This area is of special scientific interest because of its species-rich wet grassland. Species-rich grassland tends to occur only where land management is not intensive, in particular where traditional farming practices have been maintained. As a result, it is not a widespread habitat in Northern Ireland and is often fragmented, consisting of individual fields, parts of fields or banks. Species-rich grasslands, like those found at Coolnasillagh, are a particularly scarce resource in Northern Ireland.
Coolnasillagh is situated within the Coolnasillagh River valley on the lower eastern slopes of Temain Hill, towards the eastern edge of the northern Sperrins block, at an altitude of approximately 200m above sea level. To the north of the site the soils are deep peats, and the remainder of the site is underlain by surface water humic gleys.
Related articles
- ASSI Guidance for Public Bodies/Competent Authorities
- Coastal Areas of Special Scientific Interest
- Conservation Management Plans (CMPs)
- European Marine Sites - Marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas
- Introduction to Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) for Northern Ireland’s Special Areas of Conservation
- Marine Conservation Zones
- Marine Protected Areas
- Marine Ramsar sites
- Special Areas of Conservation
- Special Areas of Conservation for Harbour porpoise
- Special Protection Areas