# Character text

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Small area of saltmarsh and young dunes.


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Small town with large gardens, grasslands with ponds, orchards.


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Coastal area in the southwestern part of the Netherlands. It contains shoals, mud and sand flats, beaches, sand-dunes and raised saltmarshes.


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The subsite is the most western part of the island Schouwen-Duiveland at the North Sea coast, with a great variety of dune communities.


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Former tidal area of Oosterschelde, closed off since 1986 by the Oesterdam; includes mud flats and raised saltmarshes.


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Former tidal area, closed off from the Oosterschelde since 1961. There are small islands and sandbanks in the brackish lake.


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An old creek and ditches with a duck-decoy surrounded by humid grassland.


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A former inland creek (brackish) with reed beds and grasslands.


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Tidal and intertidal area of international importance, contains mud and sand flats, intersected by tidal gullies, shoals and saltmarshes. Atlantic eelgrass meadows are present.


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Important area including the salt marshes of the Beneden-Schelde and the polders in the neighbourhood. The new port works, now favourable for birds will damage much of the area in the near future. Salt marshes and mud flats.


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Very important area of dry and wet heaths, "vennen", fens and inland sand dunes of the Antwerpse Kempen. Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Genista heaths, Rynchosporion albo-fuscae, Littorellion, Caricion fuscae.


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Area including grasslands and marshes in the nature reserve De Maatjes and the neighbourhood and dry heaths and "vennen" in military camps elsewhere (De Heide and Groote Schietveld). Calluna-Genista heaths, Ericion tetralicis, Littorellion, Caricion fuscae, Magnocaricion.


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Remains of the big fen of the Kleine Nete. Ericion tetralicis, Mesophile grasslands with few fertilizers, Alnetalia glutinosae, Magnocaricion.


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Area covered with grasslands, crops, deciduous and coniferous woodlands, heaths and "vennen". Includes the Nature Reserves of Liereman, Korhaan, Kijkverdriet (500111701), and Overbroek. Oligotrophic waters, Littorellion ($), Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Genista heaths, Caricion fuscae, Sparganium angustifolium (southern limit).


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The most extensive remains of acid fens and heathland in the Turnoutse Kempen. Calluna-Genista heaths, Ericion tetralicis, Caricion fuscae, Rhynchosporion albae, Dactylorhiza sphagnicola in Kijkverdriet.


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Area of the Turnhoutse Kempen covered with deciduous and coniferous woodlands and with interesting marshes and ponds. Of special interest are the sites; "De Ronde Put" (40 ha), "De Maat, den Dielenomgeving" (100 ha), "De Beetput", and "De Moeren". Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Genista heaths, Phragmition (vigorous stands), Sphagnion (*+).


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Old peatworks replaced by an oligotrophic pond, marshes and wet heaths in a woodland environment. Ericion tetralicis, Phragmition.


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Complex of mesotrophic ponds and marshes. Mesotrophic standing waters, Phragmition, Magnocaricion.


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Complex of wet heaths and marshes including alkaline bog. Includes Lokkerse Dammen (3,5 ha). Magnocaricion, alkaline bog, Rhynchosporion albae ($).


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Complex of wet forest and heaths along the Rodeloop. Littorellion ($), Caricion fuscae, Rhynchosporion.


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Calluna-Genista heaths, Ericion tetralicis, Caricion fuscae, Rhynchosporion albae, Inland sand dunes ($).


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Wet heaths and fens with acidity gradient inducing contrasted vegetation. Alkaline bogs ($), Caricion fuscae.


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Old fortified place with underground galleries.


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Schoenetum nigricantis (+), Potamogetum colorati (+?), alkaline fen (*).


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Alder marsh woodland, surrounded by other alluvial forests and humid grasslands. Communities - Carici-elongatae Alnetum ($), Pruno-Fraxinetum, Ulmenion, Filipendulion, Molinion.


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Big area of dry and wet heaths at the spring of the Dommel and the Abeek on the Kempisch Hoogterras. Oligotrophic "vennen", acid fens, ponds and marshes, inland dunes and plantations of trees are also present. Mainly a military camp. Includes the Nature reserve of Kelchterhoeve (60 ha). Oligotrophic standing waters, Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Genista heaths, Caricion fuscae, Inland sand dunes.


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Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Genista heaths ($), Rhynchosporion albae ($), Caricion lasiocarpae ($), Caricion fuscae ($).


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Peat and quaking bog. A buffer zone around the bog has to be delimited. Caricion lasiocarpae (*), Sphagnion (*), Rhynchosporion albae ($).


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Important area of dry heaths and acid "vennen". Sphagnion, Caricion fuscae, Rhynchosporion albae, Littorellion, Calluna-Genista heaths ($), Ericion tetralicis.


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One of the most important area of wet and dry heaths and acid fens of the Limburgse Kempen. Includes the Nature reserve of the Vallei van de Ziepbeek and nearby areas and the Reserve of Neerharerheide with the spring of the Asbeek. Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Genista heaths, Caricion fuscae ($), Oligotrophic standing waters.


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Extensive heathland of the Kempen with oligotrophic "vennen", sand dune systems and wetter biotopes of the valley of the Zwarte Beek. Alneto-Sphagnetum, Sphagnion ($), Caricion fuscae ($), Calluna-Genista heaths, Littorellion ($), Nanocyperion, Magnocaricion, Calthion palustris, Junco-Molinion, Rhynchosporion albae, Ericion tetralicis, Nardo-galion.


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Valley of the Kempen with well-preserved semi-natural landscape. A large part of the valley is included in the military camp of Leopoldsburg. Littorellion, Nanocyperion, Magnocaricion, Calthion palustris, Junco-Molinion, Caricion fuscae, Rhynchosporion albae, Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Genista heaths, Sphagnion ($), Alneto-Sphagnetum.


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Extensive grassland and cultivated area crossed by valleys with old humid hay-meadows, fens and wet woodlands. The high proportion of poor crops are important for the local avifauna including Emberiza hortulana. Of high biological value are the valleys of the Abeek, and of the Dommel and Bollisserbeek. Calthion, Junco-Molinion, Magnocaricion, Poor crops ($).


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Important wetland area including many ponds and marshes, humid grasslands and wet woodlands. Area covering parts of the Echelbeek, Slangbeek, Roosterbeek, and Lambeek. Of special biological interest are the Nature Reserves of "De Platwijers" (101 ha), "Terlamen" (150 ha), "Wijvenheide" (160 ha), "Kolberg" (90 ha), "Ter Donk" (100 ha) and "De Balleweyers". Vigorous stands of Phragmition ($), Magnocaricion.


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Complex of mesotrophic ponds along the Zusterkloosterbeek (Lage Kempen). Of special interest are the Nature reserves of "Het Wik" (150 ha) and "De Borggraaf" (28 ha), and also the ponds "Cellebroedersvijvers". Mesotrophic waters, Littorellion ($), Phragmition, Magnocaricion.


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Extremely diversified area of heathland, marshes, oligo-trophic and mesotrophic ponds, wet woodlands and sand dunes of the Kempen plateau. The ICBP area includes the Nature Reserve "De Maten" (180 ha), and surrounding biotopes in order to make a buffer zone. Littorellion (*), Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Ericion tetralicis, Corynephorion (*).


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Site includes the remote areas of the Kempen plateau along the Dutch border. The location of this border site suggests the need for a counterpart in Holland. Heathlands, woodlands, poor wet grasslands and crops, ponds and marshes form the main biotopes. Of particular interest are the sites "Hageven" (155 ha), "Stamprooierbrroek-Mariahof" (65 ha), the valley of the Abeek, the Itter beek, and the Bosbeek, "Jagerborg" (Maaseik; 211 ha), "De Vijverbroek" (Kesseniell), "De Broeken" (Elen). Oligo- and mesotrophic waters, Littorellion, Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Genista heaths, Junco-Molinion, Phragmition, Magnocaricion, Caricion fuscae, Inland sand-dunes.


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Important remain of dry and wet heaths, inland sand dunes, and oligotrophic "vennen" of the Limburgse Kempen. Littorellion, Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Genista heaths, Magnocaricion, Oligo-mesotrophic standing waters.


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Part of the Abeek valley with wet woodlands, ponds, marshes and wet grasslands. Mainly of ornithological importance. Phragmition (vigorous stands), Oligo-mesotrophic standing waters, Mesophile grasslands with few fertilizers.


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The most important remnant of dry heath with colonisation by Junipers (in Heiderbos) on the Kempisch Hoogterras. Important formation of inland dunes often planted with pines. Calluna-Genista heaths ($), Juniperus colonisation, inland dunes ($).


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Very important area of the natural and semi-natural landscape of Hooge- and Lage-Kempen with dry and wet heaths, ponds and marshes, acid fens, and wet woodlands. Includes part of the Laambeek valley (near Kelchterhoef in the ICBP site of Helchteren-Meeuwen), Tenhaagdoornheide, De Teut in the Reusterbeek valley, De Slangebeekbron, De Ballewijers, and De Wellekevijver in the Slangebeek valley. Littorellion ($), Calluna-Genista heaths ($), Ericion ($), Caricion fuscae, Caricion lasiocarpae ($), Sphagnion ($), Rhynchosporion albae ($).


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One of the most important valleys of the "Kempish Hoogterras" belonging to the Maas basin. Vegetation of humid grasslands and wet woodlands. Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae ($), Alneto-Sphagnetum, Magnocaricion.


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Artificial mine galleries in the marl of Maastricht.


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Area of dry heaths, inland sand dunes mainly covered by pine plantations of the Kempisch Hoogterras to the north of Opglabbeek (Ophovenerbos and Gruitroderbos). Includes also the "vennen" of Ruiterskuilen and of Turfven. Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Caricion fuscae, inland dunes.


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Large alluvial depression at the confluence of the rivers Demer, Herk, Gete, Velp and Mangelbeek, with humid and mesophile grasslands and small areas of alluvial forests and acidophilous oakwoods. Includes "De Vroenten" (95ha) and parts of the Potterijbroek and Landwijkbroek. Communities; Nasturtio-Glycerietala, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Alnetalia glutinosae, Querco-Fagetea, Alno-padion, Quercion roboripetraea, Filipendilion.


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Old marl pit and galleries with woodland and grassland associated with that substrate. Communities - Mesobromium ($), Stellario-Carpinetum.


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Interesting broad-leaved deciduous woodland (17ha), surrounded byextensively cultivated fields, grassland, hedges, including important calcareous grassland near the "Albertkanaal". Communities - Mesobromion ($), Carici-Carpinetum.


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Important complex of humid alluvial grasslands (Pomperik and surroundings; 100ha), including a mesotrophic marsh (15ha). Communities - Calthion, Molinion caerulea ($), Filipendulion, Phragmition.


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Seasonally flooded mesophile grasslands (meadows and pasture) covering the former meanders in the aluvial plain of the Meuse river, with several small willow forests and poplar stands, a complex of clay-pits, hedges and water fringe vegetation. Includes the uiterwaarden of Heppeneert (220ha); Hepperweert, De Kievit, De Sloot, Catharinaweert, Damiaan, Elerweert, Oude Maas and Krauw; of Booisen-Uitkoven (52ha) and of Maasmechelen (45ha). Communities - Agropyro-Rumicion, Arrhenatherion elatioris, Cyniosurion, Molinion, Salicion albae, Phragmition.


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Complex of old estuaries and sea inlets (de kreken) with brackish to fresh water in a polder landscape. Diversified vegetation going from relict of salt marshes to oligotrophic and acid marshes and wet woodlands. The most interesting kreken include; Roeselare-, Molen-, Oostpolder-, Boere-, Blok-kreek, Grote en Rode Geul. Salt marshes anbrackish waters. Communities - Phragmition ($), Sphagno-Alnetum, Calthion.


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Area including long stretches of Schelde and Durme rivers with regularly flooded marshes, old river arms and wet hay-meadows. Calthion, Phragmition (vigorous stands) along tidal rivers (*), Hydrochareto-Stratiotetum ($), Hottonietum palustris ($).


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Nature reserve consisting of marshes and ponds along the Durme. Magnocaricion.


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Old fort with underground galleries important for hibernating Chiroptera.


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Zone including a large part of the territorial coastal waters, with sand banks, and the complex of sand dunes along the French - Belgian border. Includes De Westhoek Nature Reserve (340 ha), Calmeynbos en duin (105 ha), and Oosthoekduinen (70 ha). It includes also the salt marshes of the Yzer estuary. Banks, Mud flats, Salt marshes, Coastal beaches, Sand dunes, Humid dune-slacks.


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The most extensive system of sand dunes of Belgium. Communities; Agropyrion juncei ($), Ammophilion ($), Hippophaeion ($), Galio-Koelerion albescentis (*), Cariceto-Drepanocladetum (*), Calamagrostideto-Juncetum obtusiflori (*), Centaurieto-Saginetum moniliformis (*).


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Extensive dune complex with open grassland, shrubs and wet depressions.


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Important dune complex with shifting dunes, shrubs, open grassland and several small humid dune slacks.


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Important Nature Reserve of salt marshes and inter-tidal mudflats at the mouth of the Yzer river.


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Area including the most interesting parts of the polders to the north of Brugge. The landscape consists of hay meadows with ditches, canals, and marshy places. Magnocaricion, Phragmition, Alneto-sphagnetum.


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Complex of ponds and wet depressions behind the sand dunes.


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Area of flat and regularly flooded grasslands along the Yzer river. Includes the peculiar sites of "Blankaart" (81 ha), and "Viconia-Kleiputten" (22 ha). Alnetalia glutinosae and vigorous stands of Phragmition ($).


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Big pond surrounded by reed marsh and mixed fen vegetation in a lowland area near the Yzer subject to inundation. Vigorous stands of Phragmition ($), Alnetalia glutinosae, Magno-Caricion.


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Important area of salt marshes with the dune system and the polders of the neighbourhood. Includes "Het Zwin" (550 ha), "De Dievegat" and "De Vrede" in the polders. Salt marshes and Mud flats. Ammophilion ($), Agropyrion juncei ($).


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Salt marshes, Mud flats, Agropyrion juncei ($), Ammophilion ($).


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Important relict of heaths in the West-Vlaanderen. Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Genista heaths, Nardo-Galion ($), Molinietum caeruleae.


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Includes Bois de Hautmont (Wauthier-Braine), Bois Madame (Braine-le-Chateau), Bois de Fauquez (Ronquieres) et lande de Montplaisir, Bois de l'Hopital et du Planti, d'Arpes et de la Baulette, et du Sepulcre (west of Nivelles), Bois de Houtain-le-Mont (south-east of Nivelles), Bois d'Apecheau, du Chapitre et d'Ittre (Ittre, Braine-le-Chateau), Bois d'He including etangs de la Thyle etruines de l'abbaye de Villers-la-Ville (Villers-la-Ville). Calluna-Genista heaths, Endymio-Carpinetum (extensive typical stands), Carici-remotae Fraxinetum, Alneto-Sphagnetum.


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Fen and woody fen along the Nethen river. Include many springs and remains of an alkaline bog. Alnetalia glutinosae, Alkaline bog *.


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Complex of humid zones with ponds, marshes, grasslands, included in the Haine basin. Rhynchosporion albae *, Ericetum tetralicis, Phragmition (vigorous stands).


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Complex of marshes. Alnetalia glutinosae, Phragmition (vigorous stands).


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Interesting vegetation on sand, especially dry and wet heaths, and pioneer vegetation of mobile sands, in a woodland landscape. Rhynchosporion albae, Ericetum tetralicis, Thairo-Airion $.


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Complex of ponds, marshes, grasslands and fallowlands. Phragmition (vigourous stands).


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Complex of reed formations with a pond and humid grasslands.


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Typical atlantic woodlands of the lime plateau. Bois de Courri}re(Mignault) is situated in 50:31 N, 04:11 E. Endymio-Carpinetum, Carici remotae-Fraxinetum, Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae.


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Clay-pits colonised by marsh vegetation. Phragmition (vigourous stands).


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Little pools in a pasture and arable landscape.


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Area corresponding approximately to the Nature Park of Hautes-Fagnes/Eifel and including the high plateaux of the eastern Ardenne covered by peatbogs and fens and woodlands. Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Nardo-Galion, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum $, Luzulo-Fagion (old formations of Hautes Fagnes), Carici-laevigatae Alnetum,Betuletum pubescentis, Sphagnion, Caricionfuscae, Caricion lasiocarpae, Rhynchosporion albae, Juniper colonisation of heaths, Cryptogammic associations $.


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Old remnants of acidophilous beech and oak forests of the biggest woodland of Wallonie. Luzulo-Fagion (old formations), Cryptogammic associations.


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Area including all the bogs, mires and heaths of the high plateau. Geomorphological interest - remains of "palses".Ericion tetralicis, Calluno-Vaccinium heaths, Nardo-Galion, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Luzulo-Fagion ( old formations of Hautes Fagnes), Betuletum pubescentis, Sphagnion,Caricion fuscae, Caricion lasioscarpae, Cryptogrammic associations, Rhynchosporion albae, Juniper colonisation of heaths.


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Wild and steep valley with units of ravine forest. The area is situated below the Robertsville's dam. Carpino-fraxinetum, Bryophyte and lichenological associations $.


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Part of the Elsenborn military camp. Presence of old beech woodsnear more open landscapes including mountain hay-meadows, humid grass lands, heaths and poor fens, and well-preserved Ardenne's running waters. Includes valley of the Schwalmbach and its tributaries, and of the Windgenbach, the Schuren fen and the Hohe Mark woodland. Nardo-Galion , Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Trisetetum flavescentis *, Caricion fuscae.


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Wild valleys of the eastern Ardenne with old beechwoods, mountain hay-meadows and humid grasslands. Luzulo-Fagion (old formations), Trisetetum flavescentis *.


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Important complex of old humid grasslands, includes the valleys of the Dorlbach, the Mittelbach, and the Braunlauf with some of their tributaries. Junco filiformi-Polygonetum, Deschampsio cespitosae-Polygonetum .


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Remnants of mostly siliceous dry grasslands dominated by Festuca heteropachys; also xerocline siliceous woodlands. Koelerio-Phleion phleoidis, Sileno-Quercetum petraeae.


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Interesting Ardennes pond with characteristic aquatic vegetation. Littorellion, and other highly developed amphibious and aquatic formations including facies of Potamion, Magnocaricion.


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Area including the western ridge of the Haute Fagnes plateau covered by bogs, heaths and fens. Also important areas of woodlands.Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Betuletum pubescentis, Caricion fuscae, Caricion lasiocarpae, Rhynchosporion albae, Juniper colonisation of heaths.


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Last remains of heaths along the ridge in the south of Spa. Dry heaths and peaty heaths constitute the major part of the vegetation, but palses and their quaking bogs are numerous and interesting. Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Juniper colonisation of heaths, Sphagnion, Caricion fuscae, Caricion lasiocarpae, Rhynchosporion albae, Ericion tetralicis.


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Calamine soils covered by dry grasslands and heaths (Le Rocheux), and calcareous woodlands and grasslands (Their du Gibet). Violion-calaminariae *, Mesobromion.


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Psammitic and sandstone cliffs with highly original vegetation. Include a part of the old quarry of la Falize. Koelerio-Phleion phleoidis.


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High plateau covered mainly by spruce plantations but where acid fens and remains of beech woods still exist. Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Ericion tetralicis, Nardo-Galion, Carici laevigatae-Alnetum $, Betuletum pubescentis, Caricion fuscae.


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Most interesting valleys and acid mires on and around the plateau of Logbierme. Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Ericion tetralicis, Nardo-Galion, Carici laevigatae-Alnetum$, Betuletum pubescentis.


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Old quarry colonised by heaths and big screes on the Salm slopes covered by heaths, scrubs and clear woodlands. Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Bryophytic and Lichenological associations $, Acidophilous scree vegetation (medio-european fragments).


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Remains of the traditional grasslands landscape of a Haute Ardennes valley and woodland areas of the neighbourhood. Ericion tetralicis, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Carici laevigatae Alnetum $, Magnocaricion, Caricion lasiocarpae.


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Area of old humid grasslands and hay meadows representative of ancient landscape of the Ardenne. Magnocaricion, Caricion fuscae, Carici laevigatae- Alnetum$.


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Chalky slopes of the hills between the Meuse and the Geer rivers covered by calcareous dry grasslands and woodlands. Mesobrometum.


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Vegetation of calamine-bearing soils. Violion calaminariae, Magnocaricion.


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Interesting slopes along the Ourthe covered with calcareous woodlands and dry grasslands. Includes reserves naturelles des Roches Noires, du Vignoble du Chession, les rochers des tartines et du Thier Pierard, les carrieres de Geromont, la grotte de Comblain-au-Pont, le site au nord de Comblain-la-tour, et le Bois de Blairon (Xhoris). Mesobromion, Alysso-sedion albi, Xerobromion, Festucion pallentis *, Fraxino-Aceretum.


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Acid fen and siliceous dry grasslands. Nardo-Galion, Caricion fuscae, Sphagnion.


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Siliceous inland rocks. Cryptogammic assocations $, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, vegetation of siliceous screes and rocks $.


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Important Ardennes area of peatbogs, mires and heaths in a otherwise woodland and grassland landscape. Ericion tetralicis, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Nardo-Galion, Juncetum-acutiflori subatlanticum $, Betuletum pubescentis, Sphagnion, Caricion fuscae, Caricion lasiocarpae.


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Second most important complex of peatbogs, moors and heaths of an upland plateau in Wallonie. Ericion tetralicis, Nardo-Galion, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum $, Betuletum pubescentis, Sphagnion, Caricion fuscae, Caricion lasiocarpae.


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Old coticule and phyllade quarries covered by heaths. Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, bryophytic and lichenological associations$.


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Typical area of the Fammenian depression covered by woodlands andpastures and including the highly interesting military camp of Marche-en-Fammenne which is quite free of agricultural disturbance.Includes also an important part of the Ourthe river. Mesobromion, Calluna-Genista heaths, Eu-Molinion.


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Wild portion of the Ourthe valley with slopes covered by woodlands, interesting in that human presence is very low with adjacent areas including many humid grasslands in the valleys of the Ourthe orientale, its tributaries, and tributaries of the Moselle. Fraxino-Aceretum, Carpino-Fraxinetum, Sileno-Quercetum petraeae, Nardo-Galion, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Deschampsio cespitosae-Polygonetum, mesotrophic standing waters, Magnocaricion, Reed beds of Equisetum fluviatile (vigourous stands).


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Typical Ardennes valley with old humid grasslands and ponds. Includes Etangs de la Concession and pres de Robierci at Commanster. Deschampsio cespitosae-Polygonetum.


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Interesting Ardennes ponds with oligotrophic to mesotrophic waters. Reed beds of Equisetum fluviatile (vigourous stands), Magnocaricion, mesotrophic standing waters.


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Wild humid grasslands of the Ourthe orientale river. Botanical and zoological interest. Includes humid grasslands of the Ourthe orientale from Houffalize upstream to Ourthe-Deifeld and its tributaries such as ruisseau de Rouvroi, de Boeur, de Cowan, de Sommerain and de Mabompre-Noville. Nardo-Galion, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Deschampsio cespitosae-Polygonetum.


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Humid grasslands of the Ardenne in open field and a pond in forest landscape. Deschampsio cespitosae-Polygonetum.


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Forest mass of the northern Ardenne, interesting for its large areas of deciduous old woodlands. Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae, Carpino-Fraxinetum, Medium elevation hay-meadows.


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Most interesting sections of these rivers with their adjacent slopes covered by complex of deciduous forests. Interesting also by particular type of medium elevation mesophile hay-meadows. Carpino-Fraxinetum , Medium elevation hay-meadows, Complex of deciduous forests. Includes Viree de la Mache along Almacheriver, Grand Berlauchamps and bois de Lalou along the Our river, Viree du Geve, Pince-Maille, Durhez, Aux longs Boyons, Au Lairi, La He, Les Batis, Sart aux Avoines, along the Lesse.


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Forest mass of the central High-Ardenne with large areas of old deciduous woodlands, well-preserved running waters, and remains ofpeat-bogs and heaths and acidophilous semi-natural dry grassland.Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Betuletum pubescentis, Sphagnion, Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae, Carici-remotae Fraxinetum.


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Most interesting and varied part of the "St Hubert forest", along the Masblette and its tributaries. Carpino-Fraxinetum, Carici-remotae Fraxinetum.


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Old humid grasslands along the Lomme river. Include also the semi-natural grasslands of the Pre Moufflets and the pond of the Grand Campe along the Marsau rivulet, a tributary of the Lomme river. Filipendulo-Polygonetum bistortae, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum $, Magnocaricion, Caricion lasiocarpae, Mesotrophic standing waters, Nardo-Galion.


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Last remains of the peatbogs and fens of the upland plateau of St Hubert. Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Betuletum pubescentis, Sphagnion, Nardo-Galion, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Caricionfuscae.


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Woodland area of High Ardenne including many ponds and humid grasslands and also remains of peatbogs. Littorellion, Potamion, Magnocaricion, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Ericion tetralicis, Betuletum pubescentis, Pilularietum globuliferae *.


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Mosaic of fens, peat-bogs, wet and dry heaths, wooded bogs, dry siliceous grasslands characteristic of the Ardenne region. Sphagnion, Betuletum pubescentis, Caricion fuscae, Magnocaricion, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, oligotrophic standing waters.


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Complex of Ardennes ponds and of humid grasslands at the head of the Ourthe occidentale river and its tributaries. Includes etangs et fonds humides du ruisseau de Freux, du ruisseau de la Glorie, de l'Ourthe occidentale, and Etangs de Chiwe et Etangs de Robaiwe. Pilularietum globuliferae *, Deschampsio cespitosae-Polygonetum.


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Big ponds of the "Ardenne" type (mesotrophic waters) with large vegetation zonation including perennial amphibious associations. Littorellion (Eleocharitetum acicularis), Potamion, Magnocarion$, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths.


TEXT:
Important woodland area at the southern limit of the Ardenne and the upper basin of the Sure river including many old humid grasslands. This zone includes also a part of the Pays d'Arlon. Eleocharitetum acicularis, Hottonietum palustris, Nardo-Galion, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Betuletum pubescentis, Magnocaricion, Gentiano-Koelerietum*, Deschampsio cespitosae-Polygonetum.


TEXT:
Group of humid valleys of eastern Ardenne with extensive humid grasslands. Includes Fonds de vallees de Molinfaing (Longlier), des ruisseaux de Beraumont (Longlier), du Bercheux (Juseret), de Juseret (Juseret), de Massul et de Juseret (Ebly), de la Geronne (Witry), du "dessous" (Witry), de Beulet (Menufontaine), des ruisseaux de Grand Pre et du Butai (Vaux-sur-Sure), de la Barri}re (Nives), du ruisseau de Gorgipont (Nives), des Fagnes de Lescheret (Witry, Juseret), et Wery (Vaux-sur-Sure), du Butai et de la Sure (Vaux-sur-Sure), du Cheslot (Strainchamps). More secondary areas include fonds de vallees des ruisseaux de La Va et de la Magerotte (Magerotte), du ruisseau de Brul (Sibret), des ruisseaux d'Oster et de la Bovire et de We (Bastogne), de Nives, des ruisseaux de la Maisoncelle, de Vaux-lez-Chene, et de la Geronne (Ebly), de la Sure (Menufontaine et Strainchamps), de la Strange (Hompre). Nardo-Galion, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Deschampsio cespitosae-Polygonetum, Caricion fuscae.


TEXT:
Valleys of the Anlier Forest covered by humid grasslands, mires and marsh woodlands. Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Nardo-Galion, Caricion fuscae, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Deschampsio cespitosae-polygonetum.


TEXT:
Group of old open areas with humid grasslands, fens, marsh woodlands, siliceous dry grasslands and dry heaths. Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Nardo-Galion, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Deschampsion cespitosae-Polygonetum, Caricion fuscae. Includes la Fagne des Gomhets, les pres des Croisettes, du Fond du pre aux Aunes et de la Fagne des Seeps (Suxy), les pres Bouffot et de Basse Wanchie (Straimont), et les pres de Saint-Medard et d'Orgeo.


TEXT:
Loops of the river Semois near Herbeumont with ravine forests on the slopes and big ponds in a dead arm. Includes site de Conques, boucles du Tombeau du Chevalier, de la Roche du Chat, de la Roche des Corbeaux, et du cirque de Saint-Remacle (Cugnon). Alneto-Sphagnetum, Carpino-Fraxinetum.


TEXT:
Big ponds of the Ardenne type. Eleocharitetum aciculari, Magnocaricion, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Nardo-Galion, Caricion lasiocarpae.


TEXT:
Ruins of the feudal castle of Bouillon. Alysso-sedion albi, Carpino-Fraxinetum, Bryophitic and lichenological associations $.


TEXT:
One of the last remains of dry grassland on marl. Gentiano-Koelerietum*, Eu-Molinion.


TEXT:
Wild valleys with varied type of woodlands. Include also a chiropterologic reserve in old mine galleries (Reserve de Saint-Adele). Carici-Fraxinetum, Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae.


TEXT:
Colonisation of the phyllades of old quarries along the ruisseau d'Aise. Include la Maljoyeuse, and la reserve chiropterologique de Linglee. Vegetation of schistous screes, bryophitic and lichenologic associations $.


TEXT:
Little valley with thermophilic microclimate covered by woodlands including alluvial forests. Cephalantero-Fagion, Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae.


TEXT:
Area including the forest established on Sinemurian sandstone with also the marshes of the Haute-Semois. Fraxino-Aceretum, Magnocaricion, Cratoneurion, Caricion davallianae, Caricion fuscae, Caricion lasiocarpae, Corynephorion *, Sphagnion.


TEXT:
Valley with ponds and woodlands on calcareous Sinemurian sandstone. Includes the Noir Etang and a seminatural grassland on marl with a petrifying spring. Atropetum belladonae, Cratoneurion, Gentiano-Koelerietum*.


TEXT:
Forest complex along the slopes of the river Chevratte from Bellefontaine to Berchiwe with marches of Meix-devant-Virton, stream of Lanbramfa and of La Hache including petrifying springs ("crons"). Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae, Cratoneurion.


TEXT:
Dead loop of the Semois river and adjacent alluvial humid grass lands and marshes. Includes also the marshes along the ruisseau de Rosoi and the pond of Landin. Hottonietum palustris $, Magnocaricion, Caricion fuscae.


TEXT:
Pools on marl and old marl-pits. Gentiana-Koelerietum *, Magnocaricion.


TEXT:
Natural pools on marl with mesotrophic waters. Magnocaricion, Mesotrophic standing waters.


TEXT:
Includes acid fens, bogs and woodlands on peat. Includes Marais de Heinsch,Fouches, Sampont, Vance et Chantemelle. Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Alnetalia glutinosae$, Betuletum pubescentis, Magnocaricion $, Caricion fuscae.


TEXT:
Acid and neutral fen. Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Alnetalia glutinosae, Magnocaricion, Caricion fuscae, Caricion lasiocarpae, Sphagnion, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths.


TEXT:
Important area of heaths on sandstone also including marshes and even peatbogs. Includes "la montagne de Stockem", the area called"derriere les Hazelles", the Weidbusch and the old sand-pit of Vance. Koelerion glaucae,  Corynephorion *, Sphagnion, Caricion fuscae, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Rynchosporion albae.


TEXT:
Warm valleys of the Sinemurian "cuesta" covered by woodlands including alluvial forests and petrifying springs. Include the streams of Neuve-Forge, Rouge Eau and le ruisseau du Cron, and the ponds of Laclaireau. Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae, Cephalantero-Fagion, Cratoneurion.


TEXT:
Area corresponding to the Bajocian "cuesta" consistuted of limestone and covered mainly by woodlands, but also dry grasslands, bocage, and marshes. Include also mesozoic sandstone along the river Chevratte. Mesobromion, Cephalantero-Fagion, Magnocaricion, Bocage, Carici remotae-Fraxinetum.


TEXT:
Hillslope on the calcareous substrate of the Bajocian with an old quarry colonised by vegetation of dry grassland and a deciduous forest. Mesobromion, Cephalantero-Fagion.


TEXT:
Interesting area of calcareous woodlands including ravine and alluvial forests. Cephalantero-Fagion, Fraxino-Aceretum, Carici remotae-Fraxinetum, Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae, Cryptogrammic vegetation $.


TEXT:
Important eutrophic marsh of southern Belgium. Magnocaricion.


TEXT:
Interesting area of calcareous forest including alluvial forest. Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae, Carici remotae Fraxinetum, Crypto gamic vegetation $.


TEXT:
Waste land with marshes, humid grasslands and wood colonisation.


TEXT:
Ourthe section through calcareous region. Rich vegetation of calcareous woodlands and dry grasslands. Includes slopes of the Ourthe between Durbuy and Bomal (with Rocher de Glawan, Roche Plissee,Roche aux Corbeaux), the valleys of Ruisseau de Bonne Fontaine, Ruisseau du Fond de Vedeur, Ruisseau de Tohogne, the Mont des Pins and site of la Rote, the Aisne valley and slopes from Bomal to Aine and the Caves of Bohon. Mesobromion, Xerobromion, Fraxino-Aceretum, Caves.


TEXT:
Exceptionally varied zone including parts of schistous and psammitic Fagne, of calcareous Calestienne, and of acidophilous Ardenne. Mesobromion, Xerobromion, Geranion sanguinei, Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Box thic kets, Cephalantero-Fagion, Eu-Molinion.


TEXT:
One of the bigger areas of standing water of the Walloon region, surrounded by Famennian oak woods and humid grasslands. Littorellion+, Mesobromion, Eu-molinion, Carici-remotae Fraxinetum, Carici-elongatae Alnetum, Phragmition (vigorous stands).


TEXT:
Complex of "tiennes" covered by calcareous woodlands and dry grasslands. Thermophile box-thickets, Mesobromion, Xerobromion, Quercion pubescentis, Geranion sanguinei, Alysso-sedion albi, Fraxino-Aceretum, Cephalantero-Fagion, Carici-Carpinetum.


TEXT:
Typical Ardennes ponds with characteristic (and rare) amphibious vegetation.


TEXT:
Complex of sites with interesting vegetation on dolomitic soils including woodlands and dry grasslands. Box thickets, Mesobromion (dolomitic var.), Geranion sanguinei, Cephalantero-Fagion, Quercion pubescentis,Fraxino-Aceretum.


TEXT:
Interesting site for the high diversity of habitats, especially woodlands, in relation to exposure and substrate (calcareous to acidophilous), calcareous dry grasslands, mesophile and humid grasslands. Mesobromion, Cephalantero-Fagion, Carici-Carpinetum, Phragmition (vigourous stands), Cratoneurion.


TEXT:
Includes site du Baquet (Doische), and semi-natural meadows of Vodelee and Romedenne. Succiseto-Silaetum pratensis (Junco-Molinion), Calluneto-Antennarietum *, Cicendion +.


TEXT:
Deschampsion cespitosae $, Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum $, Caricion fuscae.


TEXT:
Well preserved wood situated at the western edge of the Ardenne of the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse where Atlantic influences are still important. The river Wartoise of the Ardenne type with the adjacent alluvial forest is of particular interest. Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae.


TEXT:
Interesting section of the Meuse river and some of its tributaries through the Condroz region. Presence of thermophile communitieson the slopes including woodlands, dry grasslands and calcareous rocks. Mesobromion , Xerobromion, Festucion pallentis, Alysso-sedion albi , Geranion sanguinei, Box thickets , Fraxino-aceretum, Ulmenion (fragments), Stellario-Alnetum.


TEXT:
Thermophile slopes and rocks of the Meuse river, with dry grasslands, calcareous woodlands and box thickets. Box thickets, Mesobromion, Xerobromion, Geranionsanguinei, Festucion pallentis, Carici-Carpinetum,Fraxino-Aceretum.


TEXT:
Thermophile slopes with dry grasslands and box thickets, and slopes with ravine forests. Mesobromion, Xerobromion, Box thickets, Carici-Carpinetum,Fraxino-Aceretum.


TEXT:
Thermophile slopes with dry grasslands and woodlands and also an almost complete ravine forest on a northern exposition. Box thickets, Mesobromion, Xerobromion, Fraxino-Aceretum, Caves.


TEXT:
Wildest section of the Lesse valley with rocks and ravine forests. Mesobromion, Xerobromion, Festucion pallentis, Fraxino-Aceretum, Caves.


TEXT:
Southern and northern slopes of the Bocq valley covered mainly by woodlands on calcareous or siliceous soils. Mesobromion, Xerobromion, Geranion sanguinei, Primulo-Carpinetum corydaletosum, Fraxino-Aceretum.


TEXT:
Interesting part of the Molignee valley covered by calcareous dry grasslands and woodlands including alluvial forests. Includes plateau de Ranzinelle and the Molignee valley downstream of Foy. Mesobromion, Xerobromion,(Primulo-Carpinetum corydaletosum), Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae.


TEXT:
Xerophilous slope on psammitic substrate covered by forest and dry grasslands. Koelerio Phleion phleoidis.


TEXT:
Area covering the most interesting parts of the Calestienne and of the Famenne on the right-side of the Meuse river. Great diversity of habitats including calcareous dry grasslands and woodlands.Mesobromion, Xerobromion,Cephalantero-Fagion, Quercion pubescentis, Fraxino-Aceretum, Caves, Box thickets.


TEXT:
One of the last extended hay-meadows with little grassland improvement. Medio-european lowland and hay-meadows (with few fertilizers).


TEXT:
Group of dry calcareous grasslands and woodlands of the Calestienne. Includes Tiennes de la Roche a Serin, de Belvau, Moseray, des Pairees, de Resteigne, d'Ave-et-Auffe (Tienne d'Aise, Gros Ti}ne, Tienne del Vigne,...), pelouses de Rouge Croix, de Turmont, des Grignaux, de Gloriette, de Focroule, des Limites, des anciennes carrieres de Lorinchamps et de Au Frene, de Jemelle-On, de l'abbaye Saint-Remy, du site du Collire (Ciergnon), and bois du Grand Tinemont, du fond St-Martin, du Fond de Lion, de En Faule, du Thier des Falises et de Noulaiti, de Werimont, and de Niau. Alysso-Sedion albi, Mesobromion, Xerobromion, Cephalantero-Fagion, Fraxino-Aceretum, Quercion pubescentis, Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae, Caves, Companion flora of poor cereal fields $, Box thickets.


TEXT:
Interesting cave with very little disturbance.


TEXT:
Area covering the Belgian part of the Croix-Scaille upland plateau and a part of the Semois river. Includes important deciduous woodlands, well-preserved rivers and remains of bogs and heaths on the upland plateau. Ericion tetralicis, Nardo-Galion, Betuletum pubescentis, Sphagnion , Caricion lasiocarpae.


TEXT:
Last remains of bogs and heaths of the upland plateau of the Croix-Scaille. Calluna-Vaccinium heaths, Nardo-Galion, Alnetalia glutinosae, Sphagnion, Myricetum gali.


TEXT:
Group of wild ravine forests along the Basse-Semois. Includes slopes of the Festaviau, Herissart, les Blanches Roches, Le Chatelet (Bohan), Robiet (Vresse), Rabumont (Membre), Chenai (Laforet), Les Rochets (Alle), Ban de Laviot et amphiteatre de Frahan, Les Faloijes (Rochehaut), Clernot (Corbion) et Tombeau du Geant, Mairie, les Cotes, Chateaumont (Ucimont-Botassart-Sensenruth), Les Sentines (Bouillon). Fraxino-Aceretum, Complex of forests units.


TEXT:
Old Ardennes pond with quaking bog. Caricion fuscae, Caricion lasiocarpae.


TEXT:
Wild Ardennes rivers with old hay- and humid meadows and varied woodland slopes. Includes the section of the river Houille from Vencimont downstream to the French border with the Ri d'Aursis and the Bois de Miaimont, and the Hulle river from Willerzie to the Houille river with most of the slopes covered by forests. Juncetum acutiflori subatlanticum, Carpino-Fraxinetum, Deschampsio cespitosae-Polygonetum, Arrhenaterion (medium elevation hay meadows with few fertilisers), Carpino-Fraxinetum.


TEXT:
Old mine galleries. Includes nature reserves of Laforet (Vresse), Laviot and Gerardfosse ( Rochehaut) and the galleries of Riposso and Laplet (Alle).


TEXT:
One of the most important remaining heaths in the Famenne region. Calluna-Genista heaths, Eu-Molinion.


TEXT:
North-western and southern side of the recent lake of the Platte Taille colonised by rare amphibious vegetation. Peplido-Limoselletum aquaticae *.


TEXT:
Limestone cliffs and woodlands on dolomitic soils. Cephalantero-Fagion.


TEXT:
The most important woodland area of central Belgium. Includes le Rouge Cloitre, les etangs des Enfants Noyes, les etangs de Groenendaal, le Fond des Ails, les etangs de La Hul (domaines Solvay et de Nijsdam). Carici-remotae-Fraxinetum, Alnetalia glutinosae, Magnocaricion.


TEXT:
Humid valley and hillsides, with ponds, marshes, grasslands and woodlands. Include a portion of the Dyle river between Leuven and Wavre and a part of its tributary - the Lasneriver. Hottonietum palustris.


TEXT:
Complex of ponds, marshes and fen woodlands along the Lasne river, including the hillsides covered by broadleaved forests. Carici-elongatae Alnetum .


TEXT:
Interesting portion of the Dyle valley, with ponds and marshes. Phragmites formations (vigorous stands), Magnocaricion.


TEXT:
The site is formed by a plateau and the slope of a valley.The natural reserve (5,6Ha) consists in the southern part of abandoned grassland, in the northern part of heath interrupted by trees and bushes.The buffer-zone (61,7Ha) surrounds,with the exception of a small part,the whole natural reserve;it consists of arable-land pasture-land,of beech-land pine-woods and of fallow land. The buffer-zone includes in the west an important system of hedges.


TEXT:
The site is a slope, oriented to south-west, joining the Alzette valley and the plateau of the sandstone of Luxembourg. The major western and southern part is dry-grassland limited in the west by old abandoned orchards which are occupied by thermophile bush-vegetation.The smaller upper part of the site in the east is covered by a forest whose shelters many thermophile elements.The entrance to a system of gypsum-mines lies in the south. In the mines is is installed a geophysical observatory.


TEXT:
The future nature reserve (12Ha) is covered with acid, not-manured humid-grassland. It contains two rivulets and their confluence as well as four small artificial ponds.In some places the recolonization with brushes has begun. Several poplars and three small plantations of pines mark the landscape. The buffer-zone(53Ha) formed of arable-land pasture-land surrounds the entire natural reserve.


TEXT:
The site, a humid zone, will be divided in the natural reserve(25Ha) and in a buffer-zone(330Ha).The natural reserve which contains the rests of an dead arm of the river Alzette, is formed by very humid and marshy, often inundated meadows, used actually as pasture-land. Depending on the state of humidity a very specialised vegetation can be found after dry periodes.The bank of the river Alzette (shore vegetation) and the southern slope of a railway contribute to the diversity of the site.The buffer-zone in the alluvial plain of the river Alzette is covered with pasture-land.The hole plain constitutes with its floristic and faunistic diversity an important biotop for many bird-species(especially migrating).


TEXT:
The site is a hill whose top is a plateau with arable land.The flanks, used as pasture-land, are occupied by different biotopes depending on the orientation.In the south a great part of the flank is occupied by a dry-grassland with juniper.The natural reserve (22Ha) is protected in the north and in the south by two buffer-zones (33Ha) used as pasture-land.


TEXT:
The site presents as longish hill, disposed north-south and bordering a plateau in the north. It is an thermophile dry-grassland. The site divides up in the natural reserve (48Ha) itself and in an agriculturely used buffer-zone (27Ha), that protects the reserve in the west.The dry-grassland occupies the southern part and the western slope.In the north exists an old basophile oak-beech-forest whose border shelters many floristic elements of southern and eastern Europe.


TEXT:
The site is a humid zone with an important 2Ha-stand of Typha in the south-east; a smaller stand lies in the north-east of the zone.The rest is covered by humid, in places marshy grassland with bushes of ligneous vegetation.In the east the area is limited by an arborescent vegetation and in the south, along the river Alzette by big hedges.


TEXT:
The site is a humid zone in whose center are situated two ponds,amarshy area and a zone with rush.They are limited in the east by poplars,in the south by an artificial dam with ruderal flora,in the west by bushes and a slag slope and in the north by hedges.


TEXT:
The site is a steep southward oriented slope on the river Moselle.It is a dry-grassland with an interesting xerothermic biocenose.


TEXT:
The site is composed of humid grassland on the alluvial deposits of the river Sûre,partially superposed by peat soil. It includes a river and its banks, bogs of sources, low-bogs, humid grassland, mesotrophic grassland, willow bushes and hedges.


TEXT:
The major part of the site is a periodically inundated alluvial plain crossed by a rivulet.The acid and fairly eutrophic alluvial meadows shelter Filipendula ulmaria and Polygonum bistorta,some very marshy zones with Menyanthes trifoliata and Comarum palustre.


TEXT:
The site is composed by the top and the southern and western slopes of a hillock.It includes an interesting dry-grasslandwith juniper western part brushwoods and on the top a plantation of pine-trees.


TEXT:
The site is a humid zone formed of two natural reserves(74.25Ha) and three buffer zones situated in the rehabilitation area"Haff Rémech"(313Ha). The natural reserves contain many ponds of different dimension, depth and form, arised from the exploitation of the deposist(sand, gravel) of the Moselle. Presence of abundant arborescent and shrub pioneer vegetation and floristic groups of the succession on alluvial deposits.


TEXT:
The site is marked by former exploitation of iron ores. It is to be divided in the natural reserve (165 ha) and in a buffer zone (90 ha). The natural reserve comprides very different biotopes;pioneer-woods, beech-groves, dry-grassland, a humid and marshy zone and standing water.The buffer zone is of composed rather extensive agricultural land.


TEXT:
The site will be divided in to the proper natural reserve and in a buffer zone. The former consists of an marshy area, humid grassland with juncus acutiflorus and groups of willows. The buffer zone consists of pastures, arable land and meadows.


TEXT:
The site is a humid zone. The center consists of humid grassland and marshy areas crossed by a rivulet. The future buffer zone consists of meadows.


TEXT:
The site consists of humid grassland crossed by a rivulet.


TEXT:
The longish site is made of the very broad and flat base of a valley that is crossed by a rivulet. The center (18ha) of the future protected zone consists of rather humid grassland and marshy areas crossed by many small branches of the rivulet, standing water, bushes and trees. The buffer zone (61ha) consists of meadows with important systems of hedges.


TEXT:
The site will be divided in the natural reserve and in a buffer zone. The former consists of dry grassland with Juniperus communis and a pine-tree wood with Juniperus communis. The buffer zone consists of coniferous woodland.


TEXT:
The site is an aboundant gypsum quarry with spontaneous colonization by pioneer vegetation,offering a variety of habitats (cliffs,dry grassland,pseudo-climax forest).


TEXT:
The site is formed by the two oposite slopes of Syr valley,covered with very rich woods (limes,elms,maple-trees on the slope exposed to the north; oaks on the slope exposed to the south) and by the bottom of the valley covered with grassland.


TEXT:
The site comprises the upper part of the river Sûre and the upmost part of the storage lake of the Haute-Sûre. Most of the valley ground is occupied by rather extensive grassland.The slopes are covered with forest (mainly oak coppices, notable parts of slope forests and some spruce plantations).The surrounding plateaus are used for farming. Except for leisure activities the site is largely undisturbed.


TEXT:
The site comprises a part of the Eisch-river valley with a fine stand of alluvial forest, a derelict sand-pit and quarry area partly invaded by pioneer vegetation and ramnants of th original beech forest.


TEXT:
The site is a longish hill with more or less steep slopes in the north, the west and the south;its top is a longish plateau that is linked in the east to a much larger plateau. The site will be divided in the natural reserve (20ha) and in a buffer zone (26ha). It comprises interesting grassland, naked rock or sand with a highly specialized vegetation, areas with ruderal and pioneer vegetation, an old orchard, a thermopile oak wood, a mixed forest with a pronouncied vertical structuration, a stand with pines and one with beeches as well as other biotopes.


TEXT:
The site is formed by a wooded protuberance, exposed north-south and which top is a small plateau;the slopes, partly formed of walls of rock, are strongly inclined. The site is composed of three parts,a wooded part, a part whith brushes,hedges and grassland and a part formed by a longish field. The site comprises therefore several different biotopes. Depending on the orientation and the topography there is a vegetation with xero-thermophile character or a vegetation of glens with fresh soil.


TEXT:
The very rugged site is marked by the former surface mining that created walls of rock,deepenings and deposits. It contains pioneer vegetation at different stages of evolution, woods and very typical plant associations with the appropriate animal world. The site will be divided in the natural reserve (374ha) and in a buffer zone (51ha).


TEXT:
The site is a humid zone on a flat plateau. The natural reserve (3ha) comprises a very nice stand of birches on acid peat soil. The buffer zone (20ha) is formed by plantations of conifers and by two parcels of agricultural land.


TEXT:
The site consists of a small valley running east-west and its slope exposed to the south. The valley ground is used as rather extensive pasture land. The slope is covered with coppice with some rock outcropsand small areas of dry grassland.


TEXT:
The most important part of the site is covered with very humid grassland (Molinia, Juncus). Adjacent to this is a beautiful stand of Sphagnum in a spruce forest. This central area (8ha) of the future natural reserve is surrounded by extensive pasture-land and by oak-coppice.


TEXT:
Lowland sandy heath with Dartford Warblers and rare reptiles.


TEXT:
Lowland maritime heath with Dartford warbler, smooth snake and sand lizard.


TEXT:
Tidal lagoon (480ha); Shingle bank (320ha).


TEXT:
Extensive estuary and saltmarsh, with large populations of wintering wildfowl and waders.


TEXT:
A large (25 x 8 km) sea-lough on the east coast of co Down connected to the Irish Sea by a narrow (0.5 km wide) channel through which extremely strong tidal currents flow; Tidal range ca. 3m. Geomorphology includes drowned drumlins (some reduced to rock islets and reefs) and raised beaches. The inter-tidal zone comprising extensive mudflats, sand and shingle shores exceeds 50 square km.


TEXT:
Small island within sea inlet (Carlingford Lough).


TEXT:
Inter-tidal mudflats on southern and eastern side of a large sea inlet (lough). Zostera beds on mudflats.


TEXT:
Large irregularly-shaped eutrophic freshwater lake with numerous islands and extensive marginal swamp and fen.


TEXT:
Small rocky island 0.5 km off North Antrim coast.


TEXT:
Sheer basalt and basalt/chalk cliffs surrounding the western limb of Rathlin Island off the North Coast of Co Antrim.


TEXT:
Small gravel islet within sea inlet (Larne Lough), vegetated in summer by ruderals and coarse grasses (85% cover).


TEXT:
A very large eutrophic freshwater lake (largest lake area in British Isles) and a smaller lake to the north. Lake lowering in 1950's exposed new shoreline now colonised by swamp fen and carr in places. Large area of unimproved wet meadow to the west of Lough Beg. Agricultural catchment. Lough Neagh used for commercial eel fishery, water abstraction and sand dredging.


TEXT:
Approximately 70 km of relatively undisturbed coastline comprising rocky shore (a pronounced wave cut platform with offshore islets exposed at low tide) and small bays with sand/shingle beaches.


TEXT:
An area of intertidal mudflats, lagoons and land both reclaimed and being reclaimed at the head of Belfast Lough.


TEXT:
Finest remaining piece of heathland in Surrey.


TEXT:
One of the best examples of acidic breckland heath.


TEXT:
Extensive area of lowland heath, with a valley bog system. Noted for its entomological interest.


TEXT:
Extensive dune system with rare species of insect, amphibian, reptile and plant.


TEXT:
Largest and most representative tract of coastal heathland remaining.


TEXT:
A shallow blanket mire formed at high altitude.


TEXT:
Large system of undisturbed estuary, foreshore and dunes. Many wintering and breeding birds.


TEXT:
An extensive lowland blanket bog, relatively undisturbed.


TEXT:
This area of typical raised bog has a characteristic flora of a rather dried-out bog, but with a few wet spots, some slightly flushed. There is extensive marginal cutting.


TEXT:
A southward extension of Upper Lough Erne in Northern Ireland. Lough Oughter and other lakes have numerous partly submerged drumlins whose peaks form complexes of peninsulas and wooded islands. Drumlins have mostly wet rushy pastures. Some hardwood woodland remains but replaced by conifer plantation in many places. Small reed beds are present in shallow waters. The lake edges are often fringed by Salix-Alnus scrub.


TEXT:
A small shallow lake (occasionally greatly enlarged by winter flooding) with low-lying rough grazing marshes on the south and west sides.


TEXT:
A large area of fen, cut-away bog and calcareous marsh occurs around an indented lake complex. A large turlough is associated with it at its southern end. The complex contains superb examples of the rich and diverse flora and fauna which occur under fluctuating water levels.


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An unusual scrub community on limestone with regenerating oak amongst hazel, ash, holly and hawthorn. The vegetation is assigned to the Corylo-Fraxinetum Br.-Bl. et Tx. 1952 em. Kelly et Kirby 1981.


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Mixed acid and base-rich communities occur on the lake fringe.


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The area encompasses a complete range of rocky Burren habitats from coastal, glacially planed limestone pavements to high level heaths with bearberry.


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This complex consists of the upland limestone karst area of the Burren and the adjacent islands of the Aran Islands. The principal vegetation is calcareous heath whose internationally renowned richness has been maintained by continuous grazing in a traditional manner.


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A shallow limestone, spring fed stream approximately 5 km long which in dry periods flows underground for some of its course. The upper section of the channel is heavily shaded by Corylus scrub which in the vicinity of the channel bears a luxuriant lichen flora. The channel vegetation consists of Fontinalis antipyretica, encrusting algae and Aphion nodiflori communities. The lower section of the river is on limestone bedrock and subject to periodic drying up. This is dominated by mosses (Cratoneuron commutatum) and algal crusts (Cladophora spp., Bangia atropurpurea, Tolypolphrium destortata, Rhormidium calcicola, Scytonema and Rivularia species) both of which are heavily calcified and in some places form tufa deposits of considerable thickness.


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This woodland has a remarkable variety of soil types in such a small area ranging from very shallow podzols to alluvial soils beside a stream. There is a correspondingly rich flora with stands of old oak coppice, ash, willow scrub and old beech plantation.


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A turlough (seasonal lake) beautifully situated in a large collapse depression (polje). A small river arises in the northern part of the turlough, runs across the floor and disappears via a large sink hole at the southern end. The margins of the turlough consist partly of limestone pavement and partly of drift while the floor is mainly peat covered which has been cut away in some areas. The peaty area is dominated by Schoenus swards or a Carex flava agg. community. Aquatic communities occur in the shallow slow flowing river channel and are associated with the sink hole. The drift covered areas support Junco-Molinion, Lolio-Potentillion and Cynosurion grasslands. Shrubby woodlands occur dominated by Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Corylus avellana and Rhamnus cathartica on rock outcrops at the upper margins of the turlough.


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Vertical sea cliffs up to 203m in height which extend some 7 km north-east/south-west along the north-west coast of Co. Clare. The cliff face is composed of horizontally-layered flagstones which form ideal nesting ledges for seabirds. The cliffs are mainly unvegetated but there are some wide sloping ledges which are vegetated, mainly with Festuca sward. Some sections of the cliffs have vegetation with affinities to the Crithmo-Armerietalia maritimae. The vegetation along the cliff tops is mainly sheep-grazed grass sward. The site area provided refers to the area of sea included in the Refuge for Fauna.


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A complex area of Fraxinus excelsior/Corylus avellana woodland, which has been interplanted with exotic conifers, on limestone. There are small areas of limestone pavement and on the margin of the wood a series of lakes with extensive marginal grasslands, fen and scrub.


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A limestone lake with extensive shallows and with fen, reed swamp and grassland communities on the margins. Woodland and limestone pavement areas also adjoin the site.


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A low lying karstic limestone area with a series of wetlands fed by springs and partly subterranean rivers, and surrounded by woodland, pasture and limestone pavement. There are several small permanent lakes surrounded by Phragmites australis and Cladium mariscus beds. These are bordered by extensive peaty-marly pastures dominated by sedge-rich swards which grade upwards to Junco-Molinion and Cynosurion pastures. These flood extensively during the winter. The limestone pavement areas hold a typical Burren flora.


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Bat roost in the castle coach house roof.


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A calcareous lake within the Burren region with adjoining fen, wet meadow, calcareous grassland and a well developed ash woodland along the lake margin.


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A shallow, spring-fed marl lake with much of the shore consisting of limestone pavement but with extensive Cladium swamps and Schoenus fens on the southern and north-western shores. The aquatic vegetation consists of Chara beds (to 4.5 m) with, in shallow waters interesting Littorelletea communities. Scrub with Potentilla fruticosa, Frangula alnus and Rhamnus cathartica fringes the northern and western shores. An extensive area of limestone heath and scrub lies to the west of the lake.


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Lough Derrygeeha is a small lake surrounded by dense vegetation including coarse grasses and Phragmites australis. Juncus species, Typha, Equisetum and water-lilies are also common and Alnus glutinosa occurs on part of the shore. In the littoral region the substratum between the plants is composed mainly of decaying plant debris.


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Includes a brackish lake and the sea surrounding the Finnevarra Peninsula on the north coast of the Burren. Includes open rocky coast (limestone) and the outer portion of a sheltered bay. Extensive deposits of the coralline alga Phymatolithon calcarum occur over much of the area and form underwater dunes in the tidal race at the entrance to Muckinish Bay. There is also an underwater freshwater inflow from the karstified Burren limestone.


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A small marine island, 2.5 km offshore. Uninhabited.


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This site contains plant communities of the limestone heath type which occur on higher parts of the Burren. The vegetation is Calluna vulgaris dominated with Arctostaphylos uva-ursi as a co-dominant.


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A section of a small stream which follows a partially subterranean course through the lowland karst region of the eastern Burren. This section has not been subject to dredging and flows through an extensive floodplain. Where the stream first emerges a small relatively eutrophic area of floodplain grassland is developed on alluvial soils. Further downstream the soils are fen peat and marl and fen vegetation dominated by Schoenus nigricans occurs.The stream is bordered by floating scraw. The depth of the stream is, on average, 1.5 m (0.30 - 2.0 m). Pool areas, eroding and accumulating banks and meandering stretches occur. There are areas of tall Phragmites australis along the river edge and Nuphar lutea is dominant on the open water surface along with Menyanthes trifoliata and Lemna minor.


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Cave approximately 200 m long, 1.5 to 2 m in height, varying in width from 1 to 10 m.


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This area contains extensive limestone pavements and several turloughs. The Burren's only folding of carboniferous limestone is seen in the hill itself. It is one of the core areas of conservation importance within the internationally renowned region of the Burren.


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A small rocky island close to the coast, overlain with glacial drift and covered by maritime grasses (e.g. Festuca rubra). Formerly inhabited.


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Large occupied house used as a guest house.


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A summer breeding roost for Rhinolophus hipposideros in the partly closed attic of an old coach house beside a big ruined house.


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A depression (doline) which occasionally floods (Poulavallan) and a dry valley, both with much woodland. The woodland is dominated by hazel and ash with rowan, birch and goat willow. A rich ground flora is present with an abundance of ferns and mosses. The upper plateau is a fine example of Sesleria grassland.


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This site has been recognised as being of scientific interest for over 100 years and has been well documented. It contains habitats characteristic of the Burren, diversified by limestone scarps and block moraines. The shoreline and littoral areas are also of value.


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The most important section of the Shannon estuary with a varied saltmarsh and maritime flora. Macoma-Scrobicularia-Nereis communit y on mudflats.


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Extensive intertidal mudflats and areas of saltmarsh. Main mudflat community is a Macoma-Scrobicularia-Nereis community.


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A large estuary complex with islands, saltwater marshes, mudflats (especially in inner half of estuary), raised saltmarsh and wet meadows. Outer estuary is predominantly narrow and rock-strewn/pebbly. Includes Poulnasherry Bay, Clonderlaw Bay, Aughinish Island, Tarbert Bay and Ballylongford Bay.


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Slieve Carran is a flat-topped mountain of horizontally bedded carboniferous limestone. Its eastern edge is delimited by cliffs and scree slopes over which ash-hazel wood is developed.


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An extensive area of limestone pavement with well developed Calluna-heath and adjacent turlough.


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The site consists of a lake which occurs in the remnants of an extensive blanket bog. Most of the bog has been cut away and is being colonised by a species-rich fen flora but small areas of bog vegetation remain. The bog areas are characterised by Sphagnum lawns with Eriophorum angustifolium, Rhynchospora alba and Narthecium ossifragum with occasional pools containing Menyanthes trifoliata and Drosera species. The fen vegetation contains a variety of plant communities depending upon hydrology and includes anabundance of Vaccinium oxycoccus and the relatively uncommon Rhynchospora fusca. The lake is fringed with Phragmites stands in parts.


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A site notable for its diversity of habitats with freshwater lagoons, saltwater lagoons, saltmarshes, mudflats, sandflats, dunes, and wet meadows.


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The estuary of the Womanagh River with winding channel flanked by marshy fields, saltmarsh and mudflats. The area is sheltered by a stabilised shingle bar and extensive sandy beach.


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An estuary with a narrow opening to the sea with areas of intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh (mainly on the east side; mostly empoldered on the west side). There are extensive stretches of alluvial swamp, dominated by willows in its upper reaches.


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Two tiny rock islets off Dursey Head. There is a manned lighthouse on top of the Bull Rock. Both rocks are precipitous and have impressive natural arches running from one side to the other.


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Medium sized island in extreme south-west corner of Ireland (600ha, rising to 180 m). The island is populated and farmed. High sea cliffs surround parts of the island.


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Attic of a gate lodge which is let to tourists.


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A large and very sheltered sea bay and estuary of several rivers (notably the River Lee), with extensive intertidal mudflats, especially along the north, north-east and north-west shores. Some of these areas also have saltmarsh higher up the shore often dominated by Spartina.


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An area of alluvial forest developed where the River Lee broadens into a braided channel. It consists of wooded islands separated by a network anastomising streams. Alluvial grassland occurs on the margins. The lower portion has been flooded by a dam and is subject to rapid fluctuations in water level.


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Old castle, was used as a hotel, now being refurbished to be used as a tourist attraction.


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An acidophilous oak woodland situated in a deep rough glacial valley which opens out into the north side of Bantry Bay. The site also contains woodland bogs and other wetlands. The most significant tree species are Quercus petraea, Betula pubescens and Alnus glutinosa.


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A tidal bay in two parts separated by Inchydoney Island. Most of the intertidal area is sandy.


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This range of Old Red Sandstone cliffs is valuable for its range of arctic-alpine plants and for its landform in relation to glaciation history.


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Lough Hyne Nature Reserve encloses a saline, marine lake about 1km long, a little less than 0.75 km wide and up to 55 m deep, divided unequally into north and south basins by Castle Island (excluded). Between Castle Island and the western shore is the western trough which is 0.5 km long. At its south-east corner Lough Hyne is connected by The Rapids, which are tidal, to Barloge Creek, which in turn opens out to the Atlantic. The site contains a variety of environments: wave battered headlands, sea-caves, shallow sheltered channels covered with sea grass, tidal rapids with powerful currents, unusual tides, deep sheltered waters and all intermediate environments. The reserve contains several thousand species of marine animals and plants.


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Summer breeding roost for Myotis mystacinus in the attic of an occupied dwelling.


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Coastal headland with a narrow isthmus, surrounded by vertical (up to 60 degree slope) rock cliffs which are steep slopes covered in Festuca rubra and heathland plants. The flat top has been "improved" for cattle grazing.


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Narrow flood plain of the River Blackwater, hemmed in by parallel sandstone ridges and extending c.29 km along the river from Fermoy to Cappoquin. Callows are seasonally flooded river grasslands; the Lismore - Ballyduff area is especially prone to flooding. There is still a considerable range of woodland types found in the valley ranging from oak woodland to scrub to willow-dominated alluvial flats.


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Group of three rocky islets in sheltered coastal waters.


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This site is a good example of Atlantic heathland over a rocky substrate.


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A summer breeding roost for Nyctalus leisleri in the attic of an occupied domestic dwelling.


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Two small flat-topped islands (less than 30 m high), 1.5 km offshore.


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Sessile oak wood (Blechno-Quercetum) on steep north-facing slope with thin soils and seepage areas. The soil is relatively fertile and there is a rich flora with an abundance of ferns, ash and alder. The top of this hill is covered in gorse and birch scrub; the bottom is a flat area adjacent to the River Sullane with alluvial meadows, partly colonised by ash and alder wood.


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This site is part of a series which contain good examples of oceanic, Atlantic heath over a rocky substrate.


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A medium-sized island at the head of Bantry Bay. The island is a major oil terminal.


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High, inaccessible, sparsely vegetated coastal and alpine cliffs on the west side of Arainn Mhor (Aran Island). The site covers a 7 km stretch approximately.


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Mixed oak (Quercus petraea) woodland with Fraximus excelsior, Betula pubescens and, in wet areas, Salix spp and Alnus glutinosa. It has rich herbaceous, bryophyte and lichen floras and there is much dead and decaying timber and several small streams.


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A limestone hill which is fringed by mixed Corylus avellana/Fraxinus excelsior scrub and with well developed limestone heath, with Juniperus communis, predominating in the centre.


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An acidophilous oak woodland (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae subassociation coryletosum) on the eastern flank of a low ridge of hills c.11 km north of Letterkenny. A well defined gradation occurs from the deeper soils, carrying subassociation coryletosum, to shallow soils on the top of the knoll, carrying poor, scrubby woodland . On the eastern side of the woodland there are a series of largely abandoned fields which are being invaded by scrub of Betula, Corylus and Salix. A field in the north-east of the reserve has wet heath vegetation. A wet meadow also occurs within the site boundary.


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Shallow freshwater coastal lake enriched by shell sand, with extensive Phragmites-dominated reed beds. Surrounded by drumlins and separated from the sea by sand dunes. Formerly a tidal lagoon.


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A mountain site with base-rich rocks and cliffs supporting interesting communities of vascular and lower plants, particularly bryophytes.


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A small scrubby, coppiced wood on an exposed undulating hillside dominated by Quercus petraea, rowan, birch and hazel. In the past it was heavily grazed but it is now fenced and probably contains regenerating thickets of holly and bramble.


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A small woodland in a deep valley containing a meandering stream with waterfalls. The valley bottom is wet and is occupied by an alder/ash woodland with fen vegetation. The steep valley sides are covered in ash, elm and hazel scrub and low woodland with a rich flora. Apart from sporadic removal of trees, especially in the privately owned part, the area is almost untouched.


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Old natural oakwood on the slopes bordering the south-eastern shore of Lough Beagh and the Upper Glen. The site consists of Mullangore Wood and the northern part of Glenlack Burn. The vegetation has been assigned to the Blechno-Quercetum petraeae of which two subassociations have been recorded, the coryletosum, which is transitional to the Corylo-Fraxinetum, and the scapanietosum. Quercus petraea is dominant when present with a high frequency of Betula pubescens and Sorbus aucuparia. Corylus avellana is also frequent. Luzula sylvatica and Vaccinium myrtillus are commonly found in the ground layer.


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A tiny marine island in sheltered water of Mulroy Bay.


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Headland with sheer cliffs rising to 200m. Cliffs mainly unvegetated.


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A very small marine island on a stony reef, 1.5 km from mainland.


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An embanked sea channel enclosing a shallow area of brackish water with a large area of empoldered farmland, intensively managed for milk cattle, winter cereals and root crops. The flat open character of the site is an important feature in its attractiveness to wildfowl. The size of the area and the proximity of roost/refuge to feeding grounds are additional attractions.


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A medium-sized uninhabited marine island, 2.5 km from mainland.


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A very small flat-topped island, 2 km offshore. Uninhabited.


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Medium-sized uninhabited marine island, 2.5 km from mainland.


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A fairly low (max. height 40 m) marine island, with automated lighthouse, 5 km offshore. Formerly inhabitited (early twentieth century).


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North facing sea cliffs circa 30 m high and 3 km long surrounding Kinnagoe Bay.


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Sheskinmore is a shallow (max summer depth 60 cm) freshwater coastal lake formed behind extensive dune systems. Calcareous sand blown from the dunes now occupies much of the former lake giving rise to extensive calcareous marshes and machair to the west of the lake. Most of the catchment area to the north and east consists of granite overlain by a thin blanket bog which is partly reclaimed to wet grassland and dry heath. The inflowing water is naturally acidic and thus an acidic/alkaline transition is formed from east to west giving rise to unusual species combinations in the central area. Proximity to the sea adds a further maritime element to the vegetation.


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The site as defined in the An Foras Forbartha county report contains two oligotrophic lakes, Lough Akibbon and Gartan Lough, and significant sections of the eastern shores of both lakes. Lough Akibbon is a medium-sized lake with a muddy bottom and soft water. There is a sparse emergent fringe of Carex rostrata, Phragmites australis and Scirpus lacustris. Submergents include Najas flexilis and Pilularia globulifera. The lake is very rich in Potamogeton species. The western shore is relatively sheltered and well vegetated and the eastern shore is exposed and sparsely vegetated. The lake contains a diverse range of communities. Gartan Lough, the larger of the 2 lakes, has more humic water. The globeflower, Trollius europaeus, occurs on the shores of this lake at one of only two recently recorded sites in the Republic of Ireland.


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Lowland blanket bog with lakes, rivers, flushes and small areas of pool complexes in a broad basin surrounded by mountains covered in mountain blanket bog and wet heath. It incorporates abandoned farms with abandoned meadow/field systems.


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A dune site remarkable for its structure and diversity in that it differs markedly, topographically, from the machair sites which occur in this region. The site includes a lake, Lough Nagreany, at the landward side of the dune system. The lake has a sandy substrate and a variety of water fringe and aquatic vegetation. A small stream flowing from Lough Nagreany dissects the site. A Rosa pimpinellifolia-dominated grassland occurs close to the lake and the slack areas contain a Salix repens-Filipendula ulmaria community with Juniperus communis in higher areas. The headland at the southern end of the site is covered by a Calluna-Empetrum heath as are higher rock outcrops within the site. There is a small area of machair in the western part of the system.


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A long narrow sea inlet with extensive banks of mud and shingle between Letterkenny and Inch. There is some empoldered land at Big Isle and Blanket Nook. Inch Lake, an embanked sea channel, between Inch Island and the mainland, is an important brackish feeding area and roost. The main vegetation types at Inch are Potamogeton pectinatus-Ruppia association, Charetea fragilis, Scirpetum maritimi, Scirpeto-Phragmitetum, Alnion glutinosae and Agrostis stolonifera-dominated grassland. Blanket Nook is a small brackish inlet cut off from the estuary by a dyke, the main vegetation types are Ruppion maritimae, Charetea fragilis, Juncetum gerardii and Agrostis stolonifera-dominated grassland. The site is surrounded by grassland and tillage.


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The highest, oldest and best preserved of the late glacial marine strandlines in Ireland. The site consists of cliffs, coastal rocks and islets and shingle beaches.


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A large, very remote area of lowland blanket bog containing several oligotrophic lakes and pools covering an area of low hills and broad basins. The blanket bog area also contains other interesting habitats including wet heaths, raised bog domes and lakes.


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A fairly small marine island, with automated (since c. 1980) lighthouse, 2 km offshore.


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A species rich oakwood (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae) with examples of both subassociation typicum and coryletosum, the latter being most widespread. In addition to oak, ash, alder and willow occur on the damper areas. Parts of the wood have been coppiced in the past but there has been little management in recent years. A stand of beech occurs in the south-east corner.


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A stretch of river estuary with saltmarshes, mudflats and wet meadows between St Johnstown and Carrigans (contiguous with Important Bird Area in Northern Ireland).


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A tight group of small, low-lying islets and reefs, 3.5 km offshore. Uninhabited.


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These quartzite cliffs, which are capped by basal carboniferous sandstones and conglomerates, show an excellent example of marine erosion. They are the highest cliffs in Ireland. Along the summit wet heath is particularly well developed and grades northwards into largely intact blanket bog.


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Grass-topped rock stack and adjacent cliffs rising to 100 m on the north-west facing coast of Co. Donegal.


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A large inhabited marine island, 11.5 km offshore, mostly low-lying but rising to 86 m at the east end.


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Tranarossan is an extreme flat machair plain over calcareous soils lying between two hills and is fronted by an extreme shingle beach at its western boundary. The eastern boundary of the plain is bordered by a dune system with actively forming dunes and sandy beaches. A low-lying area behind these dunes contains a wet calcareous marsh. The site includes Melmore Hill and Gortnalughoge Hill and the area between these two hills, an area of machair plain at Melmore with some high Ammophila dunes at the western boundary and Melmore Lough with a variety of aquatic communities. The north/north-west side of Gortnalughoge Hill supports rich heath communities alongside maritime ones.


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A very sheltered sea bay with a particularly narrow strait to the open sea at the north end and fed by a number of small streams. There are dunes near the mouth, and blocking the western arm of the bay which is c. 80% exposed at low tide. There is a mixture of mudflats, sandflats and rocky substrates.


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A tidal bay protected from the open sea by a large sand-dune system. It is the estuary of several small streams and contains a mainly muddy substrate. Up to 95% of the bay is uncovered at low tide. There are large areas of Spartina in the northern half. The bay is used for low-intensity recreational boating and fishing, whilst human uses of the adjoining areas include farming, golfing, and residential/urban development. The mudflats are covered with extensive mats of green algae (Enteromorpha and Ulva),particularly in the northern parts. Stony substrates at the southern end have a sparse covering of brown algae (Fucus).


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Three sites on industrial wastelands in the dock area of Dublin Port.


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Vertical sea cliffs topped by steep slopes covered by heathland vegetation. There is a public pathway along the top of the slope and a lighthouse at the southern tip (the Baily).


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A small marine island just north of Howth Head, easily accessible. Vertical cliffs on the north side and a stack at the east end. There is an uninhabited martello tower at the west end and an ancient ruined church in the middle. Uninhabited but has many day visitors in summer.


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The largest east coast island lying 4 km off the north Co. Dublin coast.


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Estuary of the River Broadmeadow with sand/mudflats (c. 80% of eastern part and <5% western part dries out at low tide) and saltmarshes almost cut off from the sea by an extensive system of sand spits and sand-dunes. An extensive stand of Spartina occurs in the north-eastern area of the site. The western part of the site is heavily used for water sports and there is a major pleasure-boat anchorage in the east. There are urbanised areas at Malahide and Swords, but the remainder of the surrounding area is mixed farmland and parkland. A railway viaduct crosses the site.


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A 5 km-long, 1 km-wide sand-dune system built up over 200 years against a man-made harbour wall. Extensive sandy beaches on the south-east side; saltmarshes and mudflats on the sheltered north-west side, between the dunes and the mainland. Mainland areas mainly urban. The dunes have good gradients of typical dune vegetation from stable dune grassland to pioneer communities on foredunes. The dune system contains a large alder slack.


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Two very small granitic islets separated by c.20m-wide channel. One rock has a lighthouse (manned until 1989) with walled areas of soil and vegetation (dominated by Lavatera arborea). No vegetation on the other islet apart from lichens.


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A small estuary separated from the open sea by a sand/shingle bar with saltmarshes, mudflats/sandflats (95% of area at low tide) and wet meadows.


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A river valley with steep wooded sides. The woodlands are mainly planted and the main tree species are Fagus sylvatica, Ulmus glabra, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus sp. and Betula pendula with a ground flora rich in Rubus fruticosus. In Crooksling Glen the vegetation contains Viburnum opulus, Sorbus hibernica and Salix capraea.


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One of the most westerly raised bogs, located on the eastern shore of Lough Corrib. It has the typical hummock/hollow system and tearing patterns of a classical raised bog. The site also features an interesting Betula flush, a small system of infilling lakes, a number of pool systems and a substantial and species-rich calcareous fen.


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A large domed True Midland type raised bog, slightly hollow near the eastern end where it is bordered by the River Shannon and Lough Derg. Bordered by a road on the western side. A small wooded flush occurs near the site centre. Extensive cutting on the northern edge of site.


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Undulating blanket bog with large rock basin lakes, streams, rocky ridges, pool complexes and flushes. Extensive areas of rather uniform Molinia/Schoenus vegetation.


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A small bog beside a small river and badly damaged by fire when surveyed in 1985. However it was still soft and wet with a good Sphagnum cover, pools and several small flushed areas.


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A relatively small area of lowland blanket bog situated on the southern side of the Galway-Clifden road, circa 4 km west of Maam Cross. The southern boundary of the site adjoins the foothills of a relatively steep ridge composed of gneiss and ultra-basic rock. The site is situated entirely on a bedrock of Connemara marble and the calcium-rich nature of this substrate is reflected in an unusual assemblage of plant species. Lough Oorid lies at the western margin of the area and eastwards the site adjoins some turbary land at the south-western corner of Maam Cross. A base-rich iron flush occurs near the middle of the site and features a small, fast-flowing surface stream which breaks up into rivulets.


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A very wet raised bog of the western sub-type with an extensive quaking area and shallow pools in the centre. On the northern edge is a series of bog bursts which have produced deeper pools, especially in association with a small stream.


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A very small lake-island with tall trees, surrounded by shallow waters, reedbeds, and similar islands. Uninhabited.


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Small intact bog with well developed pool complexes, Rhynchospora alba lawns and small flushes.


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A summer breeding roost of Plecotus auritus in the roof space of a cathedral.


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A large expanse of True Midland type raised bog west of Lough Derg with a well developed hummock/hollow system. Pools contain an abundance of Sphagnum pulchrum and there are also flushes, a small stream and a (damaged) soak system.


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A large wet raised bog with good pool systems and a complex flush system at the north west end including a small birch stand, pools and a small lake. Most of the margins are damaged and require restoration particularly in the vicinity of the flush.


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A lowland blanket bog area to the west of the Maam Cross/Screeb road and east of Knockadav. It lies on gneiss with a few bands of marble. The bog is broken up by rocky knolls, ridges and lakes, some with wooded islands. There is a little marginal cutting beside the roads.


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A relatively small area of lowland blanket bog in a basin at an elevation of between 60 m and 90 m, approximately 1.5 km to the ea st of Costelloe at the head of a small, southward-draining river catchment. The site lies in an area of granite lithology. The central part of the area is drained by a stream which rises in a small lake (Lough Alteriff) at the northern end of the site. Interesting features include tear pools, Atlantic blanket bog pools, interconnecting pool systems and flush communities. Sphagnum pulchrum lawns are particularly well developed.


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Small areas of acidophilous oak woodland on serpentine along the shores of Derryclare Lough separated by blocks of conifer plantation. They have a rich flora, particularly in regard to their bryophytes and lichens. There is good regeneration in the absence of grazing. A small stream and pool provide additional habitats.


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Old oak woods (Blechno-Quercetum) inter- and under-planted with Pinus sylvestris and some Norway spruce. The native flora has persisted under the Pinus and there is good regeneration of oaks and other native trees. Several rare species occur along the Woodford river.


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A lowland blanket bog situated on the Carna peninsula about 2.5 km south-east of Glinsk and bounded on the west by the Glinsk-Carn a road and on the east by a granite ridge of approximately 300 metres. The southern margin of the site extends to Dooletter and Glenaun Loughs and the northern margin runs between Saineaghmore and Beagha Loughs. The topography of the site is very varied and includes rocky knolls and ridges, numerous lakes and flat tracts of bogland. This site is representative of the region and features a mosaic of peatland types including several tracts of wet Schoenus nigricans-dominated bog; a number of nutrient enriched flushes with Phragmites; pool and hummock systems with quaking Sphagnum lawns and rock basin and peat basin lakes.


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A very small marine island, 2 km off mainland.


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Errisbeg Hill, which dominates the southern portion of the site,has a varied geology of igneous rocks including the rare orbicular gabbro. It bears a stunted heath vegetation. A fine example of blanket bog extends northwards with patches of heath on the rocky outcrops. Numerous small lakes have an interesting aquatic flora with oak and holly woodland surviving on islands.


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The shallow, more sheltered, eastern part of a large sea bay which is partially protected from the open sea by the Aran Islands. The southern side is fringed by limestone and there are numerous shallow intertidal inlets on the eastern and southern sides. A number of small low islands (including Deer Island) composed of glacial deposits are also located along the east of the bay. The adjacent land is mainly used for low quality grazing with urban development along the north shore. Galway harbour is a commercial fishing port.


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A low-lying karstic limestone area with a series of seasonal lakes (turloughs), fed by springs and a partly subterranean river, surrounded by woodland, pasture and limestone heath. Drainage is subterranean emerging as submarine springs in Kinvarra Bay 10 km away. The turloughs are divided into two distinct groups. The northern group which receives considerable nutrient inputs from the Caunalowna River and where water fluctuates by up to 7 metres between summer and winter. The southern group is mostly spring fed, relatively oligotrophic and fluctuates much less. The vegetation of the two systems is therefore quite distinct with Bidention, Nanocyperion and Litorrellion communities growing on bare mud in the northern series grading upwards into typical Lolio-Potentillion turlough vegetation followed by Filipendulion vegetation at the upper tide mark and finally Corylo-Fraxinetum scrub and high forest depending on the depth of the soil. The southern series has Phragmition communities at the lowest levels followed by Lolio-Potentillion turlough vegetation which grades upwards into oligotrophic Junco-Molinion grassland and then limestone heath or poor Cynosurion grasslands. Approximately half of the original woodland area has been converted to conifer woodland.


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A tiny marine islet in the very sheltered waters of Greatman's Bay.


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A relatively small area of lowland blanket bog lying c. 3 miles to the northeast of Glinsk, bounded on the west side by the Owengowla River, on the north by a road and on the south and southeast by a mountain which rises to an elevation of 340m. The area is characterised by a series of small plateaus situated between low ro cky ridges, hillocks and small lakes. The wettest areas occur on these plateau areas and feature interconnecting pools with Rhynchospora alba and locally frequent Phragmites australis and Cladium mariscus. Small species-rich lakes are common.


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A very small marine island, c. 2.5 km off the mainland south of Ballyconneely.


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A small uninhabited marine island, 3 km offshore.


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A very small marine island c. 1 km offshore, east of Slyne Head.


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A large marine island with several islets and stacks, 5.5 km offshore. Inhabited. Much of the island surface is covered with heath, with semi-prostrate Calluna or Nardus dominant. Some patches of bog and marsh. Plantago-sward on cliff-tops, especially to the west.


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Island with dry calcareous grasslands, mires, inland limestone cliffs and karst and sand-dunes.


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An area with perhaps the best developed areas of limestone pavement and plant communities characteristic of the Burren alongside valuable coastal communities set amongst agricultural units maintained in the traditional manner.


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A medium-sized island (250 ha) rising to 100 m with cliffs on the north and west sides. Abandoned by the human population this century but still used for sheep grazing.


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A small raised bog, cut away on all sides. It contains extensive wet areas with pools, Rynchospora alba and Sphagnum lawns and a flush, leading to a wooded flush with poor fen communities.


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This raised bog is notable for its good dome formation. On the west side old drains extend in from the margin but these are overgrown and the surface is still soft. A track and a drain extending to the bog from the south-west. Most of the bog is soft and wet with a good Sphagnum carpet and the centre of the bog is quaking. Large tracts of Narthecium 'lawns' occur. A large tearing pattern occurs on the bog and this extends from the bogs centre to the south-eastern edge. A number of trees (Pinus sylvestris) occur scattered on the bog and a very small flush exists in the centre containing Betula pubescens and Juncus effusus.


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This lowland blanket bog site lies approximately 10 km to the sou th of Maam Cross on the western side of the Maam-Screeb road. It includes the most low-lying areas encountered during the survey as most of the terrain lies at an elevation of less than 30 m and the highest point is an isolated hill rising to 77 m. Geologically the site is composed mainly of granite with gneiss occurring near the northern margin. The low-lying granitic areas are characterised by two very extensive quaking Schoenus nigricans flushes, notable for the abundance of Sphagnum pulchrum. At a slightly higher elevation, situated between rocky ridges, is a flush with Phragmites, Cladium and Myrica and locally abundant Sphagnum pulchrum. Towards the north-east where the geology changes to gneiss there is a gently sloping area of hummocks, lawns and narrow pools, with the latter orientated across the slope. Sphagnum pulchrum is absent from this area.


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Two soft water lakes, surrounded by mountains and linked by a short channel. Kylemore Lough is a large exposed oligotrophic lake with rocky shores and sparse aquatic vegetation. The western corner of the lake has some sparse areas of Phragmites. Potamogeton natans, Littorella uniflora, Lobelia dortmanna, Isoetes lacustris, Nitella flexilis and Najas flexilis are recorded from the lake. The communities listed are Eriocaulo-Lobelietum Isoetetosum and a community of Najas flexilis and Potamogeton berchtoldii. Poulacoppul Lake is a shallow, relatively sheltered lake immediately down stream from Kylemore Lough. The vegetation of the shore consists of a Carex rostrata fringe or sparse Equisetum fluviatile changing to Phragmites australis and Scirpus lacustris bands lakewards. Nymphaea alba and Potamogeton natans occur in the floating leaf zone while Littorella uniflora and Eriocaulon aquaticum dominate in the shallows with Isoetes lacustris in deeper water. Pilularia is abundant along the sheltered southern shore while Najas flexilis and Subularia aquatica occur in the northern shore area. The plant community Eriocaulo-Lobelietum has been recorded from this lake.


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This site is near the eastern limit of blanket bog and is unusual in that it extends unbroken up to 250m into the 'highland' blanket bog zone. For topographical reasons this is a rare subtype. It includes extremely wet, quaking areas and the plateau is particularly wet with numerous lakes. It also includes a small river catchment and rock outcrops.


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A very large lake with extensive Chara beds, many wooded islands and with large areas of swamp and fen in the shallow south-east section on limestone. The north-west part is deeper, wider and more oligotrophic. Shore is mainly karst, bog and small areas of callow. The surroundings are farmland and holiday-home areas.


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An oligo/mesotrophic freshwater lake lying on limestone but with a catchment consisting of blanket bog and mineral soils. The water as a result tends to be very heavily peat-stained with relatively poorly developed submerged macrophyte beds and reed-beds confined to sheltered bays.


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The site lies 2 km east of Ballinderreen and 3 km south of Kilcol gan, county Galway. Lough Fingall is an excellent example of an infilling lake which displays several stages in the succession of the hydrosere. The southern end is dominated by Cladium-Schoenus fen whilst the central and northern parts hold a vegetation of open Phragmites and Cladium with some Carex elata tussocks on a soft marl substrate. The area is heavily grazed and poached by animals. There is a small turlough at the northern tip of the lake (Cuildooish Turlough, 10% of site area) which contains typical turlough communities. Fringing the lake open hazel scrub occurs up to 3 metres in height. The limestone pavement surrounding the lake is dominated by Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Dryas octopetala limestone heath.


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A largly intact raised bog with a small lake from which flows a small stream, fed by flushes, draining into a turlough.


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An Atlantic blanket bog site north of Casla and south-west of Shanvally. Two lakes, Lough Nagarrivhan and Lough Derrynaboha, occur within the site. West of Lough Nagarrivhan the topography of the site consists of undulating lowland dominated by Molinia caerulea and Schoenus nigricans vegetation with occasional rocky knolls with Calluna vulgaris and Daboecia cantabrica. The lowlying area east of Lough Nagarrivhan has wet quaking areas with Rhynchospora alba commonly occurring. To the east of this the the site rises to the summit of Knocknagarrivhan. North and south of Lough Nagarrivhan there are areas of turbary.


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A varied raised bog with a small lake on the south-west side into which flow small streams with associated flush vegetation. There are several pool and Rhynchospora lawn areas and a small scrub-covered ridge. Cutting occurs on the north-west and south-east margins.


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An oligotrophic lake with rocky islands with trees, surrounded by blanket bog. Uninhabited.


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This area is a complex of geological, geomorphological and biological interest and consists of an extreme machair system alongside an area of lake, heath and marsh set amongst basic rocks.


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A wet raised bog with a small soak, a stream and quaking hummock/hollow complexes and a small Molinia flush.


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This mountain supports interesting upland heath with some arctic-alpine plants extending to the summit. The mountain is formed of schistose rocks in contrast to the quartzite of the rest of the Twelve Bens.


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A very small marine island in a sheltered sea bay (Kilkieran Bay).


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Marine island in the very sheltered waters of Camus Bay.


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Extensive rock-strewn blanket bog with considerable diversity of habitat. The northern part is typical blanket bog with pools, flushes, rock-basin lakes and Molinia-dominated drier slopes. The southern part has a series of alternating rocky ridges and flushes related to geological differences.


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Old oak woodland inter-planted with Pinus sylvestris and Spruce much of which is now mature and being felled so that a largely native stand will remain. The wood is on relatively fertile soil and is classified under the Blechno-Quercetum subassociation coryletosum. There are patches of poorly drained areas with willow and ash.


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A large seasonal lake (turlough) on karstified limestone with small areas of permanent water (10%). Most of the remaining area (65%) is flooded for 6 to 10 months while the rest is subject to frequent flooding during the winter. Water is supplied mainly from the Dunkellin River. Prior to the 1850's the area had no surface outflow and all the water was lost from the area via underground passages. Now during periods of high flows large amounts of water are lost via an artificial surface channel. During such periods the river flows are augmented considerably by groundwater upwellings within the turlough. The vegetation is a typical closely grazed turlough sward but with much greater amounts of Glyceria fluitans and Alopecurus geniculatus than usual. This is presumably due to a higher than normal nutrient status resulting from the large surface water inputs from the Dunkellin River.


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Flood plain of the River Shannon with extensive callows (seasonally flooded, semi-natural grassland, either grazed or managed as hay meadows) and system of surface drains. Once flanked by raised bogs, now largely gone due to peat cutting.


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An undulating area of bog with a central artificial drain. Extensive very wet areas occur. This is one of a complex of bogs now separated by turf cutting.


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A long archipelago of islands, islets, rocks and reefs, totalling c.60 ha, mostly low-lying. Uninhabited apart from a lighthouse on one of the outer islands. Some of the islands are used for sheep grazing.


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Flood plain of the River Suck with callows of semi-natural grassland (either grazed or managed as hay meadows) and extensive system of surface drains. Flanked by raised bogs, many of which have been converted for agricultural use following peat extraction.


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Tooreenacoona Bog lies north of Lough Inagh, in Connemara, encompassing the lower catchment and broad valley of the Tooreenacoona River, and extending south-west into the Gleninagh River valley. The Kylemore to Recess road bisects the site. The area surveyed lies entirely below 60 m and is bounded by high mountains to the east (Maumturk) and west (Twelve Pins). A small conifer plantation (owned by Coillte Teo.) and a minor road form the northern boundary. The bog consists of wet tracts of typical interconnecting pools and hummocks with occasional rocky outcrops. Low ridges run north-west/south-east through the bog and these suffer from overgrazing, resulting in peat erosion especially in the north. The pool areas are less affected, particularly those near the road and east of it, where there is good Sphagnum cover and large well-developed hummocks. A small Carex limosa scragh lies north of the Gleninagh River. Other habitats include wet heath, Rhynchospora alba-dominated areas, with alluvial grasslands and shingle banks alongside the river.


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This heathland is diverse and rich in species and is of the Atlantic type with the added altitude component.


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Formerly an extensive shallow, brackish coastal lagoon separated from the sea by a narrow dune ridge. Rapid siltation has considerably reduced the area of standing water and c.95% of the site is covered with tall marsh vegetation. The main plant communities are Juncetum gerardii, Scirpetum maritimae, Ruppion maritimae, Potametalia and Magnocaricion.


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This lowland blanket bog site is situated within a broad scenic valley, sheltered on all except the north-east side by a 'horseshoe' ridge of mountains. The bogland terrain rises in a south-west direction into a series of broad terrace-like ridges crossed by feeder streams of a tributary of the Caragh River in a north-west direction. The western margin of the site is delimited by the Killorglin-Waterville road which passes over Bealach Oisin. A forestry plantation covers approximately 13% of the site. Much of the site is relatively intact and characterised by several tussocky Schoenus nigricans-dominated inter-connecting pool systems featuring Racomitrium-capped hummocks, Sphagnum imbricatum hummocks, quaking Sphagnum carpets with locally abundant Sphagnum pulchrum, lawns of Rhynchospora alba and pools with Drosera intermedia, Menyanthes and Carex limosa. Regenerating Molinia caerulea predominates in areas where vegetation has been periodically burned.


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Five exposed rocky islands off Slea Head (Inishtooskert, Inishvickillaun, Inishnabro, Inishtearaght and Beginish.


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This area consists of a long range of high-level cliffs with a string of paternoster lakes at their bases.


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Lough Caragh is a large, clean extremely soft-water lowland lake with a large mountainous catchment area covered with mainly heathy and boggy vegetation. Scirpus and Phragmites reed beds are present. Submergent vegetation is dominated by Littorella, Eriocaulon aquaticum, Juncus bulbosus and Isoetes lacustris. Najas flexilis and Subularia aquatica are present. The substrate varies from sand, rock and gravel in shallow water to mud in deeper water. Grasslands containing the very restricted Carum verticillatum occur around the lake margins. Other plant communities include Eriocaulo -Lobelietum Isoetetosum, a community of Isoetes lacustris and a community of Najas flexilis and Potamogeton berchtoldi. Patches of oak woodland occur on the steep slopes at the south end of the lough.


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An unpolluted river system, the Caragh River rises at 400 m in the Magillycuddy Reeks in the northern portion of the Iveragh Peninsula and flows in a northwesterly direction for 27 km to enter Dingle Bay. Lough Caragh, through which the river flows, has an area of 430 ha. The river is fed by a number of other rivers; the Owenroe River (with Lough Cloon); Acoose River (with Lough Acoose); Meelagh River and Owbeg River. The vegetation of the area is typical of western lowland and mountain blanket bog, flush, wet heaths and unmanured permanent lowland wet meadow. Plant communities include communities of the Oxycocco-Sphagnetea including Pleurozio purpureae-Ericetum tetralicis and the Rhynchosporion albae, the Parvocaricetea, Molinia and Erica tetralix heaths and Molinietalia coeruleae. There is also a small amount of woodland present, mostly coniferous plantations. The river contains gravel beds which are exposed during periods of low flow.


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A large, shallow, tidal estuary of the rivers Maine and Laune at the head of Dingle Bay and sheltered from the open sea by vegetated sand and shingle spits on the north and south sides. Extensive mudflats with large Zostera beds are exposed at high tide.


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Acidophilous Quercus petraea-Ilex aquifolium woodland (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae) on steep mountain-side of Old Red Sandstone with an open evergreen understory of Ilex aquifolium. Betula pubescens and Sorbus acuparia are very frequent but rarely form pure stands. Arbutus unedo is common around the woodland margins at low altitudes. There is a species-rich bryophyte layer on the rock floor. The woodland is interspersed with blanket bog.


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A very fine series of intermediate bogs forming 8 domes separated by streams alongside the 'flashy' Owenreagh river. The bogs have formed on the flood plain between the river and a steep mountain side.


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The catchment of the River Flesk with its tributaries (the rivers Clydagh, Loo and Owneyreagh. The river system is 48 km long from the source of the Clydagh River to the outflow of the River Flesk into Lough Leane. Many river stages are represented in the catchment, from very fast flowing mountain streams to slow moving waters in the lowlands. The river system often produces flash floods. The catchment spans two different rock types - the headwaters occur on old red sandstone while the lower reaches occur on Carboniferous limestone, this results in different faunas in the two areas of the river system. The lower reaches of the River Flesk entering Lough Leane have sluggish water with unvegetated sand-banks and submerged and emerging vegetation. The rivers are bordered by trees and scrub in some areas. The surrounding catchment consists of rough pasture in the uplands with upland heath and mountain blanket bog. Also included are a number of upland lakes. The lowland areas contain pasture and some tillage areas.


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A prograding dune up to 5kms long which on the on the eastern side grades into extensive mudflats with large areas of Zostera of value to wintering waterfowl.


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Medium-sized marine island with heath and grassland surrounded by cliffs.


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The most westerly island in the Blasket archipelago. The site includes surrounding waters and islets. The main island rises to 183 m and is precipitous on all sides with gradients of 50-60 degrees. It is almost two islands, being joined by a very narrow saddle through which a high, wide natural arch penetrates. Three small islets lie off the west end of the main island. There are extensive areas of uniform Silene maritima, especially on the screeslopes of the island. The lighthouse on Inishtearaght was manned continuously until 1988 but it is only manned for maintainence at present.


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Relatively flat, medium-sized marine island surrounded by cliffs.


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Relatively flat-topped, medium-sized marine island surrounded by cliffs. The site also contains a surrounding area of open sea.


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Large sheltered sea bay with numerous small low islands close to the north and south shores.


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Lamb's Head is a rocky headland of Old Red Sandstone covered by acid heath and shallow blanket bog. To the north-west of Lamb's Head lies Derrynane National Historic Park which includes Abbey Island with coastal heath and sand flats between the island and the mainland.


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An old unused domestic dwelling. Bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) occupy attic space and dark area at top of stairs.


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The 4 mile long Castlegregory spit is a large tombolo which has grown to link some of the limestone Maharee Islands to the mainland. Lough Gill is a very shallow freshwater lake draining into Tralee bay, bordered by dunes and dune grassland on its north side and by peaty podzolic soils on the south side. The lough is fringed by Phragmites beds along most of its shoreline and it is fed by rainfall and small streams.


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A group of six marine islands and several additional holms and skerries. Uninhabited.


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An extensive flat-topped mountain with several corrie lakes surrounded by cliffs and screes. The steeper slopes are covered in wet heath and, occasionally, bracken fields but much of the area is covered in upland blanket bog. Numerous streams with waterfalls cascade down the mountainside and the cliffs carry a relatively rich and unusual assemblage of arctic/alpine species. The area is frequented by red deer.


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A rather flat, frequently burnt bog dominated by Ericaceae and Eriophorum vaginatum with Myrica, but with a soft, spongy surface and regenerating Sphagnum. Extensive cutting surrounds the intact surface.


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A small marine island 2 km off the mainland at Lamb's Head.


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The site consists of an eastern part on bare Carboniferous limestone outcrops which is Taxus baccata-dominated woodland (Corylo-Fraxinetum facies of Taxus baccata) and a western part on Devonian sandstone which is dominated by a Quercus (mainly Q. petraea) community (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae). In areas of broken rocky terrain there is often a mosaic of shorter Taxus on the limestone outcrops and taller Quercus (largely Q. petraea) stands in intervening soil-filled hollows. Patches of alder carr occur around the lakes and in low-lying areas subject to flooding.


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An area of bog and rock outcrops on a small peninsula projecting into the Long Range. The site contains small bogs located in rock basins and separated by rock ridges. Pool and hummock complexes occur over former basins and they are separated by Phragmites and Cladium stands. Typical blanket bog covers steeper slopes. Parts of the area are subject to flooding.


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Long, narrow and grassy, uninhabited island on the northern side of St. Finan's Bay. The island is surrounded by rocky cliffs, rising to 144 m at one point. The south-west half is a long narrow rocky ridge, while there is a low grassy plateau at the north-east end. The island is almost split in two in the middle.


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A sand/shingle spit with a flat shingle foreshore on the western side backed by dunes with stretches of saltmarsh vegetation on the eastern side. Mudflats are also present on the eastern side. The saltmarsh contains elements of the Puccinellion maritimae and the Armerion maritimae and the saltmarsh/sand dune interface has a community assigned to the Saginetea maritimae.


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A kettle hole occupied by a small mire at the fen/raised bog transition. Much of the bog is extremely wet and quaking with luxuriant growth of Sphagna and Ericaceae with sedges in hollows. The lagg is more or less intact and overgrown with poor fen vegetation and in places carr.


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Quercus petraea acidophilous woodland with an understory of Ilex aquifolium (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae), stands of birch and open wet heath. The site is situated on a steep, relatively dry slope and the trees display a well developed gradient from large, tall specimens on the lake shore, to poor stunted specimens at the top of the wood. At least part of the wood was planted in the early 19th century. The wood is seriously overgrazed and the herb layer and shrub layer are almost absent with little sign of regeneration.


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Oak woodland on valley side at a relatively high elevation. As a result of grazing the wood is open with a poorly developed scrub layer, but it is less heavily grazed than some of the other woods closer to Killarney town. The ground cover is relatively well developed and grassy in character and there is a rich bryophyte and lichen flora.


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An acidophilous oak woodland on a very steep mountainside on the south-west shore of Lough Inchiquin with vegetation of the Blechno-Quercetum petraeae. It is very rich in species, particularly bryophytes, along the numerous small streams flowing down the hillside. Stands of Fraximus excelsior (ash), Betula pubescens (birch) and Populus tremula (aspen) occur within the wood.


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A remnant of a large bog with high face banks around much of the uncut bog and partly afforested. Much of the virgin bog is rather dry but the centre is wet with good Sphagnum carpets.


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A broad flood-plain in which the River Liffey meanders with ash woodland and mixed deciduous woodland.


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A terraced area of marsh extending from the Royal Canal north of Louisa Bridge to the banks of the River Rye. The area is affected by water seepage from the canal and there is a thermal mineral spring rich in iron and calcium carbonate.


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The most extensive area of raised bog remaining in eastern Ireland but there is extensive marginal cutting. Repeated burning has resulted in a very dry surface apart from a few wet patches and the remnants of a soak.


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Pollardstown Fen is a spring fed fen developed in a shallow valley on the northern edge of the Curragh aquifer, the largest limestone aquifer in Ireland. Seven metres of peat and calcium carbonate have been deposited since its initiation at the end of the last Ice Age. The present vegetation consists of calcareous springs, swamps, fen, wet grassland, open water and woodland. There is a gradient from mesotrophic conditions on the fen margin to oligotrophic calcareous conditions in the centre.


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Ash-oak-elm woodland (Corylo-Fraxinetum) on prominent limestone hill. The area has been inter-planted with a mixture of conifers and beech which have been largely removed, but uneconomic stands remain scattered throughout the area. Rubus fruticosus is a prominent species of the field layer with Scilla hyacinthoides.


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A stand of old coppiced and pollarded willows (Salix vimnalis, Salix alba) formerly used for basket making, on an alluvial island in the tidal reaches of the River Suir. There is a luxuriant herb layer of Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites, Eupatorium cannabinum and Epilobium species. Marginal reed beds occur on the south-east side. The remainder of the area is intertidal mud flats and river channels.


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This reserve consists of two parts. The upper part is on a ridge of Old Red Sandstone and carries Blechno-Quercetum with regenerating birch scrub following clear-felling of conifers. The lower part lies on poorly drained clays and consists of young oak and elm with a rich flora characteristic of wet soils including Filipendula ulmaria. This contained one of the largest stands of Ulmus glabra known in the country but much of this has been destroyed by Dutch elm disease.


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A relatively large isolated area of swamp and floating fen developed in a small valley in hilly country on limestone glacial till overlying and surrounded by acid Old Red Sandstone. The catchment is relatively small and iron rich springs are an important source of water for the wetland. The northern third of the fen is dominated by Phragmites swamps with some small areas of open water near springs while the remainder consists of species rich fen partly developed on floating mats generally dominated by Carex diandra but with beds of Typha latifolia or Phragmites scattered throughout especially adjacent to spring areas. Species rich Junco-Molinion grassland occurs in drained areas at the southern and northern end and around the margins at the peat-mineral interface. Small clumps of Salix species occur occasionally on the fen margin.


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Mixed woodland of ash, oak, alder and elm with aspen and plantations of beech and conifers, the last being clear-felled. The area is low lying and poorly drained and is dissected by ditches. Dense thickets of scrub occur in places and the ground flora is varied with an abundance of grasses and rushes in wetter areas.


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Area of swamp woodlands adjacent to the River Nore. The site occurs over deep river muds totally flooded in winter.


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A riverside meadow on the river Nore with adjoining swamp woodland and woodland.


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Woods of well-grown oak, Quercus robur, some of which are over 400 years old, on either side of the Nore river. The soil is deep and often wet and the shrub and ground flora are well developed.


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Nutrient-rich lake surrounded by Salix swamp, drier deciduous woodland and conifer plantation, with residual Schoenus fen meadows at the outer edge of the swamp.


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An isolated raised bog and the only intact example south of the Slieve Blooms. The north and west margins are extensively cut-away but the east and south margins have not been seriously damaged. The bog is very wet in the centre with a few pools and well developed Sphagnum lawns.


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A well formed and intact esker ridge split in two by a small stream which forms the boundary of the reserve along part of the western edge. Most of the ridges were planted with conifers but these have been removed in recent years and remnants of the species-rich ash/hazel wood (Corylo-Fraxinetum) are recolonizing the whole area.


TEXT:
Birch woodland on an old raised bog which is drying out, between Lough Rynn and Clooncoe Lough. Woodland growth is good on the bog margins but becomes progressively more stunted towards the centre of the bog. On the western edge a band of exotic conifers occurs. The eastern edge is bordered by a narrow fringe of alder carr subject to flooding from Clooncoe Lough. Sphagnum is actively growing under the more mature birch and there is much dead and decaying timber.


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An extensive range of Carboniferous limestone cliffs which is part of the Ben Bulben range and runs from Eagles Rock to Glenade Lough.


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A large limestone lake with three genetically distinct populations of brown trout, ferox, ronaghan, gillaroes.


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A summer breeding roost for Myotis daubentonii in an occupied private dwelling.


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A complex of mudflats, saltmarshes and islets on the Inner Shannon Estuary. The main mudflat community is a Macoma-Scrobicularia-Nereis community.


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A shallow calcareous lake divided into several basins by steep hills of reef limestone and with several associated swamps and fens in bays and adjacent depressions. The lake is highly eutrophic, suffers regular algal blooms and is dominated by Ceratophyllum demersum. The surrounding swamps are dominated by Phragmites australis, Scirpus lacustris and Typha latifolia. Extensive grazed fens are also present.


TEXT:
These two bogs, situated 7 km west of Longford town, are adjacent to one another being separated by the flood plain (wet semi-natural grassland or callows), of the River Camlin, which is an integral part of the system. The vegetation of the two bogs is similar, although Fisherstown Bog is probably the wetter of the two. The wet areas are characterised by hummocks, while pools are only poorly developed. The margins of both bogs adjoining the River Camlin are of particular as they are intact. Distinct vegetation zones occur, especially on the eastern side of Fisherstown Bog where a complete gradient from raised bog to fen vegetation occurs. This is very uncommon in Ireland. The western side of Ballykenny Bog slopes down to the River Shannon and is colonised by a band of deciduous woodland. The River Camlin callows contain a mixture of fen and wet grassland.


TEXT:
A small, fairly intact raised bog situated about 4 miles west of Longford town. It contains a flush or 'soak' system which lies in a shallow depression on the north-eastern section of the bog and encompasses approximately 25% of the dome. The flush is characterized by extensive quaking carpets of Sphagnum magellanicum, S. papillosum and S. palustre with well developed hummocks of S. imbricatum and S. fuscum. Also contains a network of deep pools which appear to be concentrically aligned, possibly reflecting a tearing pattern.


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A large raised bog comprising 3 lobes separated by Molinia flushes and streams (some underground). The intact part of the bog has a well developed and typical vegetation cover and on the western lobe a flush occurs with pools and a stream with stands of birch and willow. This area may represent a former bog burst.


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Flood plain of the River Camlin and two adjacent raised bogs. Site consists of a mosaic of wet pasture and callows vegetation on banks of River Camlin with raised bogs fringed by heather cutaway and deciduous woodland. Lough Forbes, included in the site, provides a wildfowl roost.


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This meso-eutrophic lake is the second largest in the Midlands and probably the one least affected by eutrophication. The water is however strongly peat stained restricting macrophytes to depths less than 2 metres. As a consequence mesophytes are restricted to sheltered bays where a typical Shannon aquatic flora is present including Chara tomentosa and Sagittaria sagittifolia. This grades up into extensive Phragmites australis and Scirpus lacustris swamps including stands of Carex elata, Carex paniculata and Cladium mariscus. These in turn grade into Schoenus dominated fens. On exposed areas species rich fen and grassland occur behind stony shores. Small areas of wet woodland are found backing these transition zones in many localities.


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A large raised bog surrounded by a broad band of shrubby cutaway. Much of the surface is wet and quaking with extensive Sphagnum carpets plus pools and a flush on the north side. Much of the surface was burnt a few years prior to evaluation.


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A narrow estuary (c. 5 km long) opening out near the mouth where there are areas of saltmarsh.


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A fjord-like, glacier-scoured sea lough with shallow waters near its mouth containing intertidal mudflats and sand/gravel banks. The River Newry flows into the Lough from the north-west. The area is flanked by glacial moraines and mountains. Contiguous with site in Northern Ireland (3662 ha including this site in the Republic of Ireland). Surrounding area supports sheep-grazing and forestry.


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An upland site with acid grassland, some mountain blanket bog and frequent rocky outcrops. A number of alpine plant species occur on the summit of Carlingford Mountain. Patches of Alnus glutinosa woodland with Fraxinus excelsior occur along the northern side of the mountain.


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A stable shingle-covered raised beach with rich and varied flora; further north the coastal plain has the finest sequence of raised beaches in Ireland.


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A very extensive sea bay (c. 20 km north to south) with up to 3 km-wide sand/mudflats at low tide and two low areas of saltmarsh along the western edge where several small rivers enter the bay. The estuary of the River Castletown, in particular, contains a number of sheltered creeks.


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A small, very flat, alluvial plain south of and adjacent to the River Glyde and bounded to the north and south by low rolling hills. The plain was formerly marshland, but it is now drained and agriculturally improved, with intensive mixed agriculture (grass, cereals and root crops).


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Plateau of blanket bog dissected by streams feeding the River Altaconey. Some wet areas of peat occur within the site.


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An isolated island in an estuary containing a well developed dune system.


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A small flush on a gentle slope with blanket bog at the base. It is totally surrounded by Bord na Mona cutaway. The upper part consists of fen meadow with Molinia caerulea and Cirsium dissectum. A broad flush with Cladium mariscus, Phragmites, Carex spp., Festuca spp., Molinia and herbs, including Saxifraga hirculus, runs down the slope. Within this occur bryophyte communities including Homalothecium nitens, but Meesia tristicha, recorded in 1958, was not relocated in 1988. Patches of willow scrub also occur.


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Complex of sea cliffs, steep slopes, stacks, etc. rising to 250 m on the north-west corner of Co. Mayo.


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Very small grass-topped islets and rocks/reefs 11 km out into the Atlantic from mainland Ireland.


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A large, mostly shallow sea bay sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the long Mullet Peninsula. The bay encompasses the estuaries of a number of small rivers entering from the east. The intertidal substrate is sandy. Surrounding areas mainly low-lying grassland.


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Sessile oakwood (Blechno-Quercetum subassoc. scapanietosum) on relatively fertile soil, with a rich flora, including ash and elma nd luxuriant bryophyte and lichen floras. Conifers have been planted under deciduous trees and there are stands of pure conifers. Several small streams flow through the wood and the Owenree River forms the eastern boundary. There are several small areas of swampy woodland also present.


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The inner, more sheltered and shallow parts of a large sea bay situated between the north end of the Mullet peninsula and the north-west Mayo coast. There are a number of narrow inlets leading off the main bay. There is one small island (Inishderry) situated near the southern edge of the site.


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Hibernating site in limestone cave. Not a very large roost.


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A small lake island (Derreen's Island) 0.5 km from shore.


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A large inhabited island at the entrance to Clew Bay. A dominating feature of the island is a ridge that runs from east to westr eaching 463 m at the highest point on the island, Croaghmore, and forming precipitous cliffs along the northern shore.


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This karstic-limestone area has a well developed limestone heath cover and a large area of open pavement with classical clint and gryke structures.


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Horizontally stratified north facing sea cliffs (2 km long) rising to 30 m.


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A very small island in a brackish coastal lagoon.


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A plateau with rock basin lakes at the foot of the steep northern face. A mixture of blanket bog and high level heath on skeletal soils occurs, the latter probably a result of the erosion of the former.


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A small area of bog bounded by a road, rivers and a forest plantation. The site is very wet with extensive Rhynchospora flats and a variety of habitats including flushes, pools, hummocks and swallow holes.


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An area of undulating blanket bog with numerous morainic hills. Typical blanket bog covers the drier areas but extensive, very wet, iron-rich flushed areas occur on the lower slopes of these hills. Rhynchospora alba flats, often quaking with interconnecting pools and water tracks, are a characteristic feature with occasional patches of rich fen.


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Typical raised bog vegetation with several well developed pool and hummock complexes and slightly flushed areas. The north and west boundaries are delimited by streams. The east part has been heavily scarred by turf cutting.


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The area includes dunes, dune machair, oak/birch woodland, threelakes, marsh and saltmarsh which support varied plant and animal communities. The wide occurrence of windblown sand, the presence of stream channels and of seasonally flooded grassland are interesting habitat features.


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A very extensive area of blanket bog grading into intermediate bog with a variety of pool types, large iron-flushes, mostly dominated by Phragmites with some scrub.


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A gravel/shingle bar capped with grassy drumlins in the island-studded shelter of inner Clew Bay. Uninhabited.


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Horizontally stratified sea cliffs (2 km long) and large stack, rising to 40 m, on north facing coast of Co. Mayo.


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A group of five marine islands with outlying reefs. Uninhabited.


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An area of blanket bog developed over an undulating landscape of morainic gravels, sands and clays. Numerous springs emerge at the base of small ridges supporting extensive areas of poor and rich fen and swamp carr communities separated by areas of well developed blanket bog and wet heath. Parts of the area have been afforested, cut for peat or reclaimed to poor wet grassland.


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A small raised bog remnant divided roughly into two equal parts by a poorly developed flush. The southern part is wet with well developed pools and hummocks. The western part is drier, burnt and poached and affected by old cutaway.


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This is an extensive sandy area stretching from Rinroe Point in the west, covering the area south of Gartar Hill to the coast, and extending to Curraunboy in the east. The area is undergoing severe erosion and large scale reworking of the substrate. Large quantities of sand are blown inland up to 517 feet on Gartar Hill and on to surrounding agricultural land. Dunes are intermingled with machair and in some parts there is no definite boundary between the dunes and the machair. The four main vegetation/landforms are small Ammophila foredunes; further inland small hummocks covered with vegetation, mostly annuals; areas of typical flat machair heavily grazed by sheep and wet machair grassland.


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A generally low-lying undulating plain rising in the east to lowhills covered entirely with blanket bog or on the steepest slopes with wet heath. Peat depths vary from 6 metres in flat areas to over 2 metres deep on slopes of up to 15 degrees. Numerous bog pool complexes occur on the low plateau with individual pools varying from small Sphagnum filled depressions to deep open water lakelets of up to a hectare. In addition there are also spring flushes, streams (some subterranean) and a lake. This is the most oceanic of the blanket bogs known in Ireland with relatively high concentrations of Na++ and Cl- ions in the waters. The vegetation of the general bog surface is Pleurozio purpureae-Ericetum tetralicis (Br.Bl. et Tx. 1952) em. Moore 1968 with Schoenus nigricans and Molinia caerulea dominant and algal mats covering over 50% of the ground surface. By contrast Sphagnum species usually have less than 10% cover. Drier slopes are dominated by Scirpus caespitosus while areas with some surface water movement have Eleocharis multicaulis, Carex panicea, Juncus bulbosus, Drosera intermedia and Carex limosa. Juniperus communis occurs in areas not subject to grazing. The small to medium bog pools are dominated by Littoreletea vegetation with Eriocaulon aquaticum, Lobelia dortmanna, and Juncus bulbosus plus Menyanthes trifoliata and Potomogeton polygonifolius and Sphagnum species. Macrophytes are generally absent from the large pools due to excessive wave action. Areas with strong water movement or groundwater influence support the Sphagneto-Juncetum effusi (Ratcliffe 1959) McVean & Ratcliffe 1962, an oligotrophic fen vegetation type and isolated stands of Salix atrocinerea and Carex paniculata. The stream vegetation is dominated by Juncus bulbosus, Scirpus fluitans and where mineral soil is exposed Scapania undulata. The single large lake which, unlike the bog pools, has a mineral substratum has sparse Scirpus lacustris and Potamogeton perfoliatus beds and Littorelletea communities including Isoetes lacustris.


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A series of six turloughs (seasonal lakes) developed in a small undulating karstified limestone catchment area. They are flooded with highly calcareous water for 6-9 months of the year. Flooding and drainage is via subterranean channels. The vegetation consists of closely cropped Cynosurion, Junco-Molinion and Lolio-Potentillion grass swards with Phragmition and Magnocaricion communities in summer wet areas on the turlough floor. During winter flooding the area supports a high diversity of waterfowl.


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Two flat low-lying offshore islands west of the Mullet Peninsula.


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The two largest islands (uninhabited since 1932) 3-4 km west of the Mullet Peninsula. The northern island is low-lying and dominated by machair, with a small lake. The southern island has a low-lying machair-covered north end but a heath covered hill and ridge extends southwards. There are several holms and skerries mainly off the northern end of the north island.


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A very small marine island in the sheltered waters of Clew Bay.


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Sea cliffs (4 km long) rising to 130 m on the exposed north-westside of Inishturk Island.


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The inner (southern) part of a triangular north-facing bay, which is the estuary of the River Moy and several other small rivers/streams. A long sandy island (Bartragh) separates the south-west side of the bay from open water. Much of the inner part is intertidal while the northern part shelves to c.10 m. The site also includes the estuary of the River Cloonaghmore, in the north-west.


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A medium sized machair site occurring to the west of Ray Lough d to the north of Kinrovar Point. The site includes a large area of hillocky machair with low hummocks alternating with flat areas and a small badly eroded foredune system. Two types of vegetation occur, a 'dry' area about 500 metres from the sea and a wet area 1000 metres from the sea. The vegetation is a typical machair type vegetation with many machair species present.


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Part of a formally vast area of blanket bog, remarkable for the density of peat-bottomed pools on the low plateaux. A series of flushes arise on the higher ground on the N. part of the area with species-rich poor fen communities. The streams have a rich marginal flora, and there are patches of scrub.


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The Lackan saltmarsh occupies the floor of a long, steep-sided valley and is large and unspoilt. It has significant floral and ornithological interest and geomorphologically it is also of value. Kilcummin Head is important for its herb-rich grassland which extends from the coastal fringe of dunes south-east of Lackan Bay to over 30 m altitude on the headland.


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Large clear water marl lake with a very complex shape and average depth of 1.25 m. Some surface inflows but mostly spring fed. Aquatic vegetation (mainly Chara species) absent from exposed areas less than 2 m deep. Swamp vegetation confined to sheltered areas. All aquatic and emergent vegetation stunted due to calcium carbonate deposition and the marl substrate. The shoreline vegetation consists of species rich Schoenus fen, limestone grassland, rock outcrops, woodland and scrub.


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Catchment of the Bunowen River with blanket bog and commercial forestry plantation.


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Blanket bog on the shores of Lough Feeagh.


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Lough Furnace is a brackish lake situated at the north-east corner of Clew Bay, north of Newport and south of the Burrishool River system. The lough may be described as a crypto-depression bounded by moraine and drumlin features. The basin has a maximum depth of 21 metres. At its northern end it is connected to Lough Feeagh, an oligotrophic lake. As Lough Furnace is situated at the seaward end of a system draining acid bogland it receives waters rich in peat silt. The lough has a considerably attenuated connection with the sea at the southern end. Shoreline features on the west of the main lake basin are a series of long narrow bays between drumlins and moraines, with stony clay beaches backed by boulders or peat in some places. Other shores have bouldery shorelines with Fucus ceranoides growing sparsely. There are small patches of Phragmites, mainly in sheltered bays. The lake is a meromictic lake with a homogeneous, low salinity surface layer (mixolimnion) usually between 2 and 3 metres deep. The monimolimnion is stagnant due to the stability of the lake imposed by sharp changes in salinity with a typical profile showing well oxygenated surface waters separated from stagnant (anoxic) deep saline waters by a sharp discontinuity. At the north-western end of the lake lie two associated lakes, Lough Naprasky and Lough Navroony. A stream drains from the latter into the main lake. The area contains flush and quaking mire vegetation which is of interest. Hammarbya paludosa and Erica erigena are found in this area.


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An area of lowlying lowland blanket bog on a small peninsula on the west side of Bellacragher Bay, a sheltered inlet of the sea. It has a remarkable diversity of habitats with pool systems, hummocks and hollows, streams, flushes and saltmarsh on peat. There is an interesting zonation from blanket bog to saltmarsh.


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The site occurs on Carboniferous limestone partly covered in glacial drift forming drumlins in places. The site contains the highly dissected southern shore of Lough Mask whose water level has been lowered exposing tongues of rock. This rock has been covered in thickets of scrub in which Frangula alnus and Rhamnus catharticus are usually abundant. On deeper soils poor ash/hazel wood occurs, plus areas of Quercus robor. Limestone pavement, Salix carr, poor fen vegetation, wet grassland, heath and scrub woodland also occur. Exotic conifer, ash and beech plantations occur on the best soil, but they are mostly of poor quality. Seasonal pools occur during dry weather when the water level of Lough Mask drops.


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A deep lake with well developed stratification in summer. There are numerous islands on the lake.


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Lough Conn is a large calcareous lake with a shallow stony shore line, several reefs and inshore islands. Lough Cullin is a smaller, less open lake and on metamorphic rocks. The narrow neck of land separating the two lakes and the lakes' shores are well wooded grazing areas.


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Rather uniform blanket bog covers this area which includes the lowland, highland and mountain facies. There are a few pools on the summit plateau and several small streams. Grazing and cutting by sausage machines (at relatively high altitudes) is causing damage to the site.


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Ruins of big house and man-made underground passage.


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A very small marine island (0.7 ha) in the sheltered waters of inner Clew Bay.


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This is an extensive area of machair running down the west side of the Mullet Peninsula which contains a number of shallow freshwater lagoons.


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This complex of mountain, sea inlet and lake contains a diverse range of communities of plants and animals including a good representation of arctic-alpine species and those of oligotrophic lakes.


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An example of hyperoceanic oakwood (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae subassoc. scapanietosum) situated on a prominent hill running down to the coast. It is partly planted with conifers which are currently being removed. The cline from tall, well-developed trees with a rich understory and herbaceous flora at the base of the slope to scrubby, wind-shaped trees and poor herbaceous flora on the hill top is striking. The bryophyte and lichen flora is particularly rich.


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The largest and best developed area of intermediate bog known, with characteristics of both blanket and raised bogs. The area contains and is surrounded by drumlins which form a small catchment. Numerous flushes occur within the bog forming small streams with species-rich poor fen associated.


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A large relatively intact blanket bog catchment on the western side of the Nephin Beg mountain range. The upper slopes of the mountains, which rise to 711 m carry wet heath and cliff vegetation while the lower slopes are covered with blanket bog. Several small corrie lakes and many bog pools exist while a range of grassland and wetland vegetation types occur along the Owenduff river and in the floodplain. Anser albifrons flavirostris feed on the very wet ombrotrophic peat domes developed on the river terraces.


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A small valley bog located on the east side of Mweelrea Mountain. It has formed on an island in the Owenlough River. This site is rather uniform floristically and dominated by Molinia and Schoenus but with Rhynchospora alba abundant in wetter locations. Much of the bog is very wet and quaking.


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Oak woodland (Blechno-Quercetum) on a steep granite hillside sloping down to Lough Conn. The woods are mostly coppiced, with birch and Quercus petraea, a dense understory of holly, plus stands of aspen. Islands in the lake contain scrub with juniper and the shore-line, now largely exposed following lowering of the lake, contains interesting plant communities.


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Six kilometres of near vertical, horizontally stratified sea cliff, rising to 200 m, on the north coast of Co. Mayo, with blanket bog covered hills in the hinterland. Several islets (including Pig Island) and stacks occur offshore.


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An undulating lowland blanket bog south-west of Belderg near the northern coast of the Belderg Peninsula. The bog is bounded by roads on all sides with a small river to the south and it occurs at an altitude of 100-200 m above sea-level. The northern part of the site had been recently burned in 1987 and the grazing was excessive. Nevertheless there were some pool areas and a river section with a rich and varied flora that includes Salix repens. A large flush system, known as the Rathavisteen Flush is centrally located in the site and this has a varied and interesting flora including Vaccinium oxycoccus and the rare moss Homalothecium nitens. It has large areas of Sphagnum lawns with parts dominated by Phragmites australis, others by Juncus effusus and Salix and Betula woodland.


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An Atlantic blanket traversed by river and stream channels with diverse vegetation. Some excellent pools of both raised and blanket bog types are found in different parts of the bog, many surrounded by deep Sphagnum carpets with good lichen flora. There is an extensive collapsed swallow-hole system with mature Salix atrocinerea and Sorbus acuparia. Several very large Phragmites australis flushes occur, some of which are iron flushed with Schoenus nigricans and Molinia caerulea tussocks and Homalothecium nitens occurs here.


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A low plateau and river valley. There are frequent rocky ridges and extensive quaking Rhynchospora alba and Sphagnum lawns with small, richer flushes at the stream heads.


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A wet raised bog divided into two lobes by a well developed Phragmites/Molinia flush. Both parts of the bog contain well developed pool and hummock complexes with Rhynchospora lawns. Wet meadows and old cutaway fringe the bog except on the western edge where there is extensive new cutting.


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This site includes machair sand dunes with a rich flora and a brackish lake with a eutrophic, species-rich fen.


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A series of small kettle holes with lakes which have become overgrown to varying extents. Formerly consisting of nine small wetlands but drainage in recent years has reduced this to three. The three remaining sites have calcareous open waters grading through Cladium swamp to floating bryophyte dominated mats which have in some areas been invaded by bog species. This in turn grades through Caricion davillianae communities to mineral soil.


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A wet raised bog with well developed hummocks, shallow pools and Rhynchospora alba flats. The only known example of an Irish raised bog possessing an extensive (c. 20 ha), wet birch wood across the centre of the dome in an area showing obvious signs of flushing. The site is bordered on the south side by an esker ridge with interesting grassland.


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A summer breeding roost for Plecotus auritus in the attic of a private house.


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A summer breeding roost for bats in the attic of a private dwelling.


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A summer breeding roost for Nyctalus leisleri in the attic of a private dwelling.


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An isolated bog extensively cut away on the north-east side and dried out from a series of drains at the east end. The remainder of the bog is uniform and suffering from burning but has good Sphagnum regrowth and a few pools.


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Large woods predominantly of oak, with ash, elm, birch and an understorey of hazel and hawthorn (Corylo-Fraxinetum). One small part of the wood contains trees over 450 years old and may be the oldest stand in the country.


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The largest remaining example of the True Midland sub-type of raised bog. It contains the finest examples of soak systems remaining in Ireland and well developed hummock and hollow complexes. Bounded to the north by a fine esker ridge and to the east by calcareous woodland (Corylo-Fraxinetum). The eastern part has been damaged by attempts to drain it, but restoration is now in progress.


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A small bog at the confluence of the River Brosna and the River Shannon. The site is rather uniform with well developed hummock and hollow complexes and some softer areas but no quaking areas. There is a small flush at the east end. Hand cutting of turf occurs around much of the margin.


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A raised bog with a good dome development. The bogs surface is wet and 80-90% of it is covered by a Sphagnum magellanicum carpet. A small area with good Sphagnum imbricatum hummocks and S. cuspidatum pools is present on the south-eastern side. A large stand of Pinus trees occurs on the eastern half of the bog. These trees were planted or have spread from a nearby demesne.


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Limestone lake with surrounding fen and marsh, grading into pasturage. Parts of the fen exhibit transition to bog.


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A flat raised bog bounded on the eastern margin by a roadway. Although 95% of the bog has been burned in the past Sphagnum was regenerating and the peat was quite spongy when surveyed (1983). Continuous carpets of Sphagna occur in the wettest areas to the north. A small patch of Myrica gale occurs towards the centre of the bog indicating flushing.


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Winter-flooded, semi-natural meadows/marshes (used for grazing or hay-making) along the River Little Brosna, together with an extensive system of surface drains. A complex suite of vegetation types from low-lying grass-rich centre dominated by Glyceria fluitans/Agrostis stolonifera to species-rich higher periphery characterised by Briza media, Carex spp. and Festuca rubra. The area of the site includes upland areas for which no vegetation data is available but this is being included for buffer zone purposes.


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A very wet Midland raised bog near Clonmacnoise lying between two parallel esker ridges. It has well developed pool systems. Part of it has not been burned for many years (20+) and it possesses a rich lichen flora. It is unusually wet and has a particular pronounced pattern of pools, lawns and hummocks.


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This midland raised bog is developed in a small basin on the catchment boundary of two major river systems. The peat deposit is very deep, up to 15 m in places. The vegetation is typical with a good Sphagnum cover but the formerly extensive hummock-hollow system is now much reduced. The margins of the bog have been arterially drained and the former lagg zone dried out. This area has been partially converted to intensive grassland with the remainder in dry Cynosurion and wet Junco-Molinion grassland. There are also small areas of Betula scrub on some of the cutaway areas.


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A summer breeding roost for Nyctalus leisleri in the flat roof of a pre-fabricated classroom.


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A flood plain bog developed between the River Little Brosna and a low hill to the east. The bog has been subjected to repeated burning and is rather uniform and dry as a consequence but otherwise marginal cutting has had little impact. The western margin grades into birch woodland alongside the river.


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A narrow belt of blanket bog running along crest of the mountains. The vegetation is remarkably uniform and undisturbed. The headwaters of several rivers rise in the bog.


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A wet bog bisected by a road. The western part is the drier of the two parts but contains pool systems. The eastern part has an extensive wet and quaking area with pools from which arises a stream and flush which flows into a disturbed area of fen. This area was subject to a major bog burst in the nineteenth century.


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A very large western raised bog situated between the towns of Bellanagare, Frenchpark and Castlerea. The surface is undulating resembling blanket bog but the vegetation is typical of raised bogs. It appears to have suffered from burning as the vegetation is rather uniform but flushes and streams add variety.


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A very wet, Western sub-type, inter-drumlin, raised bog dissected by the head-waters of the River Suck, with several small soaks, lakelets and well developed pools and hummocks. It grades into fen along the River Suck and into incipient blanket-bog vegetation on the marginal drumlin. The site is rich in plant species.


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A complex of raised bogs of which 2 form this site. They are separated by the drained Lung River, and are situated on the southern shore of Lough Gara. The western bog is rather uniform but with several pool systems and at the north-west end grades into abandoned grassland. The eastern bog contains numerous flushes and pool systems.


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A large undulating bog with a central area of poor fen with Phragmites. The bog surface is rather dry from burning and grazing but still contains wet areas. Several ridges occur and a stunted oak woodland with Vaccinium vitis-ideae occurs on one of these.


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A raised bog with typical vegetation, quaking in places. There are several small flushes.


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A small area of bog bordered on two sides by a river which floods the bog margins. The western part is damaged by drainage and turf cutting but the remainder of the bog is very wet with pools, quaking flats and a small lake. There is also a small mineral ridge within the bog.


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A fluctuating lake which has some of the features of a turlough. The southern end has typical turlough vegetation while the middle and northern portion has very extensive areas of Scirpus lacustris swamp grading into Carex elata/C. lasiocarpa stands in drier areas and with Phragmites swamp at the main inflow. These swamps grade up into oligotrophic but species-rich Junco-Molinion grasslands subject to regular flooding and finally into improved Cynosurion grassland. On the eastern side there are several ungrazed islands where this improved grassland is replaced by Ulex europaeus scrub. Between these islands are Junco-Molinion and Lolio-Potentillion grasslands and Carex rostrata/C. Lasiocarpa swamps with Glyycerio-Sparganion communities in the interconnecting water tracks.


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Mixed woodland on a limestone headland on the western shore of Lough Ree. It is bounded by the lake to the east, north and north-west; on the south-east it abuts on farmland, on the south-west by extensive open wetland. The woodland is mostly dominated by Quercus robur with Fraxinus excelsior and Ulmus glabra forming a canopy in some areas (often with an understory of Corylus avellana). This vegetation is assigned to the Corylo-Fraxinetum. The open wetland has well developed low fen communities dominated by Schoenus nigricans and Carex spp. and Phragmites-dominated reed beds occ ur in sheltered beds. Adjacent to this there is an area of swamp woodland on peaty soils (Osmundo-Salicetum atrocinereae).


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Part of a now fragmented bog complex with several pool systems and a well developed wooded flush.


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Isolated stretch of horizontally stratified mainland cliff circa 1.5 km long. Land to cliff edge actively farmed.


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A variety of upland habitats are found in this area which supports the best developed high-level communities in the country. Disused barytes workings occur above Gleniff valley. The spectacular cliffs here and at Glenade are rich in arctic-alpine communities and the blanket bog of the plateaux summits is diverse and intact.


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Ash, hazel and oak woodland (Corylo-Fraxinetum) on limestone and alluvial soil which changes sharply in character as acid rocks appear in the west, to Blechno-Quercetum. Interspersed with stands of conifers especially in upper parts. The wood fringes the shore of Lough Gill.


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The middle one of 3 'arms' forming Sligo Bay, containing the estuary of the River Garavogue with mudflats and extensive sandy flats (c. 80% at low tide). Sheltered from the open sea by Coney Island. There are beds of Zostera and mats of green algae in various parts of the bay.


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A cliff area more eroded than the Ben Bulben area supporting a diverse flora of heath, dominated by juniper and arctic-alpine plants.


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A medium-sized rather low (20 m), flat marine island, 6 km offshore. Uninhabited since mid-twentieth century.


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A large pasture field sloping southwards to the seashore at Drumcliffe Bay. The field is undulating and contains a large hollow which holds a pond fed by rain water most of the year. The area is bordered by deciduous woodland to the west. The grassland is managed for wildfowl. Most of the area (90%) is Anthoxanthum odoratum -Holcus mollis grassland while marshy vegetation occurs in wetter areas especially in the pond hollow.


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An extensive area of Atlantic lowland blanket bog with flushes, streams (surface and underground) and pool complexes. The wet domed areas with pools are transitional to raised bogs while Schoenus nigricans, which is characteristic of the blanket bogs further west, is absent.


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Located to the north-east of Easky Lough, Crowagh River Bog is an excellent example of highland blanket bog. This site is bounded to the west by the Mullany Cross-Dromore West road; to the north and east by the Owenduff River and to the south-west, south and east by high ground. The site is drained by a series of streams, most of which join to form the Crowagh River, which flows from east to west across the site. There are numerous small lakes with rocky substrata within the site boundary. The site encompasses a wide range of habitats; flushes, streams, lakes, ridges, slopes and pools. The site has extensive areas of inter-connecting pools with Atlantic blanket bog pools intermixed. The flats of these areas are usually dominated by Rhynchospora alba and Eriophorum angustifolium with Myrica gale and Schoenus nigricans, which indicates some underground lateral flushing. Sphagnum hummocks and lawns tend to be well developed with Sphagnum imbricatum (previously unrecorded in county Sligo) quite common. The ground underfoot is often quaking and scragh-like.


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A shallow limestone lake divided into two parts with marshes and wet meadows on the River Boyle, up river from Lough Key. Also includes several islands. The shores of the lake and islands have open aspects with little structured vegetation.


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A typical western oakwood (Blechno-Quercetum) with oaks mixed with holly and rowan on a steep slope exhibiting a pronounced soil catena with corresponding changes in the ground/herb layers. It is intermixed with stands of conifers. There is a rich epiphytic flora.


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A raised bog which was originally part of a system of interconnecting bogs. These bogs are now separated due to road construction and some marginal reclamation. The bog has a flat morphology and an irregularly shaped outline. Some afforestation has taken place on the western side. The wettest part of the bog is the centre where excellent hummocks and pools occur. This accounts for 20% of total site area. A number of small flushes occur elsewhere on this bog which, together with some low Phragmites ridges account for 5% of the bog area. The remainder of the bog contains bare algal pools and shows poor Sphagnum growth. A number of drains transect the bog but 98% of the bog surface is still wet.


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A complex of raised bog containing well developed quaking pool and flush systems and flushes with small stands of trees. The bogs are separated by old cutaway which has been invaded with Betulap ubescens and Pinus sylvestris. Parts of the margin grade into wet woodland.


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A variety of limestone habitats occur at this site on the shores of Lough Derg, including dry grassland, exposed rock and an important open Taxus baccata-Juniperus communis woodland.


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A largely intact raised bog without an obviously domed morphology. Characterised by a wet, soft surface with much Narthecium ossifragum and Carex panicea and relatively little Sphagnum.


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An inland mountain range reaching 919 m, with diverse plant communities of blanket bog and, on steep slopes over the corrie lakes and on well-drained areas, heath, grassland and arctic-alpine communities are found.


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A large flat, shallow raised bog bordered by a recent drain along the south-eastern margin, causing drying out of the bog edge. Apart from this area the bog is extremely wet and quaking in areas. Towards the centre there is a small area of open water in the site of a lake marked on the six-inch Ordnance Survey map. Most of this lake was in-filled with Sphagnum species showing a well-developed growth pattern with Betula pubescens, Osmunda regalis and and other flush species around the margins. Pinus sylvestris grows to the east while to the north and south quite large patches of Molinia caerulea and Myrica gale, indicative of water movement and nutrient enrichment, occurred. In the north-west section of this site there is an area (circa 10 ha) of excellent hommock-hollow formation surrounded by large Sphagnum fuscum, S. imbricatum and Leucobryum hummocks with tracts of Narthecium on bare peat in between. The entire area is quaking. The north-western and north-eastern areas are dominated by Carex panicea, Narthecium ossifragum and Scirpus and Cladonia species.


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Summer breeding roost for Nyctalus leisleri in a school attic.


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An extensive limestone cave system with dry and well decorated chambers and passages. Three separate caves are included, the old cave having probably the largest underground chamber of any Irish cave.


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Part of a complex of domes separated by streams. Only one dome remains intact: this contains very wet, pool-studded areas and grades into fen on the south side and borders the Little Brosna callows on the northern edge. Geese which feed on the Little Brosna callows use Redwood Bog as a roosting area. Extensive cutting is occurring on the western edge and the marginal drains have been deepened.


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Summer breeding roost in prefabricated classroom.


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Artificial eutrophic lakes at a sugar factory.


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Summer breeding roost for Plecotus auritus in a school attic.


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An ice-cut corrie in the Comeragh Mountains including a very deep lake. High walls of Old Red Sandstone and a fine complex of moraines. The lake drains through the moraine complex which carries heath vegetation. Unlike most corrie lakes the water is exceptionally clear (Seechi 12.5 m). Macrophytes however only penetrate to 5 m due perhaps to low temperatures below the thermocline. The phytoplankton is dominated by a flagellated alga, Peridium spp. and is extremely species poor.


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A large east-facing sea bay sheltered by Helvick Head and Ballynacourty Point, and a narrow north-south shingle spit which almost divides the bay in two, with saltmarshes, sand and mudflats and Zostera beds. A few small rivers flow in in from the west (R. Bricky & R. Colligen). There is a built-up area (Dungarvan) at the head of the bay. Two thirds of the bay is exposed at low tide.


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Low rock cliffs and headlands on and around the harbour of Dunmore East, with the village above the cliffs and piers, jetties, etc. below.


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A series of non-contiguous mixed-deciduous woodlands along the River Nier and tributaries showing various stages in development towards an oak-dominated climax. There are also some areas of scrub with Ulex europaeus and birch (Betula spp.) included in the site.


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An important example of semi-natural mature oak wood (Blechno-Quercetum subassoc. coryletosum) in a rather dry site, which is regenerating freely. The site has a well developed ground flora with interesting bryophytes and lichens and good stands of bluebell. Mostly plantation, partly coppiced.


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A well-developed dune system with a varied flora and fauna of both strand and high dune communities. Rather small, shallow bay with mudflats, separated from the sea by the sand dune system. Most of the mudflats area is exposed at low tide. Sections of the western part of the bay have been empoldered. There are small areas of saltmarsh in places.


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Church currently being used as an agricultural store.


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A largely unpolluted lake with a wide band of Salix carr and swamp with Carex species and Menyanthes trifoliata around most of its margins, giving way to Scirpus, Phragmites etc. closer to the water; the carr contains small open pools and areas of Molinia meadow and is backed by conifer plantation or Rhododendron-invaded part-drained bog.


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Remnant of a much larger bog with forestry and cutaway to the south. It has a characteristic flora with pool systems, a small flush with birch, and quaking areas. Sphagnum pulchrum is locally abundant in the Sphagnum lawns.


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A true midland raised bog c.1.5 miles west of Lough Derravaragh, is bounded to the south-east and south-west by rivers Inny and Riffey respectively, and to the north-east by the main Dublin to Ballina railway line. The Bog is relatively intact especially along its north-eastern margin where a narrow band of wet fen-grassland occurs. A well developed system of concentrically aligned pools and hummocks occupy about 25% of the dome. A small soak system occurs near the north-west corner of the bog.


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An island fringed by a deep belt of oak woodland. Much of the island is used for cattle farming, but the woodland retains an associated flora and fauna and continues to the water margin along much of its length. There is a transition belt of water fringe vegetation passing into tall emergent aquatics along sheltered parts of the shore. More exposed stretches of the shore are rock/pebble covered.


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Semi-natural woodland of well grown hazel, ash and hawthorn covers this steep-sided esker which is a prominent landscape feature. Quercus robor, Ulmus glabra and Sorbus hibernica are important constituents of the canopy and there is a rich herb flora. Various attempts to clear the wood have resulted in a mixed age structure and consequent variations in ground flora.


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A base-rich lake with a long narrow arm running south-east between steeply sloping ridges. The north-west end is wide and shallow with extensive flats and marshland with raised bogs in the hinter land. The River Inny, a major tributary of the River Shannon, flows in and out of the lake at the north-west end. Owing to lower lake levels due to drainage, mud/sandbanks are exposed in dry conditions.


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A large, open, steep-sided but shallow limestone lake with a markedly alkaline pH. There are limited areas of reedbed and scrub, and a number of small wooded islands.


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Glen Lough has practically no surface water owing to drainage in the 1960s and Lough Iron is much reduced and fringed by broad strip of Phragmites and sedge-dominated communities with Salix and Alnus scrub. Both 'lakes' are surrounded by farmland.


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A shallow, spring-fed limestone lake with clear, relatively unproductive alkaline waters. There are a few small wooded islands near the southern shore. Surrounded by farmland. Up to 60% of the lake floor is covered with Charophyte-dominated vegetation. A major brown trout fishery is based on the lake.


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Lakeside marsh and fen at south-east end of lake with complete gradation from open water, through Scirpus beds to thick fen meadow, with patches of scraw and shallow pools.


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Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)/hazel (Corylus avellana) woodland and scrub (Corylo-Fraxinetum) with small species-rich fields devoted to pasture 'cut out' of the woodland on an extensive esker ridge. The woodland and scrub has been subjected to frequent coppicing and removal of larger trees and is very species rich. The fields carry old grassland and a small stream on the western edge of the ridge floods the adjacent fields thus providing a strong contrast with the dry ridge. Old quarries provide unstable sand and gravel soils.


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The area is a wet transition fen with a floating root mat developed in a small oval-shaped depression. The fen is fed by weak surface springs and drains by an artificially defined outlet. The vegetation is mainly mesotrophic fen which in the central area becomes open carr and transitions to ombrotrophic bog. The Caricetum rostratae occurs at this site.


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The western part of the site (Ballyteige Burrow) is a 9 km long spit running north-west from the coastal village of Kilmore Quay. Along this spit a ridge of high dunes (many over 20 km high) has built up, least stable along the seaward side and most stable inland, though blow-outs occur throughout. In some areas sand has been wind eroded down to the gravel bed. Wet dune slacks are very scarce in the system. The Cull is a long narrow sea inlet and estuary of the Duncormick River. The eastern portion of this intertidal system was reclaimed in the last century by construction of the Cull Bank and is now polderland most of which is intensively farmed grassland and arable land (Killag). The western part extending westwards from the Cull Bank is included in the Nature Reserve. This section extends c. 5.5 km from the Cull Bank to the open sea at the tip of Ballyteige Burrow. The western end of Ballyteige Burrow is part of the Nature Reserve.


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A fairly large sea bay receiving small rivers and streams in the north and south-west. At low tide up to 75% of the area is exposed mud and sand. There are mudflats in the narrow northern part; also in the south-west and south-east, with saltmarsh at higher levels. The area is otherwise dominated by extensive sandflats. Dune systems on the western and eastern sides of the bay provide shelter from the open sea.


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An intermediate fen containing wet grassland and tall sedge communities.


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A summer breeding roost for Myotis nattereri in a church attic.


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Two small uninhabited islands off the south coast of Wexford.


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Shallow coastal lagoon containing a few small islands and separated from the sea by a shingle bank. There are rich marshland areas to the south-east. The main aquatic plant communities are in the Ruppietea and the Charetea. Ring marsh has Phragmites and Scirpus beds and extensive stands of Iris pseudacorus. The seasonally flooded lake margins have vegetation belonging to the Agropyro-Rumicion crispi.


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Very extensive tidal freshwater marshes on the River Slaney including several islands. The major vegetation types are Phragmites, Carex riparia, Phalaris arundinacea and Scirpus lacustris stands with small areas of Alnus glutinosa/Salix scrub invading. The river channel contains two rare plant species Groenlandia densa and Callitriche truncata (only Irish site) as well as pioneer vegetation of bare mud e.g. Eleocharis acicularis.


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A dense woodland on very steep slopes overlooking the River Barrow and adjoining a rocky platform upon which a rare community of plants occurs.


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The sole example of an afforested dune area in the Irish Republic over well developed dune. Throughout its length of 5 kms it has been planted with Pinus maritima except for a narrow band along the fore-dune areas. Future management will aim for the restoration of the original dune structure through tree removal.


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Two islands with rocky coast and cliffs. The dominant plant communities around the coastal cliffs can be assigned to the Silenion maritimae Malloch 1971 while the majority of the inland area of both islands is dominated by bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) with an understory of Glechoma hederacea and locally Hyacinthoides non-scripta. Urtica dioica dominated vegetation with affinities to the Artemesietea occurs on the Little Saltee. Great Saltee was formerly a bird observatory and a wide variety of species were recorded.


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A classic kame and kettle landscape with many lake basins, marking the site of former ice blocks in an acid sandy moraine. The lakes have widely different plant and animal communities. Incipient raised bog occurs at Lough Doo with acidic fen and Nitella communities associated with many of the other ponds. The most low-lying of the lakes has calcareous water, well developed swamp communities, abundant Fontinalis antipyretica to 4.5 metres deep and the hypolimnion is subject to deoxygenation. The steep slopes surrounding the lakes are covered in scrub and grassland while the flat fields are under crops.


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Until 1976, a tidal lagoon separated from the open sea by a long shingle bar backed by sand dunes. Longshore drift closed the connection in 1976, after which the lagoon flooded with freshwater. Local farmers set up a one-way drainage pipe through the bar and now c. 75% of the lagoon dries out in May to October, filling again in winter. There is some seepage of seawater in summer. Some areas of freshwater marsh have developed since 1976.


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A summer breeding roost for Myotis mystacinus in the roof of an old abbey.


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Below Wexford the Slaney river opens out into an extensive shallow estuary which dries out considerably at low tide. The seaward side is protected by the Raven and Rosslare Points and behind these the North and South Slobs, consisting of 2 empoldered areas of land (each 1,000+ ha), occur behind nineteenth century sea walls. The reclaimed land is a mixture of pasture and arable areas. The harbour itself contains large areas of inter-tidal mudflats.


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A variety of habitats occur including well-developed Atlantic heath on quartzite and shales; annual plant communities occur on screes and drift deposits on the seaward side. These communities are typical of those found only on sites in south-eastern Ireland. Geologically the site is noted for the presence of the fossil Oldhamia radiata which is of Cambrian age.


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An extensive sand dune/fen system with well developed plant communities of dunes, dune-heath, brackish marsh and fen. The area is noted for its eastern flora and fauna and its extensive range of plant communities.


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Valley mire exploited for peat extraction until approximately 100 years ago, but with the peat cuttings flooded and now filled with either standing water or poor fen communities. This produces a mosaic of pools, scraw, poor fen and, on the remaining higher patches of peat, Betula/Salix scrub. There is a well developed "lagg " along both sides of the mire.


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Sessile oakwood coppice (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae) on the side of a glacial overflow channel, interplanted with stands of conifers and beech. Much of the oakwood is rather uniform with typical ground flora but there is very little grazing. A narrow strip of Fraxinus/Corylus woodland occurs beside a small stream.


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Semi-natural coppiced oakwood with holly (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae) fills much of this impressive glacial overflow channel. The community is well developed and especially pure on the western side. Elsewhere there are some introduced tree species. The ground flora is mostly calcifuge plants with occasional patches of heath. More base-demanding herbs occur on the valley floor along with Corylus avellana, Fraxinus excelsior and Alnus glutinosa where there is a small stream. There are a few small rock outcrops.


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A fine glaciated valley which includes overdeepened lakes separated by a delta of material eroded from a hanging valley on the south side. The lakes are oligotrophic and mesotrophic and contain a race of char. Marsh vegetation occurs sparsely except at the west end where granite sand polluted by lead has been washed in from mines. The lower lake has a peaty shore. Oak woodland clothes the flanks of the lower southern slopes of the valley, but it becomes attenuated and fragmented on the mountains. Coniferous woodland occupies the upper slopes and also the north valley side. The mountains consist of a mosaic of heath and oligotrophic and mesotrophic mires.


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Sessile oak wood (Blechno-Quercetum subassoc. typicum and coryletosum) on steep north-facing slope of deep glacial valley, partly planted with conifers, mostly light shade casting species (Larix and Pinus sylvestris), extending into unglaciated valley. The native woodland is all secondary, having been more or less clear-felled in the early 19th century. Shrub layer and herb layer poorly developed over much of the area because of heavy grazing pressure by deer and sheep, but species rich where grazing excluded. Streams, cliffs and small area of the lake provide additional variety and there is an amenity area of mown grass around the archeological remains.


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An extensive area of mountain plateau, high level valley and deep glacial trough with large lake, cliffs, screes and waterfalls. Most of the area is dominated by a mosaic of blanket bog, wet and dry heath, bad grassland and soligenous mires with stands of bracken on lower sheltered slopes. Patches of scrub woodland occur on the screes and around the lake where there are also blocks of conifers, mostly Pinus sylvestris. The area is grazed by sheep and deer and is periodically burnt. Old lead mines at the west end of the lake are causing pollution.


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Shingle ridge with freshwater, brackish and salt marshes and lagoons accompanied by wet scrub and woodland. A group of freshwater springs upwelling within Salix carr provide a permanent source of largely unpolluted water and support a complex fen. Reedswamp, low sand dunes and shingle are also represented.


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A long narrow low-lying coastal marsh/saltmarsh separated from the sea bay a raised shingle beach with one outlet. There is a railway along the top of the beach and much agricultural reclamation of the marshes/saltmarshes.


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Alnus glutinosa/Salix woodland through which passes a stream and standing on a spring line which gives rise to extensive surface-water seepage; surrounded by poor fen and fenny pasture.


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Quercus/Fraxinus woodland (Corylo-Fraxinetum) on the slopes of a steep-sided valley; slopes with frequent and extensive springs and seepage areas within the woodland. Alluvial flats beside river in valley bottom with Alnus/Salix/Corylus woods; slopes of valley mostly covered with calcareous drift. Part of the site was planted with exotic conifers by previous owners.


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High altitude blanket bog occurring in the saddle area between Tonduff and Kippure mountains. It contains extensive flats with well developed Sphagnum lawns and pool systems. Forms catchment of headwaters of Liffey and several other rivers.


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This is the centre of the Leinster granite where remnants of the schist aureole are exposed and consists of a range of cliffs and a deeply glaciated valley.


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A upland area with a large freshwater reservoir, bogs and marshes, rocky habitats and woodland.


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An extensive area of mostly dry oak (Quercus petraea) woodland which has been heavily interplanted with conifers. The conifers are now being removed. The woodland occurs on the valley floor, steep slopes and plateau on the east side of the Avonmore River and includes several small streams, seepage areas and patches of heath.


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Lough Ouler, a corrie lake, and adjoining cliffs containing a community of arctic-alpine species of plants which is the most easterly in Ireland.


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Cliffs (mainly <50 m) of schists with slopes above covered with coastal heath vegetation.


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Tralee Bay is a large shallow sea bay fringed by sandy beaches, protected from the open sea by a sand spit/rocky promontory to the west and with a saltmarsh recurve enclosing mudfalts in the sheltered eastern part. Barrow Harbour is a tidal lagoon which almost dries out at low tide and which has extensive Zostera beds and algal mats.


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A large flat western raised bog situated in the basin of a river. A large northern section is forested as is a small area in the south. A third area in the east which was originally swamp has also been planted. The centre and western half of the bog has a wet Sphagnum growth pattern. A large flush containing Betula pubescens and other flush species is present near the northern margin.


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Dublin Bay is a shallow sea bay encompassed by Howth Head, Dublin City and Dalkey Island. The River Liffey and two smaller rivers (Tolka and Dodder) flow into the bay. Most of the shoreline is built up (industrial, port and domestic). The areas included in the complex are the North Bull Island (a National Nature Reserve), parts of Dublin Docks (wasteground) and the intertidal sandflats extending from South Bull Wall/Ringsend to Dun Laoghaire West Pier.


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A national park with a great diversity of ecosystems, in particular forest, lake, mountain and bog. This site retains the most extensive cover of native forest now found in Ireland (c. 1,200 ha). There are 3 distinct forest types; acidophilous Quercus petraea- Ilex aquifolium woods on Devonian sandstone (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae), the unique Taxus baccata woodland on Carboniferous limestone (Corylo-Fraxinetum facies of Taxus baccata) and swamp forest (Osmundo-Salicetum/carr).


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Extensive intertidal flats, predominantly of sand, with mud in places. Large stands of Zostera nana present.


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Mountain blanket bog (Vaccinio-Ericetum tetralicis) with a number of oligotrophic lakes and numerous bog pools. A number of streams and flushes with poor fen vegetation occur within the site. There are also areas of wet grassland (Junco-Molinion) and wet heath vegetation. South of Lough Cratty the bogland contains an extensive hummock-hollow system with hummocks up to 50cm high and hollows containing an open sward with a very low moss cover. There are also areas of scree and cliff.


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Large lake on the River Shannon surrounded by farmland (mostly grassland), woodland, bog, fringing marshland and beds of Phragmites and Scirpus. Also numerous small and medium sized islands.


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A small roadside lake set in agricultural lands. Prolific aquatic vegetation. Stocked with Salmo trutta (brown trout).


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The north-east corner of Donegal Bay consisting of sheltered shallow seas, sandy beaches, tidal mudflats, islands etc.


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Open sea (less than 10 m deep) and exposed coastline with an intricate mixture of sandy and rocky habitats.


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An exposed but shallow (less than 10 m), sandy sea bay.


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Lower River Suir between Carrick-on-Suir and Coolfin. Most bird counts were limited to Greylag goose sites at Coolfin, Co. Waterford and Partnaskully marsh, Co. Kilkenny.


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A small muddy estuary with patches of saltmarsh opening out onto a wide exposed sandy beach and shallow seas (less than 10 metres).


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An almost land-locked estuary of the Vartry River with intertidal mudflats, shallow lagoons, saltmarsh and Phragmites fringes. Wet scrub (including alder carr), woodland and fen also occur.


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A largely unspoilt dune/saltmarsh/sand flat complex in a sheltered bay with extremely gently sloping beach of very fine grain size. The saltmarsh has extensive areas of Armerion maritimae communities and an interesting sand dune/saltmarsh interface community.


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An extensive dune-machair system covering the western half of the Dooagh Isle peninsula. Shingle beaches occur at the northern end while other morphological features such as sand beaches, sand over rock, sand hills and machair occur in other parts of the site. At the south western end of the site machair occurs behind sand dunes and occurs 30 m from the shore at Cloghorna. The vegetation and soils of the machair are typical of that habitat.


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An area of lowland blanket bog south-west of the Owenboy Nature Reserve. It consists of a low plateau with well developed pool systems and extensive flushed areas draining north-east towards the Deel River. The flushes contain stands of Phragmites and Lychnis flos-cuculi and some of them are iron-rich. A flush at the north end contains Homalothecium nitens and rare Erica species previously unrecorded in Mayo. At the south end adjacent to Lough Nacupduff an old plantation occurs.


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A bog site with lowland and highland blanket bog. The bog surface is in very good condition with spongy Sphagnum cover and a canopy of higher plants due to low intensity grazing and a few fires. An excellent range of habitats occur including species-rich, minerotrophic basin flushes, several pool systems including the Atlantic blanket bog type, interconnecting pool/hummock systems and tear pool patterns.


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An extensive area of blanket bog, wet heath, lakes, streams and rivers over complex geology. Lowland blanket bog covers the low ground. In the south this is strewn with boulders and cut by steep, rocky valleys. In the north it is more uniform. A steep conical mountain dominates the northern part. This is covered in wet heath with rock outcrops. An area of highland blanket bog extends south. There are numerous flushes and areas of poor fen, one of which contains the only population of Homalothecium nitens known in Connemara. Lough Ahalia at the south-east corner of the site is approximately at sea level and is partly brackish. Woodland occurs on some of the lake islands.


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An extensive area of blanket bog and wet heath with rocky ridges, rock-basin lakes and streams. There are extensive pool systems and numerous flushes with stands of Phragmites and Cladium and the protected species Eriophorum gracile. The western part is dominated by Cashel Mountain.


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An Atlantic blanket bog site in the Erriff valley occurring on undulating hilly ground with a mainly southern aspect. The site has some excellent quaking bog with shallow, interconnecting surface pools mostly existing in hollows between higher, drier, sometimes rocky ridges and hillocks. There are hummocks and quaking bog areas with some large streams running through and occasional flushed bog areas. The vegetation is typically dominated by Molinia caerulea, Rhynchospora alba and Schoenus nigricans with drier areas dominated by Molinia caerulea.


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A very small but very well developed area of bog separated into two parts by a small river. The larger portion is typical highland blanket bog with rock outcrops. The smaller portion, south of the river is remarkably wet quaking bog with interconnecting pools aligned across the slope and notable for the abundance of Sphagnum pulchrum. It probably falls into the category of intermediate bog.


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A small, very wet area of bog in a matrix of roche moutonnes, wet heath, oak woodlands and lakes. It is characterised by interconnecting pools which cover most of the surface which is quaking and is dominated by Rhynchospora alba, Narthecium ossifragum and Drosera anglica. It slopes down to the upper lake which must have considerable influence on the bog as the levels fluctuate widely.


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A small, somewhat domed lowland bog encircled by the Cummeragh River and tributary. Schoenus nigricans and Molinia caerulea are physiognomically dominant over much of the site but with much Calluna and Erica tetralix. There is an extensive pool/hummock complex with quaking flats. Pools are colonised by Eleocharis palustris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Utricularia minor, Sphagnum cuspidatum and S. auriculatum. Shallower pools support Rhynchospora alba.


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An area of very wet, largely intact and species-rich lowland blanket bog situated in the highly scenic Doo Lough valley.


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This Atlantic blanket bog site is characterised by extensive Atlantic blanket bog pool systems, interspersed with quaking networks of interconnecting pools. The river to the east and a lake to the south have quite extensive species-rich flushes associated.These are usually dominated by Carex species with Phragmites or Juncus effusus with a thick Sphagnum layer underneath. Occasional clumps of Salix species also occur.


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This lowland blanket bog occurs in a narrow sheltered valley at the head of the Meelagh River, a tributary of the river Caragh. The topography is characterised by relatively steeply sloping bog on the valley side which levels out to a flat bogland on the valley bottom. The vegetation on the sloping areas is locally flushed due to surface-water run-off and has a good cover of Sphagna and higher plants including Schoenus nigricans and Myrica gale. On the flat valley bottom the river also has local adjacent flush communities dominated by rushes and grasses with a number herb associates. The wettest areas of bogland lie near the head of the valley where a quaking interconnecting pool/hummock system, with conspicuous Schoenus tussocks, occurs. Flooded flush vegetation typified by Schoenus, Myrica, Molinia caerulea, Menyanthes trifoliata and scattered Phragmites australis also occur at the head of the valley.


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An area of lowland blanket bog between a steep wooded hillside and upper Lough Leane. It includes several small lakes and patches of oak woodland and wet heath on rocky knolls. Basins between these are dominated by quaking Rhynchospora lawns and interconnecting pool systems.


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An extensive summit plateau with headwater streams in the Ox mountains. The area is largely covered with blanket bog, sometimes with inter-connecting pool systems, and wet heath on steeper slopes. The valleys contain poor fen and wet grassland and there are a few small lakes and rock outcrops.


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An area of undulating blanket bog in the Ox Mountains on a lake-studded plateau with some rocky ridges. Small streams flow off the steep edges and the Lough Hoe River drains the eastern half. The peat is rather thin in places where wet heath replaces bog while wetter basins contain pool complexes. In general however the area is rather uniform. Most of the lakes are in rock basins.


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A highland blanket bog site with a range of habitat types. There are several interconnecting pool systems and Rhynchospora alba dominates the flats together with Eriophorum angustifolium. There are also areas of Sphagnum carpets. Numerous flushes occur on the site which mostly drain into a small stream which crosses the site. The small rock-bottomed lake, Lough Nabrickkeagh, is colonised along its western edge by Nuphar lutea, Nymphaea alba and Equisetum fluviatile.


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An area of Atlantic blanket bog south of Easky Lough. There are five lakes in the northern area of the site two of which (Lough Rumduff and Lough Gall) are rather large and one large lake in the centre of the site, Loughnaboll. These lakes have stony banks and in some cases are colonised by the floating species, Nymphaea alba and emergents Lobelia dortmanna and Eleocharis multicaulis. The most important features of the site are two extensive areas of inter-connecting pools in the north and the centre of the site and a smaller area to the south. These areas are colonised by species such as Rhynchospora alba, Menyanthes trifoliata, Eriophorum vaginatum, Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum, Carex limosa, Sphagnum cuspidatum and S. auriculatum with Utricularia minor in the pools and flatter areas. Scirpus caespitosis, Calluna vulgaris and Racomitrium lanuginosum dominate the inter-pool areas and have colonised Sphagnum capillifolium hummocks.


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Area of lowland blanket bog drained by tributaries of the Deel river. The site is characterised by a variety of habitats within typical blanket bog, including well developed pool complexes and rich fens in flushes. Grazing has damaged the western part but the southern part (Srahnacally) has a domed-shaped topography.


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This area of blanket bog lies on the northern side of the main Galway-Clifden road, circa 1.25 km from Recess. The bog surface is somewhat domed in part with pool-hummock systems like those found in raised bogs. The site has Sphagnum carpets, Rhynchospora alba lawns and locally frequent hummocks of Sphagnum fuscum and S. imbricatum. The lichen flora of the site is luxuriant and includes the rare lichen, Cladonia rangiferina. A number of small lakes occur which support Eriocaulon aquaticum, Lobelia dortmanna, and Eleocharis multicaulis. Flush communities associated with drainage channels are characterised by Phragmites australis, Myrica gale and Molinia caerulea.


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An area of highland (verging on upland) blanket bog in the Slieve Aughty Mountains. It is dominated by Molinia caerulea, Scirpus and Narthecium on the slopes. A broad valley runs through the centre of the site and this contains wetter communities with extensive flushes, rich in species.


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A dramatic amphitheatre of vertical cliffs with horizontally stratified ledges c. 130 m high, on the north coast of county Mayo.


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An embanked area of polder reclaimed from the estuary. The site extends into the estuary. The site consists of intensively managed grazing land with some tillage. The site is flat, open farmland.


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A coastal lagoon below Horn Head formed earlier this century when sand deposits almost closed its exit into Sheephaven Bay. Extensive belts of sand dunes to the east and west contain a large dune slack. There is intensively managed grassland to the east and south of the lake.


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An undulating, open island of intensively-managed grassland, narrowly fringed with seasonally-flooded grasslands; situated in a shallow limestone lake. Winter flood levels usually prevent access by foot.


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A narrow peninsula into a shallow limestone lake. The neck of the peninsula has flooded grasslands and water-fringe vegetation, backed by intensively-managed grasslands. Greenland white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons flavirostris) feed on the flooded grasslands and water-fringe vegetation. The grass on the farm hinterland is heavily grazed by sheep and is unsuitable for geese.


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The site consists of two peninsulas and an adjacent island all formed from drumlins; all have large fields enclosed by tall hedges. The peninsulas consist entirely of intensively managed grassland; the island is semi-natural grassland, grazed by sheep.


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A small drowned drumlin in lower Lough Gara; the eastern end of this island is quite open in character and is preferred by the geese. The western end has smaller fields, taller hedges and is rarely used. The grasslands are fertilised and grazed by sheep.


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A flat low-lying marshy plain behind sand dunes, which has recently been drained. Greenland white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons flavirostris) use the wetter agricultural land bordering the drained marsh.


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A small, largely intact, peatland system comprised of two domed valley-bogs and a small basic flush or fen occurring at the top of one of the headstreams of the River Finn. Plant communities include Rhynchospora alba flats, swards of open Carex rostrata and occasional stands of Carex paniculata. Quaking areas and scraw also occur.


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This is the most north-westerly lowland blanket bog site in the country situated at the western foothills of Errigal Mountain. Topographically the area is gently undulating in character and includes low rounded ridges, wet slopes and small 'valleys'. Plant communities recorded at the site include a number of allied flush types with Phragmites and Carex lasiocarpa and one with a particularly calcicole flora. Both Atlantic blanket bog pools and interconnecting pool systems commonly occur with associated pool,lawn and hummock species. Quaking areas are significant at this site and a species-rich stream-bank community with Alnus glutinosa, Sorbus acuparia, Salix aurita, Ulex europaeus, Myrica and Erica cinerea occurs in one place.


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A site complex of two non-contiguous lowland blanket bog sites separated by a small area of farmland situated along the border with Northern Ireland. The adjacent area in Northern Ireland was not surveyed but if this proved of equal quality it would serve as a link between these two sites. Belalt South is notable for two extensive areas with an interesting community intermediate between typical raised bog and blanket bog. There is a good development of pools of a raised bog type. Hummocks also occur frequently. Lower quality Molinia-dominated vegetation typical of blanket bogs occurs in some areas and flushes are well represented. Rushen is a small, rocky, partly eroded lowland blanket bog with a predominance of Molinia and very local Schoenus. There is one small quaking depression adjacent to the north-eastern shore of Lough Vearty featuring an excellent system of lawns, pools and hummocks where the rare Sphagnum pulchrum often forms the dominant species on the quaking flats. Species-rich lakes and streams occur on both sites.


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A remote blanket bog plateau 2km by 1km, with large very wet areas of pool and hummock topography. Molinia-dominated vegetation occurs along water-courses.


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A large lowland blanket bog site north/north-east of Ardara with Lackaghatermon separated from Meenagrillagh by the Ardara-Maas road. The site contains a wide range of plant communities and habitat types including flushes, Rhynchospora alba flats, quaking bog, interconnecting pools with Sphagnum pulchrum, streams, rocky outcrops and lakes (including Lough Ananima, Lackaghatermon Lough, Lough Dee). Meenagrillagh has an undulating topography with many lakes.


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A small, very wet quaking bog between a steep, wooded mountainside and the Long Range, a long, narrow 'lake'. Interconnecting pools, dominated by Rhynchospora alba and Drosera intermedia with some Sphagna, cover the surface with Schoenus tussocks and low Sphagnum hummocks. An area of old cut-away occurs on the western edge. This is colonised by thick Sphagnum carpets.


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An open area of grassland and heath on a substrate of glacial till. A very large gravel aquifer underlies the till and is a major source of calcareous water for the surrounding area.


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A vast area of relatively intact blanket bog and mountains incorporating the Owenduff catchment and the Nephin Beg mountain range. The upper slopes of the mountains, which rise to 717 m carry wet heath and cliff vegetation while the lower slopes are covered with blanket bog. Several small corrie lakes, rock basin lakes and many pool complexes exist while a range of grassland and wetland vegetation types occur along the floodplain of the torrential Owenduff river and its tributaries. The site contains quaking areas dominated by Rhynchospora alba which are utilised by Greenland white-fronted geese and there are numerous springs and flushes. On the north-east side of the mountains several of these flushes have rare and protected plant species.


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An extensive Atlantic blanket bog site north-west of Doocharry occupying most of the sheltered upper Gweebarra River catchment. Plant communities represented on this site include Molinia-Schoenus-Calluna-Eriophorum dominated vegetation on sloping areas or saddles, Atlantic blanket bog pool-system vegetation, lake communities, shrubby rockface communities and occasional flush communities. Most of the site is undulating in character. Two large lakes, Lough Barra and Lough Muck occur within the site along with many smaller lakes.


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An extensive blanket bog site on the western shores of Lough Derg in south-east Donegal. The site is bounded on the south and south-east by extensive coniferous plantations. The site contains bogland of a type intermediate between lowland and mountain blanket bog called highland blanket bog, defined as occurring between 150 m and 300 m with floristic elements of montane and lowland blanket bog and an absence of a number of lowland blanket bog species. Plant communities include those of lowland blanket bog, flushes, highland blanket bog and dry heathy bog. Also featured are interconnecting pool systems, hummock-hollow systems and lakes with stands of Phragmites, Cladium, Carex rostrata, Scirpus lacustris, Potamogeton natans and Juncus acutiflorus.


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A lagoonal lake formed by the damming of a branch of the Duff River behind the sand dune system at Bunduff Strand. The lake margins are vegetated with reedswamp dominated by Typha latifolia, Phragmites australis, Equisetum fluviatile and Sparganium erectum. This gives way inland to a marsh association with Menyanthes trifoliata and Caltha palustris as co-dominant species. Where the substrate is stony the margins of the lough are dominated by Polygonum amphibium. At the north-eastern end of the lough, where conditions are drier, wet grassland occurs.


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A grassy promontory usually isolated by winter lake levels.


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A drumlin hill and a lake-filled hollow.


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The site consists of a number of farmland and semi-natural feeding areas for Greenland white-fronted geese around Kilglass Lough, a lake to the north and the intervening peninsula.


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A large flat floodplain between the rivers Cregg and Clare draining into Lough Corrib. The Clare River has already been arterially drained, but much of the grassland between the two rivers is wet, sedgy and of little nutritional value to grazing animals.


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An impressive length of horizontally stratified vertical sea cliff with stacks, rising to 60 metres. These cliffs are c. 3 km long and are exposed to the open Atlantic. There is a lighthouse on the headland.


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An oligo/mesotrophic lake with stony shores, reed fringes and some poor intermediate fen vegetation.


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Part of an extensive esker ridge. The site has been afforested with larch, pines, fir, sycamore and beech but pockets of native woodland persist principally on the crest of the esker. Ash is the dominant tree in these native woodlands, but there is also oak and elm and where shading is not too heavy a typical Corylo-Fraxinetum ground flora.


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One of the few bogs extant south of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. A rather dry bog extensively cut away, but still with wet areas, a few pools and good Sphagnum regrowth following burning. Some cutaway has developed into fen, some has woodland and some is still being cut.


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This site consists of 5 small feeding sites for Anser albifrons flavirostris, each less than 5 ha in extent.


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A medium sized fairly shallow oligotrophic/mesotrophic lake surrounded by extensive blanket bog and relatively new forestry plantations. A low grassy island (Derreens Island, site 800000364) in the north-west part is a major gull and tern nesting area. Aythya fuligula also nests there.


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A floodplain on a bend in the River Boyne adjoining an area of hillside scrub.


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The lakes in the site are located in a small, badly-drained valley. Lough Doo is a marly lake with limited marginal vegetation and is linked by a ditch to two other peaty lakes surrounded by a swamp dominated by Cladium mariscus. Marl underlies the peat in these other two lakes.


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An area of scrubby woodland on a low esker ridge with a considerable amount of Crataegus and Prunus spinosa in the middle of pasture land. The site was not fenced and animals were free to wander onto the site when last visited in 1982. The current condition of the site is unknown.


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A small bog east of the village of Shinrone. It lies in an isolated basin. It is extensively cut away around the margin but there is no active cutting at present. The surface has been burnt repeatedly and is rather dry but good Sphagnum regeneration is occurring. There are a few small flushes and an old track on the east side. Scrub occurs around the margins.


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A small raised bog west of Ferbane with wet pasture at the south-west corner where there is an outflow. The bog is extensively cut away especially on the west and north sides and has dry margins and drains which run through the north part. However, the centre is very wet with well developed pools and Sphagnum lawns. The east margin has small stands of Birch woodland.


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A very sheltered medium sized tidal bay and estuary with numerous sand and mud banks exposed at low tide. Some polderland claimed in the past occurs on the south side. Saltmarsh areas occur on the eastern side of the bay. Sand dunes protect the connection with outer Sligo Bay.


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A series of large flat open fields separated by shallow drainage ditches in the floodplain of the lower River Suir. The wet grassland is used for livestock grazing (cattle and sheep).


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A small spring-fed poor fen (possibly over a kettle hole) with some vegetation which is transitional to raised bog. Contains Carex curta, Carex rostrata and two unusual bryophytes listed above.


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A small calcareous fen on the northern tip of Lough Owel containing species-rich wet grassland and fen communities. The area is cut in two by the River Brosna, which has been canalised.


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A peaty lake surrounded by an extensive reed swamp with isolated well-grown willow trees. Some peat cutting has taken place in the past.


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A shallow lake with a number of small islands adjoined by reedswamp and calcareous fen.


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Soft water glacial lakes with mainly sandy/rocky shores and little vegetation.


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A calcareous sandy beach with large Ammophila dunes backed by freshwater marsh with extensive reed beds and pools.


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Mainly shallow fiord area. Islets. Ulvedybet area isolated from rest by a dam. Saltmarshes and reed swamps especially at Ulvedybet. Agricultural land with scattered habitation.


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Shallow marine bay. Sandy coast with scattered narrow belts of saltmeadows. Sandy islets.


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Denmark's largest oligotrophic freshwater lake. Well preserved. Fringed by forest.


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Large, hilly forest area with open parts, streams, water springs and wetlands. A wide variety of habitats.


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Large coastal heather and sand dune area, including Denmark's only migrating sand dune. Wetlands and conifer plantations.


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Extensive heath and bog area with interesting geomorphological features. Old raised beach ridges. Highs and lows. Largest area of this type in Denmark.


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Largest raised bog in the country. Best preserved lowland raised bog in north western Europe. Includes lakes, an old forest lot with original beech forest and mature oaks.


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Coastal saltmeadows and islets. Extensive area.


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Sea area including a group of stony, uninhabited islands. Reefs.


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Very large, coastal saltmeadow areas, islets, extensive tidal sand and mudflat parts, large, shallow sea area.


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Shallow, coastal sea area, including a group of islands. One inhabited. Grazed saltmeadows. Saltmarsh, dunes and sand beaches.


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Fiord area with shallows, in the central part of the Limfjord. A few islets and one larger island. Coastal moler cliffs. Saltmeadows with springs.


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Drained bay of fiord with a dam, lake areas, salt marshes and reed swamps.


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Shallow fiord area with coastal salt meadows.


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Mainly shallow sea and fiord areas, with islets. Partly enclosed by a dam. Large tidal mud flats. Salt meadows.


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Inland freshwater lake in subglacial stream trench, surrounded by slopes. Adjoining forests and fields.


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Beach and sand dunes, large heath area and a smaller number of summer cottages. Heaths bogs.


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Drained bay of fjord with a dam, lake, salt marshes, reed swamps and adjoining drained fields and meadows.


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Large, drained bay of fjord, with a dam. 3 large lakes, reed swamps, salt and freshwater meadows. 2 smaller saltmarsh areas outside dam along fjord.


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Larger freshwater lake, eutrophic and alkaline. Part of river system. Surrounded by grazed meadows and single reed parts. Contains a grass covered island.


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Vast coastal heath and dune area with lakes and bogs. Lime cliffs at old coastline in north and east. Plantations. Extremely oligotrophic lakes on lime substratum with crevices. Large freshwater lake.


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Coastal tongue of land with a lagoon leeward, edged by a dike. Saltmarsh. Behind tongue large shallow fjord bay with shoals.


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Fjord bay, now seperated from rest by dike sluice. Brackish water. Meadows along edges.


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Coastal salt meadows with a number of lakes and ponds.


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Shallow fjord bay, edged by saltmarsh and -meadows with ponds and tidal mudflats. Tongue of land with saltmeadows and sandbeach, stone beach. Coastal slopes. Agricultural land.


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Shallow fjord area including shoals, islets, large saltmeadows on islands and along coastline, water springs, and a variety of other habitats.


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Large freshwater lake in a subglacial landscape. Kettlehole created by large single blocks of fossil ice. Lake rather deep surrounded by heath and plantations of conifer and oaks. Reedmarsh and meadows.


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Shallow, brackish, almost closed lagoon area with a narrow mouth to the open sea. Surrounded by meadows and reedmarsh.


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Sea and fjord area with shallow shoals. Uninhabited islands. Salt marsh and higher lying areas of grass. Cultivated land only on a few islands.


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Shallow sea area with shoals. Sandy beach.


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Eutrophic, inland freshwater lake, surrounded by forest, heath, wetland and agricultural land.


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Large forest and plantation area with lakes, streams, heath parts and bogs. Agricultural land. In forested, highland lake district of Denmark. Several rare, oligotrophic, freshwater lakes.


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Third largest freshwater lake in Denmark. Part of highland lake district. Surrounded by open agricultural land, meadows and partly by forest. Eutrophic lake with reed marsh.


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Shallow fjord and sea areas. Islets, shoals and saltmarshes. Three larger islands with cultivated land and scattered habitation.


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Very large heath area with streams, bogs, lakes, plantations, meadows.


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Shallow brackish water fjord connected by sluices to the North Sea. Saltmarshes and reed swamps. Heathland vegetation on Fjandoe island.


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Tongue of land with salt marshes and brackish lagoons. Shallow fjord area with coastal saltmeadows. Lake area with reed swamps. Cultivated areas with scattered habitation.


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Shallow fjord area. Tip of island with saltmeadow and lagoon.


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Closed, coastal lagoons, partly drained, surrounded by large freshwater and salt meadows. Agricultural land. Large field areas.


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Heath area with wetlands, surrounded by plantations.


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Shallow brackish water fjord connected by sluices to the North Sea. At the southern end of the fjord, flat land with reed swamps and meadows. Islets with reeds and saltmarshes.


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Freshwater meadows, swamps and peat bog area, with the longest river in the country flowing through.


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Large, deciduous forest area along coastal cliffs of plastic clay. Many water springs, streams, marsh areas. Beach. Agricultural land.


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Narrow sea belt area with many islets, banks and shoals. Two islands with cultivated land and scattered habitation. Coastal saltmarsh areas. Reedswamps.


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Heath and plantation area with wetlands.


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Large coastal meadows along Waddensea and along Varde river, being the only true estuary of Denmark. All area is unregulated and under influence of tidal movements.


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Large coastal heath and dune areas. Plantations, lakes, heath bogs.


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Large coastal meadow areas surrounding two river outfalls. Behind dikes along Waddensea.


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Waddensea island with diked, cultivated central part with grassland. Broad saltmarsh area outside dikes.


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Large undiked Waddensea island, with a wide variety of habitats including saltmarsh, sand dunes, heath, plantations, wetland areas.


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Coastal peninsula in Waddensea with sand beach and dunes at west coast, salt marsh at eastern, leeward. Very young landscape, arisen within last few centuries. Also Waddensea island in natural state, in sheltered bay area. Consists of salt marsh and dune areas.


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Drained lake area. Mainly fields, almost free of buildings. Two shallow lakes surrounded by marshy areas. Large coastal heath area. A variety of biotopes including rich calcareous fens, oligotrophic fens, alder swamp.


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Waddensea, Danish part. Very large, shallow, tidal sea area with mudflats and flats at low tide.


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One of the largest oligotrophic freshwater lakes in Denmark. Lake surrounded by heath, meadows, bogs, woodland, peatbogs.


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Hilly, deciduous forest area with river flowing through. Freshwater lake, bogs and meadows in stream trench.


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Former parts of Waddensea, now reclaimed land behind dikes. Very large and fertile grass meadows, salt meadow, river part with lake reservoir, brackish lagoon behind new dike, reedmarsh along river.


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Large raised bog area, still growing. Heath parts, heath bogs, peatbogs.


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Partly drained freshwater lake surrounded by large swamp areas. Heath bogs. Overgrowing by trees and bushes. Grass fields.


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Low lying freshwater meadows along unregulated river. Reedswamps. Trees.


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Parts of large Waddensea island. Heath areas, coastal swamp areas, salt meadows, sandflats, diked grass areas, plantation.


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Conifer and deciduous woodland areas with wetland parts and some farm land.


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Large saltmeadow and freshwater meadow areas behind dikes, along Waddensea. Grass fields. Farmland. Swamp areas.


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Deciduous forest area in varied landscape. Freshwater lakes.


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Heath and heath bog area, dry meadows, willow thickets, agricultural fields, forest area.


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Heath bog area, oak thickets. Wetland areas are drying out. Overgrowing by trees and bushes. Part of the wetland is on German side of the border.


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Archipelago in shallow sea area, with shallow shoals. Many islands, generally uninhabited. Some islands with cultivated land and scattered habitation. Salt marshes, reed swamps and small lakes on islands. Farmland and woodland on mainland.


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Shallow sea area. Coastland with lagoons, bays, coastal clay cliff with marine fossils from interglacial period. Agricultural land, wetland, forest parts.


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Shallow sea area with shoals and banks. Uninhabited island.


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Large forest area, mainly decidous, surrounding freshwater lakes. Wet parts, meadows and agricultural land.


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Shallow fjord area with islands, mostly uninhabited. Shallows, shoals, coastal peninsula with heath vegetation and woodland, salt marsh.


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Shallow coastal sea areas with islets and islands, of which Aebeloe is wooded and inhabited. Drained areas, salt marshes and cultivated areas along coast, with scattered habitation.


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Shallow coastal sea area with wooded, inhabited island. Salt marsh. Wood lot on mainland coast.


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Sea area containing isolated rocky islands. Two islands inhabited.


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Mixed forest area with a wide variety of habitats. Wetland, heath lots, rocky terrain, swamp forest, raised bogs, eutrophic and oligotrophic lakes, streams, stonedikes.


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Shallow sea area with shoals, banks, two large lagoons. Islands, several of which have cultivated land and scattered habitation. Long peninsula, partly with cultivated areas and scattered habitation. Commons, saltmarsh and reedswamps. Woodland.


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Drained lake area. Now only small freshwater lake surrounded by fresh water meadows, woodland and agricultural field areas.


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Shallow sea area with scattered, uninhabited islands, shallow shoals and banks, coastal slopes. Areas enclosed by dams. Salt marshes, reed swamps, farmland, woodland.


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Shallow sea belt area with a few islets, shallows, shoals and banks. Coastal saltmarsh, cultivated land.


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Sea area with shallow shoals and banks. Uninhabited islets. Two islands with cultivated land and scattered habitation. Saltmarshes and reed swamps. Coastal mature deciduous forest.


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Long narrow sea strait, shallow. Areas behind dike. Saltmarsh, beach, wetland area. Cultivated land.


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Lake area. Reed swamps and meadows. Deciduous forest. Cultivated areas. Scattered habitation.


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Fjord area with shallow shoals and banks. Islands, a few of which are inhabited. Saltmarshes and reed swamps. Sand beaches.


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Sea area with shallow shoals and banks. Mudflats. Islets and small islands. Cultivated land with scattered habitation. Large saltmarsh areas. Reed swamps. Mixed woodland, partly in natural state. Heath lots.


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Impressive, very high coastal, white chalk cliffs from cretaceous period. Probably the largest natural monuments of Denmark. Chalk very rich in fossils. Beech forest edging on top. Mixed woodland in hilly area behind. Wetlands, grazing areas, streams.


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Large, raised bog area. Heath area under invasion by trees. 40 peat bogs with open water. Woodland. Grazed meadows. Cultivated areas.


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Coastal woodland area dominated by mature decidous forest. Cultivated areas among forest parts.


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Large freshwater lakes in subglacial stream trench, surrounded by forests and open, cultivated areas with scattered habitation. Hilly areas and slopes. A variety of habitats including alder swamp, reed swamp, river part, water springs.


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Sea bay area with coastal saltmarsh, dry coastal heath part, sand beach, cultivated islands with scattered habitation, coastal clay cliffs, dry grazed natural grassland. Low precipitation area.


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Shallow coastal sea area with brackish lagoons, reedmarsh, freshwater meadows and marsh, agricultural land, woodland.


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Sea area with shallow shoals. Cove behind row of islands. Overgrown coastal slopes. Saltmarshes and reed swamps. Islands with cultivated areas and scattered habitation. Island with deciduous virgin forest. Woodland, farmland.


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Shallow, brackish lagoon behind dike. Failed land reclamation project. Reed swamp. Meadows.


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Shallow sea belt area with stone reefs. Inhabited island.


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Failed land reclamation project. Large brackish lagoon behind dike, surrounded by saltmeadows and freshwater meadows, being grazed. Some meadow parts cultivated. Woodland parts. Saltmarsh and stone beach outside dike.


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Large, shallow freshwater lake surrounded by meadows. Adjoining water courses with reed swamps and grazed meadows, peat bog, lake area with reed swamps.


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Eutrophic, deep freshwater lakes surrounded by reed swamps. Hilly, agricultural land and deciduous woodland parts. Estate landscape. Park.


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Shallow sea mouth area between fjord and open sea. Beach areas with saltmarsh, heath and sand dunes.


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Small, eutrophic lake and marsh area. In agricultural landscape.


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Small, eutrophic freshwater lake and marsh area surrounded by farmland.


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Long, narrow, shallow, brackish fjord area with uninhabited islands. Adjoining coastal salt marshes, woodland, freshwater lakes with reed swamps. Some cultivated parts.


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Largest freshwater lake in Denmark. Very shallow. Surrounded by reed swamp, marsh areas, woodland, cultivated land.


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Large, mixed forest area along fjord. Narrow belt of saltmarsh between forest and sea. Forest contain a wide variety of habitats. Swamp areas, alder swamp, rich calcareous fens, open parts. Mature deciduous trees including two oldest oak trees, Quercus robur, in Europe.


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Second largest forest area in Denmark. Mixed woodland. Forest area contains a number of biotopes. Wetlands, lakes, raised bogs, open parts, woodlot of mature, virgin beech forest.


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Deep, eutrophic freshwater lake surrounded by narrow reed swamps and overgrown swampy thickets. Close to urban quarters.


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Large, flat, uncultivated island. Grazed salt meadows, coastal lakes. Surrounded by very very shallow sea area with banks, shoals, stone reefs, mudflats. Whole island with substratum of chalk from upper cretaceous period.


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Land reclamation area behind dikes. Salt marsh, changing into freshwater meadows. Invasion by trees and bushes. Brackish lake behind dike. Canals. Sea area outside diked area, partly harbour mouth of Copenhagen.


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River mouth at North Sea coast. Surrounded by freshwater meadows. Heath and sand dunes. Conifer plantation. Rich calcareous fen.


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Former vast raised bog area. Now almost completely drained and cultivated. Small parts still exist. Also very large freshwater meadows and grass fields.


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Large coastal heath and plantation area. Flat heath and grass meadow land between steep, grassy former coastal slope and present beach. Ravines with streams through slope. Water springs. Freshwater lakes. Peat bogs. Beach and sand dunes. Grazed meadows.


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Large, coastal heath, sand dune and plantation area. Lakes and wetland parts. Coastal limestone cliff from Cretaceous period. Freshwater beach lakes.


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Large coastal heath and coniferous plantation area. Hilly dune areas with heath vegetation. Heath bogs. Brackish lake.


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Peninsula surrounded by shallow fjord. Uncultivated area with heath, salt meadows, coastal slopes, oak forest, freshwater lake, stony beach, water springs, reed swamp and marsh.


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Inland heath and coniferous plantation area. Hilly country. Oak thicket. Freshwater lake, rather deep, with sparce reed swamp surrounded by meadow, grazed land and plantation. Marsh areas. Watersprings.


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Large river valley system. Contains a number of habitats. River, surrounding marsh, reed swamp, freshwater meadows, freshwater lakes, oak thickets on poor soil, mature deciduous forest, peat bogs, heath vegetation, water springs, cultivated land.


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Deep, original oligotrophic, freshwater lake in subglacial stream trench. Surroundings of mature, virgin oak forest and heath area in hilly country, mixed woodland, cultivated land. Water springs, streams.


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Large inland heath area. Minor parts of plantation and farmland. Stream.


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Large forest area mainly conifer but also good parts of deciduous. Raised bog in forest. Freshwater lakes, marsh areas, cultivated land.


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Coastal, hilly country with heath vegetation and dry, grazed, grassy slopes. Scattered junipers. Subglacial moraine landscape. Mixed woodland, water springs, streams, bogs, lakes, wet meadows, conifer plantations, cultivated land.


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Coastland area with dry, coastal grassy slopes, plantation, marsh areas and eutrophic freshwater lake, sea territory and island with coastal clay cliffs, natural grassland, scattered trees and bushes. Few houses. Low precipitation area.


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Isolated island, mainly consisting of sand dunes. Western tip moraine raising ground with habitation, plantation, freshwater lake, marsh and grass fields. Rest of island large desert-like dune areas with sparse vegetation. Sandy beaches.


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Large inland heath and plantation area. Unregulated rivers and streams, marsh and freshwater meadows, inland sand dune areas. Scattered habitation. Cultivated land.


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Hilly country with subglacial stream trench. Very productive waterspring area. Gives rise to the two largest rivers in Denmark. Flowing inopposite directions. Trench and water springs surroundings of heath, woodland, freshwater lake, marsh and meadows, cultivated land. Scattered habitation.


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Large, coherent woodland area, mainly coniferous. Also deciduous and mixed. River, heath area, inland dunes with heath vegetation, streams, dry, hilly grazed areas.


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North tip of island. Steep, grass covered, grazed, rolling hills, coastal clay cliffs, ravines with stream in coastal slopes. Hills partly cultivated. Also plantations. Low precipitation area.


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Varied landscape of great scenic beauty. A number of habitats. Two river valleys surrounded by wet meadows, hilly country with woodland, heath areas, grassland, inland dunes, cultivated land, scattered habitation, estate parks, lakes, water springs.


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Subglacial stream trench with river, freshwater lake, reed swamps, marsh areas, streams, water springs. Adjoining steep slopes with woodland and some cultivated.


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Heath bog area, peat bogs, ponds. Overgrowing by willow thicket.


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Deciduous forest area mainly oak. Partly in natural, mature state. Very rich forest.


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Heath bog area. Invasion by trees due to draining and lack of grazing.


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Three former raised bog areas. Now peat land with peat bogs, lakes, heath wetland, small raised bog parts, grass meadows, dense thickets of willow bushes.


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High, coastal moraine cliffs of clay, sand, gravel. Sea water lagoon surrounded by salt meadows.


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Coastland and tip of peninsula. Shallow sea inlet with uninhabited islets, salt marsh, coastal moraine cliffs of sand and gravel, stony beach, woodland lots, dry grassland with scattered trees and bushes. Cultivated land with scattered habitation, freshwater ponds at coast and islets. Low precipitation area.


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Watercourse flowing into a coastal, brackish lagoon. Watercourse edged by reed swamp, meadows. Lagoon edged by salt meadows. One of the few natural, unregulated river mouths of Zealand. Close by a small, shallow fjord area edged by salt meadows. Coniferous plantation at coast with summer cottages, heath vegetation.


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Tip of coastal peninsula. Hilly country, freshwater ponds, meadows, grassland with scattered trees and bushes. Whole area uncultivated. Coastal cliffs partly tertiary clay partly moraine. Low precipitation area.


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Coastal parts of peninsula in fjord area. Coastal, uncultivated, grassy slopes, salt marsh, reed swamp, freshwater ponds, coastal woodland, large uncultivated grass areas without grazing, scattered trees.


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Coastal forest area mainly coniferous. Also mixed woodland. Heath area with scattered junipers. Dunes and sandy beaches. Marsh area, almost overgrown by trees. Hilly heath area with scattered conifer trees. Summer cottages.


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Isolated island in open sea. Uncultivated, inhabited by one family. Grassland, coastal cliffs of clay, sand and gravel, scattered trees and bushes. Salt marsh, freshwater ponds, stony beach. Shallow stone reefs in surrounding sea water. Area includes surrounding sea territory.


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Forest area, mainly coniferous. Freshwater lakes with reed swamp. Semi-natural grassland hills, not grazed. Raised bog area in forest. Woodland lots of mature, deciduous trees. Alder swamps.


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Subglacial stream trench, mainly in uncultivated, natural state. Small river passing through 3 freshwater lakes. River valley surrounding water system with reed swamp, marsh, willow thickets, freshwater meadows, raised bog, rich calcareous fens, water springs, peat bogs, forest areas, cultivated land, grazed hilly country.


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Park and woodland landscape near urban areas. Hilly grassland with scattered, very old oak trees, groups of old trees. Deciduous forest areas, wetland parts, watercourses, lakes. The large nature area adjoining Copenhagen.


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Large, hilly woodland areas and cultivated estate landscape. Parks, freshwater lakes, wetland areas, stonedikes, hedgerows, rich calcareous fens, hilly grazed, natural grassland.


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Narrow river valley. Small river surrounded by freshwater meadows, marsh and fens, including rich calcareous, willow thickets, ungrazed meadows. One of the largest inland freshwater meadow areas of Zealand.


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Woodland area, mainly deciduous. Small freshwater lakes, marsh area in woodland. Hilly country.


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Hilly country. Agricultural land, grazed grassy slopes with scattered hawthhorn near coastline, marsh, lake and reed swamp area. Coastal, white chalk cliffs. Substratum below soil cretaceous chalk. Rich calcareous fen.


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North tip of island Bornholm. Large granite headland, covered by heath vegetation, bare rocks parts, scattered junipers in crevices, steep granite sea cliffs. Adjoining mixed woodland part. Old granite quarry, overgrown by heath vegetation.


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North coast of island Bornholm. Varied coastal profile. Steep granite cliffs, low sea cliffs, woodland, sandy beach, stony beach, salt marsh, watercourses, rockpools.


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South coast of island Bornholm. Woodland, mainly coniferous, sand beach, heath areas, dunes, coastal slopes, wetland areas, lakes, watercourses, cultivated land.


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Submarine stone reefs, stone bottom, sand bottom, muddy bottom, gravel bottom. From sea surface to 35 m depth.


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Narrow tongue of land, forming the northern-most tip of the country. Land originated successive rows of sand barriers created by the North Sea. Now large areas of fixed dunes with heath vegetation, humid duneslacks, sandy beaches, heath bogs and conifer plantation.


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Conifer plantation with nature parts. Sandy soil and heath vegetation.


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Heath wetland areas and woodland part, mainly conifer plantation, in dry, sandy island of Laesoe. Also grey and brown dunes, dry heathland, freshwater lake in forest, marshy areas.


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Oligotrophic freshwater lake on limestone substrate with crevices. Very small amounts of affluent water. Interesting vegetation alongwater fringe. Rich calcareous fens and freshwater meadows at effluent watercourse.


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Nest of White Stork on a former electric pole in a small village.


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Lowland river and watercourse system from springs to outlet in the sea, except two large freshwater lakes (included in Corine site no. 21 and 219) being part of the water system. Watercourse fringed by grazed freshwater meadows and agricultural land.


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Coastal salt marsh area along the inner Limfjord.


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Coastal steep hills with a variety of habitats. Heath vegetation, scrub, streams, conifer plantation. Mature deciduous forest parts at old estate with park. At coast freshwater lake and marsh.


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Lowland river system from springs to outlet in the Limfjord. Unregulated in most parts, rich in meanders. Fringed by freshwater meadows and agricultural land.


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Large conifer plantations in former heath area. Heath parts and streams with wetlands. Plantation is the largest coherent heath plantation area in Denmark.


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One of the large rivers of west Jutland, flowing out into brackish lagoon at North Sea coast. Lowland river, unregulated in large parts, rich in meanders. Fringed by vegetation, freshwater meadows and heath parts.


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Lowland river gringed by large freshwater meadow parts. River flows out into bottom of the long narrow Randers Fjord.


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Nest of White Stork on building in the town of Randers.


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Large drained freshwater meadows in the former delta of River Skjern outfall into brackish Ringkoebing Fjord. The river is now a canal fringed by dikes. Cultivated land, freshwater meadows and reed marsh.


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Largest river in Denmark. Flows from the lake district highland in Mid-Jutland to brackish Ringkoebing Fjord at North Sea coast, passing through many different habitats. Unregulated except at river delta. Rich in meanders.


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Lowland stream in hilly terrain. Fast running, cold and unpolluted water. Stream trench deep, with springs, steep grassy slopes with scrub and deciduous forest parts. Freshwater meadows and marsh along watercourse.


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Open sea off coast of south-west Jutland.


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One of the large rivers of west Jutland. Mouth of river is the only true estuary in Denmark, flowing out into the Waddensea. Lowland river, unregulated in large parts, fringed by grazed an ungrazed freshwater meadows and reedbeds.


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Heathland area with inland dunes, conifer plantation, lowland river fringed by marsh and meadws.


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Small watercourse in marshland of south-west Jutland, running into the Waddensea. Most of the watercourse is regulated and turned into a canal.


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Conifer plantation surrounded by heath wetlands with peatbogs.


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Second largest freshwater lake in Denmark in surface area, largest in water volume. Eutrophic and deep with very steep edges giving room to only a narrow belt of aquatic plants. Bottom of 22 m deep lake is c. 10 sq. km flat mud areas containing only 5 species of invertebrates including a rare species. Typical Baltic freshwater lake.


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Grazed salt meadows behind dike in large land reclamation area, now mostly cultivated. Originally the bottom of a fiord.


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Lowland stream from spring area with freshwater lakes to outlet into bay of Koege.


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A mosaic of 80-90 peat cuttings mixed with peat banks and swamp forest. Through the middle of the area Koege Aas stretches from the east to the west. Calcareous fens with rich vegetation and grazed calcareous fens. Minor parts with coniferous plantation.


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Formerly a raised bog area. Overgrowing and peat-digging has brought about a great variety of habitats from raised bog to calcareous fens and alder swamps.


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Mainly beech forest on very calcareous moraine. Parts of the forest have very old beech stands. Dense self-sown undergrowth. Rich flora with many rare and characteristic plant species.


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Grazed saltmarshes with rare plant species. Great botanical interest.


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Rich calcareous fens with willow thickets. Partly grazed. Many rare and characteristic plant species.


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Large river delta with fresh, saline and brackish lakes and marshes, coastal sandy islets and mudflats, riverine forests, pasture and agricultural land. Also large freshwater lakes and rice fields on Turkish part of the delta. Between different fauna regions and close to other diverse and less disturbed natural ecosystems.


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Large area of forest; mostly deciduous but some pine, mixed forest oak maquis brushwood and alluvial forest along streams. In lower more eroded foothills there are rocky outcrops, ravines, cliffs and streams with water most of the year. Unproductive areas have been transformed into terraced pine plantations. Near villages are old small-scale fields with hedges, bocages and old trees. Most of the area is grazed.


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Natural freshwater lake on the Thracian coast where the Filiouri river enters the sea. On the west the lake is bordered by the edge of a cultivated plateau, in the south by salt marsh and the flood plain with smaller lakes and old riverbeds. Mitrikou lake is surrounded by reed beds with willow along the river. In summer it is covered by floating vegetation (Trapa natans), providing nesting sites for Chlidonias hybridus (colony destroyed in 1986 as sea water entered lake).


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A series of coastal lakes. The largest, L. Vistonis, has brackish water with freshwater inflow from two rivers. The other lagoons are saline. Lake Mitrikou had fresh water until 1986. Lake Messi has salinas. Lake Vistonis has extended marshes, adjacent zones of Tamarix scrub, salt marsh, freshwater pools and wet meadows. The rivers entering Lake Vistonis have riverine forest and sandflats in their estuaries.


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Steep valley with rock faces, oak-forests and grazing land, descending from the Demir Tsal (Sapka) hills.


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Hills (Kara Oglan) with grazed oak forest and steep valleys (especially the Komsatos river valley). Forest structure owes much to a history of grazing but there are also areas of dense ravine forest.


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River estuary; many lagoons with saltmarsh, freshwater lakes, marshes, riverine forests and poplar plantations, sandy beaches and an off-shore island; also natural lakes with reeds further inland.


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Large gorge of the meandering Nestos river with high cliffs, wooded steep slopes, riverine forests and sand flats in summer.


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A very large forest area between the river Nestos and the Bulgarian border, on the ridge of the Rodopi mountains. It includes the virgin forest of Paranestion (Partheno Dasos of Stavronema, Zagradenia) but consists mainly of beech and pine forest with oak scrub at lower altitudes.


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W. part of Mount Menikion; includes slightly forested ravines and valleys; Black Pines at higher altitudes; Area mainly in use as pasture land. One gorge has a monastery (Timio Prodromos).


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Large partly artificial freshwater lake fed by the Strymon river and used as a reservoir to irrigate the plains downstream. Also slopes of Beles mountain in the north.


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Freshwater lake and marsh left over after draining a larger lake. Open water only in winter. Area includes hilly pastureland and some rock faces.


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River with strips and islands of riverine forests and pastureland between the embankments. Extensive zones of grazed Tamarix scrub. During spring and summer, large sandbanks and flats in riverbed provide nesting opportunity for waders and terns.


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Large freshwater lakes with small streams entering and leaving; locally extensive reedbeds and old forest with colony of Grey Herons and White Storks; other Heron colony in two very old Platanus trees (natural monument) and sometimes in reeds.


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Gorge with some precipices and rocks surrounded by dense and high maquis of extraordinary composition of evergreen wood species.


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Forested hills with some steep valleys and rocky gorges.


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Forested hills with open forest structure.


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Triple delta of three larger plus some smaller rivers discharging into the Thermaikos gulf; rivers have been harnessed by dykes which also run along the coast especially in the south. Aliakmon delta has still extensive salt marshes with small lagoons; extensive coastal mudflats and shallow sea tidal movement expose these only slightly. Riverine forest and reeds fragmented and more common upstream. Land use in delta area mainly rice fields.


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Coastal lagoon with surrounding saltmarshes fringed by a broad strip of sandy heathland, low dunes and beach. Part of the lagoon is used for salt production.


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The highest mountain in Greece. Well forested on the east (seaward) side to which its slopes descend steeply. Top and west slopes bare. Rugged peaks and cliffs. Old ravine forest.


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A small and a larger gorge and pastureland with Paliurus scrub and Plane trees. Moglenitsa river has much water around the year.


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Two freshwater lakes between bare mountains. Lake Petron has the more reeds and marshes. Several rockfaces and bare pastureland. Heron colony at Lake Petron has likely disappeared.


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Diversified landscape of forested hills around two lakes. Lake Cheimaditis has extensive typha marshes and little open water.


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The National Park Mikra Prespa is situated on the frontiers with Yugoslavia and Albania (part of the lake is Albanian). The Mikra Prespa lake is separated from the larger Megali Prespa by a flat strip of sand. The lake is at an altitude of 853 m. has maximum depth of 14 m and covers 4800 ha. The lake has large shallow zones with marshy vegetation and wet meadows; also steep rocky shores. Higher mountain slopes have deciduous forests. A lower hill near the lake has a unique stand of Juniperus excelsa.


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Freshwater lake 8-9 m deep in hilly, partly forested country. The town of Kastoria is on its shore. Humid zones around the lake are intensively used for agriculture and poplar plantations but wetmeadows, reed beds, alluvial forest, hedges and marshes form rich bird habitats.


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Estuary of Kalamas River has two branches; a channel (constructed in 1951) building up a new delta with mud flats and saltmarshes; and an old river bed with large lagoons, some riverine woods but cut-off from the sea by sand (of its own deposits) within the plain of the delta. Some hills, including a large one with some forest and dense scrub.


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Gorge of Kalamas river with poorly vegetated cliffs and slopes in contrast with green belt of alluvial forest and bushes along the river area.


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A temporary (winter) fresh water lake and permanently wet meadows fed by springs and drained again naturally underground (Katavotra).


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A river delta with brackish marshes, Tamarix scrub, sandy heathland and scrub-covered hills on the sea-side; inland the delta which is largely cultivated, ends up in a narrow gorge with enormous cool springs and Platanus along the river.


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Oak forest with mature trees, an open structure, wet places (springs, streams), small ravines in hilly surroundings.


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Large double delta of Louros and Arachtos rivers discharging into a nearly closed bay. Several large lagoons, reed marsh, riverine forest, wet meadows, saltmarsh, mudflats and forested hills. Also some cliffs, islets, sandy spits and beaches.


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Small bare mountain with cliffs within a green, partly forested and partly cultivated area.


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One of the largest and wildest mountains of the Southern Pindos with large bare areas but also well-forested slopes; there are many springs and streams, also waterfalls.


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Forested hills with spectacular steep detached rocks (Meteora) and river valley with riverine forest of Platanus orientalis.


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Mountain with many bare and rocky ridges and peaks; fir forests with open structure, also ravine forests.


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Large mountainous area comprising the foothills of Mount Olymbos, separated from Mount Ossa (Kissavos) by the Vale of Tembi, through which the river Pinios flows to the sea. Seminatural habitats,extensive pastures on Kato Olymbos and wild and cultivated olive groves at lower altitudes. Fir and beech forest covers most of the seaward slopes. East slopes of Oros ossa have rugged ravines with old chestnut forests. Pinios delta has unique coastal and riverine forests, coastal sandy heathland, dunes and old river beds.


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Forested hills, particularly dense maquis at the eastern (seaward) side. Some ravines with cliffs. Pasture also in old forests, providing an open structure of exceptional beauty.


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A gorge of the Pinios river with a gallery of riparian woodland in bare hills (mainly pasture).


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A ravined part of the west of the Othrys mountains. Includes pasture and open forest.


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Estuary with extensive saltmarshes and mud flats in the Maliakos Kolpos. Islets with nesting terns and pratincoles. Land use in delta consists of rice farming which favours feeding of waders and other birds from the surrounding areas.


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Large coastal wetland, vegetated hills with rocky precipices and offshore islands. Extensive shallow sea, lagoons in transition to salinas, fishponds or drained for agriculture (failed). Alluvial forest, small marshes with reeds, Salix in old river beds along the valley of the Achelos river. Plain largely cultivated and irrigated.


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Large mountain complex with predominantly natural biotopes; pastureland at higher altitudes; coastal areas bare and rocky with large cliffs. North and east slopes at lower altitudes forested with old oaks; higher up Kephalinian fir.


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Large cliffs at the SW flanks of a largely forested mountain, bordering the wetlands of Aetolikon-Mesolonghion.


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Fairly rugged mountain, bare above 1500m. separated from Ghiona by steep Mornos valley. High altitude pastures. Middle slopes covered by forest of Kephalinian fir. Large ravines and bare rock. Forms one large massif with Mounts Oiti, Ghiona and Parnassos.


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Forested mountain with high alpine pasture, many bare rocks and scree above 1800 m and below 1200 m. Impressive cliffs to the south and west. Forest consists of one species - Abies cephalonica.


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Eutrophic freshwater sink lake largely reed-covered but open in winter, with underground water flow-off, situated between bare hills. Bordered in the east by a cultivated plain.


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Six mountains with rocky peaks and slopes and also woodlands of coniferous and deciduous trees in north cenrtal Evvia. There are woods of Abies cephalonica and Castanea sativa. There is also mediterranean maquis and phrygana on the lower parts, and many cliffs, especially on the coast. Gorges and sea cliffs are isolated and inaccessible.


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The eastern section of the Panachaikon mountains. Includes a gorge of the Selinous river with adjacent mountain slopes and cliffs, pine forests and olive groves.


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Steep ravine through which a railway goes up to Kalavryta. Slopesand adjacent area covered with pine forests. Olive groves on lower ground. There is a small village around the railway station (Kato Zakhlorou) and at the bottom of the gorge there are stands of Platanus orientalis.


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A lagoon between hills and brackish lakes, separated from the sea by a broad strip of sand with pine forest. There is salt marsh near the Kalogria lagoon. Lamia lakes have extensive reeds. A long canal parallel to the coast through the Strofilia forest provides an outlet to the sea, makes dunes, beaches and half the forest inaccessible to the public and protects an interesting and intact coastal forest ecosystem.


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Old groves of oaks and larger forests of pines, olive groves intermingled with cultivated areas and pastures, representative of the region.


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Brackish lake with marshes (in summer partly drying up) and brushwood in the Bay of Navarinos near Pilos; some tidal mudflats. Rocky hills close off the bay.


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River delta, coastal marshes and heath, sandy beaches, olive groves.


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Bare or sparsely forested mountains; scrub at many places; cliffs widespread.


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Bare rocks and sea cliffs opposite the peninsula of Monemvasia. Little scrub growth, olive groves.


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Freshwater sink lake fed by springs and precipitation. Naturally drained by underground streams. Situated between hills with sparse vegetation and olive groves. Only temporary marshy vegetation in the lake, which is grazed, where it has not been reclaimed and ploughed. The standing water and humid grassland components fluctuate inversely between 5 and 70% of the site.


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Freshwater sink lake and reed marshes surrounded by forested mountains. Grazed slopes with widespread bushes and trees. Water fromsprings and streams disappears through underground drainage.


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Largely bare peninsula with steep sea-cliffs and rocks. A grazed table-land with scrub and grasslands and little habitation or accessibility.


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Predominantly bare mountain top with some cliffs; evergreen scrub and olives at lower altitude; also pasture.


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Very wild mountain massif on the SW coast of Crete; several spectacular deep and narrow ravines of which the famous Samaria gorge has become a National Park; various peaks and a high plateau land still intensively grazed although attempts have been made to freecertain areas from domestic goats in order to protect the wild g oats living in the gorges. Little forest except for pines and evergreen oaks on some slopes.


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Most forested mountain of Crete. Chiefly scrub at lower altitudes; Pinus nigra at higher levels. In this region there are high, bare looking peaks which have been degraded as a result of over grazing. On the southern slopes of the mountain there are woods of Cupressus sempervirens, Quercus coccifera and Acer creticum.


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Bare hot mountain at the south side of Crete.


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The region is a mountain with steep slopes covered with Phrygana. There are also extensive olive groves and there is a radio transmitter on top.


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Island with some rock stacks with patchy scrub vegetation.


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Large rugged mountain partly forested with pines (Pinus brutia) and large area of evergreens (Quercus coccifera). High plateau cultivated.


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Three islands named Paximada, Dragonada and Gianysada with some rocks in the sea.


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Poorly forested mountains with extensive areas of heavily grazed scrub. Sea cliffs and pebble beaches, small ravines with cliffs and Platanus strips along streams.


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A group of two medium-height mountains, covered with mediterranean types of vegetation and with several scattered villages.


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Group of small islands, mostly bare or covered with scrub; cliffs with caves and small offshore rocks.


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Coastal lakes with salt and brackish water, saltmarshes partly or largely drying up in the summer.


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Sea bay, nearly closed shallow brackish water zones, small freshwater marshes, salt marshes, salinas, olive groves and pine forests. Important fishery, bay has an endemic fish species.


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Very rugged island group between Samos and Ikaria. Sparse scrub vegetation, many sea cliffs, bays and smaller offshore rocks.


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Several named and unnamed islets in the Cretan Sea.


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Rocky coasts with sea cliffs and caves, also smaller offshore rocks.


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A wooded hill with woods and scrub in the east of the island.


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Very small rocky island in the Cyclades.


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The highest mountain of Samos has some forest in moist valleys at the north; forest of Cupressus sempervirens; grazing at higher parts less.


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Bare or scrub covered islands in the Northern Sporades group with sea cliffs and rocky islets.


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Mountain with extensive zones of high pastureland, forests and scrub at lower altitudes. Many rock faces, springs and streams.


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Artificial freshwater lake, largely overgrown with emergent marsh vegetation, surrounded by groves, hedges, small pastures. In the north fringed by cliffs.


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A coastal marshland fed by a large freshwater spring. Reeds and scrub of willows and tamarix. Some riverine wood of Platanus orientalis.


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Rocky island. Inhabited plateau in the centre. Old abandoned terrace fields now overgrown with scrub. Tree growth and small marshes in one wet valley.


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Group of islands and islets on the migration-bridge between Crete and the Peloponesos; coastal cliffs and rocks.


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Riverine forests in strips along and on islets in the river.


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Hills with some ravines and rocky outcrops covered with dense maquis and heathland springs and streams with alluvial forests (Platanus orientalis); beaches with sand or pebbles.


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Freshwater lake about 10m. deep, more than half on Yugoslavian territory. Much of its sandy shore is used for bathing but the NE (Greek) shore still has reeds and alluvial forest merging into pasture and agricultural land.


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Small coastal wetland (river delta) with saltmarshes but also freshwater vegetation.


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A secluded forest in a high, nearly closed, valley in a large bare mountain area extensively used as pasture.


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Mountains with pasture predominating. Low oakwoods, some streams and rocks.


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A National Park comprising a representative part of the Pindos mountains. Bare peaks and rocky ridges. Forests (mainly pine) on slopes. Valleys with permanent streams and many springs. Open mixed woodland of great beauty. This area also contains three smallmou ntain lakes, where Triturus alpestris and other amphibians live. On the lower part run two small rivers (trout zone). The soil is serpentine and there is also a region of box thickets.


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Gorge of Louros river with cliffs, scrub and riverine forests of Platanus orientalis.


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A long mountain ridge with many cliffs; forest only at lower altitutes.


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Small secluded marsh; densely vegetated hills with steep rocks; valley with riverine woods.


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L.Voulkaria is a freshwater lake surrounded by reed beds. L. Salini (or Aktion lagoon)is salt or brackish and shallow; their only relation is their proximity.


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Two freshwater lakes. The smaller (Lake Lysimachia) has extensive shallow zones with reeds.


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Partly artificial lakes (freshwater) fed by Kifisos-Potamos and drain water from the (cultivated) Kopaida plain between bare mountains although east of Paralimni the slopes are covered with pines.


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Low mountain on the central-south side of Evvia with extensive pine forests, mixed forests; bare ridges and pastures. This area is covered in the major part by woodlands of Pinus halepensis, Pinus nigra and Abies cephalonica. In the lower part there is a small river with riparian forests of Platanus orientalis. There are also rocky cliffs, areas with Mediterranean maquis and cultivated fields. To the northern and eastern extremities of the area mines are in operation.


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Marsh near the coast, fed by springs, with freshwater and halophilic vegetation. Separated from the sea by a sandy strip with forest of Pinus pinea and a tourist beach.


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Fresh or brackish pool separated from the coast by a sand strip but directly connected to the sea. Landward shore has slopes and cliffs with pine forests. Sea pine on the sand dunes. Attractive scenery.


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Islands and cape in the SW Peloponesos. Sapientza is wooded but most of the area is covered by scrub.


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Bare mountain slopes and typical landscape with Mani villages and olive groves in the plains; pasture on the mountains; some cliffs especially on the coast.


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Large mountain chain in the southern Peloponesos partly forested with Black Pine and with Kephalinian fir; large tracts have maquis following fires in the past.


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Hills with olive-groves, scrub and rocky valleys. Pure Juniperus forest near Milopotamos.


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Poorly forested mountains with extensive scrub areas, bare uplands and green valleys with Platanus strips. Small chestnut wood near the highest peak.


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Two largely bare islands south of Corfu together with some smaller islets.


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Two small islands in the Ionian Sea south of Zakynthos.


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Two islands south of Crete, together with some rock stacks in the sea; The largest, Gavdos, has some woodland and is inhabited.


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Small rocky and bare islands south of Naxos with many sea-cliffs.


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Group of islands and islets, poorly inhabited, poorly vegetated.


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Largely bare rocky island at the northern edge of Karpathos; has many sea cliffs.


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Coastal brackish water marsh fed chiefly by springs; tamarix scrub, coastal heath and sand beaches; hill slopes with scrub and olives.


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Small coastal wetlands in the north of Evvia with brackish lagoon fed by springs and small streams. Reeds and a rare type of riverine forest. On the coastal side, a sandy beach and heathland.


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Sea bay situated far inland of Lesvos island.


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The estuary of the river Strymon has a large shallow lagoon surrounded by salt marsh and tamarix scrub with reed marshes along the river. The area includes sandy beaches and coastal heathland.


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Small brackish lagoon in the very north of Kerkyra.


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Lagoons, salinas, saltmarshes and mudflats around the town of Lefkas.


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Rugged forested mountain with bare peak and many gorges and precipices. In this area there are forests of deciduous trees such as Castanea sativa. There are also forests of pine and fir trees. At high altitudes the slopes are bare and rocky. Secluded situation on the eastern most point of the three prongs of Chalkidiki.


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Small river descending from Mount Olympus.


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Small river with permanent water, precipices and forests, about 20 km in length.


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Delta of Pinios river has riverine and coastal forests, old river branches with marshy vegetation and tamarix scrub; sandy beaches and coastal heathland with scrub depressions near the coast have so much freshwater inflow from springs that good alluvial forest could emerge.


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Largely forested and partly bare mountain at Bulgarian border inhabited by shepherds who maintain a special type of grazed forest; beech-forests above 900m.


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Grasslands at the edge of the Evros Delta.


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This is an area covered mostly by woods of Abies cephalonica. There are also woods of Pinus halepensis, Mediterranean maquis, mountain grassland, rocky cliffs, ravines, springs and rivulets.


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Kifisos River has been canalized where it drains the plain of the former Lake Kopais; it still has some riverine forest and, with its tributary springs, good water quality.


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River and tributary springs. Riparian forests with some larger stands of Platanus.


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Predominant type of vegetation in this region are woods of Abies cephalonica in old stands, but also Black Pine and Platanus at wet sites in valleys. There are also grasslands, rocky peaks and slopes. At lower altitudes (350-800m) there is an area of Mediterannean marquis with Quercus coccifera, cistus, arbutus etc. On the highest slopes there are patches of dwarf juniper scrub. A plateau (Livadies) used as pasture and crossed by rivulets, on which lies a small mountain lake, is the centre of interest in this region.


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Bare mountain top and high plateau with forest left only in ravines and on some northern and eastern slopes; chiefly Kephalinian Fir and Black Pine.


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Small coastal marsh fed by a freshwater-spring.


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Hills and cape in SE Peloponesos covered with scrub or bare. Almost unpopulated. Coastline interspersed with sandy beaches.


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Islands at the south edge of Lakonia; covered with garrigue or bare; sea cliffs and stone beaches, olive groves.


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Largely bare coastal mountain steeply descending to the coast; some trees and scrub at NE flanks and on lower altitudes; bordering Evinos Delta (site complex A00010048).


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Freshwater lake with reedbed in the west, bordered by a steep slope with cliffs and forests.


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Freshwater lake surrounded by forested hills. Little shoreline vegetation due to fluctuations in water level as a result of its use for irrigation of tobacco crops. Area includes adjacent slopes of Thyamon Oros.


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A mosaic of oak-forested hills, pastureland, fields, streams and small traditional villages.


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Forested hills bordering the Strymon valley with Kerkini lake. Mainly beech at higher altitudes; oaks and scrub wood at lower levels.


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Small rocky islets at the SW corner of Crete, with sandy beaches.


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Isolated island in the central Aegean largely bare but evergreen scrub wood in the east, many sea cliffs with caves.


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SE side of this island near Karpathos has enormous cliffs.


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A group of islets situated near the coast of Turkey.


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Small bare islands at the extreme NW corner of Crete, consisting of massive blocks of limestone with a steep coastline all around.


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A steep regularly shaped mountain in the south of Kephalinia Island, covered in the major part by forests of Abies cephalonica. There are also a few grasslands and rocky cliffs.


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Small freshwater lake near the S.E. coast of Samos Island.


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An old stand of Quercus pedunculiflora and Fraxinus oxycarpa near lake Doirani.


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One of the highest mountains in Greece, with extensive fir forests on its slopes.


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Ravine forest with fir and evergreen broadleaves.


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High and steep mountain chain on the border with Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. Large forests and brushwood at medium and lower altitude, bare above ca. 1700m. Large ravines and scree areas,the area is characterized by rich grasslands, rocky biotopes and rich herbal vegetation.


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Kerkini lake is situated between well forested mountains and is biologically very productive,in spite of intensive exploitation (fishery). Large forests provide shelter for large mammals and birds of prey that profit from wetland as a food resource.


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Forested island with some small wetlands.


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Old pubescent oak forest near Alimros town.


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Gorge of Pinios river between Kato Olympos and Karakopetra, amidst bare or scrubby grazing land and olive groves. Low cliffs provide nesting refuge for rare birds. Important feeding area for all four W. Paleartic vulture species. Small strips of riverine woods,but extensive and exceptionally homogeneous landscape of natural and semi-natural brushwood of chiefly Olea and Spartium providing splendid scenery.


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Western (inland) parts bare, eastern seaward part well forested mountain with some rocky outcrops, gorges and cliffs. Extensive grazing land including scrub on the gentle slopes. Splendid beech and black pine forests and dense maquis on the lower, moist, slopes near the sea.


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Ossa mountain has an alternating landscape with extensive closed forest of beech and fir on the seaward side. Bare grazing land on the western parts, and a mixture of pasture, groves and small fields on the plateau. The summit is bare rock.


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An extensive mountain complex well covered with mixed and coniferous forests.


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Large beech forest, a small part of which is unexploited.


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Remnant of riverine forest along Pinios river near Larisa.


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Two coastal lagoons, in use as fishponds. Coastal heathland and sandy beaches, mudflats, some fields and brushwood on the hillsides. Borders the salinas (alykes) of Porto Lago.


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Part of large mixed forest near the Greek-Yugoslavian border.


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Forest of Kephalinian fir and chestnuts.


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Coastal plain with small freshwater lakes, temporary streams, marshes, meadows and fields. Some wet woods. Foothills of mount Ochi (site A00010225) have sclerophyllous scrub.


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An old remnant of a natural moist plain-forest in the northernmost edge of Evvia island. Left over around a chapel. Close to site A00010233.


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Uninhabited island with steep inaccessible sea cliffs.


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Uninhabited and isolated island in the Cyclades.


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A huge south facing sea cliff with sparse maquis vegetation in the central south coast of Amoros island, and the south side of Mount Arofitis Ilias.


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Islet off the west coast of Amorgos Island with dense maquis sea cliffs and caves.


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Peninsula of Amorgos island with steep rocky slopes and sea cliffs, only partly accessible to goats.


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Higher parts of Thira island with sparse but interesting vegetation.


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Mixed forest of pine, fir and evergreen broadleaves.


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Small saltmarsh near Aigion town at the Gulf of Korinth. Also reeds and Juncus vegetation around some open water and mudflats. Attractive to migrating waders, herons, ducks and flamingo.


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A cave and springs feeding at least fifteen lakes in the cave.


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Mountain in the north of the Peloponese, well forested (chiefly fir) at lower altitude but bare on the summits. The north side has the famous Styx valley with a cave and waterfall and is a botanical sanctuary, as is the Zarouchla forest on the eastern slopes.


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Mountain complex in the N.W. Peloponese with some fir and pine on the slopes.


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Small mountain with bare parts, scrub and wood.


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Two caves on the west coast of Mani, Peloponesos. The Glyfada cave is 100 metres long and half filled with brackish water. The Alepotrypa cave, adjacent to the Glyfada cave, has three lakes and evidence of prehistoric settlement.


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Small coastal wetland, saltmarsh, nearly closed off from the sea (gulf of Neapolis) by sandy strip and dunes.


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A stand of the rare Juniperus drupacea near the monastry of Malevi.


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Rocky offshore island at mouth of Achelos with Juniperus forest and maquis. A large cliff has a colony of Griffon Vulture.


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A stand of Lauro-Fraxinetum angustifoliae near spring-fed streamsin the north of the Achelos delta.


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Ravine with extensive cliffs. Road construction has reduced significance as a raptor habitat.


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Forested ravine on the S.E. of Mount Idi.


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Small grassland with an endemic orchid (Kritiko Kefalanthrio).


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Small freshwater lake, some large springs, stream and coastal marshland.


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Gorge on the north slope of the White Mountains of Crete. Widespread pine and evergreen woods.


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Small islands off S.E. Crete with dunes and sandy beaches and more scrubwood than other Cretan offshore islands.


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Islands S.E. of Crete, largely bare with some rocky but particularly extensive sandy coasts and dunes.


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Small stand of endemic palm trees at the outlet of a small permanent stream, running through a beautiful valley with old olive groves and riparian trees, and two old monasteries.


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Small islands in the gulf of Mesara, Crete. Sparse vegetation, sea cliffs with colonies of Eleonora's Falcon and Cory's Shearwater. Caves where Monk Seals have been observed.


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A complex of islands with impressive sea cliffs. The main island consists of two peninsulas connected by a narrow strip. Little habitation with many inaccessible areas.


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Highest mountain of Rodos, largely bare due to grazing and deforestation. Cliffs have endemic chasmophytes, especially at higher altitudes.


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Partly forested hill with limestone cliffs, well isolated and undisturbed so survival of rich vegetation with cliff endemics has occurred.


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Chain of mountains including three peaks in the central part of the island. Large pine forests at lower altitudes. Bare or scrub on higher parts as well as along the northern coast of the island and east of Aperion village.


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Mountain and cape on the west coast of Rodos somewhat isolated and a refuge for rare plants.


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N E cape of Ikaria island, with steep rocky shores and sandy beaches.


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Well forested mountain in the centre of Samos island.


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Natural stand of Cupressus sempervirens.


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This region is covered in the major part by forests of coniferous and deciduous trees. There are woodlands of Pinus silvestris and Pinus nigra and sporadic appearance of Picea abies and Abies borisii-regis. We also find woodlands of Fagus silvatica mixed with Fagus moesiaca. There are open areas and grasslands as well as mountain cliffs. Also this region has many streams and small rivers with impetuous and cool waters (Trout zone).


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This region is covered in the major part by forests of coniferous and deciduous trees. There are woodlands of Picea abies, Abies borisii-regis and Fagus. These forests do not seem to have been lumbered recently. There are also open grasslands and rocky mountain cliffs, where numerous rare plants grow.


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In this region we find extensive woodlands of Picea abies and Fagus silvatica. Also exist in a more limited area woodlands of Pinus silvestris and Pinus nigra. In a subarea there is woodland of Betula pendula, unique for Greece and the southern forest of this tree in the Balkan peninsula. Many rare plants or rare for Greece exist in this region. There are also rare species of birds, mammals and insects.


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The area covers the bulk of the Mount Orvilos with the highest peaks and slopes above the village Katafito. It is covered by alpine and subalpine grasslands with rich and rare flora. There are also small forests with coniferous (Abies borisii, Pinus leucodermis, Pinus silvestris) and deciduous trees.


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Area with high peaks and extended alpine and subalpine grasslands with rich grass vegetation. There are also zones with rocky calcareous cliffs. The highest peak is a zone of Dryas octopetala mats. On the lower parts there are areas with Pinus nigra and Abies alba.


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Area with rich forests of deciduous and coniferous trees. It has grasslands and open spaces which support a rich mountain flora. It has many rare species or species with restricted distribution in the Balkan peninsula.


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The main feature of the area is the presence of a rather big mountain for a Mediterranean island, this is also one of the few mountains on Aegean islands where there are Fir trees. There is also a large variety of flora which has not been studied.


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Typical mountainous Greek island landscape which has suffered from fires and continuous intensive grazing.


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The area is covered at the lower parts with thick forests of Beech trees. On the peaks we find grasslands and rocky slopes.


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Large secluded mountainous area with large beech forest,only recently opened up, many streams, small bogs,cliffs and pine forests in ravines, extensive alpine grasslands and rocky biotopes.


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This region is covered in the major part by subalpine grasslands and sparse rocky cliffs. On the lower parts there are woodlands of Beech trees.


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This region is covered in the major part by subalpine grasslands. There are also rocky mountain cliffs and woodlands of Pinus silv estris, Pinus nigra and Fagus silvatica.


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In this region there are high rocky peaks, exposed bedrocks, ravines, alpine and subalpine grasslands and woods of Pinus heldreichii (in the higher altitudes) and Pinus nigra and Fagus silvatica in the lower altitudes. Ther is also a mountain stream (potamos enippeas) and a few mountain springs and small streams.


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In this region there are high peaks, rocky mountain cliffs and alpine and subalpine grasslands. In the lower altitudes (1800-1900m) there are woods of Fagus silvatica, Abies borisii regis and Pinus nigra. A little mountain lake is near the highest peak.


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The main characteristics of this region are the grasslands and the stony plains. In the northern part there is a mountain village (Vlasti). The region of Vlasti is very interesting for the serpentine soil where there are rare plants.


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This region is one of the most important natural landscapes of Greece. There is a valley surrounded by two series of peaks. This valley (Messiano Nero) has half serpentine soil and half calcareous soil. The geographical isolation and the absence of human activity has lead to the creation of a unique natural ecosystem.


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Little mountain region on the Greek/Albanian borders.


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A region with high peaks, rocky cliffs and alpine, subalpine grasslands. The soil of this region is serpentine in the lower altitudeds (1800 - 2100m). There are woods of Pinus heldreichii, Pinus nigra, Abies borisii and Fagus silvatica. There is also a mountain lake (Drakolimini).


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This is a region of 10 km in length surrounded by high peaks. There are all types of vegetation; riparian forests of Platanus, Salix, Populus and Alnus. Sclerophyllus shrubs and woods of deciduous and coniferous trees or mixed woods. In the higher zone thereare woods of Pinus heldreichii and rocky mountain cliffs. Small mountain streams run from the peaks down to the river Aoos which runs at the bottom of the ravine.There is also a very interesting small valley called "Laka tou tsoumani" with springs and semi-permanent lakes with Triturus alpestris. Higher up there is a small permanent mountain lake called "Drakolimni", and a small stand of Juniperus foetidissima.


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This region is a gorge with vertical rocky cliffs of many hundreds of metres high and 10 Km long. At the bottom of the gorge runs a torrent (river of Vikos) that near the exit becomes a permanent river (Potamos Voidomatis). There are riparian forests with Alnus, Salix Populus and Platanus. Other trees living near the river are Horse chestnut, Walnut and Ash. There are also small woods of deciduous trees (Carpinus, Ostrya, Cornus etc) and other sparsely covered areas of deciduous and coniferous trees.


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This is an area with woodlands of coniferous and deciduous trees,with open plateau and grasslands, small streams and springs, which are crossed by forestry roads and a highway. The main trees of this area are Pinus nigra, Fagus silvatica and Pinus heldreichii,and deciduous oaks at the lower part.


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Upper parts of large forested mountain chain, dense maquis and evergreen woods at lower north slopes facing the sea, beech and abies forest at higher levels.


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Cultivated area, the northern part consisting of stony slopes covered with Sclerophyllus scrubs.


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A region with high peaks, rocky mountain cliffs and ravines. There are also alpine and subalpine grasslands and mountain streams.


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This is agricultural land with farms and fields.


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In this region there are cultivated fields and hills with Phrygana and Sclerophyllous shrub. There are also scattered residential areas.


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This is a mountain region intensely degraded because of stock farming and agriculture.


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A region with varied characteristics. There are hills with Phrygana and shrubs, small Pine woods, cultivated fields, olive groves, etc.


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This is a large area with a variety of biotopes and three small mountains. There are woods of conifers (Pinus halepensis), Mediterranean maquis, Phrygana, cultivated fields, grazing areas and rocky mountain cliffs. There are also small woods of Pinus nigra.


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It is a region with high bare - looking peaks, a plateau at 1600 m and a ravine above the village of Ano Trikala. On the lower parts there are forests of Abies cephalonica and Pinus nigra.


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A secondary peak of Mt. Oligirtos, bare-looking as a result of fires and over-grazing in the past. On the lower parts however there are woods of Abies cephalonica.


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This region is a bare-looking rocky hill, on the summit of which there is a mediaeval fortress.


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This region is a steep rocky hill with a fortress on its summit.


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The central part of the island of Idra. This region is a small mountain without trees. There are five small monasteries on the summit. On the north side the houses of the small city of Idra crawl upwards.


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It is a large mountain area including the main peaks of Mt. Parnonas, the village of Kastanitsa and the Malevi monastery. There are woods of Abies cephalonica, Pinus nigra and Castanea sativa, which are crossed by many forest roads. Only the higher parts of the peaks are bare - looking. Around the monastery area there is a wood of Juniperus drupacea, unique in Europe. An area around the village of Kastanitsa is rocky and rich in vegetation of cracks.


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This is a region with many rocky cliffs surrounding the Elonis monastery.


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This region is covered by Sclerophyllus scrub, Phrygana and cultivated fields.


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This region is a rocky slope extending from the crest of Mt. Kokhilas to the sea shore. The vegetation is mainly Phrygana.


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This region is covered in the major part by Phrygana and mostly spiny like Sarcopoterium spinosum, but there are also woods of Quercus macrolepis and Pinus brutia and small stands of Pinus nigra. There are also cultivated areas.


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This region is covered, mostly, by woods of Pinus brutia and Castanea sativa. The remaining areas are cultivated fields and grazing ground. The summit of the mountain is rocky and bare looking.


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This is a rocky region covered with Phrygana.


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Steep slopes in the centre south of Ikaria with cliffs and small groves.


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The region is a degraded stony biotope covered by Phrygana. There are also cultivated fields.


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Typical Cycladian ecosystem with stony ground and Phrygana, and a few individual relict Quercus ilex.


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It is a mountainous region which includes the three main mountains of Rodos and is characterized by a large variety of biotopes. There are forests of Pinus brutia, stony grasslands, Mediterranean maquis and Phrygana. There are also cultivated areas.


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It is a small ravine with naked rock walls where human pressure is unimportant.


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Region with rocky hills covered with spiny Phrygana and rocky or sandy coastlands. Only on one coast, at Vai (site A00020031), is there a small wood of Cretan palm (Phoenix theophrastii).


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In this region there are rocky and sandy coastlands, Phrygana including spiny shrublets, bare looking rocky mountains and gorges with vertical walls.


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In this region there are sandy coastlines, coastal cliffs, areas covered with Phrygana and Mt.Orno, where scattered woods of Pinusbrutia are found.


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In this region there are cultivated fields, rocky and sandy coastlines, dry areas covered with Phrygana, shruberies and a small mountain (Ori Thriptis) with rocky peaks.


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This is a gorge with rocky cliffs where the remains of Cypress foests are preserved.


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Northern part of Kherisonissos Akrotiriou. It is a stony and infertile region covered with spiny Phrygana.


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It is a region of high bare looking, rocky peaks and deep gorges.Locally, there are forests of Cypressus sempervirens, Pinus brutia and Quercus coccifera. On the lower slopes there are shrubs and Phrygana. At the bottom of the Samaria gorge runs a torrent. In the gorges there are small riparian forests of Oriental plane locally very narrow gorge on the south flank of lefka ori, natural refuge for the cretan wild goat, a footpath running through the mostly dry bed of the stream in use by large number of tourists.


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A region with a large variety of biotopes. There are three small mountains, many ravines and gorges, stony slopes and rocky or sandy coastlines. The vegetation consists of Phrygana and shrubs. In the gorges and the ravines there are stands of Oriental planes. The region also comprises of cultivated fields, olive groves and small woods of Chestnut.


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Estuary with lagoon, freshwater and saltmarshes, reeds, sand-dunes and sand-beaches.


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Reedmarsh and moist meadows, close to sandy beach.


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River delta with charateristic biotopes,tamarix gallery, mudflats, pebble beaches, reed- and other marshes, and grasslands.


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Wide valley with some steep cliffs and rocky outcrops, some pools in riverbed retain water in summer.


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Gorge with many cliffs, ravine-woods and brushwood, old trees and a church, stream only rarely carries water.


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Large spring-pool beneath a slope with stream, bordering reedbeds and marshes, wet meadows, brushwood and estuary, a power station uses stream for cooling.


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Peninsula, islands and rock-stacks on the north-west corner of Crete, hills and cape sparsely vegetated with phrygana, also rock-faces and sea-cliffs.


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A large isolated rock with steep faces, together with a wide valley that contains a number of small narrow ravines.


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A few cliffs on a river valley and maquis on adjacent slopes.


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Relatively large delta area of crete's largest 'river' with considerable tracts of natural habitats: marshes, grasslands, brushwood, riparian woods, sand flats and -beaches.


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Small gorge and neigbouring cliffs with ample woods and olive groves.


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Stream and eastuary with large stands of arundo, also riparian woodland.


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Stream with riparian woods, marshes and pebbles, also some small cultivations in its estuary area. an airfield to the east prevents touristic construction from closing in wetland, so that migratory birds can still use it.


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Complex of mountains only sparsely vegetated with phrygana, though ravines have some woods, many cliffs especially on southern flanks. Flat upland valleys have also grasslands and old widespread evergreen oaks.


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Remote and largely bare cape, only locally covered with phrygana.


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Cliff in use for roosting and nesting by a small colony of griffon vultures.


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Small stream, riparian vegetation and its estuary.


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Small rocky offshore islets with a chapel, sparse vegetation.


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Artificial lake in hilly country, keeping water also in summer. As a new type of habitat for Crete, it attracts a large variety of migratory waterbirds.


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Stream and estuary with reeds and adjacent marshes.


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Large highland mostly covered with phrygana, also bare and rocky parts, some gorges but no higher vegetation. Rocky relief hardly accessible and grazing only posible landuse.


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Estuary and beach-lake of a small stream only carrying water after winter rains. Pool has Typha and other vegetation capable to sustain some waterfowl.


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Large reedmarshes along a permanent stream fed by springs.


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Valley with some steep cliffs and adjacent uplands. cliffs used by griffon vultures and falcons.


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Small coastal lagoon, wet only in winter/spring, sandflats, dunes, saltmarsh, graslands and olive groves.


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Gorge with steep cliffs and a griffon vulture colony. stream through flat valley bottom with moist meadows, riparian woods and marshes, small sandy estuary into sea.


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Rock with cliffs suitable for nesting and roosting vultures, amidst brushwood and maquis on s slope of Mt. Kouloukounas. Lower parts merge into more forested river valley of Milopotamos.


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River, marshes, reeds, riparian woods, estuary and beach-lake that keep water also in summer.


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Stream with riparian woods of salix, tamarix and populus, gravel banks and estuary.


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River with broad gravel-bed and some riparian vegetation, reeds and marshland.


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Freshwater marshes and pools beneath the steep coastal edge of a large flat plateau, largely covered with phrygana and some cultivations, sandy beaches and small dunes.


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Stream and its mouth into the sea, carrying relatively large quantities of water, only since 1992 subject to a thorough alteration.


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Estuary of stream with mudflats, wet meadows and reeds on the outskirts of Souda town.


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Gorge and adjacent steep valleys, upland and forested slopes.


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Springs, marshes and stream supplied continuously with much water, reeds, moist meadows and riparian woods along stream. Estuary and spring area recently spoiled by new construction.


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Moist flat valley with marshy vegetation, moist meadows. only recently, a hotel has been built in the estuary of the stream.


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Sandflats, beaches with shallow lakes at low tide, low dunes at the edge of Akrotire upland.


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Bare montains, rugged gorges with ravine-forests, permanent streams and olive plantations.


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Gorge of aposelimis river with roost and nestsites of griffon vultures and other birds of prey.


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Wide valley with some steep cliffs and rocky outcrops. some pools in riverbed retain water in summer. Delta still has open zones of natural habitat.


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Area mostly covered with phrygana, also bare and rocky parts, some gorges but no higher vegetation but in some valleys (i.e. Vai palm-forest). Coastal zones rugged and rocky with many sea-cliffs, stacks and larger off-shore islands.


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Hilly area covered with high maquis and a low mountain with broadleaved forest.


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Extensive low hills with high maquis and low mountain covered with deciduous forest containing old trees (e.g. Fagus sp., Fraxinus sp.).


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Large stony plain with a gentle slope and steppe-like grasslands and hedgehog phrygana-like vegetation on the foot of the steep east-flank of mount Olympos.


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Medium altitude lakes surrounded by mountains covered mostly with broadleaves, intermediate climate form, between mediterranean and central european.


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A high mountain covered mostly with broadleaves.


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This site includes a peak of 1932m altitude and its northern slopes extending as far as the "Vigla Pisoderiou" mountain pass, there are beautiful woods of beech and other deciduous trees, mountain pastures, springs, mountain streams and brooks.


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Alpine and subalpine pastures and beautiful woods of beech and other deciduous trees are characteristic of this area, there are also mountain springs and brooks.


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A freshwater lake (half of it, in former Yugoslavia) and an old-growth forest stand.


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Shallow coastal lagoon, separated from the sea by a sandy spit and dunes, saltmarsh but also some freshwater marshes. In summer, large mudflats dry up.


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A large mountain complex (connected with Voreia Pindos site complex, A00060104) covered with conifers and broadleaves, numerous small rock formations.


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A broad mountainside with alternated belts of rock and conifer forest stands, it connects northern Pindos mountain range with Mt. Gramos.


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This site includes the three main peaks of Mt. Avgo of S. Pindos range, named Avgo, Loupata and Marosia. A typical landscape of S. Pindos range, with forests of cephalonian and macedonian fir, mountain and subalpine pastures, rocky and stony slopes and cliffs.


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A large mountain complex covered with fir forest, extensive alpine fields used for nomadic stock-raising.


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The higher part of Mt. Voutsikaki, a bare mountain landscape, with rocky slopes and cliffs and mountain pastures.


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Natural spring-marsh and stream with some open water, but most of area covered with reeds and riparian vegetation, surroundings cultivated except for a rocky slope.


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A mountain complex of medium height, covered with broadleaves.


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Mostly bare, rocky hills bordering the thessalian plain, also some marshy area and clay-pits.


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A group of islands with a low density of humans.


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Rocky uninhabited island in front of Nestos delta, mostly covered with maquis.


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A high limestone mountain, partly covered with pine forest, and with extensive open habitats (alpine fields, lowland fields and garrigue), large rock formations near summit.


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Two neighbouring mountains of medium height. Ori Vrondous is on siliceous substrate and covered with conifers, while Oros Menoikio is on limestone and mostly covered with grassland and some open forests. Rock formations are present.


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A medium height mountain along the Greek-Bulgarian border, the southern end of a large mountainous area. deciduous forest and scrub.


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A high limestone mountain, covered by conifers and with very extensive rock formations.


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This site includes the highest peaks of Mt. Oxya, above 1400 m. of altitude covered with beech forest and with mountain pastures.


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Lagoon with saltmarsh, partly converted into salinas.


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A complex of small islands, with a variety of mediterranean ecosystems.


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A small island with a variety of mediterranean ecosystems.


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A small with scattered vegetation of sclerophyllous shrub and phrygana. A former site of exile.


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The most uninhabited part of an island with a mediterranean character.


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A group of two small, uninhabited islands, with a mediterranean character.


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A group of tiny uninhabited islands, situated in the area just south of the city of Athens.


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A pine-covered mountain in a mediterranean scrub area, partly inaccessible area with rough relief and large rock formations.


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This is an area with serpentine rocks and slopes, mediteranean maquis and phrygana.


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A medium-height mountain of southern Greece, with a mediterranean character.


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A typical mountain landscape of S. Greece,with mediterranean maquis, phrygana and pine woods (Pinus halepensis). There are also, at the highest zone, bare rocky slopes and cliffs. This site includes the highest peaks of Mt. Penteli and the slopes, over 600m altitude.


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A typical low mountain of S. Greece with woods of Pinus halepensis, mediterranean maquis and frygana, bare rocky slopes and cliffs. This is a part of Mt. Penteli.


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A typical low mountain of south Greece,covered by mediterranean maquis, phrygana and pine woods (Pinus halepensis). There are also bare slopes and cliffs, and a wood of pines and cypresses, that has been created by reafforestation. This site includes the higher part of Mt. Ymittos, above 600m, and the aesthetic forest of Kaissariani.


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Two hills in the center of Athens with bare rocky slopes and cliffs. There are also small woods of pines, cypresses and other trees, created by reafforestation.


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A steep hill in the center of Athens covered by woods of pines and cypresses. There are also rocky slopes and cliffs.


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A small river estuary, situated within the limits of Athens. Its character has been greatly altered by human activity.


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Typical mediterranean landscape with pine woods, mediterranean maquis and phrygana. There are also old mines.


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A small, uninhabited island just off the coast, with a mediterranean character.


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A medium height mountain,covered with fir-forest (on fairly poor and dry soil) and mediterranean shrub/maquis, rock formations, heavy human pressure because of urban area (Athens) presence nearby.


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A medium height mountain, covered with mediterranean type vegetation.


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Area with rocky cliffs and slopes, covered locally with pinewoods and phrygana.


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Includes the highest zone of Mt. Kithaironas, over 800 m altiude. It is covered with fir-forest (Abies cephalonica).


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A typical mountain landscape of central Greece with forests of Abies cephalonica and bare peaks, slopes and cliffs.


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A typical mountain landscape of Attika, with woods of Pinus halepensis and mediterranean maquis. The highest peak is locally covered with fir woods (Abies cephalonica).


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A complex of three mountains that constitute the core area of Anatoliki Sterea mountain region. Typical fir-forest and rocky alpine grasslands of southern Greece.


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This site includes the higher part of Mt. Chelidona, above 700m, a typical mountain landscape of central Greece, with fir-forests, mountain pastures, cliffs and stony slopes, mountain springs etc.


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Includes the main massif of Mt. Kaliakouda, above the altitude of 600m. Woods of Abies cephalonica, subalpine pastures and bare rocky and stony slopes and cliffs.


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An extensive mountain, well forested and with a low human density.


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A medium altitude gorge, in the middle of a mountain area.


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The most remote side of Milos island along with two small, uninhabited islands. All of them are bare looking, typical Aegean island habitats.


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Less densely populated part of Amorgos island and a neighbouring, unihabited island, with an Aegean character.


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Typical mediterranean island ecosystem, with phrygana and maquis vegetation, small fields and terraces, sandy and rocky coasts.


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An extensive area containing a variety of habitats (low forested mountains, agricultural lowlands, small wetlands).


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A relatively short and very steep gorge just outside the border of Oiti national park.


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A small wetland with brackish water, dense reedbeds, related to the Ramsar wetlands of Amvrakikos.


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A perpetually flowing stream with an old plane-tree forest.


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A coastal, marshy area and stream estuary.


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A coastal wetland with dense reedbeds and a tamarix forest.


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An upland freshwater marsh with dense reedbeds, surrounded by deciduous forest.


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A complex of small, mostly uninhabited, islands.


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Part of a region with many low mountains and dammed rivers, with a mediterranean character.


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A medium height mountain and nearby cliffs.


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A tributary of river Acheloos, flowing through low mountains with mediterranean vegetation and into the Kastraki dam.


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A seasonally flooded coastal area, formally the delta of river Mornos.


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Deciduous and mixed forest, fir forest, upland river, small cultivations and deserted fields.


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The highest zone of Mt. Panachaikon, over 1400 m. It includes bare mountain slopes, cliffs and fields, springs and brooks. There are also small groups of Abies cephalonica.


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A medium height mountain, covered with fir-forest and a small alpine-type grassland on summit area.


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The highest zone of Mt. Oligyrtos above 1200 m altitude. It includes bare mountain slopes, cliffs and mountain fields. There are also (between 1200 and 1600 m) forests of Abies cephalonica.


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A series of neighbouring small wetlands.


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The highest zone of Mt. Menalo, above 1200 m altitude. It includes forests of Abies cephalonica, bare mountain slopes and fields.


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A small and well vegetated gorge with permanent water flow. Long-established human presence includes nearby villages and arable land, water mills, three monasteries (two of them still in use) and an archaelogical site.


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A long peninsula, typical of the warmer mediterranean zone. Dry garrigue and phrygana, rocky coasts.


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One of the largest mountain massifs of Greece, situated on a fairly dry climate zone and along an important bird migration route. Fir-and pine-forests, an extensive rocky ridge above tree limit, abundant rocky formations (including two long gorges).


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Two parallel gorges (with only seasonal water flow) that cut through the lower maquis-covered west side of Taygetos mountain. Old deserted villages, stone-paved paths and an old stone bridge in good condition.


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Two neighbouring small coastal wetlands, one with freshwater and the other with brackish water.


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A wetland with brackish water, largely destroyed in the past, but still holding some ecological value.


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A complex of coastal wetlands with brackish, fresh or salt water, extensive cultivations, holiday houses.


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Coastal lagoons, extensively exploited for fish-farming, sandy and rocky coasts, small off-shore islands.


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An extensive, but not very high, mountain, covered with pine forest and maquis, a rocky valley on the south part.


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The south coast (a long sandy beach) and the hilly axis of Zakynthos island. Pine scrub and maquis interspersed with small scale cultures. Long inaccessible rocky coasts.


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Hilly area covered with mature oak forest with an open structure and a small freshwater lake.


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Shallow freshwater marsh with limited open water, mostly dry in summer, with adjacent grassland, riparian brushwood and slopes.


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Shallow sink-lake usually wet in winter and drying up during summer, grassland and marshy vegetation.


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Shallow marshy fresh-water lake, borderd by fields and hills.


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Large, deep lake with reedbeds all around, also some riparian woods. Ioannina town situated at its western shore.


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A high mountain of central Greece, with extensive traditional (nomadic) sheep-raising, fir-forest and extensive alpine grasslands(limestone type). Rock formations including a gorge.


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This area includes the main peaks of Mt. Peristeri massif, above 1600 m altitude. It is a bare mountain landscape with rocky and stony slopes, cliffs, alpine and subalpine pastures, mountain springs, streams and brooks.


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One of the largest gorges of Greece, still inaccessible and with only one village at the exit.


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Small gorge attractive to large birds of prey. Adjacent area has maquis, riparian woods and some fields.


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This site includes the highest zone of Mt. Pantokrator in the Kerkyra (Corfu) island, above 600m altitude. It is a bare mountain with phrygana and mediterranean maquis.


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A very large mountain area, including limestone and siliceous mountains and medium-height populated areas. Mixed and deciduous forests, extensive alpine grasslands, abundant rock formations and water sources.


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An impressive, steep ravine of Mt. Smolikas. Bare basins with alpine lakes on higher slopes, that are separated from lower forested slopes by a rocky zone with waterfalls.


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The west side of a siliceous mountain, covered with mature deciduous (beech), coniferous (pines) and mixed forest stands stony alpine fields.


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A limestone peak in an extensive siliceous mountain range. Strategic position at medium altitude and over the joining point of two rivers.


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Summer-dry, shallow lake with large sand- and mudflats, moist graslands and some reeds amidst largely cultivated, open area.


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Freshwater lake in forested surroundings. Gormos river has riparian woods, wet meadows and trout farms.


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Coastal lagoon with dunes and sandy beaches. Cultivated area with irrigation channels and some reeds and salt marshes. This site is only one of the lagoons in the western part of the Nestos delta (A00010007).


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Coastal lagoon separated from the sea by a sandy beach.


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Coastal lagoon bordered by bare, partly cultivated hills with small islands and mudflats.


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Shallow coastal lagoon, partly in use as salina.


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Three large and shallow lagoons with muddy shores, sandy landstrips and beaches at the sea side, saltmarshes and rocky hills (one in the sea).


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Large brackish lake fed by two rivers and discharging into coastal lagoons and fishponds (Porto Lagos). Extensive zones of reeds, tamarix and wet grasslands around the lake. Riparian forest in river deltas.


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Lagoons, connected to the brackish Vistonis lake and the sea, partly transformed into fishponds, saltmarshes, reeds and tamarix scrub, with open water forming a mozaic biotope, always attracting lots of birds.


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Very large complex of steep mountains largely covered with fir forest but bare above ca. 1900m.


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Doñana se sitúa en el extremo sureste de la provincia de Huelva. La característica más acusada de sus paisajes es la extrema horizontalidad, que tan sólo se rompe ligeramente en el sector de arenas vivas. Se distinguen tradicionalmente tres grandes ecosistemas: la marisma, las dunas vivas y las arenas estabilizadas o "cotos". Los "cotos" presentan una topografía ondulada, recuerdo de su antiguo origen dunar, recubierta en su mayor parte por matorral de diferente composición florística según su distancia al manto freático. Las áreas limítrofes entre la zona de "cotos" y la marisma son conocidas con el nombre de "vera"; se trata de un ecotono de alta productividad primaria, con pastizales abiertos siempreverdes. El área de dunas vivas está formada por acumulaciones arenosas paralelas a la costa, separadas por depresiones intermedias sobre las que aparece una abundante vegetación y conocidas por "corrales". La marisma es el ecosistema más sobresaliente de Doñana, aquel que le presta singularidad y al que debe su excepcional importancia como estación faunística. Los procesos geomorfológicos son importantes en todo el territorio, pero alcanzan su máxima intensidad en la playa y las dunas vivas seguidas de la marisma, siendo poco intensos en los "cotos". El paisaje vegetal de Doñana puede ser reducido a cuatro grupos fitotopográficos. La vegetación de las dunas litorales e interiores secas comprende un buen número de comunidades, que tienen en común sus suelos extremadamente arenosos y el que la capa freática se encuentra a más de unmetro y medio de la superficie (además de las dunas móviles de las playas están los ecosistemas de las dunas exteriores fijadas y de las interiores). La vegetación de los suelos arenosos frescos tiene en común un suelo arenoso profundo oligotrofo, con muy poca proporción de arcillas y una capa freática elevada. La vegetación de las aguas dulces y lagunas varía mucho según la persistencia y naturaleza del agua. Por último, los sedimentos arcillosos del Guadalquivir y, sobre todo, la mayor o menor influencia del agua de mar en los esteros y saladares hacen del ecosistema de la marisma salada, uno de los más variados e interesantes de Doñana. Faunísticamente hablando, el Parque Nacional alberga una gran cantidad de especies, siendo las más numerosas y destacadas entre los vertebrados las aves, ya sean sedentarias, estivales, invernantes o de paso. Entre las aves acuáticas, muchas de las especies reproductoras se encuentran en peligro de extinción, y respecto a las invernantes Doñana supone el principal cuartel de reposo de Europa Occidental, llegando a contabilizarse más de medio millón de individuos de diferentes especies. Aparte de la numerosa población de águila imperial, es de destacar la presencia del lince ibérico, uno de los mamíferos españoles en mayor peligro de extinción. Problemas de diversa índole, socioeconómicos, derivados del uso público o del régimen de propiedad, hidráulicos, de gestión de los recursos o derivados de actuaciones y proyectos en el entorno del Parque, conforman una acusada problemática que, si bien puede ser análoga a la de otros Parques Nacionales, adquiere un carácter especialmente acusado en Doñana, zona húmeda de indudable complejidad funcional que trasciende los límites administrativos del espacio.


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El Parque Nacional de las Tablas de Daimiel se sitúa en la provincia de Ciudad Real, en los términos municipales de Daimiel y Villarrubia de los Ojos. Constituye el último representante de un tipo de humedal característico del centro peninsular y en franca regresión: las tablas o desbordamientos de los ríos en sus cursos medios. Las Tablas de Daimiel añaden un interés especial al situarse en la confluencia de los ríos de características bien distintas: el Cigüela (aguas salobres9 y el Guadiana (aguas dulces). Esta situación define un grado importante de diversidad en los ambientes definidos por el medio acuático, lo que permite a su vez la existencia de comunidades vegetales variadas. En cualquier caso, su condición de Espacio Natural Pro-tegido viene determinada por su importancia como hábitat para las aves acuáticas, tanto en la época reproductora, como durante la invernada. Las antiguas actuaciones encaminadas a la desecación del área y la explotación incontrolada de los recursos hídricos del acuífero (pese a su declaración como sobreexplotado), han llevado al parque a un serio estado de degradación, en el que además ha colaborado los aportes de contaminantes disultos en un agua cada vez más escasa. La puesta en funcionamien-to de un Plan de Regeneración hídrica, con aportes procedentes del trasvase Tajo-Segura ha devuelto el agua a las Tablas (al menos en algunas épocas), aunque las características de los distintos ambientes pueden sufrir cambios que se vienen siguiendodetalladam desde la iniciación del Plan.


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El Parque Nacional del Teide limita al norte con Promontorio de Bonilla, Pico Cabras, Risco de la Fortaleza, Cabezón, Mña. del Pino (junto al punto kilométrico 33,770 de la carretera comarcal 821, (de la Orotava a Vilaflor) y vértice del Cerrillar. Al este con Vértice del Cerrillar, Llano de Moja, Mña. Colorada, la Angostura, Topo de la Grieta, Roque de la Grieta y Mña. de Pasajirón, siguiendo de crestería del Circo de las Cañadas. Al sur con Mña. del Pasajirón, Degollada de Guajora, Mña. de Guajora, Degollada de Ucanca y Crestería de Ucanca, siguiendo por lon puntos de Roque de Almendro, Sombrero y Sombrerito, hasta la Boca de Tauce. Y al oeste con Boca de Tauce, Roques de Chavao, Mña. del Cedro, Roques del Cedro, Mña. de Chasogo, Volcán de la Botija, Mojón de los Tres Términos y Promontorio de Bonilla. Asimismo la zona "periférica de protección" se encuentra limitada al norte, de Mña. Cascajo, en el límite del Pinar de Chío (Guía de Isora) con el Pinar de Santiago del Teide, en línearecta al Pico Cruz de la Vieja, a la Piedra Gallega o Mña. Roja y a Mña. de la Negrita, en la divisoria del Valle de la Orotava. Al este, de la Mña. de la Negrita, en línea recta, a Mña. de Corchado a la Mña. de Siete Fuentes, al Bco. de Pasajirón y de aquí al Lomo Baez. Al sur del Lomo Baez, en línea recta a Mña. de la Lajas, y al oeste de ésta última, en línea recta, al Vértice Erques y de aquí a la Mña. de Cascajo.


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Se encuentra situado en el centro norte de la isla de La Palma. Su forma es de herradura debido al desagüe (Bco. de las Angustias). Este espacio de gran diversidad de materiales planteó dudas y discusiones en cuanto su génesis se refiere, dado sobre todo a la complejidad del Complejo Basal y las estructuras que componen dicho "edificio". Sobre el complejo basal aparecen formaciones mixtas volcánico-sedimentarios, los Roques Centrales entre Teburiente y Almendro y Amargo son de difícil explicación y posteriores al Complejo Basal. Asimismo, es más conocido, el roque de Idafe es completamente sedimentaria. Esto indica la existencia de una etapa anterior a la serie de la Pared de la Caldera, con intensa erosión dando lugar a un edificio precaldera en el que los roques con lavas serán los vestigios de la última fase del Complejo Basal, mientras que los sedimentos serían las acumulaciones de los fondos de los primitivos barrancos. Posteriormente un nuevo barranco erosionó estos materiales, transportándolos al mar e invirtiendo el relieve. El espesor de los materiales debió ser considerable, lo que explicaría la elevación del Roque Idafe. Esto probablemente resultó ser silmitáneo al levantamiento de la masa de la Caldera. la última fase del proceso se reinició con la erosión que transformó la cúpula anterior a la formación de la Caldera. La gran depresión de la Caldera fue originada por la erosión favorecida por la escasa resistencia de los materiales del Complej Basal a las aguas, que dieron lugar a importantes desplomes. En la actualidad, las aguas son incapaces de arrastrar todo el material que se ha acumulado al pide de las laderas, aunque todavía la erosión es intensa en la Caldera. Un riesgo fundamental en la Caldera, además de los grandes desniveles, son los barrancos y cresterías de los interfluvios. Estos hacen que el paisaje se torne en abrupto, intrincado, escarpado y accidentado. De los interfluvios el más destacado es el que separa la subcuenca de Taburiente de la del Almendro Amargo. Este interfluvio recorre la Caldera desde su borde superior. El Bco. de Taburiente cambia su nombre, aguas arriba por el de Verduras de Afonso y presenta múlitples afluentes de corto recorrido (El Diablo, los Cantos, Hoya Verde, Bombas de Agua, etc.). En realidad son poco más que grandes estrías en la Pared que terminan en profundos cañones con salientes pintorescos entrde las separaciones. En todo el sector sur de la Caldera hay un mayor número de cortes, barrancadas yespigones que en el sector norte, en el que aparece el murallón de la Pared. La vegetación dominante del espacio es el pinar, a parte de las plantas rupícolas. Los pinos también aparecen acompañados de otras especies variadas como cedros canarios quese desarrollan en las paredes. También merecen destacarse masas de sauces (Taburiente), así como especies típicas de la alta montaña canaria como las retamas. Faunísticamente hablando nos encontramos con micromamíferos (murciélagos) que encuentran refug en las grietas y hoquedades de las paredes de la Caldera. Las aves también encuentran aquí un lugar ideal para su desarrollo, basta mencionar a los cernícalos, búhos o lechuzas. Los anfibios y reptiles se encuentran asimismo bien representados.En cuanto a los invertebrados nos encontramos con una gran variedad de especies de insectos, así existen: himenópteros, dípteros, coleópteros (en elevado número), ortópteros y lepidópteros. La Caldera, dada su singular topografía y geomorfología, se hace casi inaccesible, salvo por el fondo del baranco o la ruta creada sobre la masa de derrubios al pie del acantilado de la Pared, esto hace que carezca de problemas conservacionistas.


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El Parque Nacional de Timanfaya ocupa una superficie de 5107.5 Ha., de las cuales 4897 son de propiedad municipal el resto a la propiedad privada. Limita al norte del lugar denominado Piedra Alta en la costa de Tinajo, conocido por el Mar del Cochino, al Pico de Caldera Bermeja, al Pico de Caldera Roja, al Pico de la Mña. de los Miraderos y Pico Partido. Al este, del anterior a la parte inferior del lado sur de la falda de Caldera del Corazoncillo, donde confluye el lindero de los términos municipales de Tinajo y Yaiza. Al sur de dicho punto al pico de la Mña. de Tremesana, al pico de la Mña. de María Hernández, al pico de la Mña. de Pedro Perico, y de aquí a la costa de Yaiza, en el lugar conocido como el Paso de Abajo, al sur de la playa del Paso en el Mojón. Y al oeste con el Oceáno Atlántico. Geomorfológicamente, el P.N. de Timanfaya está constituido por una serie de conos y cráteres de diversas épocas y procedencias. La mayor parte de las erupciones son históricas, destacando la de 1730-1736, tanto por su duración como por la cantidad de materiales emitidos, y por otra erupción en 1824. La mayor actividad volcánica se centró, en la denominada Mña. del Fuego, cuyo vértice es de 510 m.a. En ambas erupciones junto a la emisión de materiales lávicos se arrojaron al exterior gran cantidad de cenizas volcánicas. Este lapilli alcanzó en muchos lugares varios metros de potencia, pero en otros, como en la zona entre las Mñas. Roja y Bermeja, apenas rellanó las grietas y oquedadesentre las lavas. Los islotes ocupan una superficie pequeña dentro del parque, a pesar de que algunos son relativamente grandes. Los más importantes son el Islote del Mojón, el Islote de Halcones, el Islote Tabaibas y el Islote de los Betthancores. También existen otras formaciones como son la Caldera Bermeja, los Miraderos, Islote de Hilario, Mña. tremesana, Mña. de Juan Perdomo, Mña. de Pedro Perico y Mña. Encantada. La carencia de suelo imposibilita el desarrollo de una vegetación superior, así pués lo más destacado en el mundo vegetal son las comunidades liquénicas, que localmente alcanzan un gran desarrollo y densidad, recubriendo la roca desnuda. En los Islotes aparece un tabaibal bastante desarrollado, dominado por la tabaiba dulce. Asimismo, cabe destacar la existencia de manchas dde Juncos en las laderas de las montañas del Fuego lo cual es posible gracias a alto grado de higroscopismo de las arenas y lapillis que captan y retienen la humedad atmosférica. A ello se une un conjunto de plantas ubicadas en este territorio como aulaga, ratonera, lengua de pájaro, malvarrosa, almirón, tazaigo, vinagrerilla, etc. La fauna del P.N. Timanfaya se encuentra representada por la gran cantidad de invertebrados, muchos de ellos endemismos canarios. Por el contrario, los vertebrados apenas se manifiestan, destacan los reptiles con Gallotia atlántica y las aves, cuya estancia en el parque debe considerarse como accidental y  relegada a los islotes y laderas en que la vegetación está presente. Cabe señalar las siguientes especies: cuervo, alpispa, gorrión moruno, caminero, guincho, gaviota, hornero, etc. Por último, añadir el uso del parque dedicado, principalmente, a fines educativos y recreativos, que ya atrae casi los mil visitantes diariamente.


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El Parque Nacional de Garajonay engloba toda la parte alta de la isla, es declarado Bien Natural del Patrimonio Mundial desde el 25 de Noviembre de 1986.. Geológicamente la práctica totalidad del Parque se asienta sobre una masa de materiales basálticos relativamente recientes, constituido por coladas y piroclastos. Asimismo existen manifestaciones volcánicas, con los típicos roques y fortalezas. Destaca en el centro del parque el Roque Cherdepín de 1364 m.a., así como los roques de Agando, Ojila y la Zarcita, en el extremo SE de Garajonay, constituidos por traquifonolitas. Además existen aglomerados volcánicos en el límite NE del barranco de el Cedro, en la zona de contacto con los materiales antiguos que constituyen el lecho del Bco. de Hermigua. Ligada al sustrato geológico está la morfología del parque. La zona se caracteriza por la existencia de un amplia meseta con ligeras ondulaciones y barranqueras de escasa importancia, y algunos cursos permanentes de agua, como es el caso delCedro, fruto de la gran humedad existente y a la que no es ajena la "lluvia horizontal", producida por los fondos de la masa arbòrea. Los bordes de esta meseta son en general escarpados, pués coinciden con las cabeceras de los barrancos que con disposición radial, caracterizan al relieve gomero. La vegetación dominante es un magnífico monteverde, el mejor que se conserva actualmente en el archipiélago. Aproximadamente un 90% de la superficie del parque está ocupado por plantaciones de pinar, eucaliptar y castañar, este último em menor medida. Dentro de la laurisilva, las especies más representativas son: til, viñatigo, palo blanco, barbusano y laurel. El bosque viene a ser una yuxtaposición de estas cuatro especies base, acompañadas de árboles, abruptos y comunidades rupícolas, La laurisilva ocupa las partes norte y nordeste del parque, siendo sus exponentes máximos los bosques de Meriga, los Acebiños y el Cedro. Es este último sin duda un verdadero "museo vivo", exponente de la rica flora macaronésica, que se muestra exuberante. El fayal-brezal, formado por la asociación faya y brezo ocupa un lugar secundario dentro del monteverde y se haya ubicado en el estremo occidental y meridional del parque. Este binomio se localiza tanto en los lugares de dominio potencial de la laurisilva, en los que no está a causa de factores antrópicos, como en los sitios donde la insolación es mayor o las condiciones no son las favorables para el desarrollo natural de la laurisilva. En ocasiones el fayal-brezal comparte el espacio con matorrales de sustitución - jarales, escobonales y codesares, especialmente en la vertiente sur de Alto de garajonay. En cuanto a las plantaciones exóticas y el pino canario ocupan la parte meridional, formando un bosque de elevado porte. Asimismo, cabe señalar la importancia hidrológica de las nieblas en las cumbres del Garajonay. Las nubes al ser arrastradas por el viento a través de los árboles del monte, depositan por contacto las gotitas de agua, dandolugar a las llamadas precipitaciones horizontales. Estas son las principales responsables de que por muchos barrancos de la laurisilva discurra el agua durante la mayor parte del año, alcanzando su máximo exponente en el Bco. de el Cedro. También hayque mencionar el enorme número de hongos, briófitos y líquenes ubicados en este monteverde. Entre los 1º destacan; Auricularia auricula-judae (Oraj ade Judas), Tremella mesonterica, Clavulinopsis helvela, etc. En cuanto a los líquenes, se observan diferentes especies del género Usnea, Lethariella canariensis, Cladina macaronesica, Leprocaulon microscopicum, etc. Y con respecto a los briófitos sobresalen Grimmia laevigata, Leucodon canariensis, Scoparia gracilis, etc. En cuanto a la fauna, la entomología presenta un alto valor natural en el parque, no sólo por la variedad de especies que engloba, sino sobre todo por su elevada proporción de endemismos. El orden más representado es el de ls coleópteros con endemismos exclusivos del parque, destacan distintas especies del género calathus, el negro y llamativo Broscus crassimargo... A nivel de vertebrados, la clase más importantes es la de las aves, con especies estrictamente ligadas a la laurisilva, como son las especies endémicas ; palomaas turqué y rabiche.. Por otro lado, desde antaño, el monte ha sido una fuente de recursos permanente para los gomeros, como son la leña y el carbón vegetal, entre otros. Desde el punto de vista arqueológico, existen manifestaciones al respecto, relacionadas con las actividades pastoriales (recolectoras y con algunas prácticas de índole mágico) religiosa en el Alto Garajonay. Por último, cabe añadir a todo ello, el enorme valor natural y cultural de este Parque Nacional que puede ser conocido por los visitantes, in situ, a través de una red de itinerarios antoguiados, entre otros como; Cumbres de Tajaqué-Imada (Alajeró), El Contedero.La Serío de El Cedro (Hermigua), Agando-La Laja (San.


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Espacio situado en el norte de la provincia de Huesca, en plena comarca del Sobrarbe. Presidido por el pico de Monte Perdido, coronado por su glaciar,está surcado por el Cañón de Ordesa, de modelado glaciar y uno de los pocos que presenta orientaciónE-W, por el Cañón de Añisclo y las Gargantas de Escuaín de modelado kárstico, y por el Valle de Pineta. Se caracteriza por una orografía extremadamente quebrada, con profundos cañones cubiertos de vegetación y "mesetas" kársticas elevadas desarboladas. Su clima extremado con periodos de abundantes nevadas supone el cierre de accesos durante buena parte del año a algunas zonas. Posee una gran variedad de ecosistemas de los pisos montano, subalpinoy alpino, con influencias atlánticas y mediterráneas, lo que conlleva a la existerncia de una flora y una fauna muy rica y diversa, con especies endémicas, raras o en peligro de extinción. Constituye un espacio representativo del sistema natural de los Pirineos y de la alta montaña, con características geológicas y de paisaje que le confieren una singular personalidad de importancia nacional e internacional.


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Los Picos de Europa constituyen un sistema montañoso perfectamente definido y delimitado que se encuentra situado en el área central de la Cordillera Cantábrica. Poseen un gran interés biogeográfico por su situación en La Cordillera Cantábrica, dondeconfluyen especies de carácter eurosiberiano, en toda su vertiente norte, con otras de carácter más mediterráneo que penetran por los valles del río Cares y Deva. A ello hay que sumar la existencia de áreas altimontanas de gran relevancia, que han permitido la persistencia de especies más propias de regiones frias y cuyo área de distribución en el Sur de Europa se encuentra fragmentada actualmente. Por ello los P. de Europa presentan una notable singularidad en su composición faunística.ParqueNacional de montaña con grandes desniveles, lo que unido a su proximidad al mar le confiere unas condiciones topoclimáticas que le dan suu singularidad y una gran riqueza biológica tanto en fauna como en vegetación. Pertenece a dos comunidades autónomas : Asturias y Castilla-León. Límite N: 43º 19' Lat. N./Límite S: 43º 9' Lat.N/Límite E: 1º 11' Long 0. Parque Nacional delimitado por dos cursos de agua: al E el río Cares y por el O el río Dobra (afluente del Sella). Casi en el centro geométrico del Parque se alza la mole de Peña Santa de Castilla con sus 2.596 m, como cumbre más alta, que conecta con otro sector meridional, con su punto más elevado en Torre Bermeja (s.393) estos dos sectores se unen entre sí por una loma de 2000 a 2150 m. La turbera existente en el pojé de Comeya reviste un gran valor natural debido a la importante fauna y flora que alberga. Espacio de elevado interés natural por sus características geológicas y su evolución hasta nuestros días. Enclave de montaña ca-racterizado por una flora y fauna, típicas de este medio y con numerosos endemismos pirenaicos solo localizados en esta zona de la Cordillera Cantábrica.


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Situado en el Alto Pirineo Leridano, recoge todas las características propias del Pirineo Axial, con un relieve espectacular, amplia representación de los fenómenos glaciares del Cuaternario, extenso mosaico de bosques caducifolios y perennes, y variada presencia de especies de flora y fauna de Alta Montaña. Destaca sobre todo como principal protagonista el agua con numerosos lagos y lagunas glaciares, ríos, torrentes, cascadas y humedales.


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Extensa zona ribereña a orillas del río Ebro, en la que dominan las choperas de repoblación y las zonas de huerta, aunque persisten algunos enclaves con vegetación autóctona de ribera, restos de los antiguos sotos del Ebro. Las constantes crecidas permiten la regeneración de esta vegetación en algunos puntos, además del mantenimiento de pequeñas manchas de carrizal en las zonas encharcadas. La fauna incluye fundamentalmente aves forestales y ribereñas que componen una comunidad variada. Los pastizales que invaden las áreas forestales son aprovechados para el pastoreo de ganado ovino, aunque con poca intensidad. L situación de la vegetación autóctona por choperas de repoblación y la implantación de cultivos de regadio intesivo son los máximos problemas para la conservación de este espacio.


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Area emergente del cauce del río Ebro cubierta por vegetación natural de ribera poco alterada. Representa parte de la antigua vegetación de ribera del río Ebro en la Rioja Alta, constituyendo una comunidad vegetal bien estratificada, con una espesa bóveda arbórea (álamos, sauces, fresnos, etc.) que se completa con un denso dosel arbustivo (sauces, zarzas, sanguinos, etc.). En la fauna destaca la presencia de nutria, uno de los escasos lugares del Ebro donde aparece.


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Situado en la gran llanura aluvial del Ebro, entre los barrancos Henar y Escarillo; el Tamarizal de Ausejo es la mayor, y casi única extensión de Tarays (Tamarix canariensis), además de la zona salina más importante, de toda la Rioja. Las zonas más escarpadas presentan una interesante vegetación gipsícola. Las zonas bajas y aucharcados durante el invierno acogen algunas especies de aves limícolas. Las praderas son pastoreadas habitualmente por ganado ovino, mientras que la extensión de los cul-tivos de coreal ha provocado la reducción paulatina del espacio, amenazado en la actualidad por intentos de roturación.


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Pequeño complejo de vegetación de ribera a orillas del río Ebro y cercano a Logroño. Es uno de los escasos restos de los antiguos sotos del Ebro que aún perdura, apesar de que algunas de sus formaciones naturales han sido sustituidas por choperas de repoblación. las formaciones arbóreas, dominadas por chopos, olmos, fresnos, etc., se combinan con abundante vegetación arbustiva (Tarays, zarzas, etc.) y sirven de apoyo a una buena comunidad de aves, entre las que destaca una colonia de cría de martinetes (Nycticorax nycticorax), algunas rapaces (águila calzada, milano negro), o el pico menor (Dendrocopos minor).


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Cordal montañoso alargado y estrecho que constituye el límite meridional de los Montes Vascos y Cordillera Cantábrica, además del límite entre la "Espeña Eurosiberiana" y al "España Meridional". Laderas cubiertas fundamentalmente de encinas y quejigos con una flora rica y variada como consecuencia de la situación biogeográfica, Los cortados y escarpes aumentan el valor paisajístico además de fomentar la presencia de fauna rupícola interesante (rapaces rupícolas, córvidos, etc.). El riesgo de in-cendios es elevado, lo mismo que la presión humana (excursionismo, segundas residencias, etc.).


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Area situada al sur de la ciudad malagueña de Antequera, cuyos materiales calizos presentan un típico modelado kárstico de gran espectacularidad paisajística, con profusión de morfologías específicas (pasadizos, puentes naturales, torcas o dolinas). Matorral de degradación y vegetación rupícola de elevado interés por presentar abundantes endemisnmos. Diversidad faunística elevada, destacando una importante presencia de rapaces, asi como la del gato montes y, esporadicamente, de la cabra montés. Aprovechamiento ganadero, recreativo, cinegético y de canteras.


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Area montañosa de clara influencia atlántica situada en el extremo sur-occidental de la provincia de la Rioja. Dominada por un relieve de lomas redondeadas y valles fluviales encajados, con algunas formaciones de origen glacial poco notables. El ca- rácter oceánico define la dominancia de hayedos y robledales en las formaciones arbóreas, al tiempo que ha favorecido la presencia de endemismos, sobre todo en las zonas de alta montaña. Este carácter permite la presencia de una interesante comunidadanimal, entre la que destacan especies ormíticas de carácter bureo-alpino (Perdiz pardilla, Bisbita ribereño, Reyezuelo listado, etc.). La ganadería y la silvicultura constituyen los principales aprovechamientos de la zona, sobre la que existen fuer-tes problemas de erosión derivados del trazado de pistas forestales y del aterrazamiento de pendientes para su repoblación con coníferas.


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Enclave montañoso que se eleva en la zona central de la región murciana encajado entre los valles de los ríos Guadalentín y Pliego. Sierra Espuña se  caracteriza por un microclima algo más húmedo que el resto de la región por lo que supone un islote de humedad en medio de un clima y paisaje semidesértico. Presenta un egreste relieve con abundantes y profundos valles interiores y elevadas cumbres. Dominan las rocas calizas y dolomíticas. El elemento río no es apreciable aunque sí la diversidad deramblas y barrancos donde pueden presentarse algunos afloramientos de agua. El paisaje vegetal es un pinar de repoblación de más de un siglo de antiguedad, entre los que se encuentran enclaves de vegetación mediterránea bien conservada (carrascales, jarales y vegetación freotófita en las ramblas). La diversidad de ambientes acoge a una fauna variada: la omnipresente ardilla, el jabalí, el gato montés y el arrví o muflón del atlas (unjulado introducido por el hombre) entre los mamíferos. Se han citado el gallipato y la víbora hocicuda, y las rapaces forestales y rupícolas tienen buenas poblaciones en este enclave montañoso.


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Amplio espacio de montaña de influencia atlántica situado en la mitad sur de la provincia de la Rioja, el este de la Sierra de la Demanda. Geomorfológicamente se combinan relieves relativamente suaves con pliegues y paredones escarpados, especialmen-te en el borde norte (Peñas de Clavijo, Peñas de Viguera, etc.). El área está muy deforestada, aunque domina el robledal, con escasas formaciones de encinar y quejigal y contactando ampliamente con extensas repoblaciones de pino silvestre. La fauna más interesante corresponde a especies (aves) que ocupan los paredones del borde norte y algunas especies de matiz centro europeo o norteño. El intenso manejo ganaderpo ha originado una acusada deforestación de la zona, en la que las repoblaciones deconíferas han ocupado extensiones antes dominadas por el haya. La erosión y los incendios forestales constituyen los principales problemas de conservación del área.


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Gran espacio de montaña de matiz atlántico situado al sur de la Comunidad Autónoma, en el límite con la provincia de Soria. Relieve muy uniforme y suave, cumbres de aspecto alomado. Importantes masas forestales entre las que dominan los rebollares, con hayedos instalados en situaciones de umbría o barranqueras. Las repoblaciones de pino silvestre han invadido áreas que pertenacían a robles y hayas. Destacan algunos abedulares y sobre todo, el único enclave (natural) de Pino rodeno (Pinus uncinata) de toda la región. Como en otros anclaves montañosos de la Rioja, la alta montaña alberga algunos endemismos vegetales. Faunísticamente, el matiz oceánico con algunos rasgos de continentalidad permite la instalación de una interesante fauna montana de origen borealpino, entre la que podemos citar algunas aves como la Perdiz pardilla (Perdix perdix hispaniensis), el agateador norteño (Certhia familiaris) o el carbonero palustre (Parus palustris). Las repoblaciones de coníferas imponen el principal aprovechamiento del área, la silvicultura, al tiempo que definen el principal problema para su conservación, el exceso de pistas forestales, que facilitan también la afluencia de turismo de manera incontrolada.


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El Parque Regional de la Cuenca Alta del Manzanares es un amplio corredor verde que, desde los límites del núcleo urbano de Madrid, alcanza la Sierra de Guadarrama. Exceptuando el Soto de Viñuelas, en el extremo oriental, el parque se articula sobre la cuenca del Manzanares presentando una topografía accidentada en el sector norte, descendiendo luego suavemente por la rampa hasta el límite con El Pardo. La totalidad de la Sierra se sitúa sobre un zócalo granítico que solo aflora en la Pedriza; hacia el sur los materiales detríticos (arcosas) cubren el piedemonte hasta la capital. En el resto de las zonas de altura (Cuerda Larga, Sierra de Hoyo) el granito se ve cubierto de gneis. Resulta excepcional el encinar, a veces adehesado, que se extiende desde las afueras de Madrid, hasta el pie de la Sierra y primero sobre arenas y posteriormente sobre granitos. El Pardo, no incluido en los límites del Parque, y el Soto de Viñuelas son fieles exponentes de estos encinares y dehesas. La fauna mediterránea presente es excepcional: aguila imperial, buitre negro, gamos, ciervos, etc. En la zona del embalse de Santillana existen mas importantes fresnedas y grupos de robles melojos salpicados de prados bien regados. El embalse tiene consolidadauna importante comunidad de aves acuáticas. Los canchales y berrocales graníticos de la Pedriza y Hoyo de Manzanares constituyen un elemento paisajístico dominante además de una singularidad geológica. Alberga comunidades vegetales (numerosos helechos) y faúnísticas (rapaces rupícolas como el buitre leonado, buho real, halcón peregrino, etc.) de sumo interés. Pinares de repoblación ascienden por las faldas de la Sierra hasta ser sustituidos por los piornales y pastizales de altura de Cuerda Larga. El Parque Regional integra áreas notables desde el punto de vista paisajístico, enclaves de gran valor ecológico y unos sitemas agrosilvo pastorales (dehesas, prados, pastizales de altura) que han permitido un entorno rural humanizado pero de grandiversidad e interés para la conservación.


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Conjunto de sierras a ambos lados de los rios Tajo y Tiétar, en una longitud de 30 Km. RTio muy encajado, originando abundantes escarpes en las rocas cuercíticas algunos muy profundos. Vegetación bien conservada, con extensas áreas de matorral denso (Erica, Arbutus, Phyllirea, Cistus) y bosquetes de alcornoques, encinas y quejigos. Algunas repoblaciones de Eucaliptus en la zona Norte. Excelentes dehesas en los alrededores. Mantiene poblaciones residuales de lince y meloncillo. Caza mayor (ciervo, muflón, gamo, jabalí). Excepcional importancia ornitológica, siendo la mejor área de España para la cigüeña negra y probablemente la mejor en el mundo para buitre negro. Importancia mundial por su población de águilas imperiales. Ganadería, silvicultura. Grandes fincas privadas.


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El Parque Natural de las Lagunas de Ruidera se sitúa en el valle del alto Guadiana, sirviendo de límite provincial a Ciudad Real y Albacete. Junto con las Tablas de Daimiel constituyen las dos zonas húmedas más extensas e interesantes de Castilla-La Mancha. Consitutyen un sistema fluviolacustre con represas naturales de toba calcárea enmarcado en la altiplanicie del Campo de Montiel y que alberga una interesante comunidad vegetal y una diversa comunidad animal, en la que destacan las anátidas que utilizan la zona como cuartel de invernada. El conjunto de saltos y cascadas entre las lagunas que constituyen en el sistema podía considerarse como uno de los paisajes más atractivos de la Península, pero, a pesar de su declaración como Parque Natural, las agresiones urbanísticas, la presión turística y la sobreexplotación del acuífero han causado importantes impactos y alteraciones en el entorno.


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Pequeña isla de origen volcánico frente a La Manga del Mar Menor, que conserva una cubierta vegetal en buen estado y que constituye refugio y lugar de nidificación para aves marinas interesantes.


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Constituyen un archipiélago de tres islas (San Martiño, Monteagudo y Monte Faro) situadas a la entrada de la ría de Vigo. Distan 9,5 Km. de la ciudad de Vigo. Las Islas de Faro y Monteagudo se encuentran uunidas en su vertiente oriental por un cordóndunar y un pequeño lago, conocido como "Lagoa dos Nenos", que comunica permanentemente con el mar abierto. Se diferencian de las demás islas gallegas por su mayor altitud e inaccesibilidad. Importante enclave paisajístico y núcleo destacado de nidificación de Aves marinas. Están rodeadas de pequeños islotes y zonas bajas. Relieve muy accidentado sobre todo por su cara N y O, con cantiles prácticamente verticales; por el contrario la cara E es de suaves pendientes.


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Espacio que comprende la isla de Lobos situada al norte de Fuerteventura y cuya formación está paralela a la del malpaís del norte de la isla y de Dunas de Corralejo que se presenta como un extenso campo dunar, aunque hacia su extremo sur aparece unazona de malpaíses donde se levanta Mña. Roja que alcanza los 321 m., siendo el punto más lato del espacio. la vegetación se presenta como halófila costera, psamófila. La fauna presenta una avifauna rica en aves marinas y limícola. Los reptiles (lagartos, lisas y perenquenes) se encuentran bien representados, lo mismo que ocurre con los invertebrados, concretamente al referirnos a los insectos y más específicamente a los coleópteros.


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Situada en la zona suroccidental de la región. Es una zona con muy amplias superficies de bosque. Los fondos de valle de los alrededores están ocupadas por prados de siega. La vegetación de alta montaña carece de representación en esta zona, pues no llega a alcanzar tales altitudes. El elemento faunístico más relevante es el oso pardo cantábrico, ya que aquí encuentra las condiciones necesarias para su desarrollo y supervivencia. Entre las aves la que adquiere mayor interés es el urogallo. Los reptiles y anfibios están ampliamente representados destacando los asociados a turberas y charcas, hábitats relativamente extendidos en esta zona. Posee un estado de conservación elevado debido a su alejamiento de núcleos poblados y la falta de comu nicación y accesibilidad. El bosque de Muniellos se considera el robledal con mayor grado de naturalidad en Asturias y en la cornisa Cantábrica. Y faunísticamente reúne las especies de vertebrados más valiosas.


TEXT:
Diversidad de formaciones geomorfológicas y áreas bien conservadas que acompañan al río Segura en su entrada a la región de Murcia: bosques de ribera, embalses y salinas, sierras, cañones y cerros de importancia para las aves rupícolas y en general vegetación bien conservada y valores faunísticos notables.


TEXT:
Alineación montañosa de dirección SO-NE en la zona centromeridional de la región de Murcia con topografía y fuertes pendientes. Geológicamente destacan los mantos béticos con rocas metamórficas y rocas carbonatadas en las cumbres. El paisaje forestalestá dominado por pinares de pino carrasco con enclaves de carrascales bien conservados y de interés regional. Destaca también el alcornoque como especie relíctica y de gran interés biogeográfico. La fauna tiene en el grupo de las rapaces (águila re-al y perdicera, ratonero común y buho real) y en los mamíferos (lince y gato montés) el máximo interés.


TEXT:
Extensa llanura salina en el centro-este de la región de Murcia, sometida a inundaciones temporales y a la que desembocan diversas ramblas que aportan gran cantidad de sales. Uno de los mejores saladares de interior con interesante vegetación halófi-la con rarezas botánicas (Tamarix boveana) y avifauna esteparia como la ortega y el aguilucho cenizo.


TEXT:
Paraje litoral al oeste de Cartagena, de morfología abrupta con importantes paredes y acantilados y en el que se encuentra una de las comunidades de cornicales mejor conservadas de España. Presencia de fauna amenazada como la tortuga mora y endemis- mos botánicos (Caraluna europaea).


TEXT:
Paraje litoral con importantes acantilados formado por las Sierras que rodean Cartagena y que conforman gran parte del área potencial de distribución de la sabina mora (Tetraclinis articulata) con numerosos iberoafricanismos y cornicales bien conser-vados.


TEXT:
Este sector del litoral, es el límite septentrional del litoral de la Región de Murcia, está formado por una gran cantidad de ambientes acuáticos y terrestres de elevada diversidad ambiental, en torno a una actividad salinera tradicional: playas, du-nas, pinares, saladares, estanques con diferentes gradientes de salinidad, carrizales y el conjunto de escollos e islotes que comunican el Mar Menor y el Mediterráneo, denominado "Las Encañizadas". Con una orografía llana y un clima suavizado por losvientos de Levante, este espacio alberga diferentes comunidades vegetales con presencia de endemismos y especies en peligro de desaparición en la región. La zona tiene importancia nacional e internacional por las aves acuáticas, destacando como nidi-ficantes: tarro blanco, charrancito, aroceta y cigüeñuela. También se dan importantes concentraciones invernantes de flamenco y entre los peces hay que destacar la presencia del Fartet.


TEXT:
Sierra costero-litoral de bajo relieve, situada en el extremo suroriental de la región de Murcia, que reúne una buena representación de los ambientes más destacados de la costa murciana. Sectores de areanles, paleodunas, dunas, saladares y salinas, flanqueado en sus extremos oriental y occidental por acantilados y calas. Areas de pinares de Pino carrasco, matorral con dominio de especies iberoafricanas y comunidades relictas del carrascal termomediterráneo. Entre la fauna destaca el fartet que habita los estanques salineros, las rapaces (águila perdicera y buho real), las aves acuáticas que utilizan Calblanque como lugar de invernada, reposo o alimentación (flamencos, garcetas y limícolos) y mamíferos.


TEXT:
Situado a lo lardo de más de 13 Km. de la franja litoral del sur de Alicante, tiene su característica principal en los desarrollados sistemas de dunas costeras existentes, con un buen nivel de desarrollo de la vegetación característica.


TEXT:
Macizo montañoso que constituye una unidad geográfica claramente diferenciada, situada al sureste de la ciudad de Granada y extendiéndose por el extremo occidental de Almería. Relieve de lomas suaves y cimas poco escarpadas en unas zonas y muy abrupto, dominado por crestas y salientes en otras. Aquí se localizan los mayores picos de la Península, el Mulhacén (3482 m.) y el Veleta (3392 m.). Interés geomorfológico extraordinario debido a las formas de modelado glacial y periglacial existentes y a la aún activa dinámica periglacial que sigue actuando a partir de los 2500-2600 m. Elevado interés hidrogeológico, con numerosos y extensos acuíferos que originan a veces surgencias de aguas mineromedicinales. Lo singular de las morfologías existentes, principalmente las glaciares, unido a la existencia de bosques y áreas de vegetación natural, confieren al conjunto un alto valor paisajístico. La flora destaca por su excepcionalidad, al ser una de las zonas más ricas en la Península en endemismos locales y generales, ser centro de especiación y por estar presentes numerosas especies en peligro de extinción. Algunos hábitats como los borreguiles (prados higrófilos) poseen hasta un 95 % de endemismos.


TEXT:
Humedal situado al Sureste de la provincia de Almeria, rodeado de un entorno semiárido y constituido por las albuferas Honda y Nueva. Se trata de una cuenca de depósito postorogénico que ha evolucionado fuertemente porf la acción antrópica reciente (desviación del rio). Pequeño escarpe en su límite Norte labrado en calcarenitas y conglomerados que corresponden a una antigua línea costera. En el lado Sur queda aislado del mar por una barra arenosa. Enclave muy importante en la provincia para las aves acuáticas, nidificando la malvasía. La instalación de invernaderos y enarenados ha provocado la reducción  de la vegetación perilagunar, si bien quedan aun carrizos, juncos y tarajes. Alto interés paisajístico y ecológico de este humedal, por situarse en un medio semiárido rodeado de un entorno muy antropizado y por acoger una importante ornitocenosis.


TEXT:
Llanura aluvial del río Guadalentín en el centro de la región de Murcia, de clima semiarido y numerosas cárcavas, saladares y eriales entre campos y cereal y otros cultivos. Importante por sus rarezas botánicas (Halocnemum strobilaceum) y su avifaunapropia de medios esteparios, entre los que destacan el sison, la ortega, la curruca tomillera y el aguilucho cenizo.


TEXT:
Llanura cerealista del centro de la región de Murcia atravesada por diversas ramblas y de relieve suavemente ondulado que alberga comunidades orníticas esteparias propias de estos medios. Destacan como especies más importantes el sison, la ortega y el aguilucho cenizo.


TEXT:
CUENCA RECEPTORA DE LA GARGANTA IRUELAS, PANTANO DEL BURGUILLO Y ZONAS FORESTALES LIMITROFES, EN LAS ESTRIBACIONES ORIENTALES DEL MACIZO DE GREDOS. ZONA DE INTERES BOTANICO, CON PINARES Y REBOLLARES. ESPACIO EN SU MAYORIA DE MEDIA MONTAÑA, CON ALGUNAS ZONAS QUE SE APROXIMAN A LOS 2000 M.S.N.M.. IMPORTANTE COLONIA DE BUITRE NEGRO.


TEXT:
Situada en la parte oriental de la Sierra litoral de Cartagena, este pequeña agrupación montañosa está recubierta predominantemente por pinares de Pino Carrasco. Son los bosquetes y ejemplares dispersos de sabina mora (Tetraclinis articulata) y las comunidades excepcionalmente bien conservadas de matorrales mediterráneos, con la presencia de especies de muy alto valor botánico y ecológico (endemismos e iberoafricanismos) las que realzan la importancia de este especio natural. La sabina mora, verdadera relíquia norteafricana, tiene aquí sus mayores y mejor conservadas poblaciones, en toda Europa. El área es utilizado como área de campeo y alimentación para aves rapaces tan significativas como el halcón peregrino, el águila perdicera y el buho real.


TEXT:
Territorio situado al Noreste de la ciudad de Mérida con embalse sobre el río Alberrega, entre extensas dehesas de encina y alcornoque, pequeñas áreas de pastizal y matorral y diversas parcelas cultivadas (olivar, viñedo, higueras). Sierra en el límite Noroeste de la zona. Aprovechamiento ganadero (vaca, oveja, cabra) y cinegético (caza menor). Cría y concentraciones postnupciales de cigüeña negra, Invernada de grulla. Diversas aves de presa y numerosas parejas de cigüeña blanca.


TEXT:
La Sierra de Tramontana se extiende en sentido NE-SW a lo largo del litoral noroccidental de Mallorca. Constituye una escarpada región montañosa de potentes masas de calizas dolomíticas y brechas calcáreas entre los que se abren algunos valles. El clima más húmedo y frio que el resto de la isla, ha producido una intensa karstificación y los cursos de agua han excavado profundos y espectaculares barrancos. La Sierra cuenta con una docena de cimas que superan los mil metros de altitud desde el Galatxo (1.026 m.) hasta el Tomir (1.102 m.) pasando por Teix (1.064 m.), Massanella (1.348 m.) y el Puig Major (1.064 m.) entre otros. Estas cumbres son asiento de una vegetación y una flora de gran interés por su carácter relicto, su endemicidad y su significado biogeográfico. El encinar balear y bosquetes de quejigos, arces tejos, boj y serbales son algunas de las formaciones forestales presentes. Las zonas altas, mas expuestas al viento y peor suelo, son ricas en plantas almohadilladas, espinosas y rastreras, con numerosos endemismos. Las numerosas cuevas, dolinas y simas son habitadas por una fauna cavernícola y una brioflora interesante los torrentes con cursos de agua son el hábitat del sapillo balear o terreret, endémico de esta Sierra. El buitre negro sobrevuela habitualmente estas cumbres.


TEXT:
SIERRA ALOMADA DOMINADA POR MATORRAL. EN UMBRIA DESTACAN PINARES. EN FAUNA DESTACAN LAS AVES RAPACES. EL PRINCIPAL VALOR NATURAL DE ESTA SIERRA ES LA PRESENCIA DE TORTUGA MORA (TESTUDO GRAECA) ESPECIE GRAVEMENTE AMENAZADA.


TEXT:
Marisma litoral mixta en avanzado estado de colmatación situado en la bahía de Alcudia, al norte de Mallorca. Está formada por lagunas y canales naturales y artificiales de conexión, riego o drenaje, separadas del mar por una barra o restinja dunar. Posee surgencias tipo "ullal", unas salinas abandonadas y una laguna, el Estany des Cibollar. Está calonizado por una amplia cobertura vegetal de carrizo y masiega, con pocos rodales de vegetación salobre. Las dunas están cubiertas por un pinar juntoa comunidades psammófilas y por la singular presencia de enebros (J. oxycedrus) varias orquídeas y algunos endemismos de interés. Entre los vertebrados hay que mencionar la presencia de marta, comadreja, galápago y calopet entre otros. Pero el factormás relevante es la avifauna. La nidificante cuenta con el aguilucho lagunero, avetorillo, cigüeñuela, garza imperial, vascón y carrincerin real. En invernada pueden verse hasta 74 especies de anátidas, limícolas, ardeidas, gaviotas, etc.


TEXT:
Dragonera, situada en el extremo occidental de Mallorca posee un contorno alargado en dirección NNE-SSO y acaba en un fuerte acantilado en la parte oeste mientras que hacia el este el relieve desciende más suavemente hasta el mar. Sus abruptos escarpes y majestuosos acantilados sobre el mar (360 m. de altitud en su cota máxima) están formadas por calizas triásicas fundamentalmente. La garriga mediterránea de acebuche ocupa la mayor parte de la isla con sus compañeras habituales, lentisco, labiernego, romero, lechetrezna ephedra y algún algarrobo. Los acantilados soportan comunidades halófilas rupícolas y en el norte de la isla, mas azotada por los temporales, se puede encontrar "el socarrell" (Launaea cervicornis). En los acantilados mas inaccesibles se instala una comunidad rupícola rica en endemismos baleáricos. Algunos grupos de pino carrasco completan el mosaico vegetal. La fauna terrestre es escasa. Destaca la presencia de la lagartija balear endémica. Colonias de aves marinas como el cormorán moñudo, el paiño, las pardelas cenicienta y pichoneta, las gaviotas patiamarilla y de Audouinii, y el Halcón de Eleonor habitan los acantilados. Primavera, pero mas intensamente Otoño, constituye un periodo importante de paso migratoriopara la avifauna. El medio Bentónico entre Dragonera y la Costa Mallorquina está dominado por las praderas de Posidonia oceánica y fondos de arena que, junto con el litoral rocoso constituyen hábitats para gran diversidad de vida marina.


TEXT:
Eriales y cultivos cerealistas del norte de la región de Murcia, de relieve llano o suavemente ondulado, que alberga una avifauna propia de medios esteparios, con importancia para la invernada de avutardas y presencia se sison y ortega.


TEXT:
La Albufera d'es Grau tiene forma estrecha y alargada con un perímetro irregular y recortada. Situada al norte de Mahón, en Menorca, esta laguna litoral de aguas salobres está rodeada de pequeños cerros ondulados y comunicada con el más por un canal o "gola". La Albufera está asentada sobre pizarras y areniscas del Carbonífero, recubiertas en barrancos, dunas y playas por materiales del Cuaternario. En sus riberas se encuentran las típicas comunidades vegetales propias de estas condiciones de humedad y salinidad. Juncales, carrizales, comunidades de dunas, pinares, salobrares y restos de encinar menorquín. La zona, y en particular la Isla d'en Colom, albergan interesantes endemismos botánicos. La diversidad faunística de la Albufera es notable. Algunas especies de peces, como la anguila y la lubina, pueblan la laguna, junto con el galápago y la ranita meridional. En la Isla d'en Colom vive una subespecie endémica de lagartija. La Albufera constituye un lugar de nidificación, invernada o paso migratorio de especies como el anade real, focha común, cormorán grande, zampullín chico, garzas real e imperial y otras muchas. La zona es también lugar de campeo del águila pescadora.


TEXT:
Espardell es una isla plana, inclinada lateralmente con su costa este acantilada e inaccesible. Se situa a oriente del estrecho que separa Formentera e Ibiza. Esta cubierta por una vegetación rala que la cubre por sectores, con algunos pinos y sabinas achaparrados por la acción del viento. Conejos y la lagartija de las Pitiusas son los vertebrados terrestres presentes. Sus colonias de aves marinas dan relevancia a la isla: paiños, cormoranes, gaviota de audouinii, pardela cenicienta, pardela pichoneta y gaviota patiamarilla.


TEXT:
Tramo litoral al SO de la región murciana con gran diversidad de formas de relieve y de geología y geomorfología compleja. Destacan las formaciones kársticas, el excepcinal estado de conservación de la cubierta vegetal, los iberoafricanismos y espe- cies endémicas y las rapaces rupícolas en peligro. Alta diversidad biológica y una gran calidad estética del paisaje.


TEXT:
ESPACIO INTERIOR DE MEDIA MONTAÑA. RESTOS DE COMUNIDADES DE CARRASCAL; ES LA COMUNIDAD POTENCIAL MAS MERIDIONAL Y EXTENSA DE LA REGION.


TEXT:
Area montañosa de topografía abrupta en el NO de Murcia, con una vegetación rica en elementos béticos (similar a la de las Sierras de Cazorla y Segura). De gran interés botánico y con fauna excepcional, entre la que destaca la cabra montes.


TEXT:
Macizo montañoso, situado  a caballo entre las provincias de Cádiz y Málaga, abarcando trece municipioos. Es el más alto escarpado de la provincia de Cádiz alcanzando la máxima altitud en el Pico del Torreón (1654 m.) en la Sierra del Pinar. Paisaje kárstico de gran personalidad al que contribuyen la naturaleza caliza del terreno y el excepcional régimen pluviométrico, con una media anual superior a los 2000 m. Presenta numerosas morfologías kársticas, desde dolinas, lapiaces y simas hasta grutas catalogadas a nivel internacional como el complejo del Hundidero-Gato, la mayor cueva de Andalucía. Vegetación típicamente mediterránea, con encinas, alcornoques, quejigos e interesantes bosques de ribera, presentando bosques relícticos terciarios de pinsapos en el interior del Parque, sobre una extensión de unos 400 m. en la Sierra del Pinar. Elevado interés faunístico, tanto en calidad como en cantidad, presentando por ejemplo la mayor concentración de la Península y una de las mayores de Europa del murciélago de cuevas en hibernación en el Complejo-Gato. El corzo sitúa en las sierras gaditanas el límite meridional a su distribución. La mayor variedad viene dada poor las aves, con poblacioones de rapaces extraordinariamente ricas, destacando las colonias de buitre leonado como las más importantes del continente. Otros ejemplos son el águila real, halcón peregrino, milanos y ratoneros. Aprovechamientos silvícolas, ganadería extensiva e instalación de piscifactorías de trucha son algunos de los usos propios del Parque.


TEXT:
Medio estepario del centro sur de Murcia, de baja pendiente y relieve llano o suavemente ondulado, con espartales, matorral mediterráneo, repoblaciones recientes de pinos y una característica avifauna esteparia donde destaca la Alondra de.


TEXT:
Zona húmeda al sur de la provincia de Córdoba formada por un vaso central y dos lagunas adyacentes. Tiene carácter permanente, origen endorreico y aguas ligeramente salobres. Las aguas subterráneas son su principal fuente de alimentación, incorporándose las provenientes de la lluvia y de las escorrentías superficiales. Se sitúa sobre terrenos terciarios, básicamente margas y arcillas, estando rodeada por cultivos de secano fundamentalmente, y por un cinturón de vegetación permanente en el contorno de la laguna, caracterizado por carrizos y espadañas, creciendo también en las proximidades juncos y tarays. Es la más importante y la de mayor interés zoológico y botánico del complejo húmedo del sur de la provincia de Córdoba, destacando por acoger una de las más importantes poblaciones reproductoras de malvasía de Europa y presentar restos de la vegetación natural original. Numerosas aves acuáticas utilizan la laguna, ya sea para nidificación, invernda, en paso o de forma ocasional, habiendo sido censadas y observadas especies raras y amenazadas como calamón, tarro blanco, garza imperial, avoceta, aguilucho lagunero, águila pescadora, flamenco, porrón pardo y cigüeña negra. También se halla presente otra forma como herpetos, el raro pejerrey y una rica comunidad de insectos acuáticos. La problemática de la zona proviene de los sondeos de raptación que amenaza la conservación del régimen hídrico natural de la laguna, de la presencia de especies foráneas perjudiciales (cangrejo rojo, ratas) y de la existencia inadecuada de un vertedero de residuos sólidos a 1200 m.


TEXT:
Las Columbretes, situadas a unos 60 Km. al este de Castellón, constituyen un pequeño archipiélago de origen volcánico formado por cuatro grupos de pequeñas islas. La flora vascular presenta un carácter mediterráneo claro con un 95% de táxones autóctoavifauna, tanto migratoria como nidificante, de la que cabe destacar especies como la Gaviota de Audovin y el Halcón de Eleonor y en los varios invertebrados endémicos presentes. nos y una mayoría de planta anuales. Las condiciones ecológicas extremas presentes impiden el desarrollo de un estrato arboreo, aunque existen restos de matorral esclerófilo espinoso que parece indicar el techo climácico de las islas. Si bien la notable influencia de la salinidad marina hace que la mayor parte de la vegetación cuente con especies halófilas, la acción del hombre (introducción de animales domésticos, turismo) y la presencia de aves marinas y migratorias, implican un predominio de la vegetación nitrófila (ornitófila). Es el espacio insular mejor conservado de la C. Valenciana, radicando su importancia faunística en: la avifauna, tanto migratoria como nidificante, destacando especies como la gaviota de Audouin y el halcón de Elenor; presencia de la lagartija ibérica endémica (Podarcis hispanica atrata), que confiere gran valor a la herpetofauna y la presencia de invertebrados endémicos.


TEXT:
Espacio situado en las inmediaciones de la ciudad de Girona y que se extiende en dirección NW-SE hasta cerca de la costa mediterránea, forma un conjunto montañoso situado en el extremo septentrional de las Sierras Litorales. Aunque no presenta un re-lieve marcado ni cimas elevadas constituye una barrera física entre las Depresiones del Baix-Empordá y La Selva, presentando un buen ejemplo de la diversidad de los ecosistemas mediterráneos con los bosques de Pinus pinaster más importantes de Cata- luña e importantes contrastes entre las umbrías húmedas y fondos de valle y el resto del espacio. Destaca en cuanto a fauna por las altas densidades que adquieren algunas especies y la singularidad de algunos.


TEXT:
Situados en el extremo NE de la provincia de Gerona, en plena bahía de Rosas, constituyen la segunda zona húmeda en importancia de Cataluña. La existencia en este espacio de ambientes ecológicos diversos, desde dunas costeras a carrizales, permite lapresencia de un buen número de especies, tanto vegetales como animales, destacando en este último caso las aves, que aquí encuentran una zona favorable para su estancia a lo largo de todo el año.


TEXT:
Gran espacio situado en la mitad sur occidental de la provincia de Albacete. Constituye una zona de transición entre la submeseta sur y las cordilleras béticas. Este tránsito se produce mediante una zona de suaves relieves en la mitad norte del espa-cio, mientras que la mitad sur aparece dominada por formaciones montañosas más elevadas, en dirección suroeste-noroeste, y que constituyen el nexo de unión con las sierras de Cazorla, Segura y la Sagra. Esta situación biogeográfica explica en parte la gran importancia de esta zona, basada en la presencia de numerosas especies vegetales endémicas, tanto ibéricas, como ibero-norteafricanas, algunas de ellas en delicado estado de conservación. Aunque aparentemente menos destacable, la fauna de es-esta comarca incluye interesantes poblaciones de algunas especies de invertebrados (p.ej: mariposas), así como algunas especies de vertebrados raras y/o importantes desde el punto de vista conservacionista: Lagartija de Valverde, Aguila perdicera, Topill de Cabrera, etc. La excesiva presión turística sobre los puntos más señalados y las variaciones en los usos y aprovechamientos tradicionales de la comarca son los principales problemas para la conservación de los valores de.


TEXT:
Extensa superficie situada al Suroeste de la provincia de Albacete, en el ámbito de las sierras del segura y dentro de la comarca de Alcaraz. Se trata de un paisaje con todos los elementos que configuran un kárst: lapiaces, dolinas, uvalas, et. Estasformaciones geológicas determinan la aparición de ecosistemas complejos, condicionados por las características del medio fisico. Presenta una rica y variada cobertura vegetal, en la que encontramos numerosos endemismos, algunos de ellos en peligro deextinción o en situación vulnerable. Entre estas masas vegetales destacan las formaciones de bosquesmixtos de frondosas. Estas formaciones albergan una interesante comunidad animal, con algunos endemismos, sobre todo entre los invertebrados. Los pro-blemas de conservación de este espacio radican en la alta presión turística que soporta toda esta zona.


TEXT:
Los humedales de Albacete se encuentran distribuidos por la provincia y responden tanto a lagunas de aguas dulces como salinas, permanentes o temporales. En general, las lagunas responden a sistemas andorréicos, aunque las lagunas de Ruidera son el reflejo de actividad cárstica y algunas salinas se han creado como consecuencia de la explotación de depósitos salinos mediante pozos. Junto a estas formaciones, los embalses artificiales incorporan un tipo más de enclaves húmedos. La diversidad de origen genera una amplia variedad de comunidades vegetales y animales. Entre las primeras, las más interesantes responden a las condiciones salinas (hipersalinas en ocasiones) de algunas lagunas (Pétrola, Salinas de Cordovilla, etc.). En cuanto a lascomunidades animales, las zonas húmedas albacetenses destacan como zona de acogida invernal de aves acuáticas, pero también son buenas áreas de cría para algunas de ellas (cigüeñuela, avoceta, pato colorado, zampullín cuellinegro, ect.). Como para buena parte de las zonas húmedas manchegas, los problemas de conservación de los humedales de Albacete se centran en la contaminación, la desecación por sobreexplotación de los acuíferos, el drenado y puesta en cultivo (algunas lagunas han desapare- cido) y, en algunos casos (Ruidera) la presión turística y urbanística.


TEXT:
Gran espacio de montañas situado el noroeste de la provincia de Guadalajara, en sus límites con las provincias de Madrid y Segovia. La topografía accidentada y la situación biogeográfica de este espacio le convierten en una zona que , a pesar de su localización continental, presenta enclaves con fuerte tendencia a un clima húmedo, casi oceánico. Esta peculiaridad ha permitido el mantenimiento de núcleos relictos de bosques, cuyo óptimo se presenta en la región eurosiberiana, como los hayedos (Montejo, Parque Natural de Tejera Negra, Puerto de la Quersera), únicos en el Sistema Central. Junto a estas zonas de vegetación autenticamente eurosiberiana, el dominio mediterráneo se manifiesta en otros puntos del espacio donde aparecen formacio-nes de encinar o sabinares. La fauna también se ve afectada por las características del área. Así, el relativo aislamiento e inaccesibilidad de algunas zonas motivado por la orografía, permite una buena representación de especies de aves rapaces, destacando el águila real o el águila perdicera. Por otra parte, el influjo eurosiberiano en esta zona se hace notar en la presencia de especies de tendencias norteñas: bisbita arbóreo, becada, reyezuelo sencillo, etc. Las repoblaciones forestales han alterado extremadamente este espacio, de manera que, en buena parte de él, la vegetación natural (a veces ya degradada por los usos ganaderos) ha sido sustituida por pinares de repoblación. Junto a este factor, la incidencia de una creciente presión turística afectan negativamente a esta zona.


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Este espacio engloba el curso alto del río Tajo, desde su nacimiento y durante unos 80 km. Discurre el río entre las provincias de Guadalajara y Cuenca, definiendo un valle encajado en muchas ocasiones entre paredones calizos. Las partes más altas del valle conectan con parameras dominadas por formaciones arbustivas y sabinares, mientras que el valle y sus laderas en las zonas más abiertas están dominadas por pinares de pino negro que se combinan con encinares en las zonas abruptas y con que- jigares. Una interesante comunidad animal ocupa estos ambientes, destacando entre otras especies las rapaces rupícolas: águila real, buitre leonado, águila perdicera, etc. La presión turística excesiva y un posible proyecto de embalsamiento de las aguas del Tajo son los principales problemas para la conservación de este espacio, que en algún caso ha sido propuesto como posible Parque Natural.


TEXT:
Tramo del río Segura comprendido entre los embalses del Cenajo y de la Fuensanta, al Suroeste de la provincia de Albacete. Los cortados calizos jalonan un curso fluvial divagante, en el que aparecen algunas formaciones buscosas y sobre todo formacio-nes de matorral mediterráneo. La comunidad de rapaces rupícolas es la que da importancia a este enclave, destacando, entre otras, el Aguila real y el Aguila perdicera. El uso ganadero define los aprovechamientos tradicionales del área.


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Formación montana de crestas poco elevadas situada al sur de la provincia de Ciudad Real. Esta línea de crestas cuarcíticas suponen el tránsito entre el valle de Alcudia y las estribaciones de Sierra Morena Oriental. Las zonas menos abruptas aparecendominadas por bosquetes de roble melojo, junto con manchas de encinar y de quejigar. Junto a ellos se combinan algunos rodales de alcornoques, mezclados entre espesas formaciones de matorral mediterráneo, en el que dominan la jara pringosa, el brezo y el madroño. Las zonas más abruptas sirven como refugio para la reproducción de rapaces rupícolas, entre las que destaca el águila real, elo águila perdicera, el alimoche o el búho real. En los bosques cría el águila imperial y el buitre negro. Tam-bién está representada la cigüeña negra. La proximidad a Sierra Morena, hace que la Sierra de la Umbría se comporte como área marginal en la distribución del lince ibérico y el lobo que tienen núcleos poblacioneles estables en dicha sierra. Lo abrup-to del terreno y la escasez de población hace que esta zona se haya conservado en un buen estado relativo.


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La Serranía de Cuenca es una vasta extensión montañosa situada en el cuadrante nororiental de la provincia. El origen geológico de este sector montañoso impone el carácter peculiar al espacio. Predominan rocas calizas que han sido plegadas y modela- das por los agentes geológicos dando lugar en conjunto a una serie de espinos montañosas de cumbres allanadas y en las que destacan formaciones como las hoces fluviales, las torcas y otros elementos cársticos que dan espectacularidad al paisaje. El espacio se encuentra dominado por formaciones de pinar, aunque en algunos enclaves pueden encontrarse reductos de vegetación caducifolia. En este entorno destaca una importante comunidad de aves rapaces, aunque también están bien representados los mamíferos de interés cinegético, consecuencia de la gestión de la Reserva Nacional de Caza que ocupa buena parte del territorio. La presión turística en enclaves muy peculiares (Nacimiento del Río Cuervo, Ciudad Encantada, etc.) y la tendencia a la urbanización en algunos valles fluviales son los peligros en la conservación de este espacio.


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Espacio situado al sur de la ciudad de Cuenca caracterizado por la vegetación arbustiva de las formaciones de páramo, se encuentra en una zona en la que dominan los cultivos cerealistas. Importante zona para las aves esteparias, entre los que desta- can la Alondra de Dupont y el sisón.


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Espacio constituído por un conjunto de valles pirenaicos de alto valor natural y paisajístico localizado en pleno Sobrarde, inmediatamente al sur del Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido. Presenta notables singularidades como el pliegue tumbado sf de Torla o la cascada de Sorrozal, presenta una topografía muy irregular. Acoge una flora muy variada con especies de tipo mediterráneo y eurosiberiano y gran riqueza paisajística en donde encuentran cobijo interesantes especies de la fauna vertebrada.


TEXT:
Unidad morfoestructural pirenaica de elevado interes natural y paisajistico que comprende el sector oriental del Prepirineo oscense. Su situaciòn territorial y dificultad de acceso han permitido el mantenimiento de una abundante fauna, en especial lapresencia de nuevas especies de aves, e interesantes endemismos botanicos. Presenta un relieve acusado con amplios desniveles y una disimetria acusada entre vertientes, lo que facilita la existencia de microclimas particulares que causan una notable deversidad vegetal.


TEXT:
Espacio de fondo de valle recorrido por el río Esera, situado inmediatamente al sur del Macizo de Posets-Maladeta. Se trata de un valle pirenaico de gran amplitud y belleza, muy antropizado en las zonas bajas; el resto se encuentra en muy buen estadode conseravación natural con áreas boscosas extensas y bien desarrolladas, a la vez de gran valor cromático, con una fauna muy diversa y rica, en la que destacan la gran abundancia de aves y mamíferos.


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Amplio espacio con relieves montañosos de mediana altitud situado entre el límite occidental de la llanura manchega y la confluencia de las provincias de Toledo y Ciudad real con Extremadura. La accidentada orografía ha permitido un cierto grado de aislamiento que ha favorecido la conservación de importantes extensiones de monte y matorral mediterráneo. Estas formaciones vegetales albergan una importante comunidad faunística, en la que destacan el Lince ibérico, el Buitre negro y el Aguila im- perial. El aprovechamiento cinegético de muchas fincas de esta zona ha fomentado la proliferación de especies como el ciervo o el jabalí, pero también ha generado una cierta presión de furtivismo tanto sobre estas especies como sobre otras en situa- ción mas delicada.


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Laguna de origen endorreico situada en el sur de la provincia de Huesca, junto a Sariñena. Ocupa unazona deprimida en el centro de una terraza elevadasobre los cauces de los rios Flumen y Alacandre. Por su extensión, características geográficas y régimen hídrico es un importante lugar de nidificación, reposo y alimentación para las aves. Presenta una vegetación muy degradada por fenómenos de salinización y por invasión de plantas ruderales y nitrófilas. Acoge una.


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Macizo montañoso situado al este de la provincia de Jaén, en el extremo oriental del sistema bético andaluz, que constituye el más extenso de los parques naturales españoles. Calizas, dolomías y margas son los materiales dominantes del sustrato, configurando un relieve abrupto con crestas y continuas ondulaciones en el que destaca la abundancia de las formaciones kársticas. Supone la divisoria de aguas entre las vertientes atlántica y mediterránea, ya que los ríos Guadalquivir y Segura nacen en el interior del Parque. Vegetación de gran interés, encerrando una de las floras más ricas de la cuenca mediterránea, con un porcentaje de flora endémica del 30% en relación al resto de España, de la cual 24 son endemismos exclusivos. Destaca la violeta de Cazorla, reliquia de la Era Terciaria, como la especie más representativa. Entre los pinares de repoblación, destaca el pinar autóctono de pino laricio por encima de los 1200 m. Los encinares climácicos persisten en zonas bajas y medias con un buen estado de conservación. Más formaciones presentes son quejigales, melojares, avellanares y bosques de galería entre otras. Gran representación faunística tanto de invertebrados (destacando principalmente en el aspecto entomológico) como de vertebrados, habiéndose catalogado de estos últimos 188 especies. Los biotopos rupícola, palustre y forestal son los que presentan comunidades más diversas, sobresaliendo la presencia en las fisuras de las rocas de un endemismo considerado una joya dentro del Parque, la lagartija de Valverde. Algunas rapaces presentes tienen la categoría de amenazadas y tienen una distribución muy restringida en el Parque. Mamíferos protegidos que han visto disminuir sus efectivos son la gineta, garduña y gato montés. En conjunto reúne una serie de enclaves muy interesantes por la variedad de fauna y flora que acogen junto con uno de los paisajes más notables de Andalucía.


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Los Picos de Europa constituyen un sistema montañoso perfectamente definido y delimitado que se encuentra situado en el área central de la Cordillera Cantábrica, donde confluyen especies de carácter eurosiberiano, en toda su vertiente norte, con otrade carácter más mediterráneo y que penetran por los valles de las rías Cares y Deva. A ellos hay que sumar la existencia de áreas altimontanas de gran relevancia que han permitido la persistencia de especies más propias de regiones finas y cuyo área de distribución en el Sur de Europa se encuentra fragmentada actualmente. Por ello presentan los Picos de Europa una notable singularidad en su composición faunística.


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Espacio situado en el extremo NW de la provincia de Lérida, vertebrado en torno al río Garona, constituye el único valle del Pirineo Central Catalán de marcado carácter atlántico. Se encuentra rodeado por diferentes conjuntos montañosos de elevado gradiente altitudinal, aunque en general presenta un relieve suave. Destaca geológicamente por su gran variedad de sustratos y por la existencia de abundantes fenómenos glaciares y periglaciares que causan un relieve singular. Dada su gran extensión,en este espacio natural. Se desarrollan una gran variedad de hábitats, debido fundamentalmente a los diferentes sustratos, orientaciones y microclimas existentes. Destacan las grandes masas forestales de pinos, abetos, hayas, robles, etc. en muy buenestado de conservación y desarrollo; existe una buena representación de la vegetación característica de los pisos alpinos, subalpino y montanos con extensos matorrales, turberas, prados, pastos, etc. teniendo muchas especies un marcado carácter piri-neo-atlántico. Tanto la fauna vertebrada como invertebrada están muy bien representadas con especies raras, prácticamente únicas en Cataluña o que encuentran aquí el límite de su área de distribución.


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Espacio situado al norte de la provincia de Toledo, en su frontera con Avila (sur de la Sierra de Gredos). El espacio se define en torno al río Tiétar, que discurre relativamente encajado en algunos tramos y que se embalsa la presa de Rosarito, al noroeste del espacio. Por su parte, el río Guadyerbas está embalsado por la presa de Navalcán. Las zonas más abruptas (cercanas a ambos ríos) presentan una importante cobertura del bosque y matorral mediterráneo: encinas, alcornoques, madroños, etc. La propiedad de la tierra y el uso cinegético de algunas fincas ha permitido un buen estado de conservación, de manera que estas zonas albergan una fauna muy importante entre la que destaca al lince ibérico, el águila imperial o la cigüeña negra. Laszonas más llanas han sido transformadas por el uso ganadero tradicional en dehesas, áreas muy importantes para la alimentación y reproducción de aves rapaces y para la alimentación invernal de un importante contingente de grullas. La construcción de un nuevo embalse entre el de Rosarito y el de Navalcán ha amenazado durante algún tiempo a esta zona. De momento el proyecto parece desechado.


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Hayedo-abetal situado en la ladera expuesta al N-NW del Monte Txamantxoia, en la cabecera del Valle de Roncal (Navarra). Supone uno de los últimos retazos virgenes de esta formación climácica, con escasos signos de intervención antropógena. El Bosquede Aztaparreta está situado en una ladera con fuerte pendiente, de difícil accesibilidad y por su exposición, recibe de lleno los frentes húmedos oceánicos. Las especies dominantes son el haya y el abeto, aunque abundan también tejo, acebo, olmo de montaña, arce serbal. La fauna asociada es excepcional: pico dorsiblanco y pito negro indican el estado de madurez de este bosque. Marta, corzo y sarrío entre los mamíferos y el oso, que en sus desplazamientos puede llegar a.


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ENCINAR SOBRE ARENAS EXCELENTEMENTE CONSERVADO AUNQUE ADEHESADO, CON QUEJIGOS Y ARCES EN LAS ZONAS HUMEDAS, Y ALCORNOQUES. SOTOS EN ALGUNOS ARROYOS.


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Macizo cárstico localizado en el NO de Murcia, presenta una vegetación y flora semejante a la de las Sierras de Cazorla y Segura, con numerosos andemismos y manchas arbustivas de carrascas, relictos de Pino rodeno y presencia de Cabra.


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La Sierra de Codes forma parte de una alineación montañosa con orientación WE que se levanta sobre la depresión del Ebro, al oeste de Navarra, haciendo frontera con la provincia de Alava. Las solanas son ocupadas por carrascales de influencia cantá- bri que han sido explotados desde antiguo. En la vertiente norte hayedos, robledales de roble marojo y carrascales se encuentran bien desarrollados en muchos enclaves. Las paredes y roquedos de calizas del cretácico superior ocupan los crestones y zonas más altas que son lugar de nidificación de aves rupícolas como el águila real, el alimoche o el halcón peregrino.


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Bosquete de tejos centenarios en las faldas del macizo de Peña Trevinca, al sureste de la provincia de Orense. Más de trescientos pies agrupados, de gran importancia botánica por ser un núcleo relicto de épocas pasadas.


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Este espacio es un complejo delimitado en la zona alta por el Pinar de Inagua, Ojeda y Pajonals, junto al Refugio Nacional de Caza, y en la zonas medias y bajas comprenden los cauces entre otros de los barrancos Vicentes, Vicentillos, Fataga, Ayagau-res, Chira, Excusabarajas y la Presa de las Niñas. La zona se encuentra enclavada en el abanico fonolítico del sur de la isla, con apilamientos de coladas fonolíticas intercaladas por depósitos de puentes e iguimbristas fonolíticas y afloramientos puntuales de basaltos Roque Nublo, y recientes wewn el sector Oeste de la zona. La vegetación está representada por un área de cordones y tabaibas en la zona baja y por pinares y jaras en las partes medias y altas. Esde destacar la presencia del Pin de Pilancones, considerado como el más grande de toda la isla, así como numerosos dragos y sabinas. En este complejo aparece muy bien representado la población ornítica con especies endémicas como el pinzón azul y el pico picapinos, éste último liga-do exclusivamente a los pinares con ejemplares viejos de pinos. Las presas, (Chira y de Las Niñas), constituyen una importante estación invernal para lumícolas y otras aves migratorias. También es importante la elevada presencia de aves rapaces y trigueros, así como de strildo astrild (introducida). En este sitio se encuentran vías de las mejores zonas para el ocio (La Presa de Las Niñas y la de Chira), como áreas de acampadas y zonas recreativas. Existen en este espacio numerosos vestigios pre-hispánicos del que destacan, entre otros, la Necrópolis Tumular de Arteara, Los Caserones, Gitagana, Los Canalizos de Chira, Lomo de la Palma, Montaña Negra, Lomo del Arco, Lomo de Pedro Afenso, constituyendo en su conjunto un territorio de caseríos de tipo tradicional como Casas del Tajinastal, Las Tederas, Fataga, Carcados de Araña, etc.


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Este espacio está situado al S. de la Isla. El tipo de costa es plana, formada por aporte de aluviones recientes de arena traídos por la corriente marina que los va depositando a lo largo de la costa en dirección perpendicular a los vientos dominan- tes del E al O. También se aprecia una pequeña área recubierta por material aluvial que se corresponde al cauce final del Bco. de Maspalomas. La vegetación actual se corresponde con comunidades halófilas-psamófilas con Traganum moquinii, Cyperus lae-vigatus y comunidades de tarajales y palmeras. También se detecta Phragmites australis en el borde occidental de la Charca. En cuánto a la fauna más característica, se citan Hubara, Milano Real, así como multitud de aves migratorias. Se trata de un espacio fuertemente antropizado debido sobre todo a su uso recreativo y Residencial. Así cabe mencionar: Campo de Golf, Playas, Chiringuitos, Aparcamientos, exceso de Tráfico, etc.


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Pequeña isla situada al norte de Fuerteventura. Su formación fue paralela a la del Malpaís del norte. La máxima altura se corresponde con la Caldereta (127 m.), contando además con una serie de morros y depresiones. El sur es más bajo y presenta playas y caletas. Se separa de Fuerteventura por unos 2 km. Su vegetación es psamófila y presenta además de las aves, como gaviotas o alcaravanes, una fauna de invertebrados relativamente rica, sobre todo coleópteros.


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Entre Roncevalles y el macizo de Anie-Larra y a lo largo de la frontera con Francia, esta zona constituye la prolongación del Pirineo en Navarra formado por las cabeceras de los ríos Urrobi, Irati, Salazar y Esca. Los materiales, del terciario, son mayormente flysch, arcillas calcáreas y margas, dolomías y calizas. El macizo kárstico de Larra está formado por calizas cretácicas. El paisaje vegetal está dominado por grandes extensiones de hayedos, como la gran selva de Irati, hayedo-abetales, pastizales, campos de cultivo y praderas. En Larra el paso subalpino está cubierto por pinares de pino negro con rododendro o gayuba, y en el piso alpino diversas comunidades vegetales ocupan los distintos nichos ecológicos: pastizales, fisuras, gle-ras, etc. El Pirineo navarro alberga verdaderas joyas de la fauna ibérica. Urogallo, pito negro y pico dorsiblanco entre otras aves habitan los bosques mejor conservados. Comunidades orníticas del piso alpino como perdiz nival, mirlo capiblanco y perdiz pardilla se pueden ver en las alturas de Larra, así como las únicas marmotas de Navarra. El, cada vez más escaso, oso pardo deambula ocasionalmente por el alto Roncal. La zona el área de campeo habitual del Quebrantahuesos y nidifican el alimocheáguila real, halcón peregrino y buitre leonado. Sarríos, en cotas altas y ciervos y corzos entre la espesura son habituales en la zona.


TEXT:
Desembocadura del río Miño en el océano Atlántico. La zona stuarina posee numerosas raras de arena e islotes. Rio que en su curso final hace de frontera con Portugal. Elevada riqueza piscícola y de avifauna tanto de paso como invernante. El monte de Santa Tecla constituye un excelente mirador natural de la zona. Gran número de biotopos, que posibilita una amplia diversidad florística y faunística.


TEXT:
Son dos islas situadas en la entrada de la ría de Pontevedra caracterizadas por presentar altitudes medias y un aspecto llano en la parte superior, lo que les confiere una forma típica de meseta. Colonias de aves marinas nidificantes. La isla de Ons tiene interesantes acantilados y un gran número de pequeños islotes.


TEXT:
Espacio montañoso situado al Sur de la provincia de Salamanca, en su confluencia con la de Cáceres. Incluido dentro del futuro Parque Natural de las Batuecas. Geomorfológicamente destacan en el espacio una zona netamente montañosa (la Sierra de Francia) y otra de transición hacia zonas más llanas. La situación biogeográfica del área, a caballo entre dos provincias de vegetación bien diferenciadas, permite el mantenimiento de interesantes comunidades vegetales, bien conservadas en algunos enclaves; destacan melojares, alcornocales y encinares, que se combinan con repoblaciones de coníferas y eucaliptos. Sin embargo, es el componente faunístico el que da mayor importancia a la zona, destacando la presencia de una pequeña aunque estable población de lince ibérico (Lynx pardina), así como la existencia de un núcleo reproductor de buitre negro (Aegypius monachus), o la presencia como reproductor de la cigüeña negra. Junto a estas especies, el águila real (Aquila chrysaetos) el halcón peregrino (Falco peregrinus) o la nutria (Lutra lutra) definen una comunidad animal más que interesante. Además la cabra montés, introducida a partir de ejemplares de Gredos, es en la actualidad uno de los animales más representativos de este espacio. Los incendios forestales, los vertidos de los pueblos cercanos y la presión excesiva sobre las poblaciones animales (turismo) son los principales problemas para la conservación del espacio.


TEXT:
Tramo de 9 Km. del enorme escarpe que cierra el Valle del Golfo por oriente, constituido por un apilamiento de varios centenares de metros de coladas basálticas, las más antiguas de la isla. Adosados a la pared existen aparatosos piedemontes, algunosde los cuales superan los 200 m. de altura. Destaca en el extremo sur de la unidad, la Hoya Fileba, un cráter explosivo de carácter gaseoso y en sus extremos septentrional, los Roques de Salmor, de gran valor paisajístico, además de refugio para las aves marinas. La vegetación va cambiando según los diferentes niveles altitudinales. Así en la Fuga de de Gorreta y los Riscos de Tibajate presental formaciones vegetales correspondientes al piso basal y al de transición montano donde destacan, entreotras - tabaiba amarga, tomillo, jaras, peralillo, etc. En la parte meridional del espacio existe el monte de finamer con una buena representación de fayal-brezal con especies arbóreas como laureles, mocánes, palos blancos, etc. En lo referente a la fauna hay que citar la presencia de una especie endémica en peligro de extinción (el Lagarto de Salmor) además de una fauna entomológica asociada a las formaciones de fayal-brezal. Por último, destacar el enorme valor paisajístico de esta zona que esjustificado por los Roques de Salmor.


TEXT:
La formación de esta espectacular cuenca ha sido debida a la acción constante, a lo largo de miles de años, de una erosión contínua, intensificada en el Cuaternario (mayor pluviometría), con desprendimientos y deslizamientos de materiales. Al producirse un descenso de la pluviometría, se formó una densa cubierta vegetal que frenó el agua y retuvo el suelo con sus raíces. la impermeabilidad de este complejo basal, ha dado lugar a un importante acuífero, cuyo afloramiento se produce en los nacientes de los barrancos de Marcos y Cordero. Las especiales condiciones climáticas del lugar han hecho posible la aparición de una exuberante vegetación. Así, observamos uno de los más espectaculares reductos de laurisilva insular, aunque también se detecta una muestra interesante de pinar con fayas y brezos. El monteverde alcanza el óptimo desarrollo en pendientes poco pronunciadas. Por su parte, del sotobosque, pobre en arbustos y hierbas, presenta helechos, líquenes, etc. Este espacio, asimismo, se presenta muy rico desde el punto de vista faunístico, pués aparecen especies ligadas a la laurisilva con otras que se desarrollan en el pinar. Sin embargo, es la laurisilva la que mayor riqueza invertebrada posee. Y con un elevadao número de endemismos como los lepidópteros Gonopteryx cleobule palmae o Cyclirius webbianus. La fauna vertebrada se encuentra muy bien representada con las aves, destacando el pinzón vulgar, la paloma turqué, la paloma rabiche o la pardela pichoneta, entre otras. Esta última se instala en las partes más inaccesibles del espacio.


TEXT:
Situado en Tarragona, en la desembocadura del río Ebro, constituye junto con la Camarga Francesa, el hábitat acuático más importante del Mediterráneo occidental acogiendo un conjunto de sistemas naturales de excepcional singularidad y diversidad que se traduce en un paisaje característico. La fauna del Delta es particularmente rica y variada tanto en invertebrados como en vertebrados, destacando sobre todo las aves que encuentran en este lugar espacio adecuado durante.


TEXT:
EL ESPACIO SE ENCUENTRA EN EL CONTEXTO DE ESCASA PENDIENTE OCUPADA POR MA-TERIALES MESOZOICOS Y RELLENOS DE DEPOSITOS CUATERNARIOS. ADEMAS DE LA    SINGULARIDAD GEOMORFOLOGICA, DESTACA LA COMUNIDAD FAUNISTICA, PRINCIPAL - MENTE AVES ACUATICAS, ADEMASDE POR SU ESTRATEGICA LOCALIZACION (MIGRACIO-NES).


TEXT:
La Sierra Calderona, constituye una de las últimas del Sistema Ibérico llegando prácticamente hasta el mar Mediterráneo. Es una alineación montañosa con eje NW-SE que constituye la frontera natural entre Valencia y Castellón. Presenta una litología variada, lo que se traduce en un relieve muy accidentado de muelas, cerros y lomas con fuertes pendienetes y barrancos. Dada la extensión del espacio es muy variada apareciendo desde formaciones boscosas extensas, sobre todo pino y encinar a paredes desnudas con abundantes vegetación riparia y matorrales extensos, ofreciendo diversidad de hábitats para la fauna presente en el espacio.


TEXT:
ZONA HUMEDA COSTERA CON ABUNDANTE VEGETACION, Y PRESENCIA DE DUNAS MOVILES. GRAN IMPORTANCIA PARA AVES. ZONA HUMEDA DE IMPORTANCIA INTERNACIONAL. "Lagoon" costero (Albufera), con abundante vegetación emergente varias islas y conectado con el mar; situada al Sur de la ciudad de Valencia. El área también incluye arrozales, playas de arena y pinares costeros. assdf.


TEXT:
Situada en el cuadrante noroccidental de Navarra, el Macizo de Cinco Villas es un afloramiento paleozoico que presenta un relieve lleno de contrastes: profundos valles con relieves abruptos de fuertes pendientes, drenados por ríos y arroyos, y una serie de cumbres que sobrepasan, en algunos casos, los 1000 m. de altitud. La vertiente norte del macizo es más suave que la septentrional, cuyas pendientes son muy pronunciadas. La vegetación, como corresponde a un clima hiperhúmedo, es atlántica y está formada por bosques caducifolios (hayedos y robledales), brezales y praderas. El paisaje vegetal se encuentra muy modificado al haber sido utilizado el territorio por el hombre desde antiguo. Los hayedos acidófilos son la formación forestal más extendida. Existe un pequeño bosquete de Carpes, el único de la península, en San Juan Xar. La avifauna cuenta con el pico picapinos, el piquituerto común, el verderón serrano y la becada entre otros muchos. Destaca la presencia de corzo y sobre todo, visón europeo. La herpetofauna está representada por la salmandra, la rana temporaria, el tritón pirenaico, la lagartija de turbera, la víbora de Seoanei y otros.


TEXT:
Este conjunto de los sotos de la llanura aluvial del río Ebro suponen el mejor y más extenso complejo fluvial existente en este río dentro y fuera de Navarra. La diversidad del mosaico espacial formado por las comunidades vegetales, islas, madres,ca-nales de inundación y la desembocadura del Barranco de las Limas (con aguas salinas) contribuye a incrementar la variedad de tipos faunísticos. Los sotos se encuentran estructurados en cinturones de vegetación desde los medios acuáticos hasta la orlainterior más terrestre y excepcinalmente inundada: tamarizales, saucedas, alamedas con fresnos y olmedas. En los remansos y canales, juncales y carrizales completan el tapiz vegetal. El conjunto fluvial tiene el carácter de reserva piscícola y la or-nitofauna incluye varias especies de ardeidas, aguilucho lagunero y una de las colonias de nidificación de avión zapador más numerosas de Navarra. Entre los reptiles destaca el Galápago, de gran.


TEXT:
ZONA DE MARISMA EN LA DESEMBOCADURA DEL RIO ASON. DUNAS. ZONA DE DESCANSO PARA LA FAUNA MIGRATORIA. CLASIFICADA POR ICONA (1988) COMO ZONA DE IMPORTANCIA INTERNACIONAL PARA LAS AVES. FAUNA - PLATALEA LEUCORODIA, ANAS PENELOPE, NUMENIUS ARQUATA, NUMENIUS PHAEOPUS. Marismas situadas en la desembocura del río Ason de gran importancia para aves migratorias y con alta diversidad de ambientes. Precipitación media 1400 mm.


TEXT:
La Reserva Integral de Ukerdi está situada en el macizo de Anie-Larra, el el alto Roncal y constituye el núcleo central del piso subalpino en Navarra. El sustrato, calizas cretácicas, está fuertemente karstificado con abundantes dolinas, simas, lapiaces, etc. El paisaje vegetal está condicionado por el relieve. El hayedo-abetal tapiza el fondo de las dolinas formando bosquetes frescos y sombríos y en los escarpes de las calizas desnudas, el pino negro forma un bosque abierto y luminoso. Los pas-tos y matorrales subalpinos cubren los suelos esqueléticos y fisuras del roquedo. La zona de Ukerdi es utilizada durante algún periódo anual por sarríos, osos y diversa avifauna que se refugia aquí en invierno. Destacan la presencia de urogallo, picodorsiblanco y pito negro entre la avifauna forestal.


TEXT:
Este extenso espacio entre el sur de Ibiza y el norte de Formentera comprende los complejos salinos de ambas islas, las lagunas litorales des Pudent y des Peiz, las islas S'Espalmador y S'Espardell y un conjunto de islotes menores. El área presenta pocos desniveles topográficos y la mayor parte está recubierta por sedimentos del Cuaternario. Las formaciones dunares de deposición eólica se presentan en forma de barrera paralela a la costa. La variedad de ambientes es notable: salinas, sabinares, acantilados costeros, sistemas dunares, matorral mediterráneo, playas, lagunas litorales y campos de cultivo abandonados. Destaca entre la fauna vertebrada la lagartija endémica de las Pituisas que en toda el área posee muchas subespecies, bastantes de las cuales se localizan en islas e islotes. En las salinas y lagunas litorales nidifica la cigüeñuela y en lugar de invernada o paso migratorio de numerosas aves acuáticas. En las islas con acantilados rocosos nidifican aves marinas como el paiño,la pardela, el cormorán y la gaviota de audouinii.


TEXT:
El Parque Natural Islotes y Acantilados de Famara, engloba las siguientes áreas de interés científico-cultural: Alegranza, la Graciosa, Mña. Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste o del Infierno, los Riscos de Famara, este último de un elevado valor botánico y el volcán de la Corona y Malpaís. Limita al norte con el Oceáno Atlántico, donde queda incluida Alegranza, como territorio localizado en el extremo norte del Parque Natural. Por debajo, y hacia el este de aquella le sigue el Roque del Este, al Oeste, de la misma, se localiza el Roque del Oeste, y más abajo, en línea recta con Alegranza, se encuentra la Graciosa. Luego continúa por el este de la Graciosa hacia el Macizo de Famara, a través de el Río, para continuar hacia el extremo másal sureste del espacio con el volcán de la Corona y Malpaís. Los materiales geológicos, del conjunto de estos islotes, son de origen pliocuaternario, destacando algunos conos y coladas recientes más o menos extensas. Geomorfológicamente, destacan lasCalderas de Alegranza y Mña. Clara, los túneles submarinos presentes en estas áreas, las montañas de Bermeja y Amarilla en la Graciosa, etc. Asimismo los Acantilados de Famara, de morfología tipo arco, y el cono volcánico reciente de la Corona que hadado origen el estenso malpaís, donde son frecuentes los tubos y cuevas volcánicas como los Jameos del Agua y la Cueva de los Verdes, ambas de gran interés científico-turístico. La vegetación se caracteriza por la presencia de los dos pisos bioclimáticos existentes en Lanzarote (ICA y TCA). En cuanto al piso infracanario se ve representado con comunidades halófilo costeras, donde aparecen especies de chenopodiaceas, principalmente, Atriplex halimus, Salsola vermiculata, Suaeda vera. Matorrales de Zygophyllum fontanesii, etc. Así como especies del piso basal, con tabaibales de Euphorbia balsamifera. El piso termocanario se corresponde con especies esclerófilas como Maytenus senegalensis, Olea Europaea, Phillyrea latifolia y Pistacia lentiscus. Además se encuentran numerosos endemismos, algunos exclusivos de Lanzarote como Argyranthemum maderense, Atractylis arbuscula, Convolvulus lopezsocasi, Plantago famarae, Helichrysum gossypium, etc. Junto al conjunto de plantas vasculares aparecen las comuniades liquénicas que alcanzan un enorme desarrollo, sobre todo, en el malpaís de la Corona. Este Parque Natural se caracteriza por la avifauna existente, siendo esta área la más importante en el archipiélago para el guincho, el halcón de Eleanor y el de Berbería, la pardela cenicienta, el paiño común y el alimoche, entre otras. Asimismo la fauna también es importante por las poblaciones de lagartos y perenquenes que alberga. Por último, añadir el enorme interés paisajístico de este espacio con importantes miradores como el de el Río, desde donde se puede obtener una buena perspectiva del paisaje de la Graciosa.


TEXT:
Ubicada en la desembocadura del río Pas (Ría de Mogro). Es uno de los enclaves de mayor interés ecológico del litoral cantábrico. Zona de mayor interés recreativa del litoral y con mayor afluencia de público en la época estival, dada su proximidad alnúcleo urbano de Santander. Se trata de uno de los mayores campos de dunas del litoral cantábrico. Interesante por los procesos y estructuras sedimentarias que presenta y por la intensidad del proceso de acumulación de arenas. Es un estuario típico de valle inundado. Los campos de dunas son un ecosistema de alto interés natural por la flora y fauna específicas que albergan.


TEXT:
Potente macizo calizo fuertemente karstificado que se encuentra situado en el extremo nooriental de Navarra, en la cabecera del Valle de Roncal. Constituye el extremo occidental de las altas cumbres pirenaicas donde estan representados los pisos alpino y subalpino. El relieve interno es caótico y abrupto debido a lo intensidad y extensión del modelado kárstico. Abundan los lapiaces, dolinas, fracturas y simas. En cotas bajas domina hayedo, que forma bosquetes en el fondo de las dolinas. Le acom-pañan el abeto, el tejo y diversos serbales. Por encima aparecen formaciones de pino negro con rododendro o gayuba. El piso supraforestal está ocupado por un mosaico de comunidades vegetales adoptadas a los distintos nichos ecológicos - comunidades fisurícolas, pastizales y cervunales, comunidades de gleras, etc. La fauna presenta especies notables como la marmota, sarrio, armiño y oso entre los mamíferos, y perdiz nival, urogallo, perdiz pardilla, pico dorsiblanco, águila real y quebrantahuesos entre las aves.


TEXT:
Este espacio está constituido por masas disyuntas de Sabina albar (Juniperus thurifera) puras, o mezcladas con otras formaciones arbóreas (pinares, encinares, quejigares) o arbustivas (tomillares, coscojares, romerales). El núcleo principal de este espacio discontinuo se sitúa en el cuadrante noroccidental de la provincia de Albacete; un segundo núcleo se sitúa al sur de la provincia (junto a Nerpio) y tiene como interés añadido al ser el sabinar de Sabina albar más meridional de la Península Ibérica. Por último un tercer núcleo, quizás el más degradado, se encuentra al sureste de Ciudad Real, en el límites con Albacete. Estos sabinares se sitúan sobre sustratos calizos, en zonas de relieve suavemente alomado y con elevaciones próximas o superiores a 1000 m. sobre el nivel del mar. A pesar de que la Sabina albar es una especie protegida por la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha,el mayor peligro para la conservación de estas masas forestales sigue siendo su regresión frente alavance de las zonas cultivadas.


TEXT:
Espacio situado al Sureste de Albacete, en el término de Tobarra. Se trata de una depresión encharcable sobre suelos salinos, que se eleva de forma gradual produciendo un gradiente de salinidades que condiciona la vegetación existente. Es precisamen-te este gradiente el que determina una importante diversidad florística, constituyendo este enclave una vía de penetración hacia el interior de vegetación halófila típica del litoral suroriental de la Península. Esta situación confiere al espacio unagran importancia corológica que se ve aumentada por su gran extensión y su buen estado de conservación.


TEXT:
Valles y gargantas serranas que confluyen en los ríos Cerceda y Robledillo, en plena Sierra Madrona, en el extremo sur de Ciudad Real. Un relieve relativamente abrupto dominado por crestas cuarcíticas y barrancos ha permitido el mantenimiento de áre-as relictas de formaciones de melojares meridionales bien conservados. Junto a estos bosques, se mantienen alisedas en buen estado de conservación en los lugares más cercanos a la corriente fluvial. Las condiciones de humedad han permitido además el mantenimiento de especies de requerimientos más norteños o más oceánicos y cuya presencia en estas zonas aporta un interés añadido. Las alteraciones en la vegetación debidas al trazado de caminos para favorecer la explotación cinegética del área constituye el principal problema para la conservación de la zona, además de la incidencia del furtivismo.


TEXT:
Espacio situado a caballo entre las provincias de Ciudad Real y Badajoz, al norte de la Sierra de Siruela. Con un relieve suave y ondulado, el espacio se encuentra dominado por dehesas de encina, con un aprovechamiento fundamentalmente ganadero paro también agrícola (cereales de secano). Se trata de un área importante para la invernada de grullas en España, pero también destaca por la población reproductora de cigüeñas blancas y por las concentraciones postnupciales de cigüeña negra. Los usos tradicionales han mantenido el estado de conservación de estas zonas, que figuran entre las dehesas de mayor extensión y mejores condiciones de toda Castilla-La Mancha.


TEXT:
Formación montañosa situada al este de la provincia de Cuenca. Su origen geológico hace que aparezca como un macizo adomado bordeado por valles fluviales (Júcar, Guadazaón,...). La práctica totalidad del espacio se encuentra ocupado por pinares, en buena parte repoblados. Domina el pino rodeno (Pinus pinaster), aunque el pino negral (Pinus nigra) se mantiene en las zonas más encajadas y umbrías, y el pino silvestre (Pinus sylvestris) se localiza en las mayores altitudes. Aunque la vegetación climática casi ha desaparecido, se mantienen pequeños reductos de robledal y formaciones arbustivas de sustitución.


TEXT:
El Parque Natural de Tejera Negra se encuentra en el extremo noroccidental de la provincia de Guadalajara, en su confluencia con Segovia. Definido espacialmente por los valles de los ríos Sorbe y Lillas, el Parque se encuentra dominado por vegetaciónde requerimientos húmedos, destacando las masas de hayedo que, aunque geográficamente no son las más meridionales, sí constituyen el núcleo más extensi de todos los enclaves relictos que aparecen en Ayllón. A pesar de su situación en la región medi- terránea, domina el contingente florístico de carácter eurosiberiano. Su declaración como Parque Natural ha limitado la saca de leña y las repoblaciones, que amenazaban seriamente la conservación del hayedo. En la actualidad es la presión ganadera laque puede afectar a la regeneración del bosque, pese a lo cual el vigor del haya en esta zona parece asegurar su permanencia.


TEXT:
Area de extensión reducida situada al este de la  Ciudad de Alcaraz (Albacete). Está formada por dosprofundos barrancos de naturaleza caliza por los  que discurren sendos arroyos. Su interés radica enla presencia de un endemismo. (Hutera rupestris) de distribución muy restringida (esta zona y otra en la Sierra del Moral de Calatrava, Ciudad Real).La parcelación del terreno para diferentes usos puede suponer un grave peligro para la conservación de esta especie y para el interés.


TEXT:
La Reserva Natural de la Foz de Iñarbe está situada entre los municipios de Oroz y Artozqui y comprende los acantilados y bosques de ambos márgenes de la garganta formado por el río Irati, cuya vegetación dominante es el robledal montano pirenáico deroble peludo, sustituido por el hayedo en zonas más altas y por encinares en los escarpes calizos. En los roquedos de la foz anidan varias especies de aves de interés (buitre leonado, alimoche, halcón peregrino, roquero solitario) y la comunidad de mamíferos carnívoros que habitan en la reserva es importante.


TEXT:
Impresionante garganta fluvial de 6 km. de longitud y 400 m. de profundidad en algunos tramos, que se halla enclavado en el Romanzado, al noroeste de la Sierra de Leyre. El río Solazas ha erosionado las calizas Eoceno-Cretácicas formando un cañón prepirenaico con cantales escarpados, extensas repisas, extraplanos y cuevas en los contactos litológicos. El interior de la foz depara una extraordinaria variedad de ambientes debido a la peculiar diversidad topoclimática y a la situación de frontera biogeográfica entre los dominios mediterráneos y pirenaico. La vegetación existente en el interior de la foz corresponde a un carrascal con abundancia de madroño. En el tramo norte de la foz y en suleos más profundos se forman robledales de roble pu-bescente. Gleras, cantiles y rellanos poseen asimismo comunidades florísticas de interés botánico. La fauna ornítica tiene un especial relieve con una colonia de buitre común, la más numerosa de Navarra, que supera las 150 parejas. Existen un buen número de aves rapaces rupícolas (águila real, alimoche, halcón peregrino, búho real) y forestales (azor, ratonero, águila calzada, águila culebrera) y es territorio utilizado por una pareja de Quebrantahuesos.


TEXT:
La Foz de Burgui, a caballo entre Navarra y Aragón, es un desfiladero de grandes proporciones abierto por el río Esca entre las Sierras de Illón y la de la Peña. En las topografías menos accidentadas domina el robledal pubescente con abudancia de ti-los. El resto de la foz está colonizada por el carrascal mediterráneo que en esta zona está enriquecido con madroño, durillo, tejo y diversas plantas del área pirenaica. La rapaz más numerosa es el buitre leonado cuya colonia en Burgui es la segunda mayor de Navarra. También anidan el alimoche, el águila real, el halcón peregrino y el buho real.


TEXT:
Roquedos y cantiles situados en los rebordes del extremo occidental de la Sierra de Leyre, sl sureste del municipio de Lumbier. La vegetación madura (carrascal) ha sido reemplazada por un matorral degradado con poca variedad de especies, coscoja, boj, aliargas, etc. La fauna presente en el roquedo incluye una colonia de buitre común con unas 100 parejas, alimoche, buho real, águila real, halcón peregrino y cernícalo común.


TEXT:
Excavada en las estribaciones de la Sierra de Layre, cerca del municipio de Lumbier, esta foz formada por el río Irati ha seccionado un potente anticlinal formado por calizas eoceno-cretácicas. El entorno de la foz está recubierto por un coscojar y en el interior del desfiladero las repisas y fisuras del roquedo albergan una comunidad vegetal interesante formada por especies rupícolas, terófitas y algunas leñosas. Desde el punto de vista faunístico lo más notable es la comunidad de aves de ro- quedo y en el río la presencia de nutria. Existe una importante colonia de buitre leonado.


TEXT:
Zona húmeda, originariamente endorreica, formada sobre materiales arcillosos oligo-miocénicos en la Navarra media oriental, próxima a Olite. Abastecida con aguas de lluvia de la cercana Sierra de Ujné y con las aguas derivadas del barranco de Pozo Pastor, la laguna cuenta con un dique artificial para aumentar su capacidad y utilizar el agua para el riego. Enclave de biocenosis esteparias entre los restos degradadas del carrascal y las viñas plantadas en los sasos, la laguna presenta varios cinturones de vegetación acuática y anfibia bien estructurados. La gran extensión del carrizal configura un medio muy homogéneo con escasa, casi nula, presencia de formaciones y reducida superficie de agua libre. La laguna de Pitillas atrae oleadas de aves acuáticas migratorias constituyendo un cuartel de invernada de primer orden para especies como el ánade real, el pato cuchara, la cerceta común y el aguilucho lagunero. Entre las aves nidificantes se encuentran el zampullín chico, el somermujo lavan las garzas imperial y real. la garceta, el avetorillo y diversas especies de anátidas.


TEXT:
Una de las balsas más meridionales de Navarra en los Montes de Cierzo. Tiene su origen en una primitiva zona húmeda endorreica recrecida desde muy antiguo y alimentada por las aguas del río Boquerón. Los cinturones de vegetación que rodean la balsa van desde los hidrófilos que enraizan en el fondo de las aguas libres hasta un amplio carrizal con enea, praderas, juncales, tamarizales y comunidades de suelos fuertemente salinos. Lugar de nidificación de especies como el Porrón común, semormujo lavanco, avetorillo común, aguilucho lagunero, cerceta carretona y pato colorado entre otras. Durante la invernada la Balsa de El Pulguer acoge variadas especies de anátidas entre las que destaca el ánade silbón y.


TEXT:
Zona húmeda de forma estrecha y alargada, situada entre dos anticlinales margo-yesosos que corren paralelos en dirección NO-SE en la Ribera Navarra, próxima al río Aragón. Tiene su origen en una depresión endorreica y está rodeada por un cinturón de carrizos que sirve de cobijo y nidificación a varias especies de ardeidas, aguilucho lagunero, anatidas, etc.


TEXT:
La Laguna dos Reinos tiene su origen en una pequeña zona endorreica, recrecida para riego con motivo de las obras del canal de las Bardenas y posteriormente acondicionado con fines recreativos. Orlando las aguas libres se desarrolla un carrizal alre-dedor del cual quedan los restos de un tamarizal halófilo. El entorno de la laguna acoge vegetación de matorral mediterráneo y antiguos campos de cultivo. Entre las aves que nidifican en esta laguna se han citado garza imperial, ánade real y porrón común. Es el aguilucho lagunero la especie de mayor interés existente en la zona dado que nidifica habitualmente y utiliza la zona para su alimentación e invernada.


TEXT:
Los cortados de caparreta están situados en el reborde occidental de la Sierra de San Pedro en la Navarra media oriental. Los materiales litológicos que afloran en la zona son areniscas y conglomerados en los relieves duros y sobresalientes y arci- llas, margas y limos en las topografías llanas. En la actualidad han desaparecido la gran mayoría de los bosques naturales por tala, cultivo de pinares y fuegos reiterados. En las topografías menos accesibles quedan retazos de carrascales y quejigaremediterráneos según la orientación. En los roquedos existe  una colonia se buitre leonado y anidan también el alimoche, el águila perdicera y el buho real.


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Extenso paraje montañoso lindante con la frontera francesa que marca la divisoria de aguas oriental entre la vertiente cantábrica y mediterránea. Quinto Real se asienta sobre estructuras muy antiguas, esquisitos del Devónico, mientras que hacia el oeste aparecen calizas, dolomías y areniscas, llegando a alterar en algunos puntos ofitas de origen volcánico. El paisaje es un mosaico donde alternan extensos hayedos en las laderas más pronunciadas, pastizales en la divisoria de aguas y zonas de menor pendiente, landas de brezos y helechos, y fresnedas en los suelos más profundos. La ancestral presión ganadera y forestal han configurado un paisaje humanizado pero de gran interés ecológico. Habitan las balsas y regatos la rana roja, la salaman-dra y los tritones palmeado y pirenaico entre los anfibios. En los hayedos más maduros se encuentran especies tan interesantes como el pito negro, el pico dorsiblanco y la becada. Las máximas densidades de ciervo de toda Navarra se dan en esta zona donde también habitan corzos, gamos y jabalíes.


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No es un verdadero estuario, sino una bahía costera cuyas aguas salinas resultan escasamente diluidas por aportes fluviales y cuya fauna está (en consecuencia) compuesta poe especies típicamente litorales. La comunidad biótica más representativa es la bentónica. Se encuentra en comunicación con el mar libre por un canal situado al NE de ella. La entrada se abre al N. El principal aporte fluvial lo constituye el río Miera. Las dos islas más importantes se encuentran en la boca de la bahía: al oeste Sta. Marina y a 750 m. de la península de la Magdalena, la isla de Mouro. Su origen es debido a la destrucción por erosión de un diapiro de considerables dimensiones, aunque las corrientes descendentes de marea sacarían al mar sedimentos, con toda probabilidad las ascendentes transportarían una mayor cantidad, con lo que la bahía sufrió un proceso natural de relleno que se mantiene en nuestros días.


