Skip the NI Direct Bar
Department of the Environment logo
Northern Ireland Environment Agency logo

Tullyratty ASSI

Last updated: 21 May 2010

 

picture of Tullyratty grassland

Site No ASSI 321
Area (ha)
Declared Date 21/09/2009
Confirmed Date  
County: Down
Council(s) Down DC
Keywords Species Rich Grassland

     

     

     

      

This area is of special scientific interest due to it being a type of species rich grassland (lowland meadow) which is a scarce resource in Northern Ireland.
It is located within a landscape of rolling drumlin hills and approximately 3Km west of Strangford and is composed of 12 adjoining fields in a lowland setting on a south - west facing slope.
close up picture of eyebright flowerThe variation in topography and related soil hydrology and the effects of past and present management have resulted in the presence of a wide range of grassland plant species.
Further diversity is provided through the presence of scrub which can be a valuable habitat for invertebrates.
The vegetation at Tullyratty is typically grass - dominated with a wide range of associated herbs. The grasses red fescue, crested dogs - tail, common bent and sweet vernal grass are common in the sward.
Herbs typical of traditionally managed grasslands are frequent throughout the sward and include common knapweed, eyebright and common spotted orchid.

Site Related Documents

Site map (.PDF 1.9Mb)Opens in New window, Combined Citation and Views about Management documents (.PDF 195Kb)Opens in New window and Site colour leaflet (.PDF 900Kb)Opens in New window.