Owenboy (nature reserve) facts for kids

Owenboy is a very special natural area located in County Mayo, Ireland. It's known as a national nature reserve and also a Ramsar site. This means it's a protected place, recognized both in Ireland and around the world, for its important natural features. Owenboy covers about 981 acres (which is about 3.97 square kilometers) of unique landscapes.

Protecting Owenboy: A Special Place

Owenboy is protected because it's home to rare habitats and wildlife. It was officially made a national nature reserve by the Irish government in 1986. This means the area is carefully managed to protect its plants, animals, and natural features.

What is a Ramsar Site?

Just one year later, in 1987, Owenboy received another important title: it became a Ramsar site. A Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance. This title comes from an international agreement called the Ramsar Convention, which focuses on protecting wetlands around the world. Owenboy is Ramsar site number 371. Being a Ramsar site helps make sure this special wetland is looked after for future generations.

Exploring Owenboy's Unique Landscape

Owenboy is famous for its large lowland intermediate bog. A bog is a type of wetland where dead plant material, like moss, builds up over thousands of years. This creates a very spongy, wet environment.

Bogs and Fens: Different Types of Wetlands

• Bogs: The bog at Owenboy is quite flat, but it has some slightly raised areas that look like "raised bogs." These are usually dome-shaped.
• Fens: Owenboy also has spring-fed fens. Fens are another type of wetland, but unlike bogs, they get their water and nutrients from groundwater or rivers, not just rainwater. This makes them less acidic and able to support different kinds of plants.

Water Features and Hidden Caves

The reserve has many interesting water features. You'll find numerous pools of water and "flushes," which are wet areas where water flows over the surface. There are also underground streams and "swallowholes." A swallowhole is like a natural sinkhole where surface water disappears into cracks or caves underground, often in areas with Karst rock.

Wildlife and Rare Plants of Owenboy

Owenboy is a vital habitat for many species. It's especially important for birds and unique plants.

Rare Moss and Winter Visitors

A very rare species of moss has been found growing in Owenboy. This shows how special the conditions are in this reserve. The area is also a crucial winter home for the Greenland white-fronted goose. These geese travel a long way to spend the colder months feeding in Owenboy's rich wetlands before returning to Greenland.