Clara Bog and Sliabh Bloom Mountains Management

Clara Bog Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Sliabh Bloom Mountains Special Protected Area (SPA) and SAC are designated sites in the Irish midlands, which are managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS).

NPWS planned on undertaking improvement works on both sites. At Clara Bog, a board walk was to be extended and a second one built to improve visitor access. The first board walk was to be constructed on habitat classified as a ‘marginal ecotope’ (marginal ecotopes typically have a supporting function for the raised bog and are generally not peat accumulating). The second was planned to be constructed in a birch woodland, regenerated from felled conifer plantation. This habitat is dominated by immature similar sized birch trees with scrub understorey.

In Sliabh Bloom Mountains, a heather management regime was proposed for the conservation of Red Grouse populations on the Sliabh (Slieve) Bloom Mountains. Red Grouse is red listed on Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland and recent research indicates a decline of 50% of historical breeding range. A Red Grouse Species Action Plan referenced the Slieve Blooms Red Grouse (SBRG) project which was tasked with habitat management and restoration for the benefit of Red Grouse.

Despite the difference in the nature of the works proposed, both had the potential to negatively impact the immediate designated sites they were located within and neighbouring designated sites.

EcoÉireann was commissioned by NPWS to carry out Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screenings for both projects. Our ecologists carried out an ecological site walkover to assess the habitats present  and regular communication with the client ensured that all relevant information was available to inform the AA Screening report.

Given that the work required was restricted to the least sensitive time of the year to protect notable and protected birds and other species found on site, our ecologists carried out a site visit promptly after commission and returned reports within the specified deadline.