THE Inishroosk area is fast-changing, and better management is needed to protect this valuable habitat for future generations.

This is the alarming conclusion of a report into the Inishroosk Area of Specific Interest (ASSI), which revealed that several linked problems facing the local ecosystem include changes in water levels, overgrazing and worryingly high levels of nutrients in the water and soil.

The Condition Assessment Report 2020, obtained by the Impartial Reporter, assesses the two main habitat types on Inishroosk; tall herb fens, and purple-moor grass and rush pastures.

Both of these native species are under significant pressure, and the condition of these habitats is important because they are indicative of the health of the wider ecosystem, while highlighting the pressures that could be set to degrade them in years to come.

One of the primary concerns, particularly on fen habitats, is eutrophication; which refers to the excessive nutrient enrichment of the soil and water.

This is caused by nutrient run-off from surrounding agricultural lands or enrichment from seasonal flooding from Upper Lough Erne.

According to the report, a telling feature is an overabundance of Red Canary Grass, which thrives in nutrient-rich environments. In 2020, this was recorded in 21.21 per cent of all fen plots in the area, indicating elevated soil enrichment.

With excessive nutrients in the soil, the report emphasises the importance of ensuring that no new nutrient inputs are introduced, particularly from farming.

“Excessive nutrient inputs from dung or other agricultural sources could exacerbate this problem,” the author of the report said.

“While grazing is necessary for maintaining the habitat’s structure, overgrazing poses a significant threat, particularly in the fen meadows.”

A possible result of overgrazing can already be seen at Innisroosk.

The reduction in the height of tall fen herb, The results of the 2020 study show that recorded mean height of fen vegetation was 33.58cm, which falls below the target range of 50-150cm.

This was a decline from 46.4cm in 2014, and suggests that grazing is too high in some areas, impacting the “structural integrity” of the fen habitat.

The report warns: “Overgrazing not only impacts vegetation height but also allows for the spread of opportunistic species, which can further degrade habitat quality.”

Another notable threat on the Innishroosk ASSI is a marked decline in herb cover and species diversity, particularly in the Purple Moor-grass and rush pastures. Herb cover is currently at a minimum threshold and has declined dramatically in the past 10 years.

This reduction in herb cover, the report warns, could significantly affect the habitat's ecological integrity.

“In 2020, herb cover in the Purple Moor grass and rush pastures was recorded at 35 per cent, which is the minimum threshold for favourable status”, the report read.

“This represents a sharp decline from the 52.25 per cent herb cover recorded in 2014. A decline in herb cover often indicates that more competitive species, such as rushes and grasses, are out-competing the smaller, more ecologically valuable herb species.

“If this trend continues, the habitat could fail to meet the required targets in future assessments.”

Like many other areas of Lough Erne, there is an ongoing threat from agriculturally-favoured plants. The report notes the presence of these species in grassland areas at Innishroosk, which thrive due to grazing patterns, excessive nutrients, and abandonment of proper land management.

However, it is thought that the problems at Innishroosk could be even worse than the study suggests. This is because seasonal flooding and high water levels in 2020 restricted access to parts of the site, preventing the survey team from fully assessing these areas.

“The full extent of eutrophication may be underestimated, as critical sections of the habitat could not be included in the survey”, the report revealed.

“Changes in water flow and drainage patterns could exacerbate nutrient inputs and affect vegetation growth in the wetland areas, altering the composition of sensitive habitats such as fens and rush pastures.”

To mitigate these threats, the report urges that a number of management actions are taken.

These include adjusting grazing practices, which includes ensuring that overgrazing does not take place in some areas, while under grazing is avoided in others.

“Livestock management should consider the waterlogged nature of the site and seasonal changes in water levels”, the report states.

The report also says that it is “essential” that new nutrients are prevented from entering the site, particularly from agricultural activity, and emphasises the importance of conducting future surveys during periods of lower water levels to ensure “critical areas” aren’t missed.

“These issues show that the site needs better management to protect its health,” the report concludes.

“By tackling these problems with specific actions, we can help present valuable habitat for future generations.”