burren LIFE

Habitats of the Burren

Habitat Type: Limestone Heath

The limestone heaths of the Burren fall into a number of Annex 1 habitats under the EU Habitats Directive including 'Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands'(5130)

Description: Limestone heath is common in the Burren occurring on well-drained, base-rich soils and rocky land as well as soils with poorer drainage. It is characterised by dwarf shrubs having a cover of at least 25%, the most common shrub species being ling heather and mountain avens. The limestone heaths of the Burren include dwarf scrub associated with acid soils such as bell heather as well as plants of calcareous soils. Bearberry and crowberry occur in some Burren heaths.