burren LIFE

Habitats of the Burren

Habitat Type: Dry Calcareous Grassland

Orchid-rich, dry calcareous grassland is a priority habitat (6210) for conservation under the EU Habitats Directive.

Description: Widespread in the Burren, these include unimproved or semi-improved dry grasslands on thin soils that are rich in calcium. They are normally species-rich with an abundance of orchids as well as classic 'Burren' species such as spring gentians, mountain avens and bloody cranesbill. Where grazed on a year round basis species richness is usually lower with more plants typical of neutral soils.