Magheraveely Marl Loughs

Magheraveely Marl Loughs

Country:
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Site number:
1717
Area:
59.0 ha
Designation date:
03-07-2007
Coordinates:
54°10'59"N 07°16'W

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Magheraveely Marl Loughs. 07/02/07; Northern Ireland; 59 ha; 54°11'N 007°16'W; SSSI/ASSI, SAC. The site is composed of six loughs of which three are intersected by the border with the Republic of Ireland - they represent the best remaining examples of a relatively rare lake type in Northern Ireland characterised by the presence of calcium carbonate deposits, or marl, which, precipitated out of the calcium-rich water, produces marl loughs. Biological interest is related to the presence of vegetation which reflects these calcareous conditions, including rich and extensive stonewort (charophyte) communities. The loughs are surrounded by an inundation zone containing significant stands of alkaline fen vegetation. The clean unpolluted waters of the loughs support populations of White-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes, a species which is becoming increasingly rare throughout its geographical range. Ramsar site no. 1717. Most recent RIS information: 2007.
National legal designation:
  • ASSI
Regional (international) legal designations:
  • EU Natura 2000
Last publication date: 03-07-2007
Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)