Lough Ree

Carboniferous limestone

There are poorly developed limestone pavements like this around Gortmaconnell in Co Fermanagh. They tend to develop a hazel scrub or woodland, although this may be removed by grazing.

Copyright Paul Hackney, Ulster Museum. Source: www.habitas.org.uk/flora.

Carboniferous limestone
Copyright Paul Hackney, Ulster Museum. Source: www.habitas.org.uk/flora.

Carboniferous limestone

There are poorly developed limestone pavements like this around Gortmaconnell in Co Fermanagh. They tend to develop a hazel scrub or woodland, although this may be removed by grazing.

Copyright Paul Hackney, Ulster Museum. Source: www.habitas.org.uk/flora.

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Lough Ree is situated along the River Shannon. It is the fourth largest lake in Ireland, following Lough Neagh, Lough Corrib and Lough Derg. The depression forming the base of the lake was the result of glacial movement during the last Ice-Age. The underlying rock itself is comprised mainly of carboniferous limestone.

Little Grebe

Copyright Mike Brown

Little Grebe
Copyright Mike Brown

Little Grebe

Copyright Mike Brown

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In general, Lough Ree is classed as having mesotrophic quality. However, the large area gives rise to different conditions, and therefore vegetation, within the lake. Bladderwort, pondweeds and Greater Duckweed are some of the vegetation varieties supported in Lough Ree. Of particular interest is the species Arrowhead, which is very scarce within Ireland and occurrences are generally restricted to the Shannon Basin area. A variety of sedges and rushes are also supported within the swap areas along the lake.

Lough Ree is an important site for wintering waterfowl and breeding waders. The extensive areas of wet grassland surrounding the lake provide ideal feeding ground for the birds. Nationally important populations of Golden Plover, Whooper Swan, Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Pochard, Goldeneye and many other species find shelter at Lough Ree. A number of the lake’s islands also make ideal nesting sites for the rare Common Scoter.

The various habitat areas centred on Lough Ree support a number of rare plant species. Alder Buckthorn, Bird Cherry, betony, stonewort and Marsh Pea are included in their number.