County Longford Wetland Field Survey 2019

Following on from the 2017 County Longford & Roscommon Wetland Study project, which identified all wetlands in the two counties, a new report on wetlands surveyed in 2019 in County Longford has been published. The survey was commissioned by Longford County Council and undertaken by ecologists with Wetland Surveys Ireland. The survey aimed to identifying the specific wetland habitats and ecological interest on 18 sites within the county, and prepare habitat maps for each.

Wetlands are important for biodiversity by supporting a wide range of specialist plant and animal species. In addition, wetlands provide important ecosystem services such as flood prevention, provision of clean water, and carbon storage. Despite the known importance of wetlands, they continue to be threatened and damaged from activities such as drainage and infilling.

The main findings to emerge from the County Longford Wetland Field Survey 2019 was that a number of important wetland sites were identified (deemed to be of county or high local importance). This included raised bog and lake / wet grassland wetland sites. Raised bogs are listed under the EU Habitats Directive as a habitat of conservation concern. New records for Marsh Fritillary ( Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive) were also recorded during the course of the survey on two wetlands, extending the known distribution of this important species in the county.

The report also highlights the absence of detailed information on many sites and the urgent need for targeted field surveys to gain a better understanding of the wetland resource within the county. 

The County Longford Wetlands Field Survey 2019 was made possible through the financial support of Longford County Council and The Heritage Council. 

The County Longford Wetlands Field Survey 2019 is an action of the County Longford Draft Heritage Plan 2015-2020. The report is available from Máiréad Ní Chonghaile, Heritage Officer, Longford County Council.