Client: KELT – The Rural Development Company for County Kildare

The Blackwood Feeder and Ballynafagh Reservoir were built in the 18th century to supply water to the Grand Canal. Although originally manmade structures, they have now developed a natural vegetation including alkaline fen. The reservoir also provides an important habitat for bird species including wintering waterfowl. The reservoir and feeder are of particular conservation significance as they provide a habitat for the snail Vertigo moulinsiana, a species listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. Ballynafagh Reservoir and the Blackwood Feeder are a cSAC (candidate Special Area of Conservation). The reservoir is also an amenity resource for the local community.

An ecological scoping study was carried out in 2005 by BEC Consultants. The aims of the project were to ascertain if there have been any changes in the ecology of the reservoir and feeder since a baseline survey in 1997 and to identify any gaps in the current knowledge. As part of this report a draft brief was prepared listing what further research would be required.