Lough Gur Environmental Management Study February 2009

Lough Gur Environmental Management Study - Draft
Appendix 1. Biodiversity
Target Prescription Action
Conservation management
Recognition of the international
Review current designation status of Lough Gur Make representation to the Sites Designations Unit of the
importance of the site
NPWS for a review of the status
Maintain current condition of Transition Evaluate the levels of scrub encroachment 1. Review most recent aerial photographs (2005) and compare
mire and quaking bog/Alkaline fen
with aerial photography from 2000.
2. Detailed mapping of priority areas and the current scrub
distribution within the target habitats
3. Set a level of acceptable limit for scrub encroachment
Actively control scrub encroachment 1. Seek permission from the local NPWS personnel to remove
scrub once the level of acceptable limit has been exceeded.
2. Remove scrub from sensitive zones. Advice on best practice
methods can be obtained from NPWS or Natura
Environmental Consultants
Improve trophic status of the lake Implement catchment management Control high nutrient run-off from surrounding land to the
lake
Maintain current condition of Calcareous Record present management regime Record details on the current stocking densities, grazing
and neutral grassland
periods and fertiliser use
Maintain current low-intensity management Place land into public ownership or seek agreement with
current land owners to maintain current low-intensity
management. Potential mechanisms are management
agreements under the Wildlife Act or by entering REPS
Enhance the understory and ground flora Prevent extensive poaching within the
Place land into public ownership or seek agreement with
composition within Oak-ash-hazel woodland
current land owners to establish low-intensity grazing within
woodland
the woodland using fencing and appropriate stocking
densities. Potential mechanisms are management agreements
under the Wildlife Act or by entering REPS
Evaluate the full bat potential of the site Carry out additional bat surveys 1. Summer survey (Late July – August)
2. Winter survey (November – March)
Develop fisheries potential of the lake Establish current fisheries stocks and densities Carry out fisheries survey and review the potential for
additional stocking in consultation with the ShRFB
Appendix 1 - 1.