APPENDIX 8 Ecology

A8.1 List of Consultees and those from whom a response was received

Consultee	Interest	Response
Birdwatch Ireland	Birds	No response
BSBI-Vice County Recorder-Mid &East Cork	Rare plants	No response
BSBI-Vice County Recorder-West Cork	Rare plants	No response
Coilte Teoranta The Irish Forestry Board	Forestry Areas	Response
Cork Bat Group	Bats	Results of bat survey
Cork County Council, Executive Engineer	General	No Response
Dept Marine and Natural Resources- Co-ordination Division	General	Response
Dept Marine and Natural Resources- Forest Service	Forestry Areas	No Response
Dept Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands	General	No Response
Dúchas District Wildlife Ranger	General	No Response
Dúchas The Director	General	No Response
Dúchas Local Wildlife Ranger	General	No Response
Dúchas Rare Plants Data Base	Rare plants	Details of rare plants
Dúchas Sites, Designations & Plans	Designated Areas	Details of designated areas
Dúchas Waterways Service	General	No Response
Electricity Supply Board, Iniscarra	General	Information on land access for survey
Environmental Protection Agency	General	No Response
Heritage Council	General	No Response
Irish Peatlands Conservation Council	Peatlands	No Response
Irish Wildlife Trust	General	No response
Southwestern Regional Fisheries Bd.	Fish / Watercourse	Detailed response
An Taisce	General	Response
Vincent Wildlife Trust	Bats	Response

A8.2 Definitions used in Categorisation of ecological sites and fisheries waters.

Status of Site	Importance of ecological sites	Importance of fisheries waters.
Internationally Important	Site qualifying for designation as proposed Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA), therefore subject to EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)^(11.2).	Designated salmonid waters under EU Freshwater Fish Directive (78/659/EEC)^(11.3).
Nationally or Regionally Important	Site listed as proposed Natural Heritage Area (NHA) or containing habitats that are nationally or regionally rare.	Other major salmonid waters.
High Value, locally important	Sites containing semi-natural habitat types with high biodiversity. High degree of naturalness. Locally rare habitats or species.	Small streams with known salmonid populations. Larger waters with some fisheries value.
Low value, locally important	Artificial habitats which provide some secondary wildlife habitat of local value.	Small streams without known salmonid populations.

In some cases, where access to sites was limited, the evaluation of the site remains inconclusive and carries a caveat, for example “potentially of high value” or “unlikely to be of greater than low value”. Hence, a site described as “potentially of high value” is considered to be of high value and a site described as “unlikely to be of greater than low value” is considered to be of low value. It should be noted that evaluations of these sites may be adjusted either up or down once full access to the sites is possible, and full field surveys can be completed. Furthermore, it is possible that such adjustments may result in re-evaluation of preferred route options or sections.

A8.3 Scientific names of plants listed in the text

Common name	Scientific Name	Common name	Scientific Name
Alder	Alnus glutinosa	Killarney Fern	Trichomanes speciosum
Ash	Fraxinus excelsior	Lanceolate Spleenwort	Asplenium billotii
Beech	Fagus sylvatica	Larch	Larix sp.
Bell Heather	Erica cinerea	Laurel	Prunus sp.
Bilberry	Vaccinium myrtillus	Lesser Snapdragon	Antirrhinum orontium
Birch	Betula sp.	Marsh Thistle	Cirsium palustre
Bird Cherry	Prunus padus	Meadowsweet	Filipendula ulmaria
Bluebell	Hyacinthoides non-scripta	Mudwort	Limosella aquatica
Bracken	Pteridium aquilinum	Norway Spruce	Picea abies
Bramble	Rubus fruticosus agg..	Oak	Quercus sp.
Broad Buckler-fern	Dryopteris dilatata	Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage	Chrysosplenium alternifolium
Broad-leaved Dock	Rumex obtusifolius	Pendulous Sedge	Carexpendula
Traveller’s-joy	Clematis vibalta	Perennial Rye-grass	Lolium perenne
Cottongrass	Eriophorum sp.	Purple Moor-grass	Molinia caerulea
Common Cow-wheat	Melampyrum pratense	Red Fescue	Festuca rubra
Common Knapweed	Centaurea nigra	Rowan	Sorbus aucuparia
Common Nettle	Urtica dioica	Royal Fern	Osmunda regalis
Compact Rush	Juncus conglomeratus	Rushes	Juncus spp.
Corncockle	Agrostemma githago	St. Patrick’s Cabbage	Saxafraga spathularis
Cross-leaved Heath	Erica tetralix	Scots Pine	Pinus sylvestris
Cuckooflower	Cardamine pratensis	Sedges	Carex spp.
Evergreen Oak	Quercus ilex	Sharp-flowered Rush	Juncus acutiflorus
False Oat-grass	Arrhenatherum elatius	Sharp-leaved Fluellen	Kickxia elatine
Gorse	Ulex europaeus	Small Cudweed	Filago minima
Greater Tussock-sedge	Carex paniculata	Soft Rush	Juncus effusus
Hard Fern	Blechnum spicant	Sweet Vernal Grass	Anthoxanthum odoratum
Hawthorn	Crataegus monogyna	Sycamore	Acer psuedoplantanus
Hazel	Coryllus avellana	Tufted Hair-grass	Deschampsia cespotosa
Heath Cudweed	Gnaphalium sylvaticum	White Clover	Trifolium repens
Heather	Calluna vulgaris	Willows	Salix spp.
Herb-robert	Geranium robertianum	Wood Rush	Luzula sp.
Holly	Ilex aquifolium	Wood-sorrel	Oxalis acetosa
Horse-chestnut	Aesculus hippocastanum	Yellow Water-lily	Nuphar lutea
Irish Spurge	Euphorbia hyberna	Yorkshire Fog	Holcus lanatus

A8.4 Scientific names of animals mentioned in text

Common Name	Species Name	Common Name	Species Name
American Mink	Mustela vison	Sea Lamprey	Petromyzon marinus
Badger	Meles meles	Sika Deer	Cervus nippon
Bank Vole	Clethrionomys glareolus	Soprano Pipistrelle	Pipistrellus pygmaeus
Barn Owl	Tyto alba	Stoat	Mustela erminea
Bream	Abramis brama	Whiskered Bat	Myotis mysticinus
Brook Lamprey	Lampetra planeri	Wood Mouse	Apodemus sylvaticus
Brown Long-eared Bat	Plecotus auritus
Brown Rat	Rattus norvegicus
Brown (Sea) Trout	Salmo trutta
Common Pipistrelle	Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Daubenton’s Bat	Myotis daubentoni
Feral Goat	Capra hircus
Fox	Vulpes vulpes
Freshwater Pearl mussel	Margaritifera margaritifera
Grey Squirrel	Sciurus carolinensis
Hedgehog	Erinaceus europaeus
House Mouse	Mus musculus domesticus
Irish (M ountain) Hare	Lepus timidus hibernicus
Kingfisher	Alcedo atthis
Leisler's Bat	Nyctalus leisleri
Lesser Horseshoe Bat	Rhinolophus hipposideros
Long-eared Owl	Asio otus
Natterer’s Bat	Myotis nattereri
Otter	Lutra lutra
Perch	Perca fluviatilis
Peregrine Falcon	Falco peregrinus
Pine Marten	Martes Martes
Pygmy shrew	Sorex minutus
Rabbit	Oryctolagus cuniculus
Red Squirrel	Sciurus vulgaris
River Lamprey	L. fluviatilis
Rudd	Scardinius erythrophthalmus
Salmon	Salmo salar
Sand Martin	Riparia riparia

A8.5 Designated areas within the study area (Primary ecological constraints)

Name (& Dúchas Ref.):	Habitat Type & Internationally / Nationally Important Species:
St. Gobnet’s Wood (106) Status: NNR, pSAC, pNHA	Old oak woodland*, flushes and rock outcrop. Rich herb and bryophyte communities.
The Gearagh (108) Status: NNR, SPA, pSAC, pNHA, Ramsar site, Wildfowl Sanctuary, Council of Europe Biogenetic Reserve.	Alluvial woodland*, oak woodland*, marginal alluvial grassland, cutaway bog, mudflat and gorse scrub. Notable species include Mudwort (Limosella aquatica)+, Otter (Lutra lutra)**. Important for wildfowl including Whooper Swan**, Widgeon, Teal, Mallard, Coot, Tufted Duck, Dunlin, Lapwing and Golden Plover**.
Glashgarriff River (1055) Status: pNHA	Stream, broadleaved woodland, flushes and rock outcrop. Notable for its ferns and bryophytes. Otter** and Badger present.
Lough Gal (1067) Status: pNHA	Lake with floating fen, extensive area of freshwater marsh and scrub. Site used by birds and of interest botanically.
Prohus Wood (1248) Status: pNHA	Locally important broadleaved woodland (partially coppiced).
Boylegrove Wood (1854) Status: pNHA	Locally important broadleaved woodland, heath, scrub and marshy grassland.

* Priority Habitat under Annex 1 of EU Habitats Directive

** European Protected Species

A8.6 Historic and Recent records of rare plant species from the Dúchas database for Rare and Protected Plant Species.

Common Name	Location	Site	Grid Ref	Notes (from Curtis and McGough, 1988)
Mudwort	i) The Gearagh		W3 6	Found in large swards on the exposed bed of the Gearagh. Here the species is the dominant species in a predominantly annual sward over several square kilometres.
	ii) The Gearagh		W3 7	As above
Heath (Wood) Cudweed	nr. Macroom		W300700	There are no post 1970 records of this species for Munster.
Bird Cherry	The Gearagh		W3 7	One recent record in Cork. 5 other records in the South of Ireland. Widespread in 3 counties in Northern Ireland.
Corn Cockle	Coachford (Farnanes)		W400600	Extinct
Lanceolate Spleenwort	Macroom	Coachford	W455732	There are no post 1970 records in the southwest.
Killarney Fern				No recent record of this species at this site.
Sharp-leaved Fluellen	i) Inisleera	On gravel and boulders	W527727	An arable farmland species. Recently recorded from 3 sites in Cork
	ii) Lower Dripsey, Lee	Left bank near Magooly	W500700	See above
	iii) Magooly	Shores of R.Lee	W513730	See above
Small Cudweed	Iniscarra	Unknown	W58 73	No recent record in Cork, but has been recorded recently in Kerry.
Lesser Snapdragon	i) Coachford	Unknown	W400600	Only two recent records for this species in Ireland. One in Cork and one in Wexford.
	ii) Blarney	Tower Village	W500700	See above
	iii) Iniscarra	Inniscarra Waterworks	W57 71	See above
	iv) Magooly, nr R. Lee	Left Bank, upper reaches	W510720	See above
	v) Ovens, nr	Unknown	W55 70	See above

All of these species are listed in The Irish Red Data Book, 1 Vascular Plants (Curtis and McGough 1988). The following species are also protected under the Flora (Protection) Order: Mudwort, Heath (Wood) Cudweed, Lanceolate Spleenwort, Lesser Snapdragon, Small Cudweed and Killarney Fern.

Mudwort: As noted in the table above the records for Mudwort are within the Gearagh cSAC. This species grows in small pools, or on wet mud on the margins of lakes in the west half of the country (Cork to Fermanagh) and is local in distribution (Webb et al. 1996).

Heath (Wood) Cudweed: There are no recent records of this species from Munster, with a dramatic decline in species numbers occurring. The plant prefers fallow ground and the reduction in the amount of such areas is thought to be the reason for the decline of the species.

Bird Cherry: The record for Bird Cherry is also mentioned in the site synopsis for the Gearagh cSAC. Bird Cherry is a species of woods and damp rocky places, mainly in upland areas, which is frequent in the northwest, but rare elsewhere (Webb et al. 1996).

Corn Cockle: As noted in the table above, Corn Cockle has not been recorded in Ireland recently. Curtis and McGough (1988) consider the species to be extinct.

Lanceolate Spleenwort: This is a fern that grows on inland walls and banks, and on rocks near the sea. The species is declining through the loss of old walls and hedgebanks. There are no recent records of the species from the southwest of Ireland.

Killarney Fern: The record for Killarney Fern is noted in Curtis and McGough (1988) as no longer extant and is presumably the record from the Glashgarriff River pNHA, which is noted in the site synopsis for the Glashgarriff River pNHA.

Sharp-leaved Fluellen: Sharp-leaved Fluellen is a species of arable farmland and open waste ground that has been recorded recently from three sites in Cork. The decline of this species has been attributed to increased efficiency in the control of agricultural weeds.

Small Cudweed: This species prefers sandy gravely places. There are no recent records for the species in Cork, though there is a recent record of the species in Kerry where it grows in a disused section of a quarry.

Lesser Snapdragon: Lesser Snapdragon is a species of arable farmland, the decline of which is attributed to the increased efficiency in the control of agricultural weeds. There are only two recent records for the species, one of which is from Cork.

A8.7 Mammal species recorded from the 20km squares within which the proposed N22 Ballyvouney to Ballincollig road scheme is located (records extracted from Hayden and Harrington (2000) or from field records/consultation).

Species	Indication of population	Level of Protection
American Mink	Found throughout Ireland	None; an exotic species
Badger	Found throughout Ireland, and recorded from throughout the study area	Wildlife Act, though exceptions are written into the Act for road building
Bank Vole	Restricted to the south and west of the country.	None
Brown Rat	Found throughout Ireland	None
Sika Deer	Recorded from woods around Ballyvourney	Protected through Wildlife Act, but are a designated quarry.
Fox	Found throughout Ireland	Considered a pest species; Hunted
Grey Squirrel	Not recorded from study area	None; exotic species
Hedgehog	Found throughout Ireland	Appendix III of the Bern Convention
House Mouse	Found throughout Ireland	None.
Irish Stoat	Found throughout Ireland.	Appendix III of the Bern Convention
Otter	Found throughout Ireland, and recorded from throughout the study area	Annexe II and IV of Habitats Directive Appendix III of the Bern Convention.
Pine Marten	Recorded in 20km square to west of Macroom, may be present around Ballyvourney	Annexes II and IV of Habitats Directive Appendix III of the Bern Convention.
Pygmy Shrew	Found throughout Ireland	Appendix III of the Bern Convention
Feral Goat	Recorded from the 20km square within which the western extreme of study area is located. This, however, most likely refers to known feral herd around Killarney	None
Irish (Mountain) Hare	Found throughout Ireland	Irish Red Data Book ‘Internationally important’. Annex V of the Habitats Directive. Appendix III Bern Convention.
Rabbits	Found throughout Ireland	None
Red Squirrel	Distributed widely through Ireland	Protected under the Wildlife Act; classified as near threatened in a global context in the 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Wood Mouse	Found throughout Ireland	None.

A8.8 Notable Bird Species occurring in Ballyvourney-Ballincollig Area (Birdwatch Ireland)

Species	Recorded Occurrence	Status	Legislation
Barn Owl (Tyto Alba)	Kilcrea, Oakgrove, Carrigadrohid and Dunisky.	Birdwatch Ireland Red List* Indeterminate*** (Whilde 1993; Irish Red Data Book).	Wildlife Act 1976
Long-eared Owls (Asio otus)	Ryecourt estate, Farran Woods, Aghavrin and Mullagharoe
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis	River Bride (likely to be breeding through area)	Birdwatch Ireland Amber List** SPEC3****
Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)	Breeding pair near Kilcrea Friary	Unfavourable conservation status in Europe as a whole, (Newton et al., 1999).
Sand martin (Riparia riparia)	Nest present at Garryhesta	Unfavourable conservation status in Europe as a whole, (Newton et al., 1999).

* Red listed species: those which are most demonstrably threatened, i.e. they have undergone significant declines since the turn of the century, which if not addressed, could in the long term lead to their extinction.

** Amber listed species those that have undergone less severe declines.

*** Indeterminate: believed to be in the “endangered” or “vulnerable” or “rare” categories if sufficient information were available.

**** SPEC3: species whose global population is not concentrated in Europe, but which has an Unfavourable Conservation Status in Europe (after Tucker and Heath, 1994).

A8.9 Number of roosts identified in the Lee Valley for specific bat species (Cork Bat Group 2001).

Common Name	Species Status	No. of Roosts
Lesser Horseshoe bat	Annex II Species (EC Habitats Directive 1992) Internationally Important	2
Brown long-eared bat	Internationally Important	8
Pipistrelle (Common / Sporano)	Internationally Important	10
Soprano Pipistrelle	Internationally Important	3
Leisler’s Bat	Internationally Important	3
Whiskered Bat	Undetermined status (Classed as Threatened)	2
Daubenton’s Bat	Internationally Important	2
Natterer’s Bat	Undetermined status (Classed as Threatened)	1
Unknown		1

A8.10 Evaluation of Areas of Ecological Constraint

Habitat quality was evaluated with reference to the Ratcliffe criteria (JNCC, 1995): in particular the ‘size’, ‘rarity’, ‘diversity’ and ‘naturalness’ criteria.

Areas of Ecological Constraint	Grid Ref.	Site Description	Evaluation / Notes
1a	W1978 / W205783	Upland grassland areas with many rocky outcrops, occasional patches of Gorse and tussocks of Soft Rush. Some of the areas that are at a lower elevation are wet grassland, dominated by Soft Rush and Compact Rush, with Meadowsweet and Bramble. There are areas of scattered Hawthorn, willow, Holly and low Beech trees in the east of this area.	Low Value
1b	W199779	Broadleaved woodland with Birch, oak, Beech, Sycamore, Scots Pine and Ash with occasional Holly understorey. There is heavy Rhododendron and Laurel infestation in the south of the woodland and ground flora here is limited as a consequence. Bluebell, Herb-robert, Pendular Sedge, Wood-sorrel and Hard Fern are found in patches.	The northern section of this area is of High Value. The ecological value of the southern half is reduced through Rhododendron infestation.
2	W208764 / W211757	Broadleaved woodland, possibly old oak woodland similar in character to St. Gobnets Wood.
3	W218764	This area is a mosaic of semi natural habitats that consists of wet grassland, dense bracken, areas of willow scrub and rocky outcrops. This large area extends to the south beyond the area indicated in the constraints map but is not continuous with Area 5. This area is used for grazing cattle.	Low Value
4	W223745	Rock outcrop, gorse, scrub and unimproved / semi-improved grassland
5	W240749	This is a very large area of semi-natural habitat consisting of large rocky outcrops some up to 10 metres high. Vegetation between some of the outcrops is heavily grazed and improved. These areas have agricultural grasses such as Perennial Rye-grass, White Clover, Common Nettle and Broad-leaved Dock. On the outcrops there are remnants of the heath species, with Gorse, Purple Moor-grass, Bell Heather, Heather, Red Fescue and Sweet Vernal Grass. Some sections of this area have been lightly burned. There are occasional small fields within area 5. These are flatter and have been improved for agriculture. Within the area there are wet flushes and areas of wet grassland. These have an abundance of rushes, and also patches of Meadowsweet, tussocks of Purple Moor-grass and Common Knapweed. Some large sedges could also be seen. In some steep valleys there are patches of woodland, consisting mainly of willow, with some Birch, Ash and oak. The section within the study corridor to the north of the existing N22 appears to be relatively uniform, with a dense cover of Gorse, occasional steep rocky outcrops, small patches of Bell Heather and occasional patches of Bracken. Running through the west of this area is the Sullane River. At the crossing point of the Poulnabro Bridge the River is a broad (14-16 metres) moderately fast flowing river with glides and riffles and a rocky/gravel substrate. The river is lined with Alder, Ash, Sycamore and Hawthorn trees. There is approximately 1km of the Sullane River within the study corridor.	It is unlikely that there are any areas of greater significance than Low Value this large area.
6	W2377 / W2477	This area consists of steep rocky outcrops with wet grassland in hollows. Between these habitat areas there are improved sections that are closely grazed. The steep areas are covered predominantly with Gorse scrub. Bell Heather and Bracken are also growing on these. There are patches of wet grassland in the area, dominated by Soft Rush, Compact Rush Sharp-flowered Rush and Marsh Thistle.	Unlikely to be of greater than Low Value.
7	W237767/ W241771	Two small areas of conifer plantation. These were not entered.	Low Value
8	W2476	Only the northern section of this large area is within the study corridor. The area consists of regenerating cutover blanket bog. Species evident include Bog Cotton, Cross Leaved Heath, Heather Purple Moor-grass and Royal Fern. There are occasional small willow trees and clumps of Gorse. In the northwestern area there are small areas of wet willow scrub.	Low Value
9	W260767	This large area consists of rough semi-improved grassland, with areas of rock outcrop, dense scrub, cut over bog and wet grassland. A section of the Finnow River runs through this area. This area is predominantly rough upland grazing with rock outcrops. The vegetation on these consists areas of dense Gorse scrub, patches of Bracken and willow scrub. There are some flat areas of regenerating cutover blanket bog with Cottongrass, Cross-leaved Heath, Heather Purple Moor-grass and Royal Fern.	It is unlikely that there are any areas of greater significance than Low Value.
10	W241731	Molinia dominated marshy grassland, scrub and an area of mixed woodland comprised of Birch, Ash and Oak.
11	W244723	Unimproved / semi-improved grassland.
12	W250712	Conifer plantation and small area of rush dominated marshy grassland.
13	W249708 / W251701	Rock outcrop, gorse scrub with unimproved / semi-improved grassland.
14	W280704	Rock outcrop, gorse scrub, unimproved / semi-improved grassland and broadleaf scrub.
15	W268721	Rock outcrop, gorse scrub, unimproved / semi-improved grassland
16	W260735 / W2672 to W3272	A number of areas of broadleaf woodland, scrub, semi-improved grassland and occassional patch of conifer bordering the southern flood plain of the Sullane.
17	W278743	Large area with a mosaic of Gorse scrub, willow scrub, rocky outcrops, areas of Bracken and wet grassland. There are also some small fields of improved grassland within area 017. The semi-natural areas are similar to those described in area 005 above.	It is unlikely that there are any areas of greater significance than Low Value.
18	W275761	The section of area 18 that is north of the minor road is continuous with area 19. This section consists of broadleaved woodland. The woodland area that could be viewed consisted of Ash and Sycamore with some Larch and occasional oak trees. Hawthorn and Bramble are growing in more open areas. Old farm buildings are in woodland also. The section that is south of the road consists of scattered clumps of woodland. Mature oak and Ash trees with some Rowan are noted. The trees are growing on rocky outcrops and steep sections of the field. Cattle have access to the woodland clumps and use them for shelter. Bramble dominates the understorey of other areas. Areas of dense Soft Rush dominate the lower sections of the field.	This large area is unlikely to be of any greater significance than Low Value.
19	W277765	The section of this area that is north of the minor road is continuous with the woodland area of area 18. This mosaic of semi-natural habitat consists of wet grassland, Bracken and rocky outcrops and scattered Ash, oak and willow trees. The area also has a section of the Foherish River running through it. To the south of the minor road there area large areas of wet grassland with Compact Rush, Soft Rush, Marsh Thistle, False Oat-grass and Cuckoo Flower.	This large area is unlikely to be of any greater significance than Low Value.
20a	W290750	This area is a large Broadleaved woodland with oak, Birch, Holly Ash, and areas of Hazel coppice. Ground flora consists of mainly Wood Rush, with Irish Spurge, Hard Fern, Common cow-wheat and Broad Buckler-fern.	Is of High Value and may be regionally important. The woodland may correspond to annexed habitat.
20b	W293753	A small wet willow woodland alongside the Foherish River. The woodland also contains Gorse, Birch, and Hawthorn.	Likely to be of no more than Low Value though there is connectivity with area 20a.
20c	W295750	This area is a small broadleaved woodland that appears from aerial photographs to be similar to Area 20a. However the woodland could not be accessed.	Value unknown but could be of high value. It is however relatively small.
21	W300761	Rock outcrop, heath, scrub and Gorse.	Low Value
22a	W303743	This large area consists of areas of bare rock outcrops, patches of Gorse, Bracken and areas of Soft Rush. There are also small pockets of woodland and many scattered trees.	Only a limited view of this area, but it is likely to be of no more than Low Value.
22b	W305740	There is a small woodland south of area 22a at Clonfadda. This woodland consists of Scots Pine, Birch, willow and Norway Spruce. The area is used by cattle for grazing and has very little ground flora other than patches of Bramble.	Low Value.
23	W259689	Conifer plantation.
24	W267683	Semi-improved / unimproved grassland dominated by Molinia with some small areas of conifer and birch scrub.
25	W2767 / W2867	Rock outcrop, unimproved / semi-improved grassland including an area of Molinia dominated marshy grassland.
26	W2868 / W293685	Patches of mixed broadleaf woodland including a small area of conifer and a separate area of carr woodland beside the River Lee.
27	W296665	Unimproved / semi-improved marshy grassland with occasional rock outcrop, heath and gorse scrub.
28	W3167	Rock outcrop, gorse scrub and unimproved / semi-improved grassland.
29	W319739 / W324735	Broadleaved woodland with a main section in the west consisting of Ash, oak, Sycamore and Beech. The canopy of this section of woodland appears very dense from the aerial photograph and this may be plantation woodland. The view from the road could not confirm this. There is a long section of riparian willow woodland to the west. This follows a tributary of the Sullane River.	Probably of no more than Low Value.
30a	W327754	This woodland consists of even-aged oaks, of approximately 50 years, with a well developed, ungrazed ground flora of tall Bilberry and Woodrush. Hard Fern, Heather and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage are also found. Young Rowan, Birch, Holly and oak are also found. There are a number of steep rocky outcrops within the woodland that have St Patrick’s Cabbage growing on them. There is a wet area at the base of the slope that has some Alder trees with clumps of Tufted Hair-grass, rushes and sedges. Part of the woodland is Hazel coppice, with oak standards. Cattle graze this part of the woodland and the ground flora is less well developed. Wood-sorrel, Bluebell and Hard Fern are present here. Area 30b is connected to area 30b by some areas of marshy grassland.	This area is of high importance and is potentially of regional importance. May correspond to annexed habitat
30b	W338748	The long area consists of riparian willow woodland. Between this area and area 30a there are areas of marshy grassland with patches of Gorse scrub.	Low Value
30c	W320756	The western section of this area is willow woodland, with some Ash and areas of scrub and areas of marshy grassland (Compact Rush, Soft Rush, Marsh Thistle, Yorkshire Fog).	Low Value
31	W350744 W354745	The two sections of area 31 that are within the study corridor consist of blocks of coniferous woodland.	Low Value
32a	W364746	The course of the River Laney includes areas of semi-natural and marshy grassland; areas of willow woodland and riparian Alder woodland.	Potentially of High Value
32b	W362749 W370748 W364745	This area consists of three separate blocks of coniferous woodland.	Low Value
32c	W352737	This area consists of a coniferous woodland block.	Low Value
33	W352724	A fairly complex mosaic of habitats on quite steeply sloping terrain. Large stands of bracken; scattered patches and stands of Birch, Ash, Hawthorn and Sycamore; improved or semi-improved grassland; Bramble and Gorse scrub. The Western portion of the area is improved grassland. There is a woodland in the northwest of area 33 at W346724. It is on a north-facing slope and consists of mature oak, with a complete canopy of trees up to approximately 15m in height. The woodland was not entered, but appears to be ungrazed and has a dense understorey.	Low Value. The oak woodland is potentially of High Importance
34	W338716	Semi-improved grassland.
35	W345713	Semi-improved grassland bordering reservoir.
36	W341679	Conifer plantation and marshy grassland.
37	W349657 / W351663 / W367665 / W268661	Broadleaved woodland, birch scrub and occasional area of conifer.
38	W360679 / W350680 / W360687	Scattered areas of broadleaves and scrub.
39a	W362696	Broadleaved woodland along the shore of the reservoir with a high diversity of native tree species	Low Value
39b	W363695	Small ponds either side of the existing N22, connected by a culvert under the road, and presumably with an underground sluice into the reservoir. Some overhanging willows and emergent vegetation.	Low Value
39c	W365690	Young plantation of Ash, with scrubby areas of Gorse, Bramble, Hawthorn etc. Also an area of mature woodland consisting of conifers, poplars and Sycamore.	Low Value
39d	W366689	Improved grassland.	Low Value
39e	W367690	An area of low, dense willow woodland, with marshy grassland that is regularly inundated by changes in water level in the reservoir.	Low Value
40a	W354724	This appears to be improved grassland, but may be regularly flooded by winter rain, or inundated by artificial fluctuations in water levels in the reservoir, and may contain species of interest.	Low Value
40b	W356718	This appears to be improved grassland, but is regularly flooded during the winter, and occasionally inundated at other times by artificial fluctuations in the water level of the reservoir, may contain species of interest.	Low Value
40c	W356716	An area of dense willow woodland, with areas of marshy grassland, bare mud and water between.	Of Low Value, but this is an unusual if somewhat artificial habitat
40d	W352727	The River Sullane has a well established riparian corridor of large overhanging trees, mainly Alder, but also some oak, willow and Ash. The river is a broad, shallow, fairly fast flowing river, with substrates consisting mainly of gravels, but with areas of mud.	This well established habitat may be of High Value
40e	W366718	This section of the shore of the reservoir consists mainly of improved grassland, with stands of willow scrub. The eastern portion of the area is fenced off from livestock, and contains an area of well established marshy grassland, willow woodland and a pond.	Low Value
40f	W355709	A narrow area of willow woodland between the existing N22 and the reservoir.	Low Value
41	W365727	Fragmented areas of semi-natural grassland.	Low Value
42a	W375723	This is a large area of fairly mature coniferous plantation woodland either side of the R618 road. There are some broadleaved trees throughout the area. Other areas lie along the R618 road and at the western edge of the area. To the south of the road, the western portion of the area is also conifer plantation; the eastern portion of the area is mainly improved grassland with areas of Gorse and willow scrub.	Low Value
42b	W368723	This area was not accessible, but from aerial photographs, appears to contain areas of semi-natural or marshy grassland and a small broadleaved woodland.	Probably of no more than Low Value
42c	W372716	The northwestern portion of this block of woodland consists of mature, densely packed and rather spindly oak trees.	The oak Woodland is potentially of High Value and may correspond to annexed habitat. The remainder is of Low Value
42d	W378725	Within area 42a is a patch of mature oak woodland.	Potentially of High Value
42e	W377721	A long strip of broadleaved woodland along the southern side of the road.	Potentially of High Value
42f	W372723	A large area of scattered broadleaved woodland and scrub.	Potentially of High Value
43	W376735	Bracken and unimproved / semi-improved grassland.
44	W378735	An area of marshy grassland with patches of Gorse Scrub.	Low Value
45	W3875 / W3975 / W399761	Scattered areas of mixed woodland, scrub and unimproved / semi-improved grassland.
46	W401751	A harvested conifer plantation with some areas of marshy grassland that are planted with conifers.	Low Value
47	W395742	Only the northeastern of the two sections of area 47 is within the study corridor. This section consists of a very small area of broadleaved woodland adjacent to a small area of marshy grassland. The remainder of the site is improved grassland.	Low Value
48	W397740	Rough, wet heath or marshy grassland on a north-facing slope (not accessed). Rushes, willows and Ash conspicuous, with larger mature Ash trees towards the northeastern end of the area.	Probably only of Low Value
49	W392724	Gorse scrub and unimproved / semi-improved grassland.
50a	W3870	Broadleaved woodland, scrub, heath and semi-natural grassland along the steep bank of the northern shore of the reservoir, with willow, Hawthorn, Ash, Sycamore and some oak.	Low Value
50b	W378698	This section of area 50, on the southern shore of the reservoir consists of a broken line of Gorse and Bramble, just above the high water mark. The area extends along the shore to the west where the shore bends sharply. Along this section there is a section of broadleaved woodland with Birch and oak.	Low Value
50c	W375704	This area consists of improved grassland and hedges.	Low Value
50d	W377688	An area of marshy grassland and emergent vegetation around an inlet on the shore of the reservoir. This is subject to inundation from fluctuating water levels in the reservoir.	Probably only of Low Value
50e	W383684	This section of the reservoir is isolated from the main body of water by a causeway carrying the existing N22, and is hence prone to stagnation. The area has a small rocky island and several low-lying rock and mud peninsulas. There are areas of willow and Hawthorn scrub, most of the marginal areas along the shore have a rather ruderal character, with bare mud and few emergents or areas of established grassland.	Probably only of Low Value
51	W393693	This area is at the confluence of two small watercourses that merge to form the Agthying Stream. This watercourse then flows north through a narrower channel. As the channel narrows, there is an area of marshy grassland willow and Alder scrub / carr and marsh. The area is flanked on the west and east sides by steep slopes, with broadleaved woodland, consisting of Ash, Sycamore, Hawthorn, willow etc.	Potentially of High Value and may be of regional importance.
52a	W395672	This area of marshy grassland is at the eastern extreme of an extensive area of wet riparian habitat along the Buingea River. The area also contains a scrub-covered mound that appears to be artificial in origin.	May be of High Value
52b	W388680	This low-lying damp area has riparian Alder woodland, willow woodland and marshy grassland and may contain small areas of some importance.	Probably of only Low Value
52c	W385672	This large area consists of a conifer woodland with some scattered broadleaf trees in the east and small areas of potential semi-improved grassland.	Probably of only Low Value
53	W403662	Bracken and unimproved / semi-improved grassland.
54	W422651 / W434651	Broadleaved woodland.
55a	W420668	Parkland with large Horse Chestnuts, oaks, Beeches, Ash and exotic conifers.	Low Value
55b	W426666	Very large mature oaks at roadside, with Beeches to the west.	Low Value
55c	W423669	Small Scots Pine woodland.	Low Value
55d	W429666	Riparian woodland along river Bride, mainly Alder with some oak.	Probably of no more than Low Value
55e	W404672	Large mature oaks along minor road.	Low Value
55f	W407675	Coniferous plantation woodland, generally quite young, with scattered mature broadleaved trees. The area includes two large patches of broadleaved woodland in the south of the area. Both are on hills, dominant species appear to be Birch and oak.	Coniferous Woodland is of Low Value; areas of Broadleaved Woodland may be of high value.
55g	W410667	Broadleaved woodland along existing N22, various species of tree.	Low Value
55h	W413662	Mature Beech, oak, Sycamore woodland, heavily grazed below.	Low Value
55i	W413664	Small-broadleaved woodland.	Low Value
56	W418712	This area, the source of the Kame River, consists of a steep-sided stream valley, with areas of semi-natural and marshy grassland, Gorse scrub and some oaks. The area was not entered, but may contain habitats or species of high value.	Probably only of Low Value
57a	W420732	Area of broadleaved and mixed woodland with many large specimen oaks, Beech and exotic tree species. There is an area of Hazel coppice with Bluebell dominating the ground flora.	High Value
57b	W422734	Area of scattered broadleaved woodland to the northwest of 57a.	Low Value
57c	W435725	A large private estate, with extensive areas of broadleaved woodland and perhaps areas of semi-natural grassland. No access.	May be of High Value
57d	W421730-W443722	Extensive strip of Broadleaved woodland along southern shore of reservoir.	Probably not greater than Low Value
57e	W455714	Small mixed woodland.	Low Value
58	W417742	Area with some fields of semi-improved grassland and areas of scrub and scattered trees.	Probably not greater than Low Value
59	W415757	Conifer and unimproved / semi-improved grassland.
60a	W433745	The most westerly of these sections is a Broadleaved woodland and parkland, mainly Ash and Beech.	Probably not greater than Low Value
60b	W436750	Broadleaved woodland and park land, mainly Ash and Beech	Probably not greater than Low Value
60c	W435753	The area to the north of 60b is a large area of parkland around several large houses, with large specimen trees, Beech, Oak and others.	Probably not greater than Low Value
60d	W442750	Mature broadleaved woodland; mainly large Ash, Oak and Beech.	Probably not greater than Low Value
60e	W443748	Young conifer plantation.	Low Value
60f	W456745	Large conifer plantation.	Low Value
61a	W429712	Marshy grassland bordering the Kame River stream with some Greater Tussock Sedge.	Low Value
61b	W435711	Marshy grassland bordering the Kame River to the north of the road. To the south of the road there is some rough grazing.	Low Value
61c	W447714	The Alder, willow riparian woodland along the Kame River continues to the east.	Low Value
61d	W455710	Riparian willows and Alders also form woodland along the stream valley flowing to the north, which meets the reservoir at the same point as the Kame River.	Low Value
62	W445714	Coniferous woodland.	Low Value
63	W445683	Gorse and unimproved / semi-improved grassland.
64	W435671	Gorse and Bracken scrub on the side of a hill.	Low Value
65	W460656	A long broadleaved woodland. The area was not surveyed in detailed.	Probably not greater than Low Value
66a	W472686	Young conifer plantation, with some scrubby Gorse and Bracken and some larger Ash and Sycamore trees.	Low Value
66b	W466684	Coniferous plantation woodland	Low Value
66c	W462682	Riparian willows, Ash etc. Also an area of scrub and grassland on a steep slope, which may include some semi-natural grassland.	Probably not greater than Low Value
66d	W452679	Coniferous plantation woodland	Low Value
66e	W456678	This small tree-lined field may contain semi-natural grassland	Probably not greater than Low Value
66f	W448676	Broadleaved woodland and mixed woodland. Dominant species are Ash, Horse Chestnut, Beech, Larch, Sycamore, oak and Scots Pine.	Probably not greater than Low Value
67	W468709	The steep-sided stream valley flowing north into the reservoir has riparian woodland, mainly of Ash and willow, with areas of Gorse scrub; stands of Bracken and areas of bare rock and semi-natural grassland on the steep banks.	Probably not greater than Low Value
68	W472736	Broadleaved woodland and parkland with specimen trees including a large Sweet Chestnut. The broadleaved woodland is predominantly Beech, with some large oak trees. The ground flora is sparse with Bluebell, Hard Fern, Broad Buckler-fern, Bramble and Traveller’s-joy. There is a small stream running through the wood, which adds to the diversity. The northern half of the wood is not actively managed and has regenerating Ash, Sycamore, Rowan and a ground flora dominated by patches of Bramble. There is also a small landscaped loake adjacent to the woodland, which the owner reported was used by feeding bats. There is a main Badger sett within the wood with 20+ entrances.	Probably not greater than Low Value
69	W476728	An area of Bracken and Bramble scrub with small areas of semi-improved grassland on a steep northerly facing slope.	Low Value
70a	W496706	Long narrow woodland following course of a small stream.	Low Value
71a	W480672	Marshy Grassland with rushes.	Probably only of Low Value
71b	W480676	Appears to be river valley fen, appearing rather similar in character (viewed from a distance) to raised bog, with pools and some willow scrub.	Potentially of High Importance and may be of regional Importance
71c	W490673	Large farm with large Ash, Beech and Sycamore trees and tree lines.	Low Value
71d	W472668	Marshy grassland with rushes, some willow and Gorse and a riparian woodland of Alder and oak, with adjacent marshy grassland along the Ochaul River.	Probably of no more than Low Value
71e	W485673	Coniferous plantation woodland.	Low Value
71f	W476674	Small area of recently planted conifers.	Low Value
71g	W470676	Large coniferous plantation woodland.	Low Value
71i	W468672	Small broadleaved woodland in River Bride valley.	Probably not greater than Low Value
71j	W468671	Semi-natural grassland in River Bride valley.	Probably not greater than Low Value
71k	W458672	Broadleaved woodland with a high proportion of oak. The central portion of this area is parkland with a large house and large mature trees including oak, Beech, Sycamore, Evergreen Oak. The western portion around W451675 is mature broadleaved woodland, oak, Ash and Sycamore.	May be of High Value
71l	W461679 – W487882	Riparian Alder woodland along River Bride. The river is shallow, broad and fairly fast flowing. This area continues to the east (see area 74f below).	Probably of no more than Low Value
72	W488662	Broadleaf woodland.
73	W494678	Marshy grassland or marsh area with some willow, Birch and Alder. Also a few conifers in boundaries.	Potentially of High Value
74a	W506682	Ruined castle with Ash, Beech woodland.	Probably not greater than Low Value
74b	W504682	Field around the castle and two fields to the west, were not entered, but may be high value semi-natural grassland.	Potentially of High Value
74c	W504678	Small broadleaved woodland; Ash, Sycamore and Beech.	Low Value
74d	W500680	Treelines of Ash, Alder and Sycamore along road.	Low Value
74e	W499688	Young coniferous plantation.	Low Value
74f	W487682 to W518682	Discontinuous riparian Alder woodland along River Bride. The river is shallow, broad and fairly fast flowing. This habitat continues to the west (see area 71l above).	Probably of no more than Low Value
74g	W501688	Coniferous plantation woodland.	Low Value
74h	W502689	Marshy grassland with some Gorse scrub.	Low Value
75	W4969	Broadleaved woodland.
76a	W497716	Mixed woodland along stream valley and shore of reservoir.	Low Value
76b	W500718	Broadleaved woodland bordering the reservoir and extending along a stream valley to the south. Mainly willow and Ash.	Low Value
76c	W503718	Area of scrub with Gorse, Hawthorn, and Bramble. There are also some patches of grassland that may be semi-improved.	Probably not greater than Low Value
77	W533703	Scattered mixed woodland.	Low Value
78	W542705	Semi-improved grassland.	Probably not greater than Low Value
79	W547707	An area of Broadleaved woodland either side of a small road. This area continues to the south.	Low Value
80	W560707	Bracken, gorse and unimproved / semi-improved grassland.
81a	W552698	Riparian woodland along the River Bride, mainly Alder, Ash and Sycamore, with some oak and Beech. Large trees.	Low Value
81b	W545696	Broadleaved woodland alongside road.	Low Value
81c	W545689	Broadleaved woodland alongside road.	Low Value
82	W357704	Area on the southern shore of the reservoir. This area was not entered, but some of the small fields on the north-facing slope may contain high quality semi-natural grassland.	Probably not greater than Low Value
84	W388722	Two small ponds either side of the minor road, with Yellow Water-lily and several species of pondweed. The northwestern one also has overhanging willows and good marginal emergent vegetation and may hold species of high value.	Probably only of Low Value
88	W547696	Quarry, may be floristic interest in disused or other areas.	Probably only of Low Value
89	W485668	Old disused (limestone?) stone quarry, now a deep lake with vertical cliffs. Much growth of willows, Ash, Sycamore, Gorse scrub and woodland. Also semi-natural grassland. A large estate house adjacent has large avenues of Beech and Sycamore.	May be of High Value

A8.11 Information on angling and spawning/nursery waters in watercourses within the study area (SWRFB).

River	Angling	Note
Carrigadrohid Reservoir	Coarse
Inniscarra Reservoir	Coarse
Lough Gal	No specific information
Flooded Quarries at Ovens	No specific information
River Lee	Game, Salmon & Trout	EC Designated Salmonid River (from source to Cork City Waterworks (Lee Road)
River Bride	Salmon & Trout	Important spawning / nursery waters for salmonids
River Sullane	Some angling for Brown Trout
Sullane Beg River		Nursery / Spawning water
River Dripsey		Nursery / Spawning water
River Cummer		Spawning / nursery waters for salmonids
River Finnow		Spawning / nursery waters for salmonids
River Foherish	Some angling	Spawning / nursery waters for salmonids
River Dangansallagh		Spawning / nursery waters for salmonids
River Douglas		Spawning / nursery waters for salmonids
Toon River	Some Pike and Brown Trout	Spawning / nursery waters for salmonids
Buingea River		Spawning / nursery waters for salmonids
Kame River		Spawning / nursery waters for salmonids
Agthying Stream		Spawning / nursery waters for salmonids
Clasnavoon Stream
River Laney	Some Brown Trout angling

A8.12 River Crossings - Details of Survey
(Surveyed by Ecoserve)

River Lee Reservoir Crossings

This section presents an assessment of the proposed Lee Reservoir crossing points based solely upon habitat data.

Yellow Crossing of Reservoir at Farranavarrigane

The Yellow route crossing point is downstream of the Gearagh cSAC, between Lee Bridge and Bealahaglashin Bridge (the present N22). The former channel of the Lee is evident here, the reservoir being only some 100m in width. The proposed crossing takes a somewhat oblique route and is hence approximately 150m in length.

The northern shore has a steep bank, approximately 2-3m high. At the top of the bank, the land is undulating. From the crossing point, the shore has a narrow strip of woodland extending for more than 300m to the east and more than 600m to the west. Trees are 10-20m in height, the largest being a group of oaks approximately 200m west of the crossing point. The remainder of the treeline is made up of Alder, Beech, Birch, Sycamore, Ash, Hazel and Grey Willow. There are also exotic species around a hotel, some 300m west of the crossing point.

On the south bank, there is a similar short, steep, bank, with a small road at the top, and then fields of improved grassland. The road ends at a house just to the west of the proposed crossing, which has Ash, Sycamore, fir and other exotics around it, and down to the shore. The road joins the present N22, approximately 300m to the east. There is a 3-5m wide strip of semi-improved grassland along the shore of the reservoir, with Yellow-rattle, Jointed Rush, Common Club-rush, Red Fescue, Common Eyebright, Meadowsweet, Common Birds-foot-trefoil, Black Knapweed, Selfheal, Silverweed, Creeping Cinqufoil, Water Mint, Lesser Stitchwort, Creeping Bent, Marsh Woundwort. There is some scrub encroachment of Bramble, Hazel, Ash and Alder. To the west of the house, the strip of semi-improved grassland continues along the shore, and the bank becomes higher, up to 20m. The bank here is topped with a treeline of oak, Ash, Hawthorn, Holly and Sycamore, beyond, which is flat, improved, grassland. The reservoir itself has pondweeds and some Yellow Water-lily. The substrate appears to be mainly mud.

The area is suitable for Otter, and Bealahaglashin bridge may have roosting bats. Birds recorded here included 77 Curlew feeding and roosting in a field 1km west of the crossing point; 4 Grey Heron; 2 Common Sandpiper; several pairs of Swallow nesting beneath Bealaglahashin bridge. More than 60 Common Blue Damselflies were seen along the south shore. Butterflies included Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Small Copper, Green-veined White and Meadow Brown.

Although the area has semi-natural grassland and large trees of local interest, no habitats or species of high conservation value were recorded at the site.

Blue Crossing at Ballytrasna

The reservoir here is approximately 250m in width. This section of the old course of the Lee has quite steep banks, which continue into hills on either side.

The southern shore at the crossing point, and to the east, consists of gently sloping, improved grassland, with a broken line of gorse and bramble just above the high water mark. To the west, the shore bends sharply south, just to the west of the proposed crossing point. This shoreline has a line of broadleaved woodland extending more than 500m along it, consisting of oak and Birch. Inland, there is a raised ridge, a rock exposure running east-west, where the soil is shallow, and there is some bare rock and gorse, Hawthorn scrub.

On the northern shore, constraint area 50 extends for over 1km eastwards from the crossing point, along the shore. This is an area of scrubby woodland, mainly of birch, ash, willow and hawthorn. A small patch of similar habitat exists just to the west of the crossing point. To the west, the shoreline bends sharply south. Here, there are scattered bushes along the shore, with improved grassland, which extends inland from the shore for more than 1km.

The woodland on the south shore may be of high conservation value, but covers a very small area. The area provides suitable habitat for Badger and Otter. Otherwise, no habitats or species of conservation value are present.

Red Crossing at Classes

The crossing here is approximately 150-200m wide, with low-lying, undulating, land on either side of the reservoir.

The north shore has a steep bank, 4-6m, which flattens abruptly at the top to a flat field of improved grassland and arable land. The bank has patches of scrub, consisting of Bramble, gorse and Bracken; some bare rock; some improved grassland and some semi-improved grassland with bents, Red Fescue, Yellow-rattle, Red Bartsia, Field Scabious, Meadowsweet, Jointed Rush and Soft Rush. To the east of the crossing point, the shore bends sharply north. Here, the bank is vegetated with dense scrub, consisting of Bramble, Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Dog-rose. Much of the area is open to cattle.

At the crossing point on the south shore, the land slopes down gently to the reservoir, and consists of cattle-grazed, improved, grassland. Immediately to the west, an area of trees and scrub on a steeper 10m high bank extends for some 500m. The trees are up to 15m tall, consisting mainly of oak and Birch with some Rowan and willow. At the base of the bank, there is a small cliff to the reservoir in places, elsewhere; it is extremely steep, with the trees overhanging the water. Meadow Brown and Small Copper butterflies and 8 no. Common Blue Damselflies were recorded on the south shore.

The substrate is poorly sorted pebbles, grit, shingle and silt. No habitats or species of high conservation value were recorded at the site.

Red to Green (via nodes 9 to 13) Crossing at Nettleville Demesne

The Reservoir is very narrow here, with the banks rising quite steeply from the shore, particularly on the north side, where only a narrow strip of land exists between the shore and the R618 road. This strip of land is densely vegetated, with willows, Rowan, gorse, Holly, Horse Chestnut, Oak, Bramble, Sycamore, Hazel Ash and Alder. Beyond the road, to the north there is a tree line of Horse Chestnut, oak, Beech, Sycamore and Scots Pine up to 25m in height. Beyond this is a field of improved grassland and then the Oakgrove Estate. To the east of the crossing, the road rises, and the strip between the road and the reservoir becomes a very steeply sloping bank, up to 15m in height. The bank has bare scree, gorse, Broom, Birch, Buddlea and planted Lodgepole Pine.

On the south side, the shoreline is different either side of the crossing. To the west, there is a 1-2m cliff at the shoreline and then a steep bank, which rises steeply to a height of 15m. This slope is densely wooded with oak and Birch, with some Beech and Rowan. This strip of broadleaved woodland runs along the shore and broadens into a medium sized woodland, part of Area 57. To the east, the land slopes up more gently, and continues to rise for more than 500m away from the shore, across improved grassland. The woodland begins again, less than 100m to the east, and continues for several km to the east.

The water here deepens quickly away from the shore, the visible substrate consists of coarse gravel and pebbles with some bedrock exposed in the channel.

Green crossing at Fergus

This is the widest proposed crossing point, being approximately 350m. The southern shore rises quite steeply and smoothly from the reservoir shoreline. Although originally included within constraint 76, this section of the shore at W498717 consists of arable fields, and is of little ecological value. There is a narrow, 3-5m, strip of grassland between the arable fields and the high water mark, which may be semi-improved, but this was not confirmed, as no access to the shore was possible. Approximately 250m east of the crossing point is an area of scrub bordering the reservoir. Gorse, Hawthorn and Bramble are dominant, with patches of grassland, which may be semi-improved. Approximately 150m west of the crossing point is a strip of woodland, in a stream valley, with willow, Alder, oak, Birch, Sycamore up to 10m.

On the northern shore, the crossing point is situated in a small inlet, from which the land rises gently and then fairly steeply in a concave form. The habitat here consists of rough, but probably improved, cattle-grazed, grassland. Adjacent to the crossing point, to the west is a treeline of Ash and Sycamore to 10m in height, running perpendicular to the shore. Approximately 150m to the east, the shoreline has a rather different character, with a 2-3m cliff of bare rock rising from the water, topped with a narrow strip of scrub, consisting of gorse, Bramble and Bracken. The land then slopes steeply up as improved grassland to a linear rock outcrop running parallel to the shore, where another area of similar scrub and bare rock exists. A similar area is present on the shore 200m west of the crossing point.

No habitat of conservation interest appears to be present in the immediate vicinity of the crossing point, but the area of scrub east of the crossing on the south shore may be of local importance.

River Bride Crossings (main channel)

Red and Green crossing of the River Bride at Ovens (Nodes 14-16)

This proposed crossing point passes through a complex linear landscape. A small road, the river and associated tree lines pass between two gravel pits. The strip between them is approximately 20m in width. Both pits are active, the eastern one is flooded, and is used as a deposition site for waste silt and mud, which has formed a delta at its southeastern corner, some 500m from the proposed crossing point. The road also crosses the southwestern corner of this flooded pit. The pit itself is bordered by a steep retaining bank on the western side, so that the road and river to the west are probably below the level of the water inside the pit. To the east of the road, a bank also rises, behind which is another gravel pit, where extraction is still active.

The strip of woodland along the river consists mainly of Ash, oak, Alder, Beech and Sycamore, up to 15m in height, forming a more or less complete canopy across the river. The channel itself is approximately 8m in width, with water less than 1m in depth. The road running parallel to the River on the western side is some 4-5m above the river, the banks are very steep.

The point at which the road crosses the southern shore of the flooded gravel pit is also wooded, presumably an old orchard, the area is dominated by cultivar apple trees.

Otters are known to use this area (RM pers. obs.). The broadleaved woodland and the river are of only local conservation value.

Blue and Yellow Crossing of the River Bride at Ovens (Nodes 15-16)

The Bride here is fast flowing, over boulders and exposed bedrock, with rapids and gravel islands. The whole area if fairly densely wooded, with an old, partially derelict church and associated cemetery, tunnels and other out structures on the east bank.

The woodland at the crossing point consists of Ash, Elm, Alder, Sycamore, Hazel and other species, with much Ivy, Traveller’s-joy and Scaly Male-fern. The woodland forms a near complete canopy across the river. The woodland is bordered to the east by a small road, beyond which are arable fields, with a derelict farm, surrounded by Sycamores up to 10m in height just to the south of the proposed route.

The channel is highly variable in width, mostly between 5 and 10m, with steep banks, particularly on the western side, up to 5m in height. The land slopes gently down to the banks on both sides of the river.

The river is suitable for Otter and Kingfisher, and the area has high potential for bats, particularly around the church. The river itself and the associated woodland may be of relatively high conservation value.

Blue crossing of the river Bride at Kilcrea (Nodes 11-12a)

The proposed blue route crosses the Bride three times. Firstly at Ovens (see above) and secondly just 300m to the east of Kilcrea Friary. The point at which the proposed road crosses is within an area of arable fields, but at the crossing point itself, extending to the east, is an unused strip of land along a 5-600m stretch of the river. The strip is narrow, up to about 50min width. North of the river, the western end of this strip (where the proposed crossing runs) has spruce, fir and Ash up to 12m in height, with an area of Blackthorn scrub to the east of this. The remainder of the area is to the south of the river, where access was not possible. The main portion of the strip, south of the river is dense, damp, grassland, probably marshy in places, with tall grasses, Meadowsweet, Purple-loosestrife, Yellow Iris and Bracken in the drier areas. Ash, Sycamore, Alder, Hawthorn, willow, Blackthorn and other trees and shrubs border the area. The river itself flows through quite a deep channel with steep banks up to 3-4m in height. The channel is up to 6m wide, with water less than 50cm in depth, with a gravel and shingle substrate, and more or less continuous Alder and Ash up to 8m in height along the banks, overhanging the water.

To the west of the crossing point, the stream appears to narrow to 2-3m, flowing between arable fields with very small Alders, up to 3m scattered along the banks.

Kingfisher was seen here, and suitable breeding habitat is present. Yellowhammer was singing just to the north. Meadow Brown and Green-veined White butterflies were recorded. Beautiful Demoiselle damselfly was recorded.

The area is suitable for Otter and perhaps Badger, but is otherwise probably only of local conservation value.

Blue crossing of the River Bride at Crookstown (Nodes 11-12a)

The Bride’s flood plain here is broad and flat, and is used as arable land and intensive cattle pasture, almost to the banks of the Bride, which has only a narrow riparian corridor of Ash and Alder up to 12m in height and Hawthorn along the banks (overhanging the water). Adjacent to the crossing point to the west is a treeline along a field boundary of 10-15m oaks.

Although probably providing suitable habitat for Otter, the area is otherwise of little conservation value.

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