Lough Gur Environmental Management Study February 2009

44
6.2 Ecology (Flora and Fauna) Survey
NATURA Environmental Consultants Ltd. were commissioned to undertake a survey of the flora and
fauna of Lough Gur (Final Report August 2007) as part of this Environmental Management Study.
The purpose of the study was to gather detailed ecological information on the site in order to assist
in decision-making in relation to the future conservation and amenity use of the area. The work
involved the following:
Desktop study
• A literature review to collate existing information;
• Review of the National Parks and Wildlife database of rare and protected species;
• A review of existing Ordnance Survey maps and air photography;
• Consultations with relevant statutory and non-statutory organisations;
• BirdWatch Ireland was consulted and records from Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) were
obtained. Individual members of BirdWatch Ireland were contacted for local knowledge of the
area;
• Information on the fisheries value of the lough was obtained from the Shannon Regional Fisheries
Board;
• Detailed current and historic data on the flora of the site were obtained from the Botanical
Society of the British Isles County Recorder for Limerick;
• Water quality data was obtained from Limerick County Council.
Field study
Preliminary habitat mapping was carried out from aerial photography. A habitat survey was
conducted on 12 th and 13 th June 2007. Lough Gur, Red Bog and the Lake Bog were walked and the
habitats were described and mapped using the Fossitt (2000) classification. Full coverage of the site
was not possible by foot due to land access constraints and for reasons of health and safety. Habitat
descriptions were supplemented by information compiled through literature review.
A list of the main plant species occurring in each habitat was recorded and its relative abundance
assessed using the DAFOR scale. Habitats with links to Annex I habitats were then classified based
on The Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats (Ramao 2003).
A bat survey (Kelleher, 2006) was undertaken by Conor Kelleher of Ardwolf Wildlife Surveys on 15 th
October 2006. The survey was undertaken at a late time of year in relation to bat activity but it was
considered that, overall, there were no seasonal constraints. Mild night time temperatures ensured
that activity was high. Temperatures were ranging from 9º to 11º C. Overall, the weather during the
bat survey was considered favourable for bat activity.
The bat survey was carried out by means of a thorough search within the site. Presence of these
mammals is often indicated principally by their signs, such as dwellings, feeding signs or droppings -
though direct observations are also occasionally made. A night-time bat survey was conducted with
Lough Gur Environmental Management Study