The whole farm is managed in a nature-friendly way. The areas of speciesrich wet grassland by Lough Allen flood naturally in the winter. The month of July is usually the best time of year to see the grassland. There are several rare plants including Irish Lady’s-tresses and Mudwort. The site is also used by breeding and wintering wildfowl and waders, including Curlew. At the edge of the lowland raised bog there is an area of grassland with Devil’s-bit Scabious, the food plant of the Marsh Fritillary butterfly. Large Heath butterflies are also found on the farm. The whole area is of high natural heritage value because of its variety of habitats which include lowland raised bog, semi-natural grassland, lake shore, woodland, and river.
Farmland at Mountallen
on the Grasslands Trail
This farm on the western shores of Lough Allen has been organic since 1996. It has a wonderful mix of habitats including species-rich acid grassland and wet grassland.
Owner:
Privately owned farmland
Access:
Private, but walks with farmer possible by request
Size:
c.1 ha
Parking:
by arrangement only
Café:
no
Toilets:
no
Description
Management
The grass is cut and lifted, usually at the end of August. It is made into hay or haylage depending on the weather.
Where to find out more
Mountallen Eco Tours - Home Page