County Monaghan Wetland Survey
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Client: Monaghan County Council and Heritage Officer In 2006, BEC Consultants carried out a survey on a sample of the wetland habitats in County Monaghan. The purpose of this project was to contribute to baseline information on the location, extent and distribution of wetland habitats in the county and to use the data to make recommendations on conservation policies and future research work that should be initiated. A sampling protocol was developed that allowed approximately 1% of the county's wetlands to be surveyed and mapped in a systematic manner. The wetland areas within each survey area were categorised into habitat complexes. For each habitat complex a list of plant species were recorded and notes made on the current management. Incidental notes were also made on any fauna observed in the field. |
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Digital maps of the habitat complexes were produced on ArcView GIS 3.3 using aerial photographs and vector maps as a base. From these digital maps it was possible to calculate the area or length of each habitat type. The results were extrapolated to give an approximate coverage of wetland habitats within Co. Monaghan and by comparing the aerial photographs with the digitised habitat maps it was also ascertained how much wetland habitat had been lost within the last six years. Each of the habitat complexes were assessed using a combination of the Ratcliffe Criteria and the National Roads Authority Site Evaluation Scheme. Subsequently, any sites that were considered suitable for recommendation as Natural Heritage Areas were highlighted. Two additional wetland areas recommended for survey by the Monaghan Heritage Forum were also surveyed and assessed with a view to recommending these for designation. The survey results represent a resource that will assist in the preparation of a Biodiversity Action Plan for the county and can be used to inform landowners and the public of the wetland habitats in the county. Click here to view the Monaghan County Council Heritage website |
Downloads
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Click to download sample habitat maps: Map Legend |
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| Habitat maps of Drumgallen Bog |
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| Habitat map of Discovery Map 1km square H7020 |
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Click to download the report: BEC Consultants (2006) County Monaghan Wetland Survey Final Report. Monaghan County Council. |
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