burren LIFE

Habitats of the Burren

Habitat Type: Lakes

The lakes of the Burren correspond with the Annex 1 Habitat 'hard oligo-mesotrophic waters'(3140).

Description: Lakes occupy a relatively small area of the Burren. Their open waters are base-rich and nutrient levels range from low to moderate. The lake waters are generally clear and the sediments usually contain a high proportion of marl. Stoneworts are common and areas of fen vegetation exist in and around many of the lakes. Their water level does not fluctuate to the same extent as that of the turloughs.