{"id":5418,"date":"2020-10-08T15:50:31","date_gmt":"2020-10-08T15:50:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/?page_id=5418"},"modified":"2025-04-18T10:04:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T10:04:12","slug":"habitats-wildlife","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/zh\/habitats-wildlife\/","title":{"rendered":"\u6816\u606f\u5730\u548c\u91ce\u751f\u52a8\u7269"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><section class=\"vc_section\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1597317250453 row-contains-padding-top row-contains-padding-bottom liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e1e124\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 liquid-column-69d6064e1e22d\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\"><div data-custom-animations=\"true\" data-ca-options='{\"triggerHandler\":\"inview\",\"animationTarget\":\".wpb_column\",\"duration\":700,\"delay\":100,\"easing\":\"easeOutQuint\",\"direction\":\"forward\",\"initValues\":[],\"animations\":[]}' class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1600773241033 liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e1e2e9 vc_column-gap-35 vc_row-o-equal-height vc_row-o-content-middle vc_row-flex\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-6 liquid-column-69d6064e1e3dc\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"  ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2>BIODIVERSITY IN OUR REGION<\/h2>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-6 liquid-column-69d6064e1e51b\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"  ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064e2f069\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 576&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"Loch M\u00e1m \u00c9an in the sun\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Loch-Mam-Ean-in-the-sun-1024x576.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Loch-Mam-Ean-in-the-sun-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Loch-Mam-Ean-in-the-sun-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Loch-Mam-Ean-in-the-sun-scaled-18x10.jpg 18w\" data-aspect=\"1.7777777777778\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e2f140\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 liquid-column-69d6064e2f249\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"  ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\"><style>.ld_spacer_69d6064e2f28d{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064e2f28d\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p>The Joyce Country and Western Lakes geopark project region is home to a wide variety of natural habitats and rich biodiversity due to the range of environments present. The most visible species are domesticated sheep in the uplands and cattle in the plains of the east but there is much wildlife to see and discover. Here below are descriptions of the main types of habitats and species present.<\/p>\n<p class=\" translation-block\">You can find out more on the books and articles listed <a href=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Bibliography_Bibleagrafiocht-Environment_Comhshaol.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style>.ld_spacer_69d6064e2f358{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064e2f358\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section id=\"EARTH_STRUCTURE\" class=\"vc_section vc_custom_1602071032269\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e2f58c\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e2f697\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4><strong>Grasslands<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Semi-natural grassland habitats that are not highly modified or improved for agriculture are becoming increasingly rare in the modern Irish landscape. They are characterised by a diversity of grass and sedge species and rushes in wet areas with a high proportion of broad-leaved herbs (wildflowers). Calcareous grasslands are found especially around Lough Corrib, Lough Mask and Lough Carra, where limestone gives the soil a high pH. They are particularly rich in species and present a beautiful flowering display during the summer. Wet grasslands occur all over the area, especially in Connemara. Many road verges and graveyards also have flower-rich grassy habitats akin to hay meadows. These grasses and wildflowers attract many insect species which in turn attract birds for feeding.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e2f7b8\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064e3fea7\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"521\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 684&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"Ram in field, Nafooey valley\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Ram-in-field-Nafooey-valley-1024x684.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Ram-in-field-Nafooey-valley-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Ram-in-field-Nafooey-valley-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Ram-in-field-Nafooey-valley-scaled-16x12.jpg 16w\" data-aspect=\"1.4970760233918\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section id=\"PLATE_TECTONICS\" class=\"vc_section vc_custom_1602071563331\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e40186\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e402a3\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4><strong>Hedgerows<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Hedgerows are linear habitats of trees, shrubs and ground flora associated with field boundaries and roadsides, that can be relict woodland fragments. Hedgerows are very important habitats for wildlife. They support several birds, mammals, such as badgers, and invertebrates and a good diversity of plant species. Hedges function as very important ecological corridors to facilitate movement of plants and animals through the landscape where natural habitats have been lost.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064e4034c{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064e4034c\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e40432\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064e4fda3\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"519\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 682&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"Cottage sheep Deircs\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Cottage-sheep-Deircs-1024x682.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Cottage-sheep-Deircs-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Cottage-sheep-Deircs-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Cottage-sheep-Deircs-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Cottage-sheep-Deircs.jpg 1920w\" data-aspect=\"1.5014662756598\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section class=\"vc_section vc_custom_1602071563331\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e4ff35\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e50032\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4><strong>Limestone pavement<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Limestone pavement is an internationally important habitat that is very rare in Europe and is found almost exclusively in Ireland in counties Galway, Clare and Mayo. It consists of exposed areas of limestone bedrock that has been fissured, broken or weathered to produce characteristic \u2018clint and gryke\u2019 features. Pockets of thin soil around the rocks support ferns, flowers and low shrubs with a generally very high diversity of plant species including a range of orchids. It is found around the shores of Lough Corrib, Lough Mask and, most notably in terms of biodiversity, around Lough Carra.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064e500d7{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064e500d7\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e501ba\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064e610a9\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"519\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 681&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"Clonbur-Limestone pavement2\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Clonbur-Limestone-pavement2-1024x681.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Clonbur-Limestone-pavement2-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Clonbur-Limestone-pavement2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Clonbur-Limestone-pavement2-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Clonbur-Limestone-pavement2.jpg 1920w\" data-aspect=\"1.503671071953\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section class=\"vc_section vc_custom_1602071563331\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e61381\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e614c6\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4><strong>Peatlands<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Peatlands are wetlands where the substrate is predominantly peat including bogs which are fed by rain and are highly acidic habitats. In Joyce Country, upland blanket bog is found in mountainous regions and lowland\/Atlantic blanket bog is found in the Connemara lowlands and coastal areas. A number of other wetland habitats such as fens and reed swamps occur on the shores of the great lakes. Blanket bog covers over 35% of the area of our geopark project and has an average depth of peat of 1 metre to 2 metres but can be much deeper in pockets having deposited over the past 5000 years or more. The vegetation is pre\u203adominantly deer grass, cotton grasses, ling, cross-leaved heath and bilberry with a cover of sphagnum mosses, particularly on undisturbed areas. Black bog-rush grows in abundance especially on the lowland blanket bogs. Dry and montane heath habitat is found on the higher mountains and supports a distinctive range of plants including clubmosses and other specialised montane species. The Leam West Bog, a state-owned Nature Reserve to the west of Oughterard, is rich with diverse habitats and flora.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064e6159b{height:50px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064e6159b\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e61688\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064e7136b\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"519\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 682&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"Deircs &amp; lakes\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Deircs-lakes-1024x682.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Deircs-lakes-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Deircs-lakes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Deircs-lakes-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Deircs-lakes.jpg 1920w\" data-aspect=\"1.5014662756598\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e7146f\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 liquid-column-69d6064e716b0\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_video_widget wpb_content_element vc_clearfix   vc_video-aspect-ratio-169 vc_video-el-width-50 vc_video-align-center\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_video_wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Introduction to Blanket Bogs with Aengus Kennedy\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eM8jjPIjF7c?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064e71bde{height:10px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064e71bde\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section class=\"vc_section vc_custom_1602071563331\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e71d2a\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e71e2a\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4><strong>Freshwater habitats<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>A variety of freshwater habitats are found throughout including lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, springs and flushes. Freshwater habitats are extremely important for the communities of plants and animals they support. Most of our freshwater habitats are of relatively good quality and unpolluted which is important for many rare and important species such as pollan, arctic char, Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey, brook lamprey, white-clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel and otter all of which require very high water quality. Most of the lakes in our geopark project area also contain brown trout and pike.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064e71ec8{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064e71ec8\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e71fa5\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064e8227a\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"521\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 684&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"Clonbur-L Mask &amp; reeds?\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Clonbur-L-Mask-reeds-1024x684.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Clonbur-L-Mask-reeds-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Clonbur-L-Mask-reeds-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Clonbur-L-Mask-reeds-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Clonbur-L-Mask-reeds.jpg 1920w\" data-aspect=\"1.4970760233918\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section class=\"vc_section vc_custom_1602071563331\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e82431\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e82535\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4><strong>Fjord<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\" translation-block\">Ireland\u2019s only fjord is a glacial valley flooded by the sea that extends from the mouth of the Erriff river to the east of Leenane for about 15 km to the west. With an average depth of 45 m, its shallow and sheltered coastal waters are home to a varied coastal community that includes seabirds and otters but also sea mammals like dolphins and seals. Even basking sharks are sometimes sighted at the mouth of the bay. A large fishing fleet was present during the Herring boom at the turn of the 20<sup>th<\/sup> century, however it did not recover from its stock collapse 50 years ago. Today, a large shellfish farm occupies the centre of the fjord and supplies the area with fresh mussels, oysters, surf clams and razor clams.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064e825df{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064e825df\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e826c2\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064e92457\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"519\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 682&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"Killary fisheries\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Killary-fisheries-1024x682.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Killary-fisheries-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Killary-fisheries-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Killary-fisheries-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Killary-fisheries.jpg 1920w\" data-aspect=\"1.5014662756598\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section class=\"vc_section vc_custom_1602071563331\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064e925d8\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e926ee\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4><strong>Machair<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>This is a rare coastal habitat only on the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland, that formed interplay of blown sands and broken molluscs shells. This result in a fertile calcareous coastal plain that has been widely used for cultivation in the past.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064e927b2{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064e927b2\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064e928b4\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064ea2f23\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"519\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 681&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"Salrock, Rosroe, Lough Fee, Glassilaun_40\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Salrock-Rosroe-Lough-Fee-Glassilaun_40-1024x681.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Salrock-Rosroe-Lough-Fee-Glassilaun_40-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Salrock-Rosroe-Lough-Fee-Glassilaun_40-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Salrock-Rosroe-Lough-Fee-Glassilaun_40-scaled-16x12.jpg 16w\" data-aspect=\"1.503671071953\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section class=\"vc_section vc_custom_1602071563331\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064ea30a5\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064ea31ad\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4><strong>Semi-natural woodland<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\" translation-block\">Semi-natural woodland is dominated by native, broadleaf trees (most commonly oak or ash) or, rarely, by one of our few native conifers, yew. It includes scrub woodland dominated by hazel or other scrub; riparian and wet woodland close to waterways and in wetland areas, characterised typically by willows and alder and some demesne woodlands. Derryclare, part of which is a state-owned nature reserve, and the Clonbur\/Cong Isthmus, most of which is owned and managed by Coillte, are important native woodland sites. The Clonbur woods in particular constituted the largest demonstration site for the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/woodlandrestoration.ie\/index.html\" target=\"_self\">Woodland restoration in Ireland<\/a>\u201d project, an awarded EU-LIFE Nature 4-year project (2006 to 2009) co-funded by Coillte that saw almost 300ha undergo restoration work. Native woodland is a relatively uncommon habitat in Ireland, having been cleared by millenia of human activity. It is a very important habitat for wildlife as it supports many bird species, mammals, such as the pine marten and red squirrel, invertebrates and a wide diversity of plant species. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.millenniumforests.com\/\" target=\"_self\">Tourmakeady Millennium Wood<\/a> owned by Coillte has seen the replacement of 35 hectares of conifer forest by a native woodland planted in 1999 and offers an interesting example of the tree species and the fauna dwelling in the woods. The Hill of Doon on the shores of Lough Corrib to the North West of Oughterard offers a fine example of a sessile oak woodland with holly and occasional juniper, yew and ash. These woodlands support a very rich and lush flora of mosses and liverworts, amongst the best in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064ea326c{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064ea326c\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064ea338b\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064eb4878\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"518\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 960 638&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"view_large_Hz6PnmmwpAzfqLsB\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/view_large_Hz6PnmmwpAzfqLsB-e1596742571554.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/view_large_Hz6PnmmwpAzfqLsB-e1596742571554.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/view_large_Hz6PnmmwpAzfqLsB-e1596742571554-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/view_large_Hz6PnmmwpAzfqLsB-e1596742571554-768x510.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/view_large_Hz6PnmmwpAzfqLsB-e1596742571554-450x300.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/view_large_Hz6PnmmwpAzfqLsB-e1596742571554-16x12.jpeg 16w\" data-aspect=\"1.5047021943574\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section class=\"vc_section vc_custom_1602071563331\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064eb49f3\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064eb4afd\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4><strong>Buildings and bridges<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Man-made built structures in the urban or rural environment (e.g. houses, farm buildings, bridges, walls, ruins and graveyards) can provide important habitats for a host of plants and animal communities. Houses and other buildings are mostly important as nesting or roosting sites for birds or bats. Ten species of bat are found in Ireland and all are protected. Many of them roost in attics of houses or other buildings during the summer months. Barn owls nest in farm buildings and old abandoned castles or houses. A range of mosses, lichens and other plants also grow on built surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064eb4baf{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064eb4baf\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064eb4cc5\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064ec4dca\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"519\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 682&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"Cottage Nafooey\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Cottage-Nafooey-1024x682.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Cottage-Nafooey-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Cottage-Nafooey-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Cottage-Nafooey-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Cottage-Nafooey.jpg 1920w\" data-aspect=\"1.5014662756598\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section class=\"vc_section vc_custom_1602071563331\"><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064ec4f4f\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 liquid-column-69d6064ec504a\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">CONSERVATION<\/h2>\n<p>Quite a large area of our geopark project is currently under some form of legal protection regarding its natural habitats and some of the animal and plant species that live there. There are 14 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), two of which are Lough Corrib and the Lough Mask\/Lough Carra complex, and 4 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) which are the three great lakes and a large part of the Connemara Bog and focus on the bird species conservation there. There are also two nature reserves<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064ec50f9{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064ec50f9\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064ec51c0\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064ec52c7\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4>Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)<\/h4>\n<p>The Maumturk mountain range is another large SAC with specific conservation objectives for its habitats of wet heaths, blanket bog and its smaller lakes. The species protected there are the Atlantic salmon and the slender naiad, an aquatic plant that occurs very rarely in Ireland. The rare moss varnished hook-moss, which is protected under EU legislation, grows along the shores of Lough Mask. The lesser horseshoe bat is a specifically protected species of bat for which 6 out of the 14 SACs in our area have conservation objectives \u2013 indeed the 4 small SACs, Ballymaglancy Cave in Cong, Kildun Souterrain in the Neale and Moore Hall and Tower Hill in the Lough Carra area, are specifically protected as habitats for either hibernation or summer dwelling and feeding of this species. The protected areas provide opportunities for the development of populations of otter, Irish hare, common frog and pine marten.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064ec5366{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064ec5366\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064ec5452\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064ed3ffb\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"452\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 640 452&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"lesser horseshoe bat\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/lesser-horseshoe-bat.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/lesser-horseshoe-bat.jpg 640w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/lesser-horseshoe-bat-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/lesser-horseshoe-bat-16x12.jpg 16w\" data-aspect=\"1.4159292035398\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064ed40e8\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064ed4209\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4>Special Protection Areas (SPA)<\/h4>\n<p>Lough Carra hosts a nationally important population of the common gull, though the species is also present in Lough Mask along with the Greenland white-fronted goose, the tufted duck, the black-headed gull, the lesser black-beaked gull and the common tern who are all protected. The gulls and terns nest on isolated islands in the lakes. Similarly, the Lough Corrib SPA specifically protects the Greenland white-fronted goose, the gadwall, the shoveler, the pochard, the tufted duck, the common scoter, the hen harrier, the coot, the golden plover, the black-headed gull, the common gull, the common tern and the Arctic tern. A large section of the Connemara lowland bog south of Recess is also a large SPA with conservation objectives again for the Common Gull but also for populations of Cormorant, Golden Plover and Merlin.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064ed42c2{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064ed42c2\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064ed43b4\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064ee3ff7\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"519\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 681&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"ray-hennessy-JPYGYTTpB5A-unsplash-2\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/ray-hennessy-JPYGYTTpB5A-unsplash-2-1024x681.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/ray-hennessy-JPYGYTTpB5A-unsplash-2-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/ray-hennessy-JPYGYTTpB5A-unsplash-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/ray-hennessy-JPYGYTTpB5A-unsplash-2-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/ray-hennessy-JPYGYTTpB5A-unsplash-2.jpg 2000w\" data-aspect=\"1.503671071953\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064ee40f0\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\/5 liquid-column-69d6064ee4200\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h4>Nature Reserves<\/h4>\n<p>Nature reserves are areas of importance to wildlife and are protected under ministerial law. Derryclare Woods Nature Reserve lies on the west shore of Derryclare Lough and encompasses 19 ha of native woodland. It is of particular importance for its diverse population of lichens. Leam West Nature Reserve is located to the west of Oughterard over an area of 373 ha. It is an area of national importance comprising both lowland and upland bog habitats. Both of these Nature Reserves are state-owned.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<style>.ld_spacer_69d6064ee42bc{height:100px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064ee42bc\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-2\/5 liquid-column-69d6064ee439a\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_center  liquid_vc_single_image-69d6064f000ba\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"519\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg xmlns%3D&#039;http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg&#039; viewBox%3D&#039;0 0 1024 682&#039;%2F&gt;\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-large ld-lazyload\" alt=\"\" title=\"Derryclare Woods_1\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Derryclare-Woods_1-1024x682.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Derryclare-Woods_1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Derryclare-Woods_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Derryclare-Woods_1-scaled-16x12.jpg 16w\" data-aspect=\"1.5014662756598\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/section><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064f001da\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 liquid-column-69d6064f003bd\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p>As part of our June 2021 conference, two workshops were produced about &#8216;Promoting Biodiversity on our Farms&#8217; and &#8216;Foraging; Tasting the Landscape&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>The &#8216;Promoting Biodiversity on our Farms&#8217; workshop features examples from farmer Colm Gavin of Leenane (Farming for Nature nominee 2021), Raymond Langan of Ballycastle (National Rural Network Biodiversity Farmer of the Year 2018) and others, showing how biodiversity is not only good for the environment, it\u2019s also good for our well-being and farm income. This is followed by a lively discussion about biodiversity and the challenges of farming uplands with Joseph Mannion (project manager North Connemara EIP Agri project), ecologist Cathy Connelly, and farmers Tom Halloran, Colm Gavin and Raymond Langan. Watch the workshop by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=vXEEziRkQpU&amp;t=2s\"><strong>\u5728\u6b64<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The &#8216;Foraging; Tasting the Landscape&#8217; workshop features our geopark geologist, Benjamin Th\u00e9baudeau, meeting Jonathan Keane, Head Chef at the <a href=\"https:\/\/thelodgeac.com\/?gclid=CjwKCAjw_o-HBhAsEiwANqYhp5YpJuzWFhOqZnrnhjC0F2n9FJhGmS-JYZBnW2C_Jvfr2maI5OtxUxoCJqkQAvD_BwE\">Lodge at Ashford<\/a>, to explore the Ashford demesne and find what local wild plants can be consumed and how he uses them in his menu. Watch the workshop by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7--xMlhj4q8&amp;t=1s\"><strong>\u5728\u6b64<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid liquid-row-shadowbox-69d6064f004e6\"><div class=\"ld-container container\"><div class=\"row ld-row\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 liquid-column-69d6064f0059e\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"   ><div class=\"wpb_wrapper-inner\"><style>.ld_spacer_69d6064f005dc{height:64px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69d6064f005dc\"><span class=\"liquid_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"BIODIVERSITY IN OUR REGION The Joyce Country and Western Lakes geopark project region is home...","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5166,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5418","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Habitats &amp; 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