The habitat areas contained herein have been derived using the best available desktop information at the time of plan preparation in addition to field survey. This includes OSNI orthos and condition assessment data and reports 2002-2016. This site was NVC mapped by Arup.

Definitions of Annex 1 classifications were as follows -

a. H7130* if they were dominated by the M15abc, M17, M18, M19, M20 and active M25 vegetation communities e.g. if the NVC for a polygon had 100% active M25 = H7130* and if it had 50% active M25 and 50% M19 it was also H7130*.

b. H7130 have 50% or below of the above vegetation communities paired with any unfavourable activities (e.g. overgrazing) and the vegetation communities listed (M15d, M20, activeM25, M6 flushes on deep peat with some peat forming species).

c. H7130 Degraded – Non-bog vegetation on deep peat or cutover deep peat.

d. The remaining polygons have been left as Non-Annex as the field data does not indicate vegetation communities that form on deep peat. However, peat depths were not taken and so this aspect of ground truthing is not available currently for these polygons

Field Surveys were carried out on site between October 2019 & December 2020 and corrected to OSNI Orthophotography by desk based study. Peat depth surveys were carried out on three parcels of land in April 2022.

The habitat map was surveyed in the field by Arup at 1:20,000 and corrected in the office to 1:1,000 scale and mapped to Phase 1, EUNIS and Annex 1 post-survey by reference to the NVC classifications, where appropriate. As a general rule, peat depths were not measured.

It is intended that this map will be reviewed as required. This version was completed on 13 February 2023.

For more information on Annex 1 codes in the UK please see the following website - https://sac.jncc.gov.uk/habitat/

Brief descriptions of the vegetation types, as found during the NVC survey of Carn Glenshane, are detailed below -

W11 Quercus petraea-Betula pubescens-Oxalis acetosella woodland

Very small patches of scrubby broadleaved woodland in two places at the lower edges of the site. The canopy includes willow and rowan, and the ground layer is grassy with herbs, ferns and mosses. In one place the W11 was clearly be assigned to the W11b sub-community but in the other location, sub-community classification was less clear (as is very commonly the case for this NVC community).

W23 Ulex europaeus-Rubus fruticosus agg scrub

Small patches of gorse scrub, found locally around the lower edges of the site.

H9 Calluna vulgaris-Deschampsia flexuosa heath

Dry heath with a species-poor canopy of just Calluna vulgaris, with some grasses and abundant mosses including Hypnum jutlandicum, Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi. Found in small quantity in one place on a gentle slope in the northern part of the survey area.

H10 Calluna vulgaris-Erica cinerea heath

Dry heath whose dwarf shrub canopy consists mainly of Calluna vulgaris but also contains Erica cinerea. Other vascular plants are sparse but mosses such as Hypnum jutlandicum and Hylocomium splendens are very common. H10 is found on well-drained slopes and is scarce through most of the surveyed area but locally common on the lower slopes in the NW.

H12 Calluna vulgaris-Vaccinium myrtillus heath

Dry heath whose dwarf shrub canopy consists mainly of Calluna vulgaris but also contains Vaccinium myrtillus. Other vascular plants are sparse (e.g. Deschampsia flexuosa, Potentilla erecta and Galium saxatile) but mosses such as Hypnum jutlandicum, Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens are very common. Found here on many well-drained slopes, but not very extensive. Most of it is closest to the H12a sub-community, but locally it is more grassy, placing it into H12c.

H21 Calluna vulgaris-Vaccinium myrtillus-Sphagnum capillifolium heath

Similar to H12 but with Sphagnum capillifolium in the moss layer. Found locally on slopes with a northerly aspect. All of it belongs to the H21a sub-community.

M1 Sphagnum denticulatum bog pool community

Small depressions with shallow water and abundant Sphagnum mosses including S. denticulatum, S. cuspidatum and S. papillosum. Scattered Eriophorum angustifolium also quite common here. M1 was found in some of the areas of M17 bog at this site.

M3 Eriophorum angustifolium bog pool community

Small peaty depression with species-poor vegetation consisting mainly of swards of Eriophorum angustifolium. Found in a few places, among bogs. One example with extensive Sphagnum cuspidatum carpets is floristically intermediate between M3 and the M2 Sphagnum cuspidatum/fallax bog pool community.

M4 Carex rostrata-Sphagnum fallax mire

Vegetation in which Carex rostrata is abundant, growing with other sedges (e.g. C. echinata) and Sphagnum mosses. Found locally in wet depressions and narrow flushes among bogs. One example, with less Sphagnum and abundant grasses, is floristically intermediate between M4 and U4a grassland (mapped as M4-U4a).

M6 Carex echinata-Sphagnum fallax/denticulatum mire

Mire vegetation with abundant sedges and/or rushes growing with abundant Sphagnum mosses (e.g. S. fallax and S. palustre). The moss Polytrichum commune can also be common. M6 is very common at this site, mostly in flushed depressions on gentle slopes and along stream courses. Most of it is tall and rushy, with abundant to dominant Juncus effusus (M6c) or J. acutiflorus (M6d), but some is shorter with sedges dominant, especially Carex echinata (the main sedge in M6a) and C. nigra (abundant in M6b). The flora indicates acid soils.

M10 Carex dioica-Pinguicula vulgaris mire

Small base-enriched flushes with sedges including Carex panacea, C. flacca and C. lepidocarpa, some small herbs such as Pinguicula vulgaris and P. lusitanica, the clubmoss Selaginella selaginoides and mosses including Campylium stellatum, Bryum pseudotriquetrum and Scorpidium revolvens. Found very rarely here, among other sedge/rush mires and M15a flushed wet heath.

More detailed information recorded for M10 flushes on the lower slopes at C 74483 07633 / NV 89965 68085: abundant Carex panicea and Juncus acutiflorus, frequent Pinguicula vulgaris and Succisa pratensis, and varied amounts of Carex demissa, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Equisetum sylvaticum, Pedicularis sylvatica, Drosera rotundifolia, Ajuga reptans, Hypericum elodes, Linum catharticum, Narthecium ossifragum, Selaginella selaginoides, Pinguicula lusitanica, Cirsium palustre, Nardus stricta, Filipendula ulmaria, Holcus lanatus, Cardamine pratensis, Lysimachia nemorum, Cirsium dissectum, Prunella vulgaris, Scorzoneriodes autumnalis, Taraxacum officinale, the mosses Palustriella commutata, Sphagnum denticulatum, S. subnitens, Breutelia chrysocoma, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Calliergonella cuspidata, Scorpidium scorpioides, Campylium stellatum, Ctenidium molluscum, Fissidens adianthoides, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Aulacomnium palustre and the liverwort Aneura pinguis.

M15 Trichophorum germanicum-Erica tetralix wet heath

Vegetation on damp to wet peaty soils, with varied mixtures of Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Trichophorum germanicum, Molinia caerulea and Eriophorum angustifolium. Some is species-poor (mostly M15b or M15 classified to NVC community level only). Other examples contain Erica cinerea (M15c) or Vaccinium myrtillus (M15d), and in a few places there are more species-rich or slightly base-enriched, flushed forms of M15 with species such as Carex panicea, C. flacca and the mosses Sphagnum denticulatum and Breutelia chrysocoma (M15a). M15 as a whole is widespread here but not extensive.

An asterisk following the NVC code indicates occurrence on deep peat (= M15 probably derived from previous bog vegetation).

In some places, on deep peat on gentle slopes, there are mosaics of M19 bog and patches of vegetation floristically intermediate between M15 wet heath and M17 or M19 bog. These M15-17 and M15-19 intermediates have much Calluna, E. tetralix, T. germanicum and E. angustifolium, but little Sphagnum (mainly S. capillifolium) but little or nothing of S. papillosum and E. vaginatum (species found mainly in bogs). At the time of survey the patches of M15-17 and M15-19 vegetation stood out from the associated M19 by their general colour having a reddish or orange tint (E. angustifolium and T. germanicum being more common here than in the M19.

M17 Trichophorum germanicum-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire

Bog vegetation in which Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix are accompanied by much Trichophorum germanicum and Eriophorum angustifolium and at least scattered tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum. Mosses are sparse to abundant and generally include Sphagnum capillifolium. There can also be S. papillosum (common in the wetter M17a sub-community) or Racomitrium lanuginosum (common in the drier M17b sub-community). Some M17 is quite species-poor with very limited bryophyte cover and diversity, evidently as a result of burning. Some of the M17 at this site contains a distinctive abundance of Narthecium ossifragum, this species forming short but thick and lush swards; locally there is a fenceline effect with the Narthecium growth more dense on the less grazed side of the fence. M17 is common at this site, occurring on level to very gently sloping surfaces of deep, wet peat.

M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire

Bog vegetation consisting mainly of Calluna vulgaris and tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum. Other vascular species are generally sparse and include Deschampsia flexuosa and, in the M19a sub-community, some Erica tetralix and/or Trichophorum germanicum), but mosses are abundant and include Sphagnum capillifolium, Hypnum jutlandicum, Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens. M19 occupies the level to gently sloping surfaces of damp to wet deep peat and is the most extensive type of vegetation found in this survey. Most of it is clearly M19a, but some has less E. tetralix and T. germanicum and in this way is transitional towards M19b or M19c but was mapped at NVC community level only.

M20 Eriophorum vaginatum bog

Bog vegetation in which tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum are abundant to dominant, accompanied by grasses such as Deschampsia flexuosa and Agrostis spp., and abundant mosses (including Sphagnum spp., Hypnum jutlandicum, Pleurozium schreberi and Polytrichum commune), but with little or no Calluna vulgaris. Most of it appears likely to have been derived from M19 as a result of grazing (heather having been reduced by preferential browsing), but some (e.g. examples containing Sphagnum papillosum) might have been derived from previous M17. M20 is widespread and common here on deep, wet peat, occurring mostly as small patches in places that appear likely to have been more grazed, such as near to the edges of M17 and M19 bogs and in mosaics with M6 rush/Sphagnum flushes.

M23 Juncus effusus/acutiflorus-Galium palustre rush-pasture

This kind of neutral rush mire has tall swards of Juncus acutiflorus (M23a) or J. effusus (M23b) accompanied by herbs such as Cardamine pratensis, Galium palustre, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Cirsium palustre, Carex panicea, Anthoxanthum odoratum and mosses including Calliergonella cuspidata. It is scarce here, occurring as small areas on flushed ground, mostly in mosaics with other types of rush-dominated vegetation. In a few places there are small areas of M23 in which the main rush is J. articulatus; there is no existing sub-community for this, so the vegetation was mapped as M23Jart.

M24 Molinia caerulea-Cirsium dissectum fen-meadow

Small patches found on flushed lower ground at C 74483 07633 / NV 89965 68085. Species here: Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Juncus acutiflorus, J. squarrosus, Danthonia decumbens, Cirsium dissectum, Succisa pratensis, Carex panicea, C. demissa, Taraxacum officinale, Ajuga reptans, Hypericum pulchrum, Lysimachia nemorum, Agrostis canina and the mosses Sphagnum subnitens, S. denticulatum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Breutelia chrysocoma, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Campylium stellatum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum jutlandicum and Calliergonella cuspidata.

M25 Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta mire

This vegetation, identified by the distinctive dominance of tussocks of Molinia caerulea, is scarce in the survey area. Among the Molinia the associated flora is quite species-poor but generally includes Potentilla erecta, Erica tetralix and mosses such as Hypnum jutlandicum. Small patches of M25 were found on flushed ground in a few places in the north of the site. It was all found to be closest to the M25a sub-community and might be derived from previous bog or wet heath. At one location Myrica gale (a rare species within the survey area) is co-dominant with the Molinia and the vegetation is labelled M25asMM.

An asterisk following the NVC code indicates occurrence on deep peat (= M25 probably derived from previous bog vegetation).

M29 Hypericum elodes-Potamogeton polygonifolius soakway

Small, narrow, very wet flush/depression habitat with vegetation containing abundant Potamogeton polygonifolius. Found in one place near the boundary of bog and rush mire.

MG5-6 grassland intermediate between MG5 Cynosurus cristatus-Centaurea nigra grassland and MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus pasture

This is short neutral pasture with very abundant Cynosurus cristatus mixed with smaller amounts of Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, herbs including Trifolium repens, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus acris and R. repens, and mosses including Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. It somewhat resembles MG6 improved/semi-improved grassland but lacks the Lolium perenne characteristic of that community. It also has some affinity with MG5 (unimproved neutral grassland) but is less species-rich – hence it was classed as a MG5-6 intermediate. It was found very locally among rush/grassland mosaics along a stream in the north of the site.

MG10 Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture

Vegetation in which tall rushes are dominant, growing with species-poor assemblages of grasses (mainly Holcus lanatus) and little else. Where the rushes are mostly Juncus effusus, the vegetation is MG10a. In many places the main rush is J. acutiflorus; there is no existing sub-community for this, so the vegetation was labelled MG10Ja. Both types are quite common here, in mosaics with other types of rushy vegetation and grassland in some of the streamside and flushed areas.

U2 Deschampsia flexuosa grassland

Acid grassland in which Deschampsia flexuosa is very abundant to dominant, typically growing with a species-poor assemblage including Agrostis vinealis, a little Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus, and abundant mosses. Scarce here – found in two places, on well-drained slopes.

U4 Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland

Short acid grassland whose grass sward consists mainly of mixtures of Agrostis capillaris, A. vinealis, Festuca ovina and Anthoxanthum odoratum. Potentilla erecta and Galium saxatile are common, as are mosses such as Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. Much of the vegetation is more or less as just described and belongs to the U4a sub-community (a type of unimproved acid grassland), but some has a more semi-improved character, with much Holcus lanatus (U4b), possibly indicating nutrient enrichment from sheep dung/urine. U4 is widespread and common here, occurring as small patches on well-drained ground. Most of it is in mosaics with rushy vegetation and is evidently produced and maintained by grazing.

U5 Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile grassland

Acid grassland similar to U4a but with Nardus stricta very abundant to dominant. Mostly belongs to the U5a sub-community, but some was not looked at closely enough for sub-community classification and was labelled to NVC community level only. Small patches of U5 are scattered widely through the site, on well-drained ground, and are evidently produced and maintained by grazing.

U6 Juncus squarrosus-Festuca ovina grassland

Short acid ‘grassland’ similar to U4a but with very abundant Juncus squarrosus. Mostly classed to NVC community level only, but some is U6d (drier U6 with associated flora very much like that of U4a) and very locally U6c (with abundant Vaccinium myrtillus). Small areas of U6 are widespread at this site, on rather damp ground among rushy vegetation, or in association with U4 or U5. Evidently produced and maintained by grazing.

U16 Luzula sylvatica-Vaccinium myrtillus tall-herb community

Small patches (up to several metres across) of a dense growth of the woodrush Luzula sylvatica, among which the flora is sparse and species-poor (hence classification to the U16c Species-poor sub-community). These patches are scattered among various types of bog, grassland and rushy vegetation in a few parts of the site. Although the patches are small, the dense and lush growth of the woodrush makes them visually very distinctive.

MX Small sedge mire

This is mire vegetation in which small sedges such as Carex panicea, C. flacca, C. echinata and C. nigra grow with a few herbs such as Cardamine pratensis and Galium palustre and mosses including Calliergonella cuspidata, this whole assemblage indicating more or less neutral soils. Small patches of MX were found in two places in this survey, on damp to wet, level to gently sloping ground.

MGX Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus-Anthoxanthum odoratum grassland

This is rather species-poor neutral grassland with a lush sward of grasses, especially Festuca rubra and Holcus lanatus but also Anthoxanthum odoratum and the herbs Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus acris, R. repens and Scorzoneroides autumnalis. It was found on well-drained ground in a rush/grassland mosaic in the northern part of the site. It has something in common with MG5 but is less species-rich and more strongly grass-dominated.

Ja Juncus acutiflorus acid grassland community

In this vegetation the rush Juncus acutiflorus is abundant, growing among a lower layer of an acid grassland type with species such as Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Potentilla erecta and Galium saxatile. It is very common here on damp, mainly gently sloping ground. Superficially it can resemble M6d mire (but is drier, lacking Sphagnum), M23a mire (but is drier and more acidic, lacking mesotrophic herbs such as Cardamine pratensis and Galium palustre) and MHG10Ja vegetation (but is more acidic, as shown by species such as P. erecta and G. saxatile). It is therefore related floristically to U4 grassland but is damper and more rushy.

Je Juncus effusus acid grassland community

This is similar to the Ja vegetation just described but with abundant Juncus effusus instead of J. acutiflorus. It is very common here in similar habitats to Ja. It has similarities to M6c, M23b and MG10a in the same way as the above-described similarities that Ja shows to M6d, M23a and MG10Ja.

Salix aurita = Salix aurita scrub

A small patch of Salix aurita near the eastern edge of the site. The willow was too dense to allow the ground flora to be examined closely, though it includes W11 around the edges; the middle is wetter and appears closer to W7.

Rock

Small areas of rock outcrop/boulders, mainly among grassland in the northern part of the survey area.

OW = open water

Small areas of open water in the deeper bog pools within the M17 bog area to the NE of the conifer plantation in the middle of the site.