Report Cover Vol I - Clare County Library
Report Cover Vol I - Clare County Library
Report Cover Vol I - Clare County Library
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The <strong>County</strong> <strong>Clare</strong> Wetlands Survey Patrick Crushell & Peter Foss 2008<br />
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Limestone and<br />
marl lakes<br />
Hard water lakes and<br />
ponds of limestone<br />
areas that are base-rich<br />
and poor to moderately<br />
rich in nutrients<br />
(oligotrophic to<br />
mesotrophic).<br />
The water is typically<br />
clear and the lake<br />
sediment usually has a<br />
high proportion of marl,<br />
a white clay<br />
precipitate of calcium<br />
carbonate. Marl-forming<br />
Stoneworts (Chara spp.)<br />
are often abundant and<br />
may form dense carpets<br />
in unpolluted waters.<br />
V a r i o u s - l e a v e d<br />
P o n d w e e d<br />
(Potamogeton gramineus) is also characteristic. These lakes are frequently fringed by rich fen and flush<br />
vegetation. These lakes are important habitats for insect and birds.<br />
Hard water lakes are often shallow and have a natural high capacity to buffer the effects of enrichment from<br />
phosphorus. However, build up of phosphorus in the sediment of these lakes can lead to rapid shifts in<br />
ecosystem quality. There is a continued threat from nutrient enrichment in these lowland lakes arising from<br />
intensification of agriculture and urban developments.<br />
A good example of this habitat type is Lough Bunny located in the Burren region.<br />
Mesotrophic<br />
lakes<br />
Lakes and ponds that are<br />
moderately rich in<br />
nutrients, and where the<br />
water is sometimes<br />
discoloured by algae.<br />
Characteristic aquatic<br />
plants include White<br />
Water-lily (Nymphaea<br />
alba), Yellow Water-lily<br />
(Nuphar lutea), and a large<br />
number of Pondweeds,<br />
Stoneworts (Chara spp.)<br />
may also be present. The<br />
fringing and aquatic plant<br />
communities are typically<br />
more lush than those<br />
associated<br />
with<br />
oligotrophic lakes.<br />
These lakes are important habitats for insect and birds.<br />
The principal threats to mesotrophic lakes include nutrient enrichment arising from agricultural practices such<br />
as overgrazing and excessive fertilisation, as well as afforestation, and waste water from housing developments<br />
in rural areas. Lakes may also be negatively affected by the introduction of invasive alien species, and their<br />
utilization for an increasing number of sport and leisure activities.<br />
Many of the lakes surrounding Ennis such as Ballyallia Lake fit into this category as reported by Tubridy (2006).<br />
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