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Washingbay Local Nature Reserve

Washingbay Local Nature Reserve

Lough Neagh Wetlands First Local Nature Reserve

The Washingbay Local Nature Reserve, (LNR), is one of a number of sites within the Borough that are managed for biodiversity, but is the only one along the Lough Neagh shore.  It is situated in an area that stretches from Kiltagh Point to Bannfoot in the south-west, an area which has recently been highlighted as one of six key areas of biodiversity sensitivity in the Lough Neagh Wetlands.

The approximately 4 ha LNR area contains several examples of priority habitats and species, which means they are identified as requiring action for their protection under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, (UKBAP).  

These priority habitats include Fen/Swamp, Reedbed, Wet Woodland, Eutrophic Standing Water and River/Stream, while priority species to be found on the site include Reedbunting, Herring Gull, Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch, Song Thrush and Otter.  Also to be seen off shore are Redshank, Curlew and Lapwing, amongst many others.The LNR also contains important wetland plants and there is a historical record of Irish Lady’s Tresses Orchid for the area. Nationally and internationally important numbers of wildfowl are present in winter and nationally important numbers of breeding birds are present year round.

The Washingbay Wetlands area boosts a host of designations due to the key features of the site, namely as a Special Protection Area, (SPA),  Area of Special Scientific Interest, (ASSI), and listed as a RAMSAR site, which means it is a wetland site of international importance. 

However, Local Nature Reserve Designation can only be applied by local government - in this case Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council. LNRs are about local people enjoying, valuing and having pride in a local wildlife site and partnership working with all users to ensure the site retains its biodiversity and its amenity value.

The designation and management of Local Nature Reserves within the Lough Neagh Wetlands features highly in the wetlands Local Biodiversity Action Plan.  For further information on the Lough Neagh Wetlands Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (LBAP), see www.loughneagh.com or contact the Lough Neagh Wetlands Biodiversity Officer on 028 7930 1289.

The official launch of the Washingbay LNR took place on 29^th November 2007, at the LNR site at Washingbay, adjacent to the Washingbay Healthy Living Community Centre.  This was the culmination of the work carried out by several partners: local community group, Muintir na Mointeach; the Lough Neagh Wetlands Biodiversity Officer; the Biodiversity Unit, EHS; Agenda 21, Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council and the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, (CNCC).