Gortcorbies ASSI

Gortcorbies has been declared as an ASSI because of its species-rich wet grassland. Species-rich grassland tends to occur only where traditional farming practices have been maintained. Such species-rich grassland is now a rare habitat in Northern Ireland.

Gortcorbies ASSI is situated in the Curly River valley covering the townlands of Gortcorbies and Carrydoo on the lower, north-west facing slope of Keady Mountain.  Variations in soils and topography have resulted in subtle differences in grassland type, with species denoting these conditions occurring.

A special type of species-rich wet grassland known as Purple Moor-grass and rush pasture occurs over much of the site.  Fen meadow, a particular type of Purple Moor-grass and rush pasture, occurs on the slopes where there is a steady hydrological influence flowing through the soil.  This results in the occurrence of species adapted to both water movement and wetter conditions.  Plants characteristic of this community include Sharp-flowered Rush, Meadow Thistle, Lesser Spearwort, Devil’s-bit Scabious and the mosses Glittering Wood-moss and Neat Feather-moss.

On the steeper slopes near the Curly River a much rarer type of fen meadow is also present.  This grassland is characterised by Marsh Hawk’s-beard and Purple Moor-grass and tall herbs such as Ragged-Robin, Wild Angelica, Meadowsweet and Marsh-marigold.