Castlemaine Harbour facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castlemaine Harbour |
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Castlemaine Harbour near Inch
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| Location | County Kerry |
| Area | 2,281 acres (923.09 ha) |
| Operator | National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland) |
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Designations
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| Designated: | 30 May 1990 |
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| Reference #: | 470 |
Castlemaine Harbour is a really special place in County Kerry, Ireland. It's a big area of land and water that is protected to keep its nature safe. This harbour covers about 9.2 square kilometers (or 2,281 acres). It is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland).
This harbour is important for many reasons, especially for its unique wildlife and plants. It's known as a Ramsar site, a Special Area of Conservation, and a Special Protection Area. These names mean it's recognized as a very important natural spot, both in Ireland and around the world.
Contents
What Makes Castlemaine Harbour Special?
Castlemaine Harbour became a national nature reserve in 1990. This means the Irish government made laws to protect it. In the same year, it was also named a Ramsar site. This is a special title given to wetlands that are important all over the world.
Where is the Harbour?
The harbour is located at the top of Dingle Bay. It's where two rivers meet the sea, forming an estuary. An estuary is a partly enclosed coastal body of water where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water.
Natural Habitats
The reserve has many different natural areas. These include:
- Salt marshes: These are coastal wetlands that are flooded by tides. They have special plants that can grow in salty water.
- Sandbanks: These are raised areas of sand under the water.
- Mudflats: These are flat areas of mud that are exposed at low tide.
- Dunes: These are hills of sand formed by the wind, found along the coast. They help protect the land from the sea.
Amazing Plants and Animals
One of the most important features of the harbour is its large beds of Zostera (also known as eelgrass). This is a type of seagrass that grows in the mudflats. Castlemaine Harbour has one of the four biggest Zostera beds in all of Ireland.
These seagrass beds are like a giant underwater restaurant for many animals. They provide food for a wide variety of water birds, especially those that spend the winter there.
Birds of the Harbour
Many different birds visit or live in Castlemaine Harbour. One very special visitor is the light-bellied Brent goose (Branta bernicla hrota). These geese travel long distances to spend the winter feeding on the Zostera here.
Other birds you might spot include:
The Natterjack Toad
The harbour is also home to a very rare and special amphibian: the natterjack toad. In Ireland, this toad is an endangered species, which means it's at risk of disappearing forever. Protecting places like Castlemaine Harbour helps keep these unique creatures safe.
