Pettigo Plateau facts for kids

The Pettigo Plateau is a special place in County Donegal, Ireland. It's a large area of blanket bog and wet heath, which are types of natural wetlands. This plateau is a protected area, meaning it's kept safe for nature and wildlife. It's also known as a national nature reserve and a Ramsar site, which is a wetland of international importance. The entire area covers about 2,224 acres (900 square kilometers).

Protecting Pettigo Plateau

The Pettigo Plateau has been officially protected for many years. In 1984, the Irish government made it a national nature reserve. This means it's a special place where plants and animals are kept safe.

International Recognition

Just two years later, in 1986, the plateau was named a Ramsar site. This is a big deal because it means the wetland is important for the whole world. It's also part of a Special Protection Area and, along with Dunragh Loughs, a Special Area of Conservation. These titles help protect the unique habitats and species found here.

Working Together for Nature

Part of the Pettigo Plateau stretches into County Fermanagh, which is in Northern Ireland. Because of this, groups from both sides of the border work together. The RSPB and BirdWatch Ireland cooperate to watch over the area and study its wildlife. This teamwork helps protect the plateau even more.

Exploring the Plateau's Landscape

Pettigo Plateau is located to the west of Lough Derg, a famous lake. The reserve is one of the few places in County Donegal where you can find a healthy, untouched blanket bog. These bogs are like giant sponges, holding lots of water. The area also has many lakes and wet heath lands.

Unique Plant Life

The plateau is home to many interesting plants. You can find cowberry plants, which have small red berries. There's also white sedge, a type of grass-like plant, and many different kinds of bog moss. These plants are specially adapted to live in the wet, acidic soil of the bog.

Amazing Animals and Birds

Many animals make their home on the Pettigo Plateau. You might spot badgers, common frogs, and common lizards. The Irish hare and otters also live here.

The plateau is a fantastic place for birds. You can see fast-flying merlin and graceful hen harriers. Peregrines, which are very quick hunters, also visit. The plateau is a special breeding spot for golden plovers. In winter, many Greater white-fronted geese come to the reserve to stay warm.

Rare Highland Bogs

The highland blanket bogs at Pettigo Plateau are quite rare in Ireland. They cover low hills and wide, flat areas. These bogs have many small, acidic pools and lakes that don't have many nutrients. This unique environment supports the special plants and animals that live there.

A Glimpse into the Past

Today, no one lives on the Pettigo Plateau. However, you can still see two old cottages. These were once home to the last families who lived on this land in the mid-1800s. The land was part of the Leslie estate back then.

Visiting the Reserve

If you want to explore the Pettigo Plateau, you can follow an old trackway. This path runs right through the reserve, making it easier to see the beautiful landscape and perhaps spot some of its wildlife.