Lough Melvin

Lough Melvin lies to the very north-west of Co. Leitrim close to the Donegal border. It is 13km long and parts of the lake extend 45 metres deep.

Like Lough Gill, Atlantic Salmon and otter are two important species Lough Melvin supports. Both species are listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. Of particular interest however is the unique population of Arctic Char that occurs in Lough Melvin, representing an arctic-alpine aspect of Irish fauna. Three varieties of Brown Trout also form part of the lake’s fish community: Ferox, Gillaroo, and Sonaghen.

Blue-eyed Grass

http://greennature.com/gallery/flower-pictures/

Courtesy of Green Nature

Blue-eyed Grass
Courtesy of Green Nature

Blue-eyed Grass

http://greennature.com/gallery/flower-pictures/

Courtesy of Green Nature

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Areas of wet and dry woodlands occur in Lough Melvin’s surrounds, comprising mainly of alder, Goat Willow, hazel, ash, holly and hawthorn. The community of ground flora is also noteworthy as four of the plant species are very rare and are listed in the Irish Red Data Book: Blue-eyed-grass, Marsh Helleborine, Globeflower, and Tea-leaved Willow.