This proposed restoration area is dominated by low-yielding conifer plantation on sloping blanket
bog to the south-east of Lough Muck in central Donegal. Most of the conifer-dominated area lies
within the Cloghernagore Bog and Glenveagh National Park Natural Heritage Area while the surrounding
intact bog lies within the SAC area of that site. This NHA/SAC supports the largest tracts of high-quality,
intact, blanket bog habitat in Co. Donegal. Throughout much of this area the conifer crop has not
closed canopy and a blanket bog flora still exists.
Common species present include purple moor-grass
(Molinia caerulea), deer grass (Trichophorum cespitosum), cross-leaved heath
(Erica tetralix), ling (Calluna vulgaris) and the Sphagnum cover is locally
well-developed. There are also areas of largely intact blanket bog present and along the northern
margins there are places which were drained for forestry but not planted. The conifers within
this restoration area will be felled to waste in order to restore a blanket bog flora. Windrowing
of these felled conifers, in order to clear the peat surface for vegetation recovery, will also be
carried out. Any significant drains will also be blocked by machine in order to raise the water
levels within the peat.