County Fermanagh Areas of Special Scientific Interest
County Fermanagh, located in Northern Ireland, is home to a diverse array of landscapes that are critical for biodiversity and geological study. To protect these unique environments, specific locations are designated as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs). These designations ensure that sites of high scientific value are managed and preserved for future generations.
What is an ASSI?
An Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) is a conservation designation used in Northern Ireland to protect the most valuable natural and man-made sites. Unlike Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) found in other parts of the United Kingdom, ASSIs are broader in scope. They encompass not only natural environments but also man-made structures that hold significant scientific or historical value.
The designation of these sites is based on several key criteria, including the presence of rare fauna (animal life), flora (plant life), and unique geological or physiographical (physical geography) features. In the case of man-made structures, designations are based on rarity, recorded history, and intrinsic appeal.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Governance and Management
The responsibility for designating and overseeing ASSIs in Northern Ireland falls to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, which operates as a division of the Department of Environment (DoE). This agency provides detailed citation sheets for each site, which serve as the official record of the site's scientific importance and the reasons for its protection.
Key Facts
- Governing Body: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (a division of the DoE) manages ASSI designations.
- Scope: ASSIs cover both natural landscapes and man-made structures.
- Criteria: Sites are selected based on flora, fauna, geology, physiography, rarity, and historical significance.
- Documentation: Official data and citation sheets are available via the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's website.
List of ASSIs in County Fermanagh
County Fermanagh contains a vast number of protected sites, ranging from mountain plateaus and bogs to river systems and islands. These sites represent the ecological richness of the region.
| Category of Site | Examples of ASSIs |
|---|---|
| Loughs and Lakes | Annachullion Lough, Killymackan Lough, Lough Melvin, Summerhill Lough |
| Islands | Cruninish Island, Devenish Island, Hare Island, Horse Island |
| Mountains and Hills | Cuilcagh Mountain, Knockninny Hill, Slieve Beagh, Pettigoe Plateau |
| Bogs and Woods | Moninea Bog, Tattenamona Bog, Edenaclough Wood, Lenaghan Wood |
| Rivers and Waterways | Cladagh (Swanlinbar) River, Tempo River, Finn Floods |
| Geological/Other | Ederney Quarry, Largy Quarry, West Fermanagh Scarplands |
Comprehensive Site Index
The following is a complete list of the designated Areas of Special Scientific Interest within the county:
- Annachullion Lough ASSI
- Banagher ASSI
- Bellanaleck ASSI
- Beagh Big ASSI
- Blackslee ASSI
- Boho ASSI
- Braade ASSI
- Burdautien Lough ASSI
- Carrickbrawn ASSI
- Castle Coole ASSI
- Cladagh (Swanlinbar) River ASSI
- Conagher ASSI
- Coolcran ASSI
- Corraslough Point ASSI
- Cruninish Island ASSI
- Cuilcagh Mountain ASSI
- Dernish Island ASSI
- Devenish Island ASSI
- Drumacrittin Lough ASSI
- Drumbegger ASSI
- Drumlisaleen ASSI
- Edenaclough Wood ASSI
- Ederney Quarry ASSI
- Fardrum and Roosky Turloughs ASSI
- Finn Floods ASSI
- Garvros ASSI
- Glennasheevar ASSI
- Glen East ASSI
- Gravel Ridge Island
- Ground Bridge ASSI
- Hare Island ASSI
- Horse Island ASSI
- Inishroosk ASSI
- Keadew ASSI
- Killymackan Lough ASSI
- Kilnameel ASSI
- Kilroosky Lough ASSI
- Knockballymore Lough ASSI
- Knocknashangan ASSI
- Knockninny Hill ASSI
- Largalinny ASSI
- Largy Quarry
- Larkhill ASSI
- Lenaghan Wood ASSI
- Lergan ASSI
- Lough Aleater ASSI
- Lough Anierin ASSI
- Lough Corry ASSI
- Lough Melvin ASSI
- Lough Naman Bog and Lake ASSI
- Lough Scolban ASSI
- Lurgan River Wood ASSI
- Magheramenagh ASSI
- Makenny ASSI
- Mill Lough ASSI
- Monawilkin ASSI
- Moneendogue ASSI
- Moninea Bog ASSI
- Mullynaskeagh ASSI
- Paris Island Big ASSI
- Pettigoe Plateau ASSI
- Ross ASSI
- Slieve Beagh ASSI
- Summerhill Lough ASSI
- Tattenamona Bog ASSI
- Tedd ASSI
- Tempo River ASSI
- The Cliffs of Magho ASSI
- Tower More ASSI
- Tullanaguiggy ASSI
- Tullysranadeega ASSI
- Upper Lough Erne - Belleisle ASSI
- Upper Lough Erne - Crom ASSI
- Upper Lough Erne - Galloon ASSI
- Upper Lough Erne - Trannish ASSI
- West Fermanagh Scarplands ASSI
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for designating ASSIs in Northern Ireland?
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency, which is a division of the Department of Environment (DoE), is the body responsible for designating these areas.
What is the difference between an ASSI and an SSSI?
While both protect sites of scientific interest, ASSIs in Northern Ireland include both natural environments and man-made structures, whereas SSSIs typically focus on natural environments.
What criteria are used to designate a site as an ASSI?
Sites are designated based on their flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features. For man-made structures, criteria include rarity, recorded history, and intrinsic appeal.
Where can I find detailed information about a specific ASSI?
Detailed data and citation sheets for each individual ASSI are available on the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's website.
Are man-made structures really included in these protections?
Yes, man-made structures are covered under ASSI designations if they meet specific criteria, such as the Whitespots mines in Conlig.