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Action 8. Fen Inventory

Fens are among Ireland's most diverse wetland habitats originally covering 102,221ha. Fens are also one of the most threatened habitat types. Drainage and reclamation has reduced the intact fen resource by 78% with only 23,062ha remaining. Fens are believed to be the most diverse wetlands in Ireland for invertebrates. Despite this, very little survey work has been carried out to show the true value of fens for invertebrate fauna. Fens are also known to be important for birdlife. The following listed species frequent fens and require protection by the designation of SPAs; Bewick's and Whooper Swans, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Corncrake and Golden Plover.

There has never been a national survey of fens carried out in the Republic of Ireland. In the absence of such a survey IPCC believe that there are many important fen sites in the country that have not been identified and recognised by Dúchas. With the designation of NHAs/SACs at an advanced stage IPCC are concerned that the information base being used to select and protect these areas is insufficient, therefore the need for a habitat survey is of paramount importance.

IPCC are now aware of 67 fens that are worthy of conservation. However at present there is no legal protection offered to these sites. It is of utmost importance that these sites be surveyed in detail by Dúchas with the intention of designating them as NHAs/SACs. A county by county national survey of fens needs to be carried out in order to ensure a representative sample of the habitat type is conserved.

A fen survey of counties Down and Armagh has been carried out by the Environment and Heritage Service, Northern Ireland. This survey included an invertebrate inventory. A fen survey of Co. Tyrone is now underway and it is hoped that the remainder of Northern Ireland will be surveyed in the near future.

General Objective
To have Government carry out a national survey of fens with the view of designating further NHAs/SACs and in turn to ensure that a representative sample of fen habitats is conserved.

Since 1995 IPCC have campaigned strongly for a national survey of fens to be undertaken by Dúchas. IPCC took the initiative by carrying out the Irish Fen Inventory in 2000 which identified 67 sites of conservation importance that are not currently offered any protection (Crushell 2000). Details of these sites have since been forwarded to Local Authorities in the hope that they will be considered in future development plans. In the mean time it is hoped that planners will take account of the importance of the sites when deliberating over planning applications. The Irish Fen Inventory (Crushell 2000) illustrates the distribution and occurrence of the 6 different fen types identified. This exercise highlights the rarity and importance of conserving a representative sample of each fen type in Ireland.

Actions
3.8.1 Dúchas should carry out a national survey of fens with the view of designating NHAs/SACs. Included in this survey should be the 67 sites that were identified by the IPCC in the Irish Fen Inventory (Crushell 2000).

3.8.2 An invertebrate survey should be included as part of any national survey of fens.

3.8.3 All planning applications that adversely affect fens will be reviewed by IPCC.

3.8.4 Government should declare a national target area for the conservation of fens.

3.8.5 Dúchas should ensure that a representative sample of fens are designated as SACs within the Atlantic Biogeographic Region of Europe.

3.8.6 The fen survey of Northern Ireland should be extended to the remaining four counties without delay.

3.8.7 Local Authorities should implement strict guidelines with regard to the location of developments in fen habitats so as to eliminate the threats to the remaining fens.

Learn more about IPCC campiagn to gain protection for fens in Ireland:

• IPCC's Bogs and Fens Conservation Plan 2005
• Irish Fen Inventory 2000