireland are peatland sites. The European
network of sites that have been proposed as SACs or are designated
as SPAs are collectively known as Natura 2000.
Click here to view details and map of peatland Natura
2000 sites in Northern Ireland
Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)
Fairywater Bog
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In the last century there has been a dramatic loss of certain
habitats, particularly wetlands and peatlands throughout the
United Kingdom. In the 1980’s there was public pressure
to introduce legislation to prevent the continuing decline
of habitats and species. In 1985 legislation known as the
Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order was introduced
in Northern Ireland. The Environment Order 2002 has since
updated this legislation. Within this legislation is a requirement
that Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) declare any area
of land as an ASSI when the site requires protection because
of the plants, animals, geological, physiographical or other
features present. Most ASSI’s are in private ownership
and consent
must be obtained from EHS to undertake any operation which
could affect the site. Currently 84 of the 200 designated
ASSI’s are peatland sites.
Click
here to view details and maps of designated peatland
ASSI sites in Northern Ireland
National Nature Reserves (NNR)
Environment and Heritage Service declares National Nature
Reserves under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern
Ireland) Order 1985. A National Nature Reserve is defined
as an area of importance for plants, animals, or features
of geological or other special interest, which are reserved
and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities
for study or research. To date 8 of the 45 designated NNR’s
in Northern Ireland are peatland sites.
Killeter National Nature Reserve
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It should be noted that Forest Service, the Ulster Wildlife
Trust and Local Councils have areas known as nature reserves
but such sites are not afforded legal protection unless they
are also designated as an NNR.
Click here to view details and maps of designated peatland
National Nature Reserves in Northern Ireland
State Care Monuments (SCM) and Scheduled
Monuments (SM)
Clogherny
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Historic Monuments have been protected by legislation since
1869, and are currently protected by the Historic Monuments
and Archaeological Objects Order. Monuments may be protected
by taking them into state care or by scheduling them for protection.
Scheduling protection is intended for features in private
ownership, but not occupied buildings. In Northern Ireland
many SCM and SM are situated in peatlands and the designations
often include a zone of peat around the monument. Development
control measures are employed to prevent inappropriate development
in peatland landscapes containing archaeological remains.
Scheduled Monument Consent is required for any activities,
which would alter or remove a scheduled monument.
There are currently 1500 scheduled historic monuments in
Northern Ireland, 10% of which are found in peatlands, and
the scheduling programme is ongoing.
