The Ring of Gullion AONB has a rich biodiversity associated with a range of habitats, plants and animals. The most diverse habitats are the heath of Slieve Gullion and the ring dyke hills, residual areas of bogland at lower elevation, the rivers that flow through the area, lakes associated with glacial scouring, deciduous woodland and scrub, coniferous plantation and the farmed landscape of small fields and specie rich hedgebanks.
The area today has a rich flora and fauna with many nationally and internationally important habitats and species. The importance of the biodiversity within these habitats to nature conservation has been recognised by seven areas within the AONB being declared as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).
The upland heaths of Slieve Gullion and the ring dyke hills – although they are vulnerable to scrub encroachment – are of particular significance, as are Camlough, the Cashel Loughs, and the intertidal mud of the upper reaches of Carlingford Lough. Much of the biodiversity of the AONB lies in its farmland with its patchwork of hedgerows, walls and pockets of woodland.
Six hundred and twelve hectares of Slieve Gullion have also been designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive as this is one of the largest expanses of European Dry Heath in Northern Ireland. Cowberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea is found there, a plant which is scarce elsewhere.
The Banbridge/Newry and Mourne Draft Area Plan 2015 recognises 50 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCI) in the Ring of Gullion area. These include the summits of some of the hills of the Ring Dyke, pockets of wetland and fen, and traditionally farmed grassland areas.
Protected sites map viewer
The protected sites map viewer can be found on DAERA website at the this link: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/protected-areas-web-viewer
More information
More information on ASSI, SAC, SPA and RAMSAR across NI can be found at this link: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/biodiversity-land-and-landscapes/protected-areas
ASSI’s in the Ring of Gullion
Below are listed both the geology and biodiversity Areas of Special Scientific Interest in south Armagh. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency holds the latest site related documents; site maps, citations,…
Species
The area today has a rich flora and fauna with many nationally and internationally important habitats and species.
Habitats
Bogland Many of the bogs that would have characterised the lowland areas have been drained to allow for agricultural improvement, though some important wetlands remain. These bogs were formed on…
The Ring of Gullion and Cooley Red Squirrel Group
The aims of the Ring of Gullion and Cooley Red Squirrel Group are: 1. To protect and help maintain the population of red squirrels in the Ring of Gullion and…
