Upper Lough Erne. 04/03/97; Northern Ireland; 5,818 ha; 54°12'N 007°30'W. SSSI, National Nature Reserve, Special Protection Area EC Directive. The site, set in a basin bordering the Republic of Ireland, is a particularly good example of a nutrient-rich lake and associated swamp, fen and wet grassland. A very large and complex freshwater system, it includes a series of islands, bays and many lakes bordered by damp pastures. Vegetation consists of reedbeds, alder and willow carr, and oak woodland. Internationally important numbers of wintering Whooper Swan, Cygnus cygnus, use the site regularly. Human activities include tourism, recreation, research activities, fishing, hunting, and livestock grazing. Ramsar site no. 896. Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Northern Ireland