Habitats in the Wicklow Mountains National Park

Wicklow Mountains National Park
Courtesy of the NPWS
Blanket Bog
Courtesy of the Wicklow Uplands Council
Blanket Bog
Courtesy of the NPWS
Deciduous Woodland
Courtesy of the NPWS
Coniferous Woodland
Courtesy of the NPWS
Upland Grassland and Heath
Courtesy of the NPWS
Lakes and Rivers
Courtesy of the NPWS
Exposed Rocky Areas and Scree
Courtesy of the NPWS

Habitats

Within the Park, there is a great diversity of habitats with blanket bog, heath and upland grassland being the most dominant. The Park also contains important woodlands such as semi-natural oakwoods and pine plantations.

Other important habitats include glaciated corrie lakes and valleys, river valleys and streams and exposed rock and scree. Many of the habitats within the Park are important on a European level and the Park has been designated a Special Area of Conservation as a result. It is the aim of the Park to protect and conserve these habitats for our wildlife, whilst enabling the public to benefit from and appreciate our natural heritage.

Blanket Bog

Liffey Head Bog near Kippure, is the best example of an actively growing blanket bog in the east of Ireland.There are rare and protected plant species to be found here. This area is not only of national importance but also of European significance.

Blanket Bog – further information here.

Deciduous Woodland

The deciduous woodlands within the Park are of important conservation value as there are very few native woodlands left in Ireland. The main area of deciduous oakwood within the Park is the Glendalough/Derrybawn area with the dominant tree being Sessile Oak and the understorey comprising of other native trees such as Holly, Rowan, Ash and Hazel.

Deciduous Woodland further information here.

Coniferous Woodland

The Scots Pine woodland at the Upper Lake in Glendalough and Coronation Plantation near Kippure is valuable habitat for our native Red Squirrel. Commercial plantations adjacent to the Park also have a limited conservation value.

Coniferous Woodland further information here.

Upland Grassland & Heath

Most of the lower mountain slopes and river valleys in the Wicklow uplands tend to be wet or dry heath and grassland, making this the dominant habitat in the Park. Specialised mosses, lichens and sedges grow in these areas.

Upland Grassland & Heath further information here.

Lakes & Rivers

There are several lakes formed by glaciation occurring within the Park including high altitude corrie lakes and larger ribbon lakes. Many mountain streams rise within the Park including the sources of the Liffey and Dodder Rivers.

Lakes & Rivers further information here.

Exposed Rocky Areas & Scree

Scattered areas of exposed rock and scree throughout the Park create rocky habitats, which support unusual vegetation communities.

Exposed Rocky Areas & Scree further information here.

This article is reproduced courtesy of the NPWS. Original article here.

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