Lough Gur Environmental Management Study February 2009

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Vegetation
Lough Gur is characterised by a variety of vegetation types in a relatively small land area, including
reedbeds, fen and bog, scrub and woodland, together with the open grasslands of the hills.
Mature ash-dominated woodland occurs on the slopes of Knockadoon Hill, especially along the
eastern side adjacent to Lake Bog, inter-mixed with oak, hazel and occasionally sycamore within the
canopy. The under-storey is mostly sparse, due partly to grazing which has caused poaching and
includes elder, hawthorn and bramble. On the wetter parts of the lake shore there are stands of
semi-mature alder-ash woodland, with occasional sycamore and willow. Scrub occurs on the steeper
slopes of Knockfennell, dominated by hawthorn, elder and willow with frequent ash. Hedges to the
south and west of the lake are mostly whitethorn.
More ornamental species have been planted in the grounds of buildings, including conifers as wind
breaks and small plantations around the Loughgur House estate, copper beech at Lake View Farm
and some cupressus at Castle Farm. Around New Church, large sycamores frame the ruined church
and graveyard.
Designated Wildlife Sanctuary
Woodlands
Major tree groups
Hedgerows
Dominant vegetation
Lough Gur Environmental Management Study