County Tyrone Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs)
County Tyrone, located in Northern Ireland, is home to a diverse array of landscapes that are critical for biodiversity and geological study. To protect these vital assets, specific locations are designated as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs). These designations ensure that the most valuable natural and man-made features of the region are 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 sites of high scientific value. Unlike the 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.
The designation process is managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, which operates as a division of the Department of Environment (DoE). Sites are selected based on specific criteria, including the presence of rare fauna (animals), flora (plants), or unique geological and physiographical features. When man-made structures are considered, the agency evaluates them based on their rarity, recorded history, and intrinsic appeal.
[no image illustration]Key Facts
- Governing Body: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (a division of the DoE) is responsible for designating ASSIs.
- Scope: ASSIs protect both natural habitats and man-made structures.
- Criteria: Designations are based on flora, fauna, geology, physiography, rarity, and historical significance.
- Documentation: Detailed information for each site is available via citation sheets on the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's website.
ASSIs in County Tyrone
County Tyrone hosts a vast number of protected sites, ranging from expansive bogs and loughs to ancient woodlands and quarries. These sites serve as essential refuges for wildlife and provide invaluable data for scientific research.
Wetlands, Bogs, and Loughs
Water-based ecosystems are prominent in Tyrone's ASSI list. These include significant bodies of water like Lough Neagh and various specialized boglands such as Annaghagh Bog, Black Bog, and the Teal Lough and Slaghtfreeden Bogs.
Woodlands and Glens
The region's forested areas and valleys are equally protected. Notable examples include the Owenkillew and Glenelly Woods, Silverbrook Wood, and the Sloughan and Willmount Glens.
Geological and Riverine Sites
The geological diversity of the county is captured in sites like the Drummond Quarry and Mountfield Quarry. Additionally, river systems such as the River Foyle and River Faughan, along with their tributaries, are recognized for their scientific importance.
[no image illustration]Summary of County Tyrone ASSIs
| Category | Examples of Designated Sites |
|---|---|
| Bogs & Mosses | Annaghagh Bog, Black Bog, Moneygal Bog, McKean's Moss |
| Loughs & Lakes | Lough Neagh, Lough Macrory, Lough Doo, Cullentra Lough |
| Woods & Glens | Glenmore Wood, Rehaghy Wood, Strabane Glen, Butterlope Glen |
| Rivers & Streams | River Foyle, River Faughan, Owenkillew River, Fardross Stream |
| Geological/Other | Drummond Quarry, Mountfield Quarry, Cashel Rock, Straduff |
Full List of Designated Sites
The following is a comprehensive list of the Areas of Special Scientific Interest located within County Tyrone:
- Aghabrack ASSI
- Annaghagh Bog ASSI
- Ballysudden ASSI
- Baronscourt ASSI
- Bardahessiagh ASSI
- Benburb ASSI
- Black Bog ASSI
- Black Lough ASSI
- Brookend ASSI
- Butterlope Glen ASSI
- Cashel Rock ASSI
- Caledon and Tynan ASSI
- Corbylin Wood ASSI
- Cranny Bogs ASSI
- Cullentra Lough ASSI
- Deroran Bog ASSI
- Derrycloony Lough ASSI
- Dromore ASSI
- Drumcrow ASSI
- Drumharvey ASSI
- Drumlea and Mullan Woods ASSI
- Drummond Quarry ASSI
- Dunnaree Hill ASSI
- Essan Burn and Mullyfamore ASSI
- Fairy Water Bogs ASSI
- Fardross Stream ASSI
- Fymore Lough ASSI
- Glenmore Wood ASSI
- Grange Wood ASSI
- Kirlish ASSI
- Knocknacloy ASSI
- Lisdoo ASSI
- Lisnaragh ASSI
- Limehill Farm ASSI
- Little River ASSI
- Lough Corr ASSI
- Lough Macrory ASSI
- Lough McCall ASSI
- Lough Doo ASSI
- Lough Na Blaney Bane ASSI
- Lough Neagh ASSI
- Lurgylea ASSI
- Mountfield Quarry ASSI
- Mullaghcarn ASSI
- McKean's Moss ASSI
- McKean's Moss Part II ASSI
- Moneygal Bog ASSI
- Moneygal Bog Part II ASSI
- Murrins ASSI
- Owenkillew and Glenelly Woods ASSI
- Owenkillew River ASSI
- Rehaghy Wood ASSI
- River Faughan and Tributaries ASSI
- River Foyle and Tributaries ASSI
- Round Lough and Lough Fadda ASSI
- Scraghy ASSI
- Silverbrook Wood ASSI
- Slieve Beagh ASSI
- Sloughan and Willmount Glens ASSI
- Strabane Glen ASSI
- Straduff ASSI
- Tanderagee ASSI
- Teal Lough and Slaghtfreeden Bogs ASSI
- Teal Lough Part II ASSI
- Tonnagh Beg Bog ASSI
- Tully Bog ASSI
- Upper Ballinderry River 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 the designation of these sites.
How do ASSIs differ from SSSIs?
While both protect scientifically important areas, 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 man-made structure as an ASSI?
Man-made structures are evaluated based on their rarity, their recorded history, and their intrinsic appeal.
What types of natural features qualify for ASSI status?
Sites are designated if they meet criteria based on their flora (plants), fauna (animals), geological features, or physiographical characteristics.
Where can I find detailed information about a specific ASSI?
Detailed data, including citation sheets for each individual site, is available on the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's official website.