Hummocky Lagan Lowlands Biodiversity Profile

In the following account of this LCA it should be noted that for consistency, the biodiversity section follows the standard order for all LCAs even though some of the communities discussed later may have more importance for biodiversity than those discussed earlier

Key Characteristics

• woodlands cover approx. 3% of land and are mostly associated with estates
• LCA is dominated by improved pasture (49%) which is of little biodiversity value
• arable land occupies a significant area in this LCA and although generally of low biodiversity, is an important habitat for farmland birds
• there are no significant wetlands in this LCA.

Woodlands

Woodlands account for approx. 3% of land cover in this LCA. Woodlands are mainly found around Drumbeg and are primarily associated with small estates (Lowland woodland pasture and parkland). Laurel Hill (Drumbeg Rectory) is a small area of mixed woodland which is dominated by ash, Norway maple, horse chestnut and English elm. The adjoining properties of Ballygowan House and Drumowan are also in this area. The trees around the house at Ballygowan are predominantly Scot's pine and some larch, but beech, lime and sycamore are also present, together with younger and smaller oak and maples. There is also a range of specimen and ornamental trees especially at Drumowan where the garden has many ornamentals, including Bhutan pine, cherry, weeping ash, silver birch and larch. Small plantations of both deciduous and coniferous trees occur as well as the parkland. An area of estate woodland consisting of very heavily treed hedgerows and scattered planting is also found to the south of Gardners Loan Ends.

Grassland and Arable

This LCA is predominantly improved pasture that is of little biodiversity value. There are a few fields with less managed grassland that have a greater potential biodiversity value. Arable land, at just under 13% of the land cover, is significant; it is found along the western edge of this LCA where it borders with LCA 106. Farmland is an important habitat for birds such as the yellowhammer, skylark, and lapwing.

Biodiversity in areas of improved pastures and arable is often concentrated in hedgerows. Indeed, they may be the most significant wildlife habitat over much of lowland Northern Ireland, especially where, as in this LCA, there are few wetland or woodland habitats. Hedgerows are a refuge for many woodland and farmland plants and animals and in this LCA they are mostly reasonably trimmed and well managed. However, there has been some field amalgamation especially along the central, flatter areas of the LCA.

Wetlands

There is one, un-named lake in this LCA at Hillhall; it is of limited biodiversity value as it is moderately phosphorus enriched. There are no other significant wetland areas.

Key Issues

General actions for UK and NI Priority Habitats and Priority Species are detailed in the Habitat Action Plans and Species Action Plans. Issues relevant to this LCA are;

WOODLANDS

Issue: low woodland cover of variable biodiversity value and restricted mainly to estates

Actions:

• enhance the biodiversity value of demesne/parkland woodland through control of grazing and felling; by encouraging planting of saplings of the standard trees; by preventing further loss of parkland; by retention of fallen and veteran trees (particularly for bryophytes, ferns, fungi and fauna)
• further study of the history of demesne and other broadleaved woodlands particularly any ancient and long-established, as a key to future management
• encourage planting of broadleaved species, for example in field corners or small plantations to increase biodiversity of area.

GRASSLAND AND ARABLE

Issue: poor biodiversity of farmland

Actions:

• maintain and improve field boundaries especially hedgerows . This may be achieved through adoption of correct cutting cycles; hedge laying and replanting where necessary; leaving saplings uncut to develop into hedgerow trees; avoidance of spraying with fertilizers, slurry, herbicides; provision of wildlife strips and conservation headlands around fields; and limitation of field amalgamation.
• encourage spring sown cereals rather than autumn sown (important for breeding lapwings) and leaving stubble over winter for farmland birds.

WETLANDS

Issue: nutrient enrichment of lake and river waters

Action:

• improve water quality of lakes and rivers. For example, by following guidelines on application of fertilizers and slurry to agricultural land thereby reducing inflow of nutrient-rich waters; by careful use of pesticides and herbicides; by ensuring that effluent from silage pits does not enter water courses; by monitoring discharges associated with expansion of rural settlements and from industry.

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