Leitrim’s Wetland Wealth
A story map showcasing the wetland habitats of County Leitrim
Wetlands are unique habitats that are strongly influenced by and dependant on water
Wetlands can be defined as areas where the water table is at or near the surface, permanently, or on a seasonal basis.
Wetlands can be natural (e.g. marsh) or artificial (e.g. quarry pond) and can also range from freshwater (e.g. rivers), to brackish waters (e.g. estuaries), to marine (e.g. rocky shore).
It is estimated that wetlands cover about 6% of the Earth's surface.
Although they cover a relatively small part of the globe, wetlands are extremely diverse and productive systems.
Glenade Lough (Photo: Google Street View)
Wetlands provide a range of important ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are the benefits that nature provides for everyone, for free.
For example, wetlands play an important role in the water cycle and the provision of clean water, flood regulation, and carbon storage.
Derrinlough Bog Complex (Photo: Google Street View)
County Leitrim contains a wide variety of wetland habitats including raised bogs, blanket bogs, fens, marshes, rivers (and their floodplains), springs, turloughs, and wet woodlands.
A desktop study carried out by Wetland Surveys Ireland Ltd. on behalf of Leitrim County Council estimated that about 23% of the county is covered by wetlands, and over 380 potential wetland sites have been identified!
The plants and animals that live in wetlands are uniquely adapted to be able to cope with living in wet conditions. In fact, many of the species that live in wetlands cannot be found in other habitats. In addition to coping with wet conditions, depending on the type of wetland, species may also be adapted to cope with low oxygen levels and low nutrient levels.
Many wetland plants have adapted to living in wet, low oxygen conditions by growing up out of the water. This allows them to utilise oxygen from the air and also means that they can capture more sunlight for photosynthesis than they could under water.
Some plants do not grow up out of the water, but float on, or just under the water surface. Many of these plants have lots of thin narrow leaves to increase the surface area for oxygen absorption. The leaves of the Water Lily float on the surface of the water and have a waxy cuticle on the surface of its leaf. This is an adaptation to repel water from the leaf, exposing the leaf to as much sunlight as possible for photosynthesis.
In order to cope with the low levels of nutrients in bog, the Great Sundew has adapted to capture and consume insects! Each of the thin red "tentacles" of the sundew has a glistening drop of liquid on the end, which insects may mistake for nectar. As soon as the tentacle senses an insect has come in contact with it, it curls over to trap its prey. Within a few minutes, neighbouring tentacles will also have folded over to ensure the insect is trapped. The insect is then digested and the plant can make use of the additional nutrients!
While many species spend their entire lives in wetlands, e.g. fish, other species rely on wetlands just some of the time. For example, some bird and bat species may not live in wetlands, but will visit wetlands to forage for food. In addition to the plants and animals that live within wetlands, there is a wide web of species that are in some way linked to wetland habitats.
As well as providing an important habitat for wetland plants and animals, storing carbon, regulating floods, and providing clean water, wetlands provide us with a number of other important ecosystem services including:
- Oxygen
- Food
- Building materials
- Medicines
- Soil formation
- Nutrient cycling
- Recreational opportunities
- Cultural heritage
- Inspirational value
- Health and well being
Wetlands provide us with many recreational opportunities
Protecting Wetlands
Although there is a growing awareness of the importance of wetlands, and in Ireland many wetlands are protected under national and international law, these unique habitats are under significant pressure and are declining at an alarming rate.
Traditionally wetlands were viewed as unproductive habitats or 'wastelands'. Many wetlands were drained and converted to other land uses, such as conifer forestry or peat extraction or used as dumping grounds.
Unfortunately, when we alter or damage a wetland, it can no longer provide us with the ecosystem services that we rely on. It is often not until after we have lost these ecosystem services that we realise how valuable they were.
It is estimated that the biodiversity value of wetlands in Ireland is worth over €385 million per year, in addition to a further €330 million in nature and eco-tourism value.
When ecosystem services are lost, the cost of replacing them with an artificial alternative, or restoring the ecosystem is often much higher than what the cost of conserving the original wetland would have been.
Globally, wetlands are disappearing three times as fast as forests and it is believed that 35% of wetlands were lost between 1970 and 2015.
As many of the plants and animals that live in wetlands cannot survive in other habitats, the decline in wetlands has resulted in 25% of wetland plants and animals currently being at risk of extinction, seriously threatening Ireland's biodiversity.
Many of Irelands wetland habitats have been damaged, degraded, or completely lost. It is extremely important that we conserve the wetland habitats that remain and identify those that are suitable for restoration.
The main threats/pressures facing wetland habitats are:
- Drainage
- Changes in land use
- Peat extraction
- Pollution
- Increased nutrient levels
- Changes in water supply
- Climate change
- Invasive species
As wetlands were under-valued for so long, there is often not much information available about them, which makes them difficult to protect and conserve. In County Leitrim a desktop study of the potential wetland sites across the county has been carried out, and field surveys have been undertaken on a number of these sites to build a better understanding of these important habitats and how best to protect them.
Wetlands in County Leitrim
A number of different wetland habitat types occur in County Leitrim, including bogs, fens, marshes, rivers, and wet woodlands. The 2019 Leitrim Wetland Survey commissioned by Leitrim County Council and undertaken by Wetland Surveys Ireland Ltd. identified over 380 potential wetland sites in the county.
In the north of the county, larger lakes, blanket bog, and wet heath were the dominant habitat types, while the south of the county contains raised bogs and smaller wetland habitats.
Potential wetland sites in County Leitrim
Let's take a closer look at some of the wetland habitats that occur in County Leitrim!
Wet Grassland
Wet grassland is one of the most common wetland habitats in County Leitrim. Wet grasslands occur on mineral or organic soils that are poorly drained or subject to periodic flooding. They are often found on flat ground near rivers, lakes, and on the margins of bogs.
Wet grasslands can be found on farms where the land has not been recently drained or fertilised. These grasslands are often dominated by rushes and flowering plants such as Creeping Buttercup, Silverweed, Meadowsweet, and Cuckooflower.
Natural wet grasslands provide habitat for a diversity of insects, making them ideal breeding sites for ground-nesting waders such as Redshank, Snipe, Lapwing, and Curlew.
Wet Woodland
Wet woodlands occur on sites that are either permanently or periodically waterlogged. The dominant tree species are generally Willow, Birch, Alder, and Ash.
The herb layer in wet woodlands has a high diversity of species, many of which are adapted to wet conditions.
Bog woodlands are a specific type of wet woodland that occur on peat at the edge of raised bogs. Bog woodland can also be found at some regenerating cutover bog sites. Bog woodlands are usually dominated by Birch trees and the ground layer should have a high abundance of Sphagnum mosses.
Wet woodlands provided habitat for a diversity of species and play an important role in carbon sequestration.
Rivers
Rivers, canals, and smaller waterways are important habitats that are present throughout County Leitrim. The most well known river in the county is probably the River Shannon, which winds its way through the county.
Rivers can be either eroding or depositing. Eroding rivers are generally associated with the upper (often upland) parts of river systems, while depositing rivers are typical of the lower (lowland) reaches of rivers.
The natural erosion and deposition of rivers plays an important role in shaping our landscapes. Unfortunately the natural meanders of many rivers have been straightened by humans which alters river flow. Additional human impacts such as drainage, dredging, deepening / widening river channels all alter the natural hydrology of our catchments and can increase the risk of flooding. Pollution and the spread of invasive species also pose a threat to our river ecosystems.
A number of different habitats are associated with river systems, including wet grasslands, callows, gallery or riparian woodlands, lakes, and reed swamps, providing habitat for a diversity of species.
Lakes
Lakes are bodies of standing water that lack a strong flow. Lakes can be temporary or seasonal, natural or artificial.
There are numerous lakes present in County Leitrim, including Lough Gill, Lough Melvin, and Lough Allen.
Many different habitats can occur along the edges of lakes, including reed swamp, fen, wet woodland, wet grassland, and even peatlands. These habitats, and the lakes themselves, support a diversity of plant and animal species.
In particular our lakes support large numbers of migratory waterbirds that visit Ireland in the winter. Many of these species are recognised as being threatened such as Whooper Swan, Greylag Geese, and Great Crested Grebe.
Our rivers and lakes also provide us with important recreational and tourism opportunities. In addition, they can provide inspirational and cultural value. For example, the W.B. Yeats poem 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree' is inspired by one of the islands in Lough Gill.
Lough Melvin (Photo: Leitrim County Council)
Bogs
Three main types of bog are found in County Leitrim: raised bog, blanket bog (upland and lowland), and cutover bog.
Bogs are comprised of deep layers of waterlogged peat and a surface layer of living vegetation. The peat layer is made up of the remains of plants that have accumulated over thousands of years.
Blanket bogs and raised bogs both began to form after the last ice age, over 10,000 years ago. Raised bogs formed in waterlogged hollows or depressions that were left behind after the ice sheets melted. Over time the reed beds surrounding these shallow lakes began to die back and the decaying plant material began to accumulate and form fen peat. The remains of plants growing on this fen peat continued to contribute to this peat layer over time, eventually filling in the lakes and forming a domed peat mound or raised bog.
Blanket bogs are shallower than raised bogs and can cover large areas of land, almost like a carpet over upland or lowland areas. While the peat in raised bogs is generally formed from Sphagnum mosses (also known as the bog builder), blanket bog peat is made up mainly of the remains of grasses and sedges.
Sphagnum moss - the raised bog builder
It is estimated that only 1% of pristine active raised bog habitat remains in Ireland. The main reason for their decline has been the drainage and cutting of bogs for fuel during historic times and afforestation with commercial timber crops.
Intact wet and waterlogged peatlands can store three times as much carbon as forests, however when a peatland is drained and cut it becomes a source of carbon as the peat breaks down.
Intact wetlands also regulate flooding by storing floodwaters during periods of high flow and releasing water during low flow events. However, when a peatland is cut or drained it can no longer store waters as effectively and is not able to regulate floods.
Although many bogs have been extensively drained, restoration efforts are being undertaken at a number of sites (e.g. drain blocking, invasive species removal) to restore these extremely important ecosystems so that they will again store carbon, helping to meet Ireland's Climate Change targets.
How can I help to protect wetlands?
There are lots of things we can all do to help protect wetland habitats:
Use peat free compost in your garden - or even make your own and never use peat!
Conserve water in your home (e.g. don't turn on the washing machine until its full, collect rainwater to water your plants)
Avoid activities that alter or damage wetlands (e.g. don't drain wetlands!)
Talk to others about wetlands and spread awareness about how important they are (you could also use your social media accounts to spread information)
Join a local nature conservation group (perhaps you can work together to protect a local wetland)
Submit sightings of plants and animals you see on wetlands to the National Biodiversity Data Centre
Improve our knowledge of wetlands in County Leitrim by submitting a photo of your local wetland to the Map of Irish Wetlands using this mobile app: bit.ly/WetlandSnapShot
Become an IWEBS bird observer ( https://birdwatchireland.ie/our-work/surveys-research/research-surveys/irish-wetland-bird-survey/ )
Support local or national organisations that protect wetlands, such as the Irish Peatland Conservation Council.
Enjoy and explore wetlands without altering or damaging them (leave no trace) - some examples of wetland sites to visit in County Leitrim are shown below!
(Lough Allen Canal, Photo: Google Street View)
Wetlands to visit in Leitrim
There are many wetland sites to visit and enjoy in County Leitrim - here are a few examples!
ACRES LAKE FLOATING BOARDWALK
This lovely walking trail can be completed in either direction from Drumhauver Bridge or Acres Lake. Follow the towpath around the lovely loop on either side of the canal on the Shannon Blueway. These off road trails are a wonderful way to explore the beauty and wildlife living along the Shannon Blueway. Be sure to pay a visit to the new and iconic Acres Lake floating boardwalk where you can 'walk on water' !
Photo: Patrick Crushell
THE ARROO MOUNTAIN TRAIL
The trail starts at the Aghanlish Community Centre in the beautiful Glenade Valley (Glen of jealousy). This moderate, linear walk follows an existing main road before continuing onto open hillside. Part of the walk is on paved paths and part on green roads that are surrounded by wet heathland, cutaway bogs and blanket bog on the hills.
Further information: www.leitrimtourism.com/ Arroo-trail.pdf
Photo: Leitrim Tourism
KEELDRA LAKE LAKESIDE WALK
The 2.7km trail wraps around the lake to the bog field at the top of the lake, where it leads you through an attractive rocky area and across to the bog pass. This will bring walkers uphill where the full vista of Keeldra Lake can be seen in its entirety. From this point you can see magnificent views of the adjoining five counties.
The bog pass leads uphill to a small gate and onto the quiet road. The final section of pathway brings you back to the shoreline of Keeldra Lake.
The trail starts and ends at the Keeldra Lake amenity, with a safe off-road car park.
Photo: www.leitrimtourism.com
BÓTHAR na NAOMH, CLOONE
Bóthar na Naomh trail is marked both ways and there are options for the walker to take shorter or longer routes around the trail. It runs north south through the village to access old paths that have been reinstated across deciduous woodland and cutaway bogs. The total length of available trails is 5.75km. The entire trail is surfaced with loose gravel, most of it is at least 2m wide and the gradient is low. The area is a quiet scenic rural landscape with typical limestone wetland vistas of riverbank, damp meadows, woodland, bog and lakeshore. Facilities include parking, picnic area and walking paths.
Further information: www.leitrimtourism.com/ Bothar na Naomh
Photo: Bóthar Na Naomh
LOUGH MELVIN ECO PARK
Lough Melvin Eco Park is a LEADER funded development in Kinlough on the shores of Lough Melvin. The Eco Park was opened to the public in 2012 and comprises a 17 acre site of woodland, lake shore and wildlife habitats, with walking trails, interpretative materials, picnic area, car parking and play area. Kinlough Community Garden & Allotments adjoins the Eco Park, as does the Bundoran Anglers’ Boathouse and Lough Melvin boat quay. The Eco Park provides a great amenity for locals and visitors to the area.
Photo: John Carver
LOUGH ALLEN CANAL
The canal walkway is on a paved towpath running for a distance of 7km between Drumshanbo in the north, around Acres Lough, to Battlebridge just west of Leitrim Village in the south. An ideal way to explore the aquatic habitats and wildlife along the canal and the surrounding countryside
Photo: Google Street View.
CORRY STRAND LOUGH ALLEN
Corry Strand lies at the foot of Corry Mountain on the northern shores of Lough Allen.
The strand is a noted area for boating, angling and swimming opportunities, with space for over-night camping and caravaning.
Facilities include parking and a picnic area.
Photo: LeitrimExperience.ie
GLENCAR WATERFALL AND LAKE
Glencar Waterfall is a spectacular waterfall which spills over the shoulder of a cliffed side to a deep, glacial, U-shaped valley. Calcareous tufa springs occur around the waterfall. The tiered 50 foot waterfall occurs in woodland which inspired a well known William Butler Yeats poem.
Facilities include parking, a picnic area, and walking trails.
Photo: Geological Survey of Leitrim 2020
DERRYCARNE WOODLAND AND LOUGH BOFIN
This woodland is situated in an area that was formerly part of the Derrycarne Demense. The woodland provides a very pleasant walk along the shore of Lough Boderg. Cruisers have access to this lake through the Shannon water system. The trail passes through mixed woodland. The wetland habitats of the lake include extensive areas of reedswamp in sheltered bays, that provide good cover for a variety of wetland bird species. There are narrow areas of wet woodland around the lake shore with Alder, Ash and Willows. Facilities include parking, picnic area and extensive network of walking trails.
Further information: www.coillte.ie/ Derrycarne
Photo: LeitrimExperience.ie
LOUGH RINN AMENITY AREA
Lough Rinn Amenity area occurs at the northern end of the lake. The lake is a popular public amenity for rowing and canoeing enthusiasts. The area provides scenic views over the lake, reedswamp and wooded shoreline of Lough Rinn.
There is parking, a picnic area, floating pontoons, and short walking paths.
Photo: Google Street View
RIVER FRONT AMENITY PARK, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON
The River Park is located in the town of Carrick-on-Shannon. The park consists of a narrow site stretching along the River Shannon and is defined along its northern side by the N4 Dublin to Sligo road. The park supports many habitats that are typical of the Shannon and demonstrates zonation of wetland types from terrestrial to open water, including reedswamp, wet woodland, wet grassland and marsh. Associated with this habitat diversity the site has a large variety of flora and fauna. 139 plant species, 30 bird and 2 species of mammals (otter and fox) have been identified at this site. There is parking, walking paths, and a boardwalk.
GLENFARNE WOOD AND LOUGH MACNEAN
This site lies on the shore of Lough Macnean which forms the natural boundary between the counties of Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh. The wood forms part of what was once the Tottenham Estate, that existed from 1780 to 1919. The estate was later acquired as a hunting retreat for Sir Edward Harland, founder of the Harland & Wolfe shipyard in Belfast. A feature of the trails is the presence of a number of sculptures which form a section of the Lough Macnean sculpture trail. There are also a number of other features along or adjacent to the trails, notably, the Ladies Rest, Myles Big Stone, and the badgers well. There is parking, extensive walking trails, picnic areas, and panoramic views.
Further information: www.coillte.ie/ Glenfarne Wood
GARADICE LAKE AND SHORE WALK
Garadice Lake and lakeshore walks is a beautiful 1.5km walk to take through woodland with great views of the rocky lakeshore, reedswamp and the lake beyond. This is a loop walk, although you can also take a shortcut through the woods back to car park. Popular with anglers and walkers.
There is parking, walking paths, and a picnic area.
Photo: Google Street View
County Leitrim Wetland Map
For more information on wetland sites in County Leitrim, see the Map of Irish Wetlands below.
Improve our knowledge of wetlands in Longford by submitting a photo of your local wetland to map of Irish Wetlands using the mobile app available at: bit.ly/WetlandSnapShot
This project was funded by Leitrim County Council and the National Biodiversity Action Plan Local Authorities Biodiversity Project Fund through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage