Ballyknock ASSI

Ballyknock represents a series of field units containing a variety of semi-natural grassland types. Such species-rich grasslands are a particularly rare resource in Northern Ireland. Ballyknock is particularly important because of the extent of a particular grassland type known as fen meadow or rush pasture.
Fen meadow swards are grass dominated with red fescue, purple moor-grass and Yorkshire-fog. Typical herbs include meadow thistle, devil's-bit scabious and the orchids greater butterfly, lesser butterfly and twayblade. Localised flushing creates particularly rich swards. Sedges are abundant with butterwort, marsh arrow grass and marsh hawk's-beard.

Locally, where soils are thin and well-drained, species typical of dry grassland are found. Common bent and sweet vernal grass typically dominate. Locally species suggestive of more calcareous soil conditions occur, including fairy flax, spring sedge and the notable mountain everlasting.

Site Related Documents

Site map (.PDF 835Kb), Citation document (.PDF 130Kb) and Views about Management document (.PDF65Kb).