Annaghagh Bog ASSI

The area is of special scientific interest because of its physiographical features and peatland flora and associated fauna.
It represents one of the best examples of intact lowland raised bog within this region of Northern Ireland.
Peat cutting has been confined to the periphery of the area, with the majority of the bog remaining intact.

The deep peat deposits at Annaghagh Bog have developed in natural depressions spreading out over a low central ridge to merge into one large peat mass.
The deep peats display typical features of relatively undisturbed areas, including well developed hummock and lawn complexes and more notably a pool system to the northwest of the central ridge. The bog vegetation is characterised by a high cover of bog moss of Sphagnum species, ericoid dwarf shrubs and other associated plants.

The bog surface is generally very wet and is dominate dby heather with frequent cross - leaved heath, deergrass, common cottongrass and hare's - tail cottongrass.
Sphagnum bog mosses carpet the surface of the bog indicating active peat growth and include a range of species such as red bog - moss, with occasional Papillose bog - moss and Magellanic bog - moss.
In addition the bog also supports the notable hummock - forming species Austin's bog - moss and Rusty bog - moss.
The composition and abundance of these species depends on local edaphic factors, particularly the height of the water table.

Site Related Documents

Site map (.PDF 1.51Mb) and Combined Citation and Views about Management document (.PDF 375Kb)