burren LIFE

Farming for Conservation
in the Burren

Habitat Type: Calcareous Springs

Habitats of the Burren

Habitat Type: Calcareous springs

Petrifying springs are a priority habitat (7220) for conservation under the EU Habitats Directive.

Description: Springs occur throughout the Burren in areas where there is an upwelling of calcareous groundwater or seepage from the limestone. Areas of wetland vegetation are associated with the springs. Tufa formation and marl deposition occur in a relatively small number of the Burren springs and these are said to be 'petrifying'.

Common Butterwort

Fen Thistle