9 Flora, Fauna and Fisheries
9.5 Sites of ecological
value
A total
of 124 ecological sites were identified in the northern study
area in addition to the designated conservation areas listed
in Table 9.2. These sites are listed in Appendix B, together
with a brief site description. Only limited information can
be given on the habitat types present as sites were identified
from satellite imagery at a scale of 1:50,000. Site visits
would be required to establish the full range of habitats
present and their ecological significance. The ecological
sites are shown on the Drawings.
Ecological sites
have an uneven distribution in the study area and are mainly
found along river valleys and in upland areas. The main habitats
occurring in these sites include woodland, scrub, unimproved
grassland (wet and dry) and wetland areas associated with
streams and river floodplains. There are a number of peatland
sites (raised bog and cutover bog) between Monasterevin and
Athy, in the north-western arm of the study area. In general,
the areas of intensive agricultural land, including arable
land and improved grassland, have few sites of ecological
value. Many of the ecological sites within the study area
are comparatively small.
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