Lough Cowey is a low-altitude inter-drumlin lake sited within an arable and pastoral farming landscape. It is a special place because the aquatic plant community is characteristic of a lake with naturally high nutrients levels.
Of particular note is the extensive reed bed to the south of the lough which provides cover, foraging and nesting habitat for both wetland birds such as Mute Swan, Moorhen and the reclusive Water Rail. Small passerines include Sedge Warbler and more notably Reed Warbler. Evidence of the presence of the European Otter is also found.
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