Lough Muckno Biodiversity Study
Lough Muckno is located next to the town of Castleblayney and is the largest lake in County Monaghan. The lake and some of the surrounding habitats have been designated as a proposed Natural Heritage Area (NHA). This study was commissioned as a first step in taking the necessary measures to save and restore biodiversity in and around Lough Muckno.
- Client Oriel River Catchments and Coastal Association
- Location Lough Muckno, County Monaghan
Establishing the baseline and sharing knowledge
With the area being home to several protected species, woodland and wildlife habitats, establishing the baseline conditions required our ecologists to provide a range of services. This included; habitat mapping, habitat condition assessments, collation of existing data on species/taxa of flora and fauna and status assessments of vulnerable species/taxa. To improve knowledge of the wildlife and protected species in the area, we also collated user-friendly maps, graphs and photographs to be used for displays and educational materials.
As a result of this study sensitive species such as otters were found to be residing in significant numbers around Lough Muckno.
Biodiversity recommendations to ensure long-term protection
The Lough Muckno Biodiversity study ran for 11 months. During this time our team of ecologists investigated the presence of wintering birds, assessed the ecological value of local woodlands, identified protected grasslands and conducted thorough habitat mapping. This included the assessment of bat and owl activity and recording the presence of amphibians and invertebrates. These findings and a significant number of biodiversity recommendations were then published in a comprehensive report, which can be used as a record of the rich variety of habitats and species in and around Lough Muckno. This will allow the protected species, wildlife and woodland to be preserved for future generations.
For more information about this project please contact Patricia Byrne.