Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC Site Code 2185 Co. Kerry

National Parks & Wildlife Service 

Conservation Statement 2009 

Slieve Mish Mountains 

cSAC 

Site Code 2185 

Co. Kerry

SUMMARY 

Introduction 

Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC has been designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation 

under the EU Habitats Directive The site has been designated due to the presence of four Annex I 

habitats listed under EU Habitats Directive, which comprises three types of heath habitat (Northern 

Atlantic wet heaths, Alpine and Boreal heaths, European dry heaths) and vegetated cliff areas 

(Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation). In simple terms, the latter are areas of peaty 

soils and scree with heathers and related plants and communities of other plants adapted to low 

nutrients and extremes of temperature. The site has also been designated for Killarney Fern, a 

species listed under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. 

Nature conservation value of Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC 

The site supports four Annex I habitats listed under the EU Habitats Directive and one species, the 

Killarney Fern, which is listed on Annex II of the same Directive. 

With regard to Northern Atlantic wet heath, much of the wet heath occurs within a mosaic of other 

habitats, particularly dry heath, upland grassland and blanket bog. Where wet heath is relatively 

undamaged, it is bryophyte-rich with a high diversity of species. In damaged areas (due to 

overgrazing), the heath is being invaded by atypical plants such as Common Gorse, rushes and Mat 

Grass. However, the habitat mosaics containing wet heath are reasonably extensive and a 

reasonable quantity of relatively undamaged wet heath remains. 

The European dry heath present on the site is rich in bryophytes including many moss species, with 

a diverse moss component, and many liverworts. The areas of dry heath are dominated by 

characteristic species of woody sub-shrubs e.g. Ling Heather and Bell Heather and retain a good 

structure, although grazing levels has served to degrade the quality of some of this habitat within 

the site. 

Alpine and Boreal heath consists of a dwarf shrub heath and due to natural erosion, has a natural 

open nature. It includes rare species such as Dwarf Willow (Webb et al., 1996). Within Ireland, 

Alpine and Boreal heath is generally poorly represented with only some of the typical elements 

represented. Alpine and Boreal heath on this site, although needing further investigation, is at least 

of reasonable quality with a number of characteristic species present. 

The main cliff areas (i.e. siliceous rocky slope habitat) occur on the northern side between 

Knockbrack and Knockauncorragh. Species diversity is enhanced by the presence of dry cliff tops 

and lower wetter cliff areas. Saxifrages and liverworts are common. Uncommon species present 

include Irish Saxifrage and Dwarf Willow. Overall, the site provides good examples of 

chasmophyptic vegetation types, sheltering relict arctic-alpine flora and important bryophyte and 

lichen assemblages. 

Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government 1 CS Version 1.01 2009

2 Conservation Statement Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC — Site Code 2185 

The single recorded population of the Killarney Fern is a good-sized one and represents 

approximately 2.3% of the known national population. It is in a typical location on a vertical rock 

face by a small waterfall. It is relatively undisturbed. At present, there are no obviously damaging 

activities affecting the population and its habitat. 

Description of Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC 

The Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC is situated on the Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry. The mountains 

stretch from the outskirts of Tralee town in the east to the villages of Camp and Inch in the west. 

The principal habitat present on the site is heath, with dry, wet and alpine sub-categories occurring. 

The dominant plant species include Ling Heather, Bell Heather, Bilberry, Cross-leaved Heath, 

Purple Moor-grass, Autumn Gorse, Common Cotton-grass, Deer-grass and various mosses, lichens 

and liverworts. Scree and exposed rock are other notable habitats supporting various saxifrages, 

Harebell, Roseroot, Dwarf Willow, Alpine Scurvy-grass and a number of mosses and liverworts. 

Other habitats present include oligotrophic lakes, blanket bog, upland grassland on peaty soil, dry 

broad-leaved, semi-natural woodland, streams, fens/flushes, cutaway bog and a small quarried area. 

Notable (rare/uncommon) plant species occur including Killarney Fern, Betony, Cornish 

Moneywort, Dwarf Willow, Irish Saxifrage, Ivy-leaved Bellflower, Lemon-scented Fern and a 

number of bryophytes. Peregrine Falcon (breeding) and Chough are present within the site, both of 

which are listed under Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. 

The principal land use is extensive sheep and cattle grazing with occasional small-scale turf 

cutting. Overgrazing is the major management issue to be addressed. 

Main conservation objectives 

• To maintain the Annex I habitats for which the cSAC has been selected at favourable 

conservation status; Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix (20% area of the site), 

European dry heaths (40% area of the site), Alpine and Boreal heaths (7% area of the site), and 

Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation (1% area of the site) 

• To maintain the Annex II species for which the cSAC has been selected at favourable 

conservation status; Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum) 

• To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site 

• To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant 

authorities. 

Main management issues 

• Burning 

• Grazing 

• Ownership and resources 

• Tracks 

• Turf cutting 

Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government CS Version 1.01 2009

Summary 

Scientific monitoring and inspection 

Monitoring of Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC will be carried out by the Monitoring Section of the 

NPWS to determine if the Annex I habitats are being maintained at favourable conservation status. 

Regular inspection of the site by regional NPWS staff will identify any major changes that occur. 

Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government CS Version 1.01 2009 

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Summary .......................................................................................................................................................1 

Reader’s Guide .......................................................................................................................................................6 

Legal Background....................................................................................................................................................7 

Nature Conservation Legislation .........................................................................................................................7 

Roles of Government Departments and Agencies..............................................................................................8 

Implications of Site Designation for Landowners and other Site Users ............................................................10 

Nature Conservation Value of Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC ................................................................................11 

Reason for Designation of Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC .................................................................................11 

Conservation Value of Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC........................................................................................12 

Conservation Objectives ...................................................................................................................................13 

Site Description .....................................................................................................................................................14 

Location Including Site Boundaries...................................................................................................................14 

Legal Status.......................................................................................................................................................15 

Physical Features..............................................................................................................................................15 

Biological Features............................................................................................................................................17 

Land Use ...........................................................................................................................................................24 

Management Issues ..........................................................................................................................................26 

Scientific Monitoring & Inspection..........................................................................................................................28 


Table of Contents 

APPENDICES 

Appendix I: Glossary..............................................................................................................................................29 

Appendix II: Reference Material ............................................................................................................................36 

Appendix III: Climate..............................................................................................................................................38 

Appendix IV: List of Townlands .............................................................................................................................39 

Appendix V: Compensation Procedures................................................................................................................40 

Appendix VI: Notifiable Actions .............................................................................................................................41 

Appendix VII: Farming Conditions under REPS....................................................................................................60 

Appendix VIII: National Parks and Wildlife Contact Details...................................................................................63 

MAPS 

Map 1 Site Location and Boundary Map (Ver. 1.01) 

Map 2 Site Ownership Map 

Map 3 Indicative Habitat Map 


5

READER’S GUIDE 

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of the Environment, Heritage 

and Local Government (DEHLG) has produced this document to provide ecological information 

about Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC and to outline the main objectives for the conservation of the 

special features of the site. 

The Legal background section outlines the legislative and policy drivers for the site’s designation 

and identifies the relevant authorities with responsibilities in relation to the site. 

The Nature Conservation Value section describes the reasons for the site designation and lists 

the site specific Consevation Objectives. 

The Site Description section contains general information on the site’s boundaries and ownership 

and on the statutory bodies with responsibility for its conservation. It also contains sections on the 

physical aspects of the site such as the geology and hydrology as well as the biological features, 

in particular, the habitats and species found there. Land use and cultural features are also 

described. 

The Scientific Monitoring and Inspection section outlines the methodologies used for monitoring 

the conservation status of the site and identifying any changes that occur. 

The appendices include a glossary where scientific and technical terms are explained, reference 

material consulted in the preparation of the statement and a list of notifiable actions relevant to 

each habitat within the site. 


LEGAL BACKGROUND 

Nature Conservation Legislation 

The legal basis for selection and designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) is the EU 

Habitats Directive, which was adopted in 1992. Focusing on the conservation of natural and seminatural 

habitats and species of flora and fauna, the Habitats Directive seeks to establish “Natura 

2000”, a network of protected areas throughout the European Community. The Habitats Directive 

includes a list of habitats that require SAC designation and specific conservation measures. This 

list is known as Annex I and the habitats are referred to as Annex I habitats. On this list, habitats 

that require special attention because they are in danger of disappearance, are termed ‘priority 

habitats’. A second list, Annex II in the Habitats Directive comprises species that must be afforded 

special protection. 

In Ireland, the habitats and species that must be afforded protection under the Habitats Directive 

include: 

16 Annex I priority habitats that require particular attention – including raised bogs, active blanket 

bogs, turloughs and machair, 

45 other Annex I habitats – such as certain types of heaths, lakes and woodlands, 

25 Annex II species – including Otter, Freshwater Pearl Mussel and Killarney Fern. 

It is the responsibility of each member state to designate SACs to protect the Annex I habitats and 

Annex II species. These sites, together with the Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under 

the EU Birds Directive (1979), form the European “Natura 2000” network. 

The Birds Directive contains annexes, which are lists of birds that require particular conservation 

measures (Annex I), and also species that may be hunted, and species that may be sold. There are 

28 Annex I species regularly occurring in Ireland including Whooper Swan, Greenland Whitefronted 

Goose, Peregrine Falcon, Corncrake and Terns. Member states are also required to protect 

wetlands and their associated water birds and sites that are important for migratory species such as 

ducks, geese and waders 

The Habitats Directive was transposed into Irish law through the European Communities 

(Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997. The Wildlife Act 1976 is the main statute governing the 

protection of wildlife in Ireland and was amended in 2000 to take account of European law, 

particularly the Habitats and Birds Directives. The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 also makes 

legal provision for the designation and protection of a national network of Natural Heritage Areas 

(NHAs). Over 1,100 proposed NHAs were published in 1995 and almost 400 of these are also 

selected as candidate SACs. 



The European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 include the following points: 

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government must transmit a candidate list 

of sites to the European Commission for consideration. 

Following adoption of this list by the Commission, the Minister will formally designate the sites as 

SACs. 

Sites are legally protected once they are publicly advertised. 

Landowners and other users with a legal entitlement should be notified of designation, and the 

Minister must make all reasonable efforts to do so. Notification also includes a list of activities 

that may alter, damage, destroy or interfere with the integrity of the site. A person who illegally 

damages a site may be prosecuted or required to repair damage. 

Landowners and other users with a legal entitlement may appeal the designation of lands on 

scientific grounds, within three months of the designation notification. 

Landowners and other users with a legal entitlement will be compensated for actual loss of 

income arising from restrictions imposed as a result of designation. 

Roles of Government Departments and 

Agencies 

Department of the 

Environment, Heritage and 

Local Government 

(DEHLG) 

National Parks & Wildlife 

Service (NPWS) 

DEHLG is the government department with responsibility for the 

designation and protection of wildlife habitats, species and areas of 

conservation interest. As part of their responsibility in relation to 

biodiversity and wildlife under the Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), the 

Minister’s brief extends far beyond the habitats and species listed in the 

annexes of the Habitats and Birds Directives. 

NPWS is the section of the DEHLG responsible for maintaining the 

nature conservation value of the site. Periodic inspection of the site is 

carried out by the local Conservation Ranger. 

Regional staff also participate in research and survey projects by 

collecting data on the site, provide advice to planning authorities on the 

impacts of development applications and provide an education and 

advisory service to the public. See Appendix VIII for NPWS contact 

details. 

Kerry County Council Kerry County Council is the planning authority for the site. As such it is 

obliged to ensure appropriate assessment of the implications of 

developments requiring planning permission that may have an impact, 

either individually or in combination with other developments on the 

designated area. 

Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) 

The EPA is an independent state sponsored body with a wide range of 

statutory duties including monitoring environmental quality and 

overseeing the performance by local authorities of their statutory 

environmental protection functions. 


Legal Background 

Department of Agriculture, 

Fisheries and Food (DAFF) 

DAFF is the government department responsible for the development and 

regulation of agriculture, fisheries, forestry and the food industry, 

including the administration of schemes such as the Rural Environment 

Protection Scheme (REPS), the Native Woodland Scheme (NWS), and 

Commonage Framework Plans (CFPs). In 2007 the Department assumed 

the additional responsibility for sea fisheries, aquaculture, marine 

research, marine engineering and pier and harbour development (non 

commercial) and associated agencies such as Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) 

and the Marine Institute. 

Under Regulation 31 of the EC (Natural Habitats) Regulations, DAFF 

have responsibility for ensuring that activities it regulates do not 

adversely affect cSACs. Monitoring functions are carried out by 

individual divisions or executive agencies of the department. 

The Forest Service The Forest Service is the statutory body responsible for ensuring the 

development of forestry within Ireland in a manner and to a scale that 

maximises its contribution to national socio-economic well-being on a 

sustainable basis that is compatible with the protection of the 

environment. 

The Department of 

Communications, Energy 

and Natural Resources 

(DCENR) 

The Central Fisheries 

Board 

Southern Regional Fisheries 

Board 

DCENR is the government agency with responsibility for 

Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, including the Inland 

Fisheries Division. It holds corporate governance of the Central and 

Regional Fisheries Boards and the Loughs Agency. 

The Central Fisheries Board is the statutory body is responsible for the 

co-ordination and support of the seven regional fisheries boards. Its 

responsibilities also include the control of commercial salmon licensing. 

The Southern Regional Fisheries Board is responsible for maintaining 

and improving environmental quality and developing and protecting the 

fisheries resource in their region. The Boards responsibilities cover both 

inland waterways and out to the twelve-mile limit off the coast. 

Local Authority Policy in Relation to the Site 

The Kerry County (Draft) Development Plan 2009-2015 (Chapter 11, Natural Environment) states 

objectives in relation to EU and National Designations; 

EN 11-21 Ensure that development likely to have serious adverse effects on the areas listed will not 

normally be permitted. The designation of sites does not imply a total restriction on all 

development. Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed development will not have a negative 

impact on the fauna, flora or habitat being protected. 

EN 11-22 Ensure that any development proposal in the vicinity of or affecting in any way a 

designated SAC, SPA or NHA provides sufficient information showing how its proposals will 

impact on the designated site. Appropriate mitigation measures must be indicated. 

The objective (EN 11-23) in relation to Special Areas of Conservation is to ‘Maintain the 

conservation value of those sites identified by The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the 

Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, as Special Areas of Conservation as 

well as any other sites that may be so identified during the lifetime of this plan.’ 


9


Implications of Site Designation for 

Landowners and other Site Users 

In most areas designated as cSACs, current practices will not have to change significantly. 

In cases where users with a legal entitlement are required to change practices or restrict activities to 

protect the wildlife interest of the site, compensation will be payable based on actual loss of 

income. See Appendix V for further details. 

If a user with a legal entitlement wishes to carry out certain activities, not covered by licence or 

consent from another statutory body, within the designated area, they must consult with, and get 

consent from, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. These activities 

are listed as “Notifiable Actions” for each habitat (see Appendix VI). 


NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE 

OF SLIEVE MISH MOUNTAINS 

CSAC 

Reason for Designation of Slieve Mish 

Mountains cSAC 

This section outlines the habitats and species occurring within the site that are the basis for the 

designation of the site because of their relative importance, both at a national and Community 

level. 

HABITATS LISTED IN ANNEX I OF 

THE EU HABITATS DIRECTIVE 

• Northern Atlantic wet heaths with 

Erica tetralix (EU Habitat Code 4010) 

• European dry heaths (EU Habitat 

Code 4030) 

• Alpine and Boreal heaths (EU 

Habitat Code 4060) 

• Siliceous rocky slopes with 

chasmophytic vegetation (EU 

Habitat Code 8220) 

SPECIES LISTED IN ANNEX II OF 

THE EU HABITATS DIRECTIVE 

• Killarney Fern 

(Trichomanes speciosum) 



Conservation Value of Slieve Mish 

Mountains cSAC 

The site supports four Annex I habitats listed under the EU Habitats Directive and one species, the 

Killarney Fern, which is listed on Annex II of the same Directive. 

With regard to Northern Atlantic wet heath with Erica tetralix, much of the wet heath occurs 

within a mosaic of other habitats, particularly dry heath, upland grassland and blanket bog. Where 

wet heath is relatively undamaged, it is bryophyte-rich with a high diversity of species. In damaged 

areas (due to overgrazing), the heath is being invaded by atypical plants such as Common Gorse, 

rushes and Mat Grass. However, the habitat mosaics containing wet heath are reasonably extensive 

and a reasonable quantity of relatively undamaged wet heath remains. 

The European dry heath present on the site is of the sub-montane Vaccinium-Calluna heath 

category. It is rich in bryophytes including many moss species, with a diverse Sphagnum 

component, and many liverworts. The areas of dry heath are dominated by characteristic species of 

woody sub-shrubs e.g. Ling Heather and Bell Heather and retain a good structure, although grazing 

levels has served to degrade the quality of some of this habitat within the site. 

Alpine and Boreal heath consists of a dwarf shrub heath and due to natural erosion, has a natural 

open nature. It includes rare species such as Dwarf Willow (Webb et al., 1996). Within Ireland, 

Alpine and Boreal heath is generally poorly represented with only some of the typical elements 

represented. Alpine and Boreal heath on this site, although needing further investigation, is at least 

of reasonable quality with a number of characteristic species present. 

The main cliff areas (i.e. siliceous rocky slope habitat) occur on the northern side between 

Knockbrack and Knockauncorragh. Species diversity is enhanced by the presence of dry cliff tops 

and lower wetter cliff areas. Saxifrages and liverworts are common. Uncommon species present 

include Irish Saxifrage and Dwarf Willow. Overall, the site provides good examples of 

chasmophyptic vegetation types, sheltering relict arctic-alpine flora and important bryophyte and 

lichen assemblages. 

The single recorded population of the Killarney Fern, is a good-sized one and represents 

approximately 2.3% of the known national population. It is in a typical location on a vertical rock 

face by a small waterfall. It is relatively undisturbed. At present, there are no obviously damaging 

activities affecting the population and its habitat. 


Nature Conservation Value of Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC 

Conservation Objectives 

European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to 

maintain at favourable conservation status areas designated as candidate Special Areas of 

Conservation. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and 

enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites. 

According to the EU Habitats Directive, favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved 

when: 

• its natural range, and area it covers within that range, is stable or increasing, and 

• the ecological factors that are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to 

continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and 

• the conservation status of its typical species is favourable as defined below. 

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when: 

• population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and 

• the natural range of the species is neither being reduced or likely to be reduced for the 

foreseeable future, and 

• there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations 

on a long-term basis. 

Objective 1: To maintain the Annex I habitats for which the cSAC has been selected at 

favourable conservation status; Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica 

tetralix (20%), European dry heaths (40% of site), Alpine and Boreal 

heaths (7%), and Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation 

(1%). 

Objective 2: To maintain the Annex II species for which the cSAC has been selected 

at favourable conservation status; Killarney Fern (Trichomanes 

speciosum). 

Objective 3: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site. 

Objective 4: To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal 

users and relevant authorities. 


13

SITE DESCRIPTION 

Location Including Site Boundaries 

The Slieve Mish Mountain range forms the backbone of the eastern half of the Dingle Peninsula 

from the outskirts of Tralee town in the east to the villages of Camp and Inch in the west (Map 1). 

The highest peak is Baurtregaum (851 m). 

Grid Ref.: Q 75 07 

Latitude: N 52º12’00” 

Longitude: W 09º49’00” 

Area: 9791 ha 

Altitude Range: 20 m to 851 m 

Townlands: See Appendix IV 

Site Boundaries 

Agricultural or grazing lands bound the majority of the site, with some forestry present to the east 

and west. 

Site Infrastructure 

The main Tralee-Dingle road is located to the north of the site, with the main Castlemaine/Tralee to 

Dingle road to the south. Two local roads traverse the site in a north-south direction and several 

informal tracks occur across the site. The way marked walking route, The Dingle Way, is located to 

the north and west of the site, and in some locations forms part of the site. 


Site Description 

Legal Status 

Ownership 

Most of the site is owned in common i.e. commonage, with the remainder of the site in multiple 

private ownership (Map 2). 

Designations of the Site 

candidate Special 

Area of Conservation 

proposed Natural 

Heritage Area 

Rights Pertaining to the Site 

Sitecode IE0002185 Published on 1 st July 1999. 

Sitecode 2185 Published in 1995. 

Grazing Commonage land is subject to individual grazing rights. 

Turbary Commonage land is subject to individual turbary rights. 

Physical Features 

Climate 

The closest synoptic weather station to the site is the Valentia Observatory, and 30-year average 

information was obtained from the Met Eireann website (for full details see Appendix III). In 

summary, the mean daily air temperature at the station is 10.4 o C, ranging from an average low of 

3.9 o C in February to an average high of 14.8 o C in July. The average annual rainfall is 1430.1 mm, 

and the average daily duration of sunshine is 3.39 hours per day. Winds are predominantly from the 

south, with an average wind speed of 10.9 knots. There is an annual average of 5.6 days with snow 

or sleet recorded, and only 0.8 days where snow is still lying on the ground by 9am. 

Geology & Geomorphology 

The Slieve Mish mountain range comprises a ridge of predominantly Old Red Sandstone, which 

abuts the Dingle Beds sandstones in the north-west. Silurian and Ordovician rocks form a high 

ridge to the north-east of Inch, and the mountains are flanked by Lower Avonian Shales and the 

Kiltorcan Beds (of Old Red Sandstone) to the north, east and south (Geological Map of Ireland, 3rd 

Edition, 1962). Geologically, the rocks are termed the Slieve Mish Group. It also includes the 

terrestrial Cappagh Sandstone formation and the Lower Carboniferous Lack Sandstone formation. 

Deposition of the Slieve Mish Group probably began in latest Devonian times. 

The site is intersected, particularly on its northern flank, by several steep-sided, glaciated river 

valleys e.g. Derrymore Glen, at the head of which a classical corrie lake, surrounded by steep cliffs, 

features. Steep cliffs and high rocky ridges are aspects of the site, above 650 m e.g. the 

Caherconree/Baurtregaum (851 m) /Gormagh ridge. Low plateau occur in the eastern portion of the 

site, to the north of Knockawaddra, while etch plains can be found to the north-west i.e. south-west 

of Camp village. 


15


Soils & Soil Processes 

The soil is predominantly Peaty Podzols (c. 75%) with associated Climatic Peat (c.10% - i.e. 

blanket bog/wet heath) and Lithosols (c. 15%) on a parent material of Old Red Sandstone 

(Gardiner, 1980; Gardiner and Ryan, 1969). 

Hydrology & Water Quality 

The principal rivers rising within the site are the Curraheen, Derrymore, Derryquay and Finglas 

rivers flowing north, and the Emlagh and Langoon rivers flowing south. Water quality has been 

analysed in two rivers flowing within and/or adjacent to the site i.e. the Finglas and Emlagh rivers. 

All of the channel lengths analysed for both rivers have been classed as unpolluted (McGarrigle et 

al., 2002). 



Biological Features 

Habitats and Vegetation 

Note: Throughout the conservation statement, habitats are named and described under two 

different systems: the Annex I habitats are as listed in the EU Habitats Interpretation Manual 

Version EUR 27 (2007), while all other habitats are as listed according to the classification 

system of ‘A Guide to Habitats in Ireland’ (Fossitt, 2000). 

The following table lists the habitats within the site. The Annex I habitats of the Habitats Directive 

for which the site was selected are listed, with the relevant Guide to Habitats category also shown. 

The Indicative Habitat map for the site is presented in Map 3. The percentage area presented for 

each habitat type is based on the approximate geographic area of each habitat, as shown in Map 3. 

Habitats Found within Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC 

HABITAT 

ANNEX I HABITAT TYPE 

CATEGORY 

Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica 

tetralix (EU Code 4010) 

Wet heath (HH3) 

European dry heaths (EU Code 4030) Dry siliceous heath (HH1) 

Alpine and Boreal heaths (EU Code 

4060) 

Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic 

vegetation (EU Code 8220) 

Montane Heath (HH4) 

Exposed siliceous rock (ER1) 

Siliceous scree and loose rock 

(ER3) 

- Dry-humid acid grassland (GS3) 

% AREA 

14 

(mapped in mosaic with PB3 

18 

(mapped with 4030) 


17 

65 

(mapped in mosaic with 4060/ GS3/ 

ER3) 

(also mapped with 4010) 

(mapped in mosaic with 4030/ 

GS3/ ER3) 

2 

(mapped in mosaic with ER3) 

(mapped with 8220) 

(also mapped with 4030/ 4060/ 

GS3) 

(mapped in mosaic with 4060/ 

4030/ ER3) 

- Lowland blanket bog (PB3) (mapped in mosaic with 4010) 

- Oak-birch-holly woodland (WN1)


Annex I Habitats: 

The dominant habitat within the site is heath. Wet / dry heath and acid grassland occur in mosaics 

on lower slopes of the mountains. In the upper, steeper slopes dry heath tends to dominate, but 

again mosaics occur with alpine heath and scree/exposed rock. 

Northern Atlantic wet 

heaths with Erica 

tetralix (EU code 4010) 

(20% of total site area 

or 1960 ha) 

Much of the wet heath occurs within a mosaic of other habitats, 

particularly dry heath, upland grassland and blanket bog. Wet heath 

encircles the lower slopes of the Slieve Mish Mountains and also occurs 

to some degree at higher altitudes e.g. Upper Derrymore Glen. On the 

lower slopes, Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), Cross-leaved Heath 

(Erica tetralix) and Autumn Gorse (Ulex gallii) dominate. Other typical 

species occur such as Ling Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Common Cottongrass 

(Eriophorum angustifolium), Deer-grass (Trichophorum 

caespitosum), Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea), Lousewort (Pedicularis 

sylvatica) and Sphagnum mosses (e.g. S. capillifolium, S. subnitens). 

Where the wet heath is relatively undamaged (e.g. Derrymore Glen), 

there is a rich and diverse bryophyte component (e.g. Hypnum 

cupressiforme, Pleurozium scheberi, Aulacomium palustre, Pleurozia 

purpurea and Calypogeia spp.). On damaged areas in the lower mountain 

slopes, plants atypical of natural wet heath habitats are invading i.e. 

Common Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) and Mat 

Grass (Nardus stricta). 

Deer Sedge (Trichophorum caespitosum). Photo M. Dromey 



European dry heaths 

(EU code 4030) (40% 

of total site area or 

3918 ha) 

Alpine and Boreal 

heaths (EU code 4060) 

(7% of total site area or 

685 ha) 

Siliceous rocky slopes 

with chasmophytic 

vegetation (EU code 

8220) (1% of total site 

area or 98 ha) 

The European dry heath present on the site is of the sub-montane 

Vaccinium-Calluna heath category. 

One of the most significant and least damaged semi-natural habitats of 

the cSAC is dry heath. The dominant species of these heath areas are 

Ling Heather, Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) 

and Green-ribbed Sedge (Carex binervis), with sparse Bilberry 

(Vaccinium myrtillus), and grasses such as Common Bent (Agrostis 

tenuis), Velvet Bent (A. canina) and Sheep’s Fescue (Festuca ovina). The 

heaths are bryophyte-rich including many Sphagnum and other moss 

species (e.g. Sphagnum capillifolium. S. tenellum, S. subnitens, Hypnum 

cupressiforme, Thuidium tamariscum, Dicranum scoparium, 

Aulacomnum palustre, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Polytrichum 

commune, Polytrichum formosum, Pleurozium schreberi) and liverworts 

(e.g. Pleurozia purpurpea, Mylia spp. and Calypoegia spp.). 

The Alpine and Boreal heath is of the Lydopodio alpini – Racomitrium 

lanuginosum category. 

Alpine heath occurs within the site as a ridge community, above an 

altitude of c. 650 m. It is documented as occurring on the Caherconree, 

Baurtregaum, Gormagh ridge, but may also occur in other high parts of 

the site. It is consists of a dwarf shrub heath with a low vegetation cover, 

over a stony substrate. Characteristically, there is a short turf of Woolly 

Hair-moss (Racomitrium lanuginosum), Polytrichum moss species, 

Bilberry, Dwarf Willow (Salix herbacea) and Heath Rush (Juncus 

squarrosus). Other characteristic species present include Stiff Sedge 

(Carex bigelowii), lichens (e.g. Cladonia rangiferina), and on the highest 

ridges a number of locally scarce species including Crowberry 

(Empetrum nigrum). 

The main cliff areas occur on the northern side of the highest terrain, 

between Knockbrack and Knockauncorragh. The cliff faces can be 

divided into two types; dry shaded cliff tops and lower cliff areas with 

gullies, rills and wet ledges. The first type supports an abundance of St. 

Patrick’s Cabbage (Saxifraga spathularis), Kidney Saxifrage (S. hirsuta) 

and liverworts (Scapania spp.). In some places, these are accompanied by 

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea), Heath 

Bedstraw (Galium saxatile) and Dwarf Willow. 

However, the lower, wetter cliff areas are more species-rich and support 

communities with Starry Saxifrage (Saxifraga stellaris), Blinks (Montia 

fontana spp. fontana) and the moss Philonotis fontana (Philontodo 

fontanae – Saxofraga stellaris community), as well as Creeping Bent 

(Agrostis stolonifera), Starry Saxifrage, Irish Saxifrage (Saxifraga 

rosacea), and Alpine Scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis subsp. alpina) - 

(Saxifragetum azoides community). 

Other species recorded include Alpine Hair-grass (Deschampsia 

caespitosa subsp. Alpina), Brittle Bladder-fern (Cystopteris fragilis) as 

well as the bryophytes Acrobolbus wilsonnii, Lejeunea flava, L. holtii and 

Sematophyllum micans. 


19


Other Habitats: 

Acid oligotrophic 

lakes (FL2) 

Active quarries and 

mines (ED4) 

Most lakes within the site are of the corrie type, occurring at cliff bases 

and impounded by glacial moraines, and artificial dams. 

A classic corrie lake occurs at the head of Derrymore Glen, i.e. 

Derrymore Lough. Although these oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) lakes are 

typically species-poor, within this site they are even more noticeably so, 

with Bulbous Rush (Juncus bulbosus) being the only characteristic 

species present. The most abundant aquatic species in Derrymore Lake is 

Common Water-starwort (Callitriche stagnalis), which is an atypical 

species of natural oligotrophic lakes. 

There is one small boulder clay quarry with a small pond recorded for the 

site (NHA database). The pond environs support Lesser Celandine 

(Ranunculus ficaria), Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula), 

Branched Bur-reed (Sparganium erectum), Broad-leaved Pondweed 

(Potamogeton natans), Eared Willow (Salix aurita) and rushes. 

Cutover bog (PB4) These are areas of former blanket bog currently or previously cut for peat. 

These areas still retain species characteristic of blanket bog and wet 

heath, although some areas have degraded to upland grassland. In areas of 

current turbary, there is bare ground, while re-vegetated peat banks are a 

feature of old peat cuttings. 

Dry humid acid 

grassland (GS3) 

Eroding/upland rivers 

(FW1) 

Exposed siliceous rock 

(ER1) 

Siliceous scree and 

loose rock (ER3) 

Heath (mostly dry heath) commonly contains elements of upland 

grassland. Often these grassy areas were former true heath. Species 

recorded include Creeping Bent, Common Bent, Cross-leaved Heath, 

Autumn Gorse, Common Gorse, Heath Rush, Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex 

acetosella), Ling Heather, Vivipareous Fescue (Festuca vivipara), Broad 

Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata), Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile), 

Heath Milkwort (Polygala serpyllifolia), Bilberry, Soft Rush, Wood Rush 

(Luzula sylvatica), and Wilson’s Filmy Fern (Hymemophyllum wilsonii - 

on rocks). Along the roadside, north-east of Knockbrack, Betony (Stachys 

officinalis) and Blue-eyed-grass (Sisyrinchium bermudiana) have been 

recorded (NHA database - M. Wyse-Jackson, 1996). 

Damp streams beds support Bog Stitchwort (Stellaria uliginosa), while 

fast-flowing mountain streams have a diverse bryophyte flora including 

the moss Fontinalis antipyretica. Hanging rocks, on stream waterfalls, 

host species such as the Kidney Saxifrage, Wood Sage (Teucrium 

scorodonia), Male Fern (Dryopteris felix-mas), Lemon-scented Fern 

(Orepteris limposperma), Bog Pimpernel (Anagallis tenella), Procumbent 

Pearlwort (Sagina procumbens) and Ivy-leaved Bellflower 

(Wahlenbergia hederacea). Along Curraheen stream (3 miles south-west 

of Tralee), the Red Data Book species Cornish Moneywort (Sibthorpia 

europaea) has been recorded. 

Exposed rock occurs in a mosaic with siliceous rocky slopes with 

chasmophytic vegetation, scree, heath and upland grassland. 

Scree and loose rock occurs in mosaic with areas of dry heath, grassland 

and siliceous rocky slopes. 



Lowland blanket bog 

(PB3) 

Oak-birch-holly 

woodland (WN1) 

Poor fen and flush 

(PF2) 

Notable Flora: 

Lower Plants 

The principal areas of extensive blanket bog within the site are located on 

the lower slopes of Knockawaddra to the extreme east of the site, and in 

the vicinity of Slieve East located at the extreme north-west of the site. 

There are also pockets of blanket bog along the ridge of the range. Little 

information is available on this habitat within the site, but this habitat is 

almost always found in a mosaic with wet-heath vegetation of areas of 

peat depth


Higher Plants 

The site contains at least one good population of Killarney Fern, a species listed under Annex II of 

the EU Habitats Directive. The population consists of several clumps of approximately 500 fronds, 

covering an area of approximately 3 m 2 (NHA database - recorded M. Wyse-Jackson, 1997). 

Lemon-scented Fern (Oreopteris limbosperma) is another notable fern recorded (NHA database - 

T. Hodd, 1997), and is described as rather rare nationally (Webb et al., 1996). 

Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum). Photo N. Kingston. 

In addition to the Killarney Fern, two other plants listed as rare in the Irish Red Data Book occur, 

namely Betony and Cornish Moneywort (NHA database - BSBI Monitoring Scheme records). 

Betony is listed for protection under the Flora Protection Order (1999). In Ireland, Cornish 

Moneywort is confined to the Dingle Peninsula, with its most easterly known station located within 

the site at a number of locations near the margins of this cSAC. 

Four other notable plant species were recorded from the site. Ivy-leaved Bellflower (Wahlenbergia 

hederacea) was found at a number of locations in 1997 (Wyse-Jackson and Lockhart, pers. comm.) 

and is described as rare by Webb et al. (1996). Dwarf Willow (Salix herbacea) is found in the 

upper reaches of the site and is considered widespread, but rare (Webb et al., 1996). Irish Saxifrage 

(Saxifraga herbacea) that occurs on cliffs within the cSAC, only occurs occasionally in the 

mountains of Kerry and only very locally elsewhere (Webb et al., 1996). 

Fauna: 

Invertebrates 

There is an unconfirmed record (1998) of the Kerry Slug (Geomalacus maculosus) within the site 

(M. Wyse-Jackson, pers. comm.). This species is listed under Annex II of the EU Habitats 

Directive. 

Fish 

Trout (Salmo trutta ) occur in streams within the site. 



Amphibians 

The Common Frog (Rana temporaria) occurs. This is listed under Annex V of the EU Habitats 

Directive and is a Red Data Book species. 

Birds 

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) are known to breed within the site at Glanbrack (Peregrine 

Survey, 1997, NPWS files; P. Foley, pers. comm.). Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) feed within 

the Slieve Mish Mountains. Although cliffs providing apparently suitable breeding habitat occur, 

Choughs are not known to breed within the cSAC. Both these species are listed under Annex I of 

the EU Birds Directive. 

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 

Other birds recorded include Raven (Corvus corax), Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) breeding at 

Knockbrack (P. Foley, pers. comm.), Grouse (Lagopus lagopus hibernicus) and Wheatear 

(Oenanthe oenanthe). 

Mammals 

The Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus), an internationally important Red Data Book species and 

listed under Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive, is present. Other mammal species include Fox 

(Vulpes vulpes) and the Red Data Book species Badger (Meles meles). Feral Goat (Capra hircus) 

are also present (P. Foley, pers. comm.). 


23


Land Use 

Land use on the site 

Agriculture Most of the site is used as extensive, rough grazing pasture for sheep and 

some cattle. Livestock are sometimes out-wintered, with supplementary 

feeding of animals occurring at a number of locations within the site. 

Parts of the site are periodically burned to encourage more palatable 

grazing for livestock. The impacts of grazing in commonage areas have 

been assessed under the Commonage Framework Planning Project (KE7 

and KE8 (1999)). 

Turf cutting Most of the blanket bog present has been extensively cut for turf, with 

some areas still actively cut. However, this activity is small-scale and 

diminishing (P. Foley, pers. comm.). Active machine cutting still occurs 

to the east of the cSAC on the western slopes of Knockawadra, and to the 

west on the lower (northern) slopes of Knockmore. 

Walking The western end of the cSAC is utilised by walkers, mostly on an ascent 

to Caherconree. 

Motorbike scrambling Occasionally, scrambling bikes traverse the mountain lands. 

Quarrying Some very small-scale quarrying has occurred, mostly extracting gravel 

for mountain tracks e.g. Knockbrack area. This activity occurs from time 

to time. 

Telecommunications/ 

TV 

A telecommunication mast is present within the site on the ridge east of 

Knockmoyle. 

Shooting range The area of Ballydunlea is used as a shooting range by the Department of 

Defence. Some of this is within the cSAC. 

Land use adjacent to the site 

Forestry Some coniferous forestry plantations occur adjacent to the site e.g. 

Knockmichael Mountain and Ballygamboon to the east, and Knockbrack 

and Emlagh to the west. 

Agriculture Sheep and cattle grazing are the major land uses adjacent to the site. 

Quarrying Small-scale quarrying to supply gravel for tracks occur throughout the 

area. Stone is quarried on a larger scale at Fybough on the lower slopes 

of Castle Hill, west of Boolteens. 

Telecommunications There are a number of telecommunication masts on the ridge east of 

Knockmoyle. 

Military shooting 

range 

Residential and 

infrastructure 

The area of Ballydunlea is used as a shooting range by the Department of 

Defence. 

Single houses are found around the margins of the site. The main Tralee - 

Dingle and Castlemaine /Killarney - Dingle roads run to the north and 

south of the site, respectively. 

Recreational shooting Recreational shooting occurs for game birds (P. Foley, pers. comm., 

2003). 

Water abstraction There is a Group Water Scheme that derives its water from the 

Ballyarkane River at Gortaleen (P. Foley, pers. comm., 2003). 



Past human use 

The past use of the site was primarily sheep and cattle grazing. 

Water was abstracted in the past from the Curraheen River east of Derrymore Glen. Much of the 

water came from the Derrymore Glen catchment, as pipes ran from the Derrymore and Derryquay 

rivers to the waterworks at Curraheen. This serviced the whole town of Tralee until 20 years ago 

(G. Riordan, Tralee UDC, pers. comm.). The intake was on two streams here, with weirs, barges 

and reservoirs still present. 

Archaeology 

Monuments scheduled for inclusion in the Record of Monuments and Places as established under 

the section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act (1994). 

MONUMENT 

NO. 

DESCRIPTION 

NAT. GRID TOWNLAND 

KE037 - 030 Field bank(s) 7784 11104 Curraheen 

KE037 - 048 Promontory fort 7279 10674 Beheenagh 

KE037 - 058 Enclosure (possible) 7825 11108 Curraheen 

KE037 - 066 Standing stone (possible) 7815 10944 Curraheen 

KE037 - 072 Enclosure(s) 7503 10733 Derrymore East 

KE037 - 075 Enclosure (possible) 7454 10843 Derrymore East 

KE037 - 076 Hut site 7636 11055 Derrymore East 

KE037 - 077 Hut site 7684 11053 Curraheen 

KE037 - 078 Hut site 7825 10979 Curraheen 

KE037 - 079 Hut site 7583 10785 Derrymore East 

KE037 - 080 Enclosure 7597 10788 Derrymore East 

KE038 - 047 Burial 8361 10983 Clahane 

KE038 - 070 Enclosure 8238 10903 Ballydunlea 

KE038 - 071 Hut site complex 8294 10813 Farna 

KE038 - 072 Hut site 8334 10816 Clahane 

KE045 - 069 Holy well 6832 10235 Caherpierce 

KE046 - 003 Promontory fort 7274 10664 Beheenagh 

KE047 - 001 Enclosure 8002 10610 Boolteens West 

Eighteen monuments are recorded from the site, including a burial site and several hut sites. 


25


Management Issues 

The following issues have been identified for this site. They are listed in alphabetical order. 

• Burning 

• Grazing 

• Ownership and resources 

• Tracks 

• Turf cutting 

Burning 

Uncontrolled burning occurs to some degree and is detrimental to the ecological quality of heath 

and blanket bog habitats. NPWS can monitor the site for uncontrolled burning. This is a Notifiable 

Action under SAC regulations (Appendix VI). 

Grazing 

On parts of the site, overgrazing has led to some habitat degradation, particularly of the heath 

covering the lower slopes. The out-wintering of livestock and associated supplementary feeding in 

places has contributed further to this degradation e.g. within Knockbrack townland to the east of 

the site. High stocking densities sometimes results in the invasion of non-characteristic species 

such as Common Gorse and Soft Rush. Other areas of current and former heath have also been 

degraded. It also appears that most of the lower blanket bog areas of the site are considerably 

damaged by over-grazing, while the blanket bog pockets on the ridge suffer from severe gully 

erosion. Overgrazing has been assessed on commonage land, the results of which recommends destocking 

levels of between 0 - 65% depending on the agricultural unit (Commonage Framework 

Plans KE7 and KE8 (1999) apply). The individual CFPs should be consulted for further details. 

Overgrazing is being addressed on commonages by the implementation of Commonage Framework 

Plans, co-ordinated by NPWS and the Dept. of Agriculture. On non-commonage land, REPS and 

NPWS plans can be utilised to address this problem. 

Trespassing animals on commonage land exacerbates overgrazing. NPWS can liaise with 

landowners and the Department of Agriculture regarding the implementation of “Good Farming 

Practices”. 

Ownership and resources 

All of the site lands are privately owned or held in common. There are limited resources and staff 

to patrol the site and liaise with the landowners and other interest groups and to raise public 

awareness about the conservation value of the site. Liaison with landowners can occur. Increased 

resources can be sought to patrol the site. 

Tracks 

There are a number of rough tracks entering the site. These serve to degrade habitat in their direct 

vicinity and open up new areas for turf cutting. They sometimes facilitate dumping that has been 

recorded in a number of locations. The opening of tracks can be prevented via Commonage 

Framework, REPS and NPWS plans. Dumped material can be removed under REPS and NPWS 

plans. 



Turf cutting 

Past turf cutting has reduced the area and quality of blanket bog, especially on the lower altitude 

areas. Some turf cutting is still active e.g. to the east (south of Blennerville, on the western slopes 

of Knockawadra) and north-west of the site (south of Camp). 

Current levels of turf cutting are low. NPWS can ensure that turf is extracted only where cutting is 

currently practiced for home (“chimney”) consumption only. 


27

SCIENTIFIC MONITORING & 

INSPECTION 

The inspection and monitoring regime for the site will comprise: 

Water quality 

monitoring 

Water quality is monitored at regular intervals by the EPA and/or local 

authorities. 

Under the Water Framework Directive local authorities are obliged to 

establish River Basin District plans covering all inland and coastal waters 

that will lead to the identification and implementation of effective 

measures for improved water management. 

NPWS will liaise with the EPA, the local authorities and other relevant 

statutory agencies and research organisations to: 

• determine the quality and quantity of waters associated with water 

dependent habitats 

• establish reference conditions necessary for monitoring the status of 

the habitats and species and to 

• ensure that the sampling regime is adequate to detect changes in their 

conservation status 

Scientific monitoring Monitoring of the conservation status of the Annex I habitats (Northern 

Atlantic wet heaths, European dry heaths, Alpine and Boreal heaths and 

Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation) and the Annex II 

species, Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum), will be done by, or on 

behalf of, the staff of the Monitoring Section of the NPWS or staff 

working to NPWS in accordance with the procedures laid down by that 

section. 

Protocols for monitoring Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC will be 

developed, in consultation with other agencies where appropriate, to 

determine if the site is being maintained at favourable conservation 

status. 

Site surveillance Regular inspection of the site by the NPWS staff, with special attention to 

the qualifying interests will identify any major changes, damaging 

operations, or threats should they arise. 


APPENDIX I: GLOSSARY 

ABIOTIC FACTORS – A collective term for components of the physical environment (i.e. nonliving 

factors such as geology and climate). 

ABSTRACTION - The process of taking water from a river, stream, spring, pond, lake or ground 

water. This process is “abstracting” water or making an “abstraction”. 

ACIDIC - When applied to soils, refers to soils which are of a low pH i.e. below 7. The term is 

often used in relation to the plant communities that an acid soil may support e.g. acidic grassland. 

ALGAE - Simple plants that are not differentiated into roots, stems and leaves and have no true 

vascular system. They can be microscopic, or very large and are capable of photosynthesis. They 

can be found in most habitats but the majority occurs in freshwater or marine environments. 

ALKALINE - When applied to soils it refers to soils of a calcareous nature and of a high pH, i.e. 

above 7. The term is often used to describe plant communities associated with such soils e.g. 

Alkaline Fens. 

ALTITUDE - Vertical height above sea level. 

AMPHIBIANS – A vertebrate group whose members spend part of their life cycle in water and 

part on land e.g. Frog. 

ANGIOSPERMS - Flowering plants. Strictly, those seed bearing plants that develop their seeds 

from ovules within a closed cavity, the ovary. 

ANNEX I - of the EU Birds Directive, lists birds that are strictly protected so that they cannot be 

killed, captured, disturbed or traded. 

ANNEX I - of the EU Habitats Directive, lists habitats including priority habitats for which SACs 

have to be designated. 

ANTHROPOGENIC - Produced or caused by humans. 

AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT – Rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, springs and features that depend on 

natural waters e.g. marsh, bogs and wetlands. 

ASSEMBLAGE - A collection of organisms. 

AVIFAUNA – Birds 

BIODIVERSITY – A general term used to describe all aspects of biological diversity, including: 

the number of species present in a given environment; the genetic diversity present within a 

species; the number of different ecosystems present within a given environment. 

BIOTIC – Pertaining to the living components of a habitat or ecosystem 

BIOTIC FACTORS – Factors limiting the distribution of a species due to the effects of other 

organisms present. 

BIOTOPE - An environmental region, defined by particular environmental conditions and therefore 

a characteristic assemblage of organisms. 



BIRDS DIRECTIVE (Council Directive 79/ 409/ 2nd April 1979) - Under this Directive Ireland is 

required to conserve the habitats of two categories of wild birds: 1) Listed rare and vulnerable 

species and 2) Regularly occurring migratory species. The Directive also obliges Ireland to 

conserve wetlands, especially those of international importance and regulates the hunting and 

trading of wildbirds. It was transposed into Irish legislation by the EU (Natural Habitats) 

Regulations, 1997. 

BLANKET BOG - Bogs which carpet the landscape, following the underlying topography. They 

can cover extensive areas along the west coast and on uplands throughout the country. 

BOD – Biological Oxygen Demand. A measure of the amount of oxygen consumed in the 

biological processes that break down organic matter in water. BOD is used as an indirect measure 

of the concentration of biologically degradable material present. It is used as an indicator of levels 

of organic pollution, where the greater the BOD, the greater the degree of pollution. 

BRYOLOGY - The branch of botany that deals with mosses and liverworts. 

BRYOPHYTES - A group of simple non-vascular spore-bearing green plants comprising the 

mosses, liverworts and hornworts. 

CAIRN - A mound of stones erected as a memorial or marker, some of which are of historical 

significance. 

CANOPY LAYER - The tallest tree layer in a wood. 

CATCHMENT - An area of land draining to a defined point. The term river catchment refers to the 

area of land that drains into a particular river system. 

CENSUS - An official periodic count of a population. 

CHASMOPHYTIC VEGETATION - Consists of plant communities that colonise the cracks and 

fissures of rock faces. The type of plant community that develops is largely determined by the 

base-status of the rock face. Calcareous sub-types develop on lime-rich rocks such as limestone and 

calcareous schists, whereas siliceous communities develop on acid rocks. 

COMMONAGE – An area of land which is undivided but owned by more than one person / or the 

rights to use the land are owned by more than one person. 

COMMUNITY - a well-defined assemblage of plants and/or animals, clearly distinguishable from 

other such assemblages. 

CONSERVATION STATUS - The sum of the influences acting on a habitat and its typical species 

that may affect its long term distribution, structure and functions. Also refers to the long-term 

survival of its typical species within the European territory of the Member States. 

CORRIE - A circular hollow on a hillside formed by glacial scouring. 

CUTOVER BOG – Areas of bog which have been previously cut, although not down to the marl 

layer or bedrock. Cut-over areas are normally a mosaic of cut areas, face banks, pools, drainage 

ditches, uncut areas of peat, scrub, grassland etc. 

DAFF– The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 

DEHLG - Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government 

DEVELOPMENT PLANS - Local Authorities (Co. Councils & Corporations) are obliged under 

statute to produce a document which sets out the planned development of their areas for a given 

number of years. In the future Local Authorities will be asked to incorporate designated NHAs, 

SACs and SPAs classifications into their development plans. 

DIVERSITY - see biodiversity. 

DOMESTIC PURPOSES - Used in relation to the cutting of peat. Peat that is cut for domestic 

purposes is not for commercial sale and is cut at the rate of one year’s supply for a household per 

year. 


Appendix I: Glossary 

ECOLOGY - The study of the interactions between organisms, and their physical, chemical and 

biological environment. 

ECOSYSTEM – A functional ecological unit in which the biological, physical and chemical 

components of the environment interact. 

ECOTOPE – Term used to describe the full range of niche and habitat factors that affect a species. 

ELEVATION - The height of something above a given place, usually above sea level. 

ENVIRONMENT – The biological and physical conditions in which an organism lives. 

EPA – Environmental Protection Agency 

EROSION - The processes whereby the materials of the Earth’s crust are dissolved, or worn away 

and simultaneously moved from one place to another by natural agencies which include 

weathering, solution, corrosion and transportation. 

EUROPEAN BIRDS DIRECTIVE (79/ 409/ 2nd April 1979) - See Birds Directive. 

EVALUATION - A considered or measured assessment of available information leading to a 

ranking or valuing. 

FAUNA - Animal life. 

FAVOURABLE CONSERVATION STATUS - The conservation status of a natural habitat will be 

taken as “favourable” when: its natural range and areas it covers within that range are stable or 

increasing, and the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long term 

maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and the conservation 

status of its typical species is favourable. 

FEN – A peat-forming wetland system that is fed by groundwater or moving surface waters. 

FINFISH - The collective term used to describe fish such as salmon, trout, arctic char, eels and 

turbot. 

FLORA - Plant life. 

FLORA PROTECTION ORDER - under the 1976 Wildlife Act, particular plants can be protected 

under a Flora Protection Order. Under such an order it is an offence to cut, uproot or damage these 

plants unless under licence from the Minister. The same order prohibits damage to the habitats of 

these species. 

FORMATION – A geological term for a body of rocks having easily recognised boundaries that 

can be traced in the field, and large enough to be represented on a geological map as a practical and 

convenient unit for mapping and description. 

FRAGILITY - Refers to how robust a site/habitat/species is. 

GAME FISH - Salmonid fish, i.e. trout and salmon. 

GEOMORPHOLOGY – The study of the form and structure of the landscape, which is shaped by 

the underlying geology. 

GLACIOFLUVIAL - Deposits laid down by glacial meltwater. 

HABITAT - Refers to the environment defined by specific abiotic and biotic factors, in which a 

species lives at any stage of its biological cycle. In general terms it is a species home. In the 

Habitats Directive this term is used more loosely to mean plant communities and areas to be given 

protection. 

HABITATS DIRECTIVE - (Council Directive 92/43/EEC). The Directive on the conservation of 

Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna. This Directive seeks to legally protect wildlife and 

its habitats. It was transposed into Irish legislation by the EU (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997. 

HAND CUTTING OF PEAT - Refers to traditional cutting of peat using a slean or spade. 


31


HEPATIC – a non-flowering plant in the botanical class Hepaticae (liverworts), closely related to 

mosses. 

HUMMOCK - A small hillock/mound. Often used to describe the surface of active bogs where the 

ground forms a pattern of mounds, hollows and pools. Such hummocks commonly comprise bog 

mosses. 

HYDROLOGY - The movement of water through a catchment area including freshwater and 

seawater inputs, water level changes and drainage mechanisms which are all influenced by the 

underlying geology. 

HYDROSERE – The succession of vegetation from open water via fen, to forest or bog. 

INVERTEBRATES - Animals without backbones. 

LATITUDE – The angular distance measured in degrees north or south of the equator. 

LIAISON COMMITTEE - This is a special group set up to discuss the contents of a conservation 

management plan and the implementation of the plan. The committee includes representation of 

landowners, right-holders and other interest groups. It is the function of the committee to advise 

NPWS managers on the interaction between site conservation management and local interests. The 

Liaison Committee nominates a member to the official Appeals Board which considers appeals 

against site designation and other issues. The Liaison Committee is independent from the NPWS. 

LICHEN – An organism that consists of a fungus growing in close association (symbiosis) with an 

alga. 

LIFE – An EU budget line that provides funding for nature conservation projects on Natura 2000 

sites throughout Europe. 

LITHOLOGY - The physical character of a rock; the rock type. 

MACRO INVERTEBRATES – A collective term generally used to describe invertebrates that are 

visible to the naked eye- these may include insects, snails and worms. 

MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS - The Wildlife Act, 1976, enables DEHLG to enter into 

voluntary management agreements with private landowners. Under these agreements landowners 

will manage their lands to ensure that desirable wildlife habitats and species are protected. Payment 

for such responsible management may be agreed. However, the number and type of such 

agreements will vary depending on the resources available to the National Parks and Wildlife 

Service at the time. 

MITIGATE - To make or become less severe or harsh / moderate. 

MONITORING – A repeat or repeats of a survey using the same methodology. Designed to look 

for or measure specific changes and the rate or extent of change. Used to check the “health” 

quantity or quality of a habitat or species. 

MOSAIC - Used to describe habitats that occur together and cannot easily be mapped separately. 

MULTIPLE PRIVATE OWNERSHIP- Lands that are divided into areas which are privately 

owned. There must be more than one private landowner under this heading. (Lands in commonage 

are not described under this heading). 

NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE – NPWS is part of the Department of the 

Environment, Heritage & Local Government (DEHLG) that manages the Irish State's nature 

conservation responsibilities under National and European law. 

NATIVE WOODLAND SCHEME – An initiative aimed at protecting and expanding Ireland’s 

native woodland resource. There are two elements in the scheme: native woodland conservation 

and native woodland establishment, each with its own grant and premium levels. The scheme is 

administered by the Forest Service, under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries 

and Food. 



NATURA 2000 - A network of sites across the European Community, selected for the purpose of 

conserving natural habitats and species of plants and animals which are rare, endangered or 

vulnerable in the European Community. SACs and SPAs form the Natura 2000 network. 

NATURAL HERITAGE AREA – Designated areas that are important for wildlife conservation. 

Some of these sites are small, such as roosting areas for rare bats; others can be large such as a 

blanket bog or a sand dune system. 

NHA - Natural Heritage Area. 

NOTABLE SPECIES - Plants or animals which are worthy of mentioning either because they are 

particularly typical of a habitat, or because they are rare/ scarce/ atypical. 

NOTIFIABLE ACTIONS - Actions specified under the SAC regulations and are listed in the 

appendices of a conservation plan. These are actions which could cause damage to the site, and for 

which prior approval is required before they can be carried out. 

NPWS - National Parks and Wildlife Service 

NWS – Native Woodland Scheme 

OLIGO – Prefix denoting few or little 

OLIGOTROPHIC - Applied to waters that are relatively low in nutrients, as in lakes which are low 

in dissolved minerals and which can only support limited plant growth. 

ORGANISM - Any living thing. 

OS – Ordnance Survey. 

PERIPHERY - Distant from the centre, on the fringe/edge. 

pH - A quantitative expression for the acidity or alkalinity of a solution or soil. The scale ranges 

from 0-14: pH 7 is neutral, less than 7 is acidic and greater than 7 is alkaline. 

PLATEAU - A wide, mainly level area of elevated land. 

POACHING - Damage caused to vegetation and soil by trampling of large grazers. 

PODZOL – An acid soil, characteristically with a thin organic layer above a highly leached mineral 

layer. 

PRECIPITATION - Water moving from the atmosphere to the ground in the form of rain, fog, 

mist, snow or hail. 

PRIORITY HABITAT - A subset of the habitats listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. 

These are habitats which are in danger of disappearance and whose natural range mainly falls 

within the territory of the European Union. These habitats are of the highest conservation status and 

require measures to ensure that their favourable conservation status is maintained. 

PRIVATE OWNERSHIP - Land which is owned by one private landowner. 

QUALIFYING INTERESTS – The habitat(s) and/or species for which an SAC or SPA is 

designated. 

Q-VALUE – A biological index of river water quality ranging from Q5 (good water quality) to Q1 

(bad water quality). 

RARE - An ecological term applied to distribution of species when assessed on a national grid 

reference system. The assessment is made on the basis of the number of occupied 10 km National 

Grid squares. A species is described as rare if has been recorded in to 3-10, 10 km squares. 

RARITY - Refers to how common or scarce a site/habitat/species is. 

RED DATA BOOK – A register of threatened species that includes definitions of degrees of threat. 

RED DATA BOOK (lower plants) - This Red Data Book deals with Stoneworts which are 

recognised as a separate class, Characea, of the Green Algae Chlorophyta). Many of these species 

are threatened by loss of habitat or pollution. 


33


RED DATA BOOK 1 (vascular plants) This Red Data Book deals with rare and threatened 

flowering plants and ferns of Ireland with an account of their present distributions and conservation 

status. 

RED DATA BOOK 2 (mammals, birds, amphibians and fish) - identifies those species threatened 

in Ireland or those species whose populations are considered to be of international importance, 

though not necessarily threatened in Ireland. It details the current state of Irish vertebrates and 

provides a concise summary of the various legislation for each species. 

REPS - Rural Environment Protection Scheme. This is an Agri-Environmental programme which 

seeks to draw up agreements with farmers, according to the type of farming, landscape and features 

on the land. The overall objectives of REPS are to achieve: the use of farming practices which 

reduce the polluting effects of agriculture by minimising nutrient loss- an environmentally 

favourable extensification of crop farming, and sheep farming and cattle farming; - ways of using 

agricultural land which are compatible with protection and improvement of the environment, the 

countryside, the landscape, natural resources the soil and genetic diversity; - long-term set-aside of 

agricultural land for reasons connected with the environment; - land management for public 

access;- education and training for farmers in types of farming compatible with the requirements of 

environmental protection and upkeep of the countryside. 

SAC – Special Area of Conservation 

SCARCE - This is an ecological term, which is applied to distribution of species when assessed on 

a national grid reference system. The assessment is made on the basis of the number of occupied 10 

km National Grid squares. Scarce applies to 11-25, 10 km squares in this context. 

SCHIST – Well foliated metamorphic rock with a schistosity (cleavage resulting from the growth 

of new platy minerals such as mica) 

SCIENTIFIC MONITORING - this is carried out by the monitoring section of the NPWS, whose 

function here is to ensure that the favourable conservation status of the site is maintained and where 

possible improved. 

SHALE - Fine-grained sedimentary rock, like mudstone but with an irregular parting. 

SPA- Special Protection Area 

SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION – Areas designated for nature conservation at a European 

level. SACs have been selected from the prime examples of wildlife conservation areas in Ireland. 

Their legal basis from which selection is derived is The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC of the 21st 

May 1992). 

SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA - Areas which have been designated to ensure the conservation 

of certain categories of wild bird under the European Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/ 409/ 

2nd April 1979). 

SPECIES - the lowest unit of classification normally used for plants and animals. 

STRATEGY - A course of action or a broad approach towards achieving an objective. It is the 

general thrust of management towards achieving an objective. It is a description of how the 

objective is to be achieved. 

STRATIFICATION - Arrangement in layers: differentiation of horizontal layers in soils. 

SUCCESSION – Directional change/sequential development of vegetation e.g. from open water to 

fen to woodland. 

SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING - The practice of providing livestock with additional food, usually 

carried out in winter. This term is most often used when hay, silage or other foods are brought into 

a site to supply cattle or sheep with food during times when growing conditions are poor. 

SURVEY - a) Study/visit to produce an inventory of what is present / record a situation.- b) 

Establishing a baseline (study). 



SUSTAINABLE - The highest rate at which a renewable resource can be used without reducing its 

supply (without causing damage to the resource). 

TAXON – Any grouping within the classification of organisms (plural = taxa) 

TERRAIN - A piece of ground which is usually described by its physical character, i.e. rocky 

terrain. 

TERRESTRIAL - A term used to refer to living on land. The opposite of aquatic. 

TOPOGRAPHY - the study or detailed description of the surface features of a region. 

TRADITIONAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Land management practices which were carried 

out prior to the 1950s. These practices were often less intensified than today’s management 

practices. In REPS prescriptions traditional means an activity which has been carried out for a 

specified number of years on a site (usually 10 years). 

TURBARY – Refers to the right to harvest turf. 

VERTEBRATES - Animals with backbones. 

WEATHERING - The process by which rocks are broken down and decomposed by the action of 

wind, rain temperature changes, plants and bacteria. See also chemical and mechanical weathering. 

WETLAND - An area habitually saturated with water, and which may be partially or wholly 

covered permanently, occasionally, or periodically by fresh or salt water up to a depth of 6 m, and 

which includes bogs, fens, marsh, shallow ponds, river estuaries, and intertidal mud flats. 


35

APPENDIX II: REFERENCE 

MATERIAL 

Map References: 

O.S. 1/2 inch (1:126,720) map: 20 

Databases: 

O.S. Discovery (1:50,000) map: 71 

O.S. 6 inch (1: 10,560) map: KE 037, 038, 045, 046 and 047 

NHA database, NPWS, The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 7 Ely 

Place, Dublin 2. 

Natura 2000 database, NPWS, The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 7 

Ely Place, Dublin 2. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENVision interactive environmental data map 

viewer: http://maps.epa.ie/InternetMapViewer/MapViewer.aspx 

Photographic Coverage: 

Aerial photo No. 4267-4275, Flight Line 12. Date: 2000. NPWS, The Department of Environment, 

Heritage and Local Government, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2. 

Relevant Legislation: 

S.I. No. 39 of 1976: Wildlife Act 1976 

S.I. No. 38 of 2000: Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 

S.I. No. 94/1997: European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997. 

Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts 1963-2002. 

Bibliography: 

Atlas. 2000. BSBI field cards from 1984 to 1998. 

Berrow, S.D., Mackie, K.L., O’Sullivan, O., Shepherd, K.B., Mellon, C. & Coveney, J.A. 1993. 

The Second International Chough Survey in Ireland, 1992. Irish Birds, 5:1-10. 

Curtis, T.G.F. & McGough, H.N. 1988. The Irish Red Data Book: 1 Vascular Plants. Wildlife 

Service, Dublin. 

Department of Agriculture and Food. 2004. The Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) – 

Specification for REPS Planners in the Preparation of REPS 3 Plans. 

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/areasofi/reps3/reps3planner_spec_30june.doc 

Dúchas, The Heritage Service. Undated. Nature on the Farm 1. Environmentally Friendly Farming 

Series. 

European Commission. 2007. Interpretation Manual of European Habitats EUR 27. 

Fossitt, J.A. 2000. A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny. 

Gardiner, M.J. 1980. General soil map of Ireland. An Foras Taluntais. 


Appendix II: Reference Material 

Gardiner, M.J. & Ryan, P. 1969. A new generalised soil map of Ireland and its land-use 

interpretation. Ir. J. Agric. Res., 8: 95-109. An Foras Taluntais, Wexford. 

Goodwillie, R. 1972. A preliminary report on areas of ecological and geological interest in Co. 

Kerry. An Foras Forbartha, Dublin. 

Hart, H.C. 1882. Notes on Mountain Plants in Kerry. Journal of Botany, 20:174-176. 

Kerry County Council. 2009. Kerry County Council - Draft County Development Plan 2009-2015. 

McGarrigle, M., Bowman, J., Clabby, K., Lucey, J., Cunningham, P., MacCarthaigh, M., Keegan, 

M., Cantrell, B., Lehane, P., Clenaghan C. and Toner, P. 2002. Water quality in Ireland 1998 - 

2000. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Rohan, P. K. 1986. The Climate of Ireland. Meteorological Service. 

Scully, R.W. 1916. Flora of County Kerry. Hodges Figgis & Co., Dublin. 

Scully, R. W. 1889. Further Notes on the Kerry Flora. Journal of Botany, 27: 85-92. 

Stewart, N. (c.1993). Bryophyte Report. Unpublished report to NPWS, Dublin. 

Webb, D.A., Parnell, J. & Doogue, D. 1996. An Irish Flora. Dundalgan Press, Dundalk. 

Whilde, A. 1993. Threatened mammals, birds, amphibians and fish in Ireland. Irish Red Data Book 

2: Vertebrates. HMSO, Belfast. 

Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government CS Version 1.012009 

37

APPENDIX III: CLIMATE 

VALENTIA OBSERVATORY 

Monthly and annual mean and extreme values 

1961-1990 

TEMPERATURE (degrees Celsius) jan feb marapr mayjun jul aug sep oct nov dec year 

Mean daily max. 9.3 9.3 10.5 12.2 14.3 16.4 17.9 18 16.6 14.3 11.4 10.1 13.4 

Mean daily min. 4.2 3.9 4.6 5.5 7.5 10.1 11.7 11.6 10.3 8.6 6 5 7.4 

Mean 6.8 6.6 7.6 8.9 10.9 13.3 14.8 14.8 13.5 11.5 8.7 7.6 10.4 

Absolute max. 13.6 15.1 20.3 24 26.9 25.7 29.7 28.4 25.9 22.5 19.8 15.3 29.7 

Absolute min. -5.9 -7.3 -5.1 -1.6 0.5 2.8 5.3 3.3 2.8 -1.4 -4 -5.3 -7.3 

Mean no. of days with air frost 3.4 3.3 2.2 0.6 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 1.3 3 13.9 

Mean no. of days with ground frost 7.5 7.1 6.1 4.3 1.1 0.1 0 0 0.2 1.1 4.5 6.8 38.7 

RELATIVE HUMIDITY (%) 

Mean at 0900UTC 84 83 83 79 78 81 84 85 85 86 84 85 83 

Mean at 1500UTC 80 77 75 73 73 77 79 79 78 80 79 81 78 

SUNSHINE (hours) 

Mean daily duration 1.41 2.16 3.05 5 5.81 5.12 4.53 4.5 3.61 2.53 1.72 1.17 3.39 

Greatest daily duration 7.5 9 11.1 13.5 15.1 15.8 15.6 14.4 12.1 9.6 8.1 6.4 15.8 

Mean no. of days with no sun 11 7 6 3 2 4 4 4 4 7 9 13 75 

RAINFALL (mm) 

Mean monthly total 166.6 123 122.9 76.2 89.6 79.2 74 110.8 123.8 156.4 148.3 159.2 1430.1 

Greatest daily total 45.6 46.2 37.1 52.7 37.5 58.3 32.4 85.6 55.6 64.6 86.6 62 86.6 

Mean no. of days with >= 0.2mm 23 19 21 17 18 17 17 19 19 22 22 24 239 



WIND (knots) 

Mean monthly speed 13.1 12.6 12.1 10.1 10.3 9.1 8.5 8.9 10 11.4 11.8 12.6 10.9 

max. gust 87 79 67 63 61 58 53 60 88 75 70 82 88 

max. mean 10-minute speed 54 49 40 38 39 40 31 36 58 49 45 47 58 

mean no. of days with gales 2.5 2 1.3 0.3 0.4 0 0 0.1 0.5 0.8 1.5 1.8 11.2 

WEATHER (mean no. of days with...) 

snow or sleet 1.5 1.7 1.1 0.3 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 0.8 5.6 

snow lying at 0900UTC 0.2 0.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 0.8 

hail 5.1 4.2 4.6 2.5 1.1 0.1 0 0.1 0.3 0.9 2.9 3.6 25.5 

thunder 1.2 0.8 0.6 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.7 7.1 

fog 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.2 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.4 8.9 

Source: Met Éireann 


APPENDIX IV: LIST OF 

TOWNLANDS 

Townlands within the Site 

Annagh (Ed Blennerville) Fybagh 

Ardatedaun Garraun 

Aughils Glandine 

Ballinagroun Glanmore (Ed Kilgobban) 

Ballyarkane Eighter Gortaleen-Mountain 

Ballyarkane Oughter Gortaneden 

Ballycullane (Ed Lack) Gransha Upper 

Ballydunlea Inch East (Ed Inch) 

Ballygamboon Upper Killeenafinnane 

Ballynamona Upper Killeenagh 

Ballyraymeen Upper Killelton (Ed Knockglass) 

Beheenagh (Ed Kilgobban) Kilteenbane 

Boolteens East Knockbrack (Ed Kilnanare) 

Boolteens West Knockglass Beg 

Caheracruttera Knockglass More 

Caherfealane Lack 

Caherleheen (Ratass) Laharan (Ed Kiltallagh) 

Caherpierce Lassaboy 

Clahane Lissardboola 

Commons (Ed Kilgobban) Poulawaddra 

Curracullenagh Shanahill 

Curraduff Shanahill East 

Curragraigue (Tralee) Shanakeal 

Curraheen (Ed Baurtregaum) Skahanagh 

Derrymore East Slieve East 

Derrymore West Slieve West 

Emlagh (Ed Inch) Tonavane 

Farna 


APPENDIX V: COMPENSATION 

PROCEDURES 

The Government is committed, as part of the social partnership process, to the payment of a fair 

and proper level of compensation to landowners who have lands proposed as part of an SAC or 

SPA and to other users who have a legal entitlement in the site. 

A landowner or user with a legal entitlement may seek compensation for actual losses incurred due 

to restrictions imposed as a result of designation. Eligible persons should submit to NPWS details 

of the losses incurred as a result of the inclusion of lands in an SAC/SPA and outlining the basis for 

the calculations. Documentary evidence of past earnings and the activities that produced these 

should be included with the claim. Should the applicant be dissatisfied with a compensation offer, 

the case may be referred to an independent arbitrator who will review the matter and make a final 

decision. 

Where a landowner or user with a legal entitlement is restricted in carrying out an activity on their 

land or licensed area, the compensation due will exclude any payments that have been attracted 

under grant schemes. 

For farmers, there are two options available for receiving compensation for possible restrictions to 

their farming practices. Farmers may also receive payments for carrying out actions that enhance a 

nature conservation area. 

Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) 

Lands within SACs, SPAs, NHAs or commonages are defined as ‘Target Areas’ under this scheme. 

A REPS plan usually covers an entire farm, but a farmer with land in a target area receives a higher 

payment for that area. Farmers with small areas of land in a designated area can get REPS 

payments for that part of their farm. In either case, the farmer is subject to certain conditions 

regarding farming and land use practices, set out in the REPS plan for the farm. REPS is 

administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. 

NPWS Farm Plan Scheme 

Where a farmer chooses not to participate in REPS, and NPWS seeks to change the farm operation 

in some way or to restrict a particular activity, NPWS will pay for preparation of a farm plan. This 

scheme also applies to land within SACs, SPAs, NHAs and commonages. 

An NPWS farm plan will normally be confined just to the designated land and will address the 

conservation requirements, as well as any costs arising. Payment may also be made for work 

carried out that enhances the nature conservation value of the designated area. The farmer will have 

a substantial input into the plan. 

A list of trained and approved farm planners is available for farmers to choose from. For further 

information, contact NPWS. 


APPENDIX VI: NOTIFIABLE 

ACTIONS 

The notifiable actions relating to the habitats that occur within the site are listed below: 

• Notifiable Action 2.1 - Upland grassland, scree, and inland cliff 

• Notifiable Action 3.1 – Blanket bog 

• Notifiable Action 3.2 – Heath (including Juniper scrub) 

• Notifiable Action 4.1 - Raised bog, cutaway bog and bog woodland 

• Notifiable Action 4.2 – Fens, transition mires, petrifying springs 

• Notifiable Action 5.1 - Woodlands 

• Notifiable Action 6.1 – Rivers or streams 

• Notifiable Action 6.2 – Lakes, ponds and canals 

• Notifiable Action 7.1 - Ditches, hedges, cereals and intensive grasslands, walls, buildings, waste 

ground, bare soil, parkland grassland, bracken, caves, or quarries 


42 NPWS Conservation Statement Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC — Site Code 2185 

HABITAT TYPE 2.1 

UPLAND GRASSLAND, SCREE, AND INLAND CLIFF 

Under STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 94 of 1997, made under the EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

ACT 1972 and in accordance with the obligations inherent in the COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 

92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 (the Habitats Directive) on the conservation of the natural habitats and 

species of wild fauna and flora, all persons must obtain the written consent, (in circumstances 

prescribed at section A and B below) of the Minister for The Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government before performing any of the operations on, or affecting, the following habitats where 

they occur on lands / waters within the candidate Special Area of Conservation. 

Please note that where a landowner has a current approved plan under the Rural Environmental 

Protection Scheme or any scheme which the Minister considers to be equivalent s/he need only 

notify the Minister of activities not covered in the plan. 

SECTION A 

Please note that the activities listed in Section A 

overleaf are required to be notified to the Minister 

for The Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government and should not be undertaken before 

consent. 

SECTION B 

Please note that the activities listed in Section B 

overleaf may, and in most cases do, require a 

license or consent from another statutory authority 

(e.g. the local planning authority, the Minister for 

the Marine and Natural Resources, or the Minister 

for Agriculture and Food). 

If so, these notifiable actions do not apply. 

However, if such activities are not regulated by 

another statutory authority, the said activities are 

required to be notified to the Minister for The 

Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 


Appendix VI: Notifiable Actions 


UPLAND GRASSLAND, SCREE, AND INLAND CLIFF 

Section A 

THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, 

HERITAGE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS 

REQUIRED TO BE NOTIFIED IN RELATION 

TO THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES AND 

SUCH ACTIVITIES SHOULD NOT PROCEED 

WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT 

grazing of livestock above a sustainable density (as 

defined in approved farm plans)/grazing by 

livestock treated within the previous week with a 

pesticide which leaves persistent residues in the 

dung 

changing of traditional use from hay meadow (to 

either grazing or silage making), or from grazing to 

silage cutting/adding lime 

adding fertiliser of any sort to areas not previously 

fertilised applying fertiliser which would increase 

the level of nitrogen in the soil/ 

applying fertiliser which would increase the level 

of phosphorous in the soil applying phosphorous to 

soils which already have in excess of the REPS 

index 2 levels 

using fertiliser on slopes over 25 degrees 

creation of new tracks or paths 

burning of vegetation 

reclamation, infilling, ploughing or land drainage 

reseeding, planting of trees or any other species 

rock removal/use of any pesticide or herbicide 

dumping, burning or storing any materials 

alteration of the banks, bed or flow of 

watercourses 

operation of commercial recreation facilities (e.g. 

pony trekking)/ introduction (or re-introduction) 

into the wild of plants or animals of species not 

currently found in the area 

any other activity of which notice may be given by 

the Minister from time to time 

Section B 

(NO REQUIREMENT TO NOTIFY IF 

ALREADY LICENSED BY ANOTHER 

MINISTER/BODY) 

developing leisure facilities including golf courses, 

sports pitches, caravan or camping facilities. 

removal of soil, mud, gravel, sand or minerals 

developing roads or car parks 

construction of fences, buildings or embankments 

afforestation 

commercial turf cutting 

erecting or operating a windfarm 

In a very limited number of cases it may be necessary for the Minister for The Environment, 

Heritage and Local Government to restrict existing activities. In these cases compensation will be 

payable for actual losses arising out of any such restriction. In the event of restrictions being 

imposed by the Minister for The Environment, Heritage and Local Government, an appropriate 

appeals procedure will be put in place. 


43



BLANKET BOG 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 















BLANKET BOG 

Section A 







grazing of livestock above a sustainable density or 

type of stock (as defined in approved farm plans) 

grazing by livestock treated within the previous 

week with a pesticide which leaves persistent 

residues in the dung 

supplementary feeding of stock, except as defined 

in REPS guidelines/ introduction of stock to 

formerly ungrazed areas 

adding lime/adding fertiliser of any sort 

creation of new tracks or paths/burning of 

vegetation/ reclamation, infilling, ploughing or land 

drainage 


rock removal/cutting turf except from existing 

banks; no cutting from intact (uncut) areas 

commercial peat moss or turf extraction 

use of any pesticide or herbicide, including sheep 

dip/ dumping, burning or storing any materials 

alteration of the banks, bed or flow of watercourses 


pony trekking) 

introduction (or re-introduction) into the wild of 

plants or animals of species not currently found in 

the area 



Section B 








construction of fences, buildings or 

embankments 

afforestation 








45



HEATH (INCLUDING JUNIPER SCRUB) 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 















HEATH (INCLUDING JUNIPER SCRUB) 

Section A 







grazing of livestock above a sustainable density or 

type of stock (as defined in approved farm 

plans)/grazing by livestock treated within the 

previous week with a pesticide which leaves 

persistent residues in the dung 

supplementary feeding of stock, except as defined 

in REPS guidelines 

introduction of stock to formerly ungrazed areas 

adding lime/ adding fertiliser of any sort 

Creation of new tracks or paths 

burning areas of vegetation over 5 ha, or burning 

any area more often than once every 15 years 



rock removal/cutting turf except from existing 

banks; no cutting from intact (uncut) areas 

commercial peat moss or turf extraction 


dip 




pony trekking) 



the area/any other activity of which notice may be 

given by the Minister from time to time 

Section B 









embankments 

afforestation 








47



RAISED BOG, CUTAWAY BOG AND BOG WOODLAND 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 















RAISED BOG, CUTAWAY BOG AND BOG WOODLAND 

Section A 







grazing of livestock/grazing by livestock treated 

within the previous week with a pesticide which 

leaves persistent residues in the dung 

adding lime/adding fertiliser of any sort 

creation of new tracks or paths 

burning areas of vegetation reclamation, infilling, 

or ploughing /reseeding, planting of trees or any 

other species/cutting trees or removing timber 

drainage works on the bog or within the local water 

catchment area 

cutting turf or peat moss extraction 


dip 




botanical tours) 



the area 



Section B 









embankments 

afforestation 








49



FENS, TRANSITION MIRES, PETRIFYING SPRINGS 











SECTION A 


beloware required to be notified to the Minister for 

The Environment, Heritage and Local Government 

and should not be undertaken before consent. 

SECTION B 















FENS, TRANSITION MIRES, PETRIFYING SPRINGS 

Section A 



REQUIRED TO BE NOTIFIED IN RELATION TO 

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES AND SUCH 

ACTIVITIES SHOULD NOT PROCEED WITHOUT 

PRIOR CONSENT 

grazing of livestock above a sustainable density (as 

defined in approved farm plans) 

grazing by livestock treated within the previous week 

with a pesticide which leaves persistent residues in the 

dung 

changing of traditional use from hay meadow (to either 

grazing or silage making), or from grazing to silage 

cutting 

adding lime within 50m of the fen or a water course 

running into it 

adding fertiliser of any sort within 50m or a water course 

running into it 

extracting water for irrigation or other purposes 

mowing grass before the 30th June (Note; if you have 

been notified that your lands hold breeding corncrakes, 

or certain rare meadows, special provisions will apply) 

supplementary feeding of stock 

operation of boat angling or shore angling business 

restocking with fish. 

reclamation, infilling, ploughing or land drainage within 

50m of the fen 

reseeding, planting of trees or any other species within 

50m of the fen 

use of any pesticide or herbicide within 50m of fen 

dumping, burning or storing any materials within 50m of 

the fen 


within the fen or running into or out of it 

harvesting reed or willow 

operation of commercial recreation facilities (e.g. bird 

watching tours) 

introduction (or re-introduction) into the wild of plants 

or animals of species not currently found in the area any 

other activity of which notice may be given by the 

Minister from time to time 

Section B 




developing leisure facilities including golf 

courses, sports pitches, caravan or camping 

facilities. 

any activity which might cause pollution of 

the fen 




embankments 

afforestation 

In a very limited number of cases it may be necessary for the Minister for The Environment, Heritage and 

Local Government to restrict existing activities. In these cases compensation will be payable for actual losses 

arising out of any such restriction. In the event of restrictions being imposed by the Minister for The 

Environment, Heritage and Local Government, an appropriate appeals procedure will be put in place. 


51



WOODLANDS 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 



licence or consent from another statutory authority 












WOODLANDS 

Section A 







grazing by livestock 

adding lime 

adding fertiliser of any sort 



felling of trees, removal of timber 

removal of foliage, moss or other materials 

killing ivy 

use of any pesticide or herbicide 




bird watching tours) 



the area 



Section B 






any activity which may cause pollution of the 

woodland 




embankments 

felling trees or reafforestation 







53



RIVERS OR STREAMS 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 















RIVERS OR STREAMS 

Section A 







grazing of livestock above a sustainable density 

(as defined in approved farm plans) within 30m of 

the river or stream/grazing by livestock treated 

within the previous week with a pesticide which 

leaves persistent residues in the dung within 30m of 

the river or stream 

supplementary feeding of stock within 30m of the 

river or stream/adding lime within 30m of the river 

or stream/adding fertiliser of any sort within 30m 

of the river or stream 


operation of boat angling or shore angling business/ 

restocking with fish 


within 30m of the river or stream/ reseeding, 

planting of trees or any other species within 30m of 

the river or stream/ removal of trees or any aquatic 

vegetation within 30m of the river/stream/ use of 

any pesticide or herbicide in the river or stream or 

within 30m of the river or stream 

dumping rubbish or other materials or disposing of 

any chemicals or wastes in streams/rivers or into 

water-courses running into them 

dumping, burning or storing any materials within 

30m of the river/stream including the land 

spreading of used pesticides (e.g. sheep 

dip)./alteration of the banks, channel, bed or flow 

of the river or stream 

harvesting or burning of reed or willow. 

causing siltation/ operation of commercial 

recreation facilities (e.g. bird watching tours) 



the area 



Section B 






any activity which might cause pollution of the 

river or stream 



construction of fences, buildings or embankments 

construction or operation of an aquaculture facility. 

fishing for eels or salmon 

bank maintenance and grading 

creation of weirs and dams 







55



LAKES, PONDS AND CANALS 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 















LAKES, PONDS AND CANALS 

Section A 



REQUIRED TO BE NOTIFIED IN RELATION TO THE 

FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES AND SUCH ACTIVITIES 

SHOULD NOT PROCEED WITHOUT PRIOR 

CONSENT 

grazing of livestock above a sustainable density as defined 

in approved farm plans) within 50m of the lake, pond or 

canal 

grazing by livestock treated within the previous week with 

a pesticide which leaves persistent residues in the dung 

supplementary feeding of stock within 50m of the lake, 

pond or canal 

adding lime within 50m of the lake, pond or canal /adding 

fertiliser of any sort within 50m of the lake, pond or canal 


operation of boat angling or shore angling business/ 

restocking with fish. 

within 50m of the lake, pond or canal: reclamation, 

infilling, ploughing or land drainage 

reseeding, planting of trees or any other species /removal 

of trees or any aquatic vegetation/use of any pesticide or 

herbicide in the lake, pond or canal or within 50m of the 

lake, pond or canal 

dumping rubbish or other materials or disposing of any 

chemicals or wastes in streams/rivers or into watercourses 

running into them. 

dumping, burning or storing any materials within 50m of 

the lake pond or canal including the land spreading of 

used pesticides (e.g. sheep dip). 

alteration of the banks, channel, bed or flow of the lake, 

pond or canal or of watercourses running into or out of it 

harvesting or burning of reed or willow. 

causing siltation 

operation of commercial recreation facilities 

(e.g. bird watching tours) 

introduction (or re-introduction) into the wild of plants or 

animals of species not currently found in the area 

any other activity of which notice may be given by the 

Minister from time to time 

Section B 




developing leisure facilities including golf 

courses, sports pitches, caravan or camping 

facilities. 

any activity which might cause pollution of 

the lake, pond or canal 

removal of soil, mud, gravel, sand or 

minerals 



embankments 

construction or operation of an aquaculture 

Facility. 

fishing for eels or salmon 

bank maintenance and grading 

creation of weirs and dams 







57



DITCHES, HEDGES, CEREALS AND INTENSIVE GRASSLANDS, WALLS, 

BUILDINGS, WASTE GROUND, BARE SOIL, PARKLAND GRASSLAND, BRACKEN, 

CAVES, OR QUARRIES 











SECTION A 





consent. 

SECTION B 



licence or consent from another statutory authority 












DITCHES, HEDGES, CEREALS AND INTENSIVE GRASSLANDS, WALLS, 

BUILDINGS, WASTE GROUND, BARE SOIL, PARKLAND GRASSLAND, BRACKEN, 

CAVES, OR QUARRIES 

Section A 







disturbance of bats 


bird watching tours) 



the area 



Section B 




developing leisure facilities including sports 

pitches, caravan or camping facilities. 


construction of fences, buildings and embankments 

afforestation 







59

APPENDIX VII: FARMING 

CONDITIONS UNDER REPS 

These are the agreed Farming Conditions under REPS (The Rural Environment Protection Scheme 

(REPS) – Specification for REPS planners in the preparation of REPS 4 plans, Department of 

Agriculture and Food, 2007). 

Conditions for the conservation of blanket bogs, 

heaths and upland grasslands to be applied under 

REPS 

General Provisions 

These conditions for specific habitat types are supplementary to the agri-environmental plan 

requirements of the general REPS programmes. The conditions for the target areas under Natura 

2000/NHA/Commonage sites apply. Planners may seek a derogation from the Regional Inspector 

to vary these conditions in individual cases. All REPS plans in respect of NHAs must be approved 

and signed by the Planning Agency’s environmentalist/ecologist. 

Detailed Conditions 

The conditions applicable to Natura 2000/NHA/Commonage sites apply; the guidelines set out 

below are complementary to these conditions. 

Stocking density 

In all cases an environmentally sustainable plan must be prepared and adhered to for the total area 

of the farm. Sustainable optimum stocking rates must be set down by the REPS planner following 

careful assessment of the environmental conservation needs of the lands. 

Where the stocking levels set down by the planner require a reduction in stock this must be 

achieved within one year of the commencement of the plan. 

There can be no increase in stocking levels, no introduction of stock to new areas and no changes 

in stock type during the period of the REPS plan without the prior approval of the Department of 

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. 

The maximum number of sheep that may be kept on the farm as a whole must be set down in the 

REPS plan. The conditions set out for Natura 2000/NHA/Commonage areas must be followed. 

The following parameters apply: 

• Where there is no damage the current stocking levels are acceptable. 


Appendix VII: Farming Conditions under REPS 

• If the level of damage is moderate a stocking reduction must be prescribed by the planner at a 

level related to the damage and sufficient for the vegetation to recover. 

• If the level of damage is severe, a stocking reduction of between 70% and 100% of ewe 

numbers on the damaged area must be prescribed for a specified period. 

• At the review of the REPS plan, the conservation status of the areas will be reviewed. A change 

in the stocking levels (increase or decrease) may be appropriate depending on progress. 

Stocking levels apply to Scottish Blackface sheep or similar medium sized sheep breeds. Stocking 

levels for cattle or other stock should be at livestock unit applicable rates taking account of 

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food conversion rates for the various stock types. The 

stocking levels recommended in this document are maximum sustainable rates for year round 

grazing. If shorter periods of grazing are used the number of animals may be increased, though not 

necessarily pro rata. 

Supplementary feeding 

Supplementary feeding is permitted only on areas where it is currently practised. Locations of 

feeding points must be specified. To reduce heavy grazing, trampling, poaching and erosion 

problems, “feeding points” should be moved every 3 weeks and sited on ground with least habitat 

and wildlife value, preferably on grassland well away from stands of heather. Feeding on steep 

slopes and on peaty soils should be avoided where possible. The total amount of feed used must 

not be increased. 

Use of fertilisers and herbicides 

Neither organic nor inorganic fertilisers or lime can be applied on bogs, heaths or upland grasslands 

where they have not been used before. Fertilisers must not be used as a means of regenerating 

eroded areas. In the case of upland grasslands fertilisers can only be applied on the basis of the 

results of a soil test. Where fertilisers are being applied, the initial soil sampling should be 

relatively intensive with at least one sample per 2-4 ha. Target soil phosphate levels must not 

exceed the Index 2 level set out in this specification 

Spraying or broadcast application of herbicides must be avoided. Spot application and wipe-on 

treatments to eradicate docks, thistles, ragwort and similar noxious weeds may be used. 

Rhododendron may be removed by cutting and herbicide treatment. Bracken control may be by 

rolling, cutting and/or by controlled cattle trampling in early summer. In exceptional circumstances 

control of bracken by herbicides may be permitted. 

Water pollution 

The greatest care should be taken to observe the statutory requirements on water pollution. The 

hydrology of bogland areas is characterised by extremely nutrient poor surface waters which 

contain flora and fauna adapted to these conditions. These species would be adversely affected by 

nutrient enrichment. New sheep dip sites must be listed and located away from streams and flushes 

to reduce the possibility of water pollution and damage to flora and fauna. 

Restricted and prohibited practices 

The following practices must not be carried out on Blanket Bogs, Heaths or Upland Grasslands: 

• The areas must not be drained, ploughed, cultivated or reseeded. 

• There must be no infilling or rock removal. 

• Turf cutting on unexploited bogs is not permitted. Turf cutting for domestic use is permitted 

on existing banks. 

• Planting of trees or other crops is not permitted. 


61


• No new tracks or paths can be created. 

• Burning is only allowed as a planned management practice. 

• Gorse may be controlled by cutting, spot spraying or exceptionally by burning outside of the 

bird nesting season (March 1 st . to August 31 st ). 

Complementary action 

Measures to prevent damage by non REPS participants 

The Department should take measures to ensure that the environmental benefits achieved in 

degraded areas under REPS are not negated or diminished by non-participants in the Scheme. 

Evaluation and monitoring 

Monitoring and evaluating the effects of REPS on blanket bogs, heaths and upland and unimproved 

grassland is essential in determining the environmental impact of REPS on these habitats so that 

appropriate modifications can be identified and effected where necessary. The effect of the 

grazing regime on the vegetation and wildlife should be monitored to assess recovery as well as 

any damage being caused by animals. To this end the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and 

Food and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and 

Local Government, in consultation with Teagasc and private planners, will monitor the 

environmental impact of REPS on these habitats on an ongoing basis. Progress in this regard will 

be reported to the Consultative Committee on REPS. 

Farmer education / advice 

A REPS promotional campaign will be undertaken as soon as is practicable to inform farmers of 

the conservation needs of these areas and of the provisions of REPS. This campaign will be 

undertaken by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Farming and environmental 

organisations will also be invited to assist in this promotional campaign. 

Seminars for planners 

Seminars for REPS Planners shall be held to advise on the interpretation of these conditions at 

ground level. 

Demonstration farms 

A number of REPS participant demonstration farms will be set up in selected areas. Research 

work could also be carried out at these farms to assess the ability / rate of recovery of an area under 

different stocking conditions. 

Quota rights 

Any REPS participant farmer is guaranteed that their quota rights are protected and in the event of 

a possibility of increasing numbers arising such farmers would be allowed to do so, subject to the 

environmental condition of the participant farm. 

Scheme extension 

The application of REPS in the target areas will apply for periods of five years renewable for 15 

years. 

Local co-ordination 

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will encourage co-ordination, at local level, of 

efforts to rejuvenate damaged areas. 


APPENDIX VIII: NATIONAL 

PARKS AND WILDLIFE CONTACT 

DETAILS 

National Parks and Wildlife Service 

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government 

7 Ely Place, 

Dublin 2 

Phone Lo Call 1890 202021, (01) 8882000 

Fax (01) 8883272 

www.npws.ie 


0 1,000 2,000 4,000 M eters 

¯ 

Scale: 1:80,000 

CEANTAR SPEISIALTA CAOMHNAITHE 

CANDIDATE SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION 

SLIEVE MISH MOUNTAINS 002185 

Boundary Version 1.01 

Date: June 2009 

O .S. halfinch sheets: sh020. 

The m apped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. Boundaries of designated areas are 

subject to revision. R eproduced from O rdnance Survey m aterial by perm ission of the Governm ent 

(Perm it num ber E N 0059208). 

N íl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscá ileanna ach nod garshuiom hach gineará lta. F éadfar athbhreithnithe 

a déanam h ar theorainneacha na gceantar com harthaithe. M acasam hail d’á bhar na 

Suirbhéarachta O rdoná is le chead ón R ialtas (Ceadunas U im h. E N 0059208) 

UV 

UV 

Co. K erry 

MAP 1: 

SITE LOCATION AND BOUNDARY

CE AN TAR SPE ISIALTA CAO M HN AITHE 

CAN DIDATE SPE CIAL AR E A O F CO N SE R VATIO N 

The m apped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. R eproduced from O rdnance 

Survey material by perm ission of the Governm ent (Perm it num ber E N 0059208). 

N íl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscá ileanna ach nod garshuiomhach gineará lta. F éadfar athbhreithnithe a déanam h ar theorainneacha na gceantar 

com harthaithe. M acasamhail d’á bhar na Suirbhéarachta O rdoná is le chead ón R ialtas (Ceadunas U im h. E N 0059208) 

SLIEVE MISH 

CO U N TY K E R R Y 

0 750 1,500 3,000 

M eters 

Scale: 1:65,000 

MAP 2: OWNERSHIP MAP 

M ap to be read in conjunction with N PW S Conservation Statem ent 

version 1.01 ¯ 

O .S. Discovery series 1:50,000 background m apping 

Legend 

Com m onage 

Private 

coast 

contours 

SITE CODE 

cSAC 002185 

Version 1.01 

Date: 

June 2009

CE AN TAR SPE ISIAL TA CAO M HN AITHE 

CAN DIDATE SPE CIAL AR E A O F CO N SE R VATIO N 

The m apped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. R eproduced from O rdnance 

Survey material by perm ission of the Governm ent (Perm it num ber E N 0059208). 

N íl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscá ileanna ach nod garshuiomhach gineará lta. F éadfar athbhreithnithe a déanam h ar theorainneacha na gceantar 

com harthaithe. M acasamhail d’á bhar na Suirbhéarachta O rdoná is le chead ón R ialtas (Ceadunas U im h. E N 0059208) 

SLIEVE MISH MAP 3: 

CO U N TY K E R R Y 

INDICATIVE HABITAT MAP 

0 500 1,000 2,000 3,000 

M eters 

Scale : 1:65,000 

Legend 

4010 / 4030 N orthern Atlantic wet heaths with E rica tetralix / E uropean dry heaths 

4010 / PB3 N orthern Atlantic wet heaths with E rica tetralix / L owland blanket bog 

8220 / E R 3 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasm ophytic vegetation / S iliceous scree and loose rock 

4030 / 4060 / GS3 / E R 1 (N ote: This m osaic is dom inated by Dry Heath) E uropean dry heaths / 

Alpine and Boreal heaths / Dry-hum id acid grassland / S iliceous scree and loose rock 

4030 / 4060 / GS3 / E R 3 E uropean dry heaths / Alpine and Boreal heaths / 

Dry-hum id acid grassland / S iliceous scree and loose rock 

F L 2 Acid oligotrophic lakes 

W N 1 O ak-birch-holy woodland 

F W 1 E roding/upland rivers 

contours 

coast 

M ap to be read in conjunction with N PW S Conservation Statem ent 

version 1.01 

O .S. Discovery series 1:50,000 background m apping 

¯ 

SITE CODE 

cSAC 002185 

Version 1.01 

Date: 

June 2009

Slieve Mish Mountains cSAC Site Code 2185 Co. Kerry

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