Sliabh Beagh is located on the borders of Counties Tyrone, Fermanagh and Monaghan, straddling the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is the third largest expanse of active upland blanket bog in Northern Ireland and the last remaining relatively intact blanket bog habitat in Co. Monaghan. The Sliabh Beagh Mountain covers over 3000ha and contains a number of protective designations at national and international levels, including internationally important habitats including Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), Ramsar wetland of international importance, National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Natural Heritage Area (NHA), in recognition of its importance for biodiversity. Part of the Sliabh Beagh area is located in the parish of Truagh.
In 2010 Truagh Development Association Ltd. (TDA) and the Sliabh Beagh Environmental Management Committee (SBEMC) commissioned the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to carry out a conservation management study for the Sliabh Beagh area. In August 2011 the Sliabh Beagh Conservation Management Plan was launched at the Sliabh Beagh Hotel in Knockatallon.
The conservation management plan has been prepared by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) on behalf of the Truagh Development Association Ltd. (TDA) and Sliabh Beagh Environmental Management Committee (SBEMC), with funding provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The primary aim of the plan is to provide a reference document to support the sustainable environmental management and promotion of the Sliabh Beagh Uplands, and maintain and enhance the biodiversity and nature conservation value of the area for the benefit of present and future generations.
To read the Sliabh Beagh Conservation Management Plan in full please click on the link below
An Ecological Survey of the Sliabh Beagh/Eshbrack Bog Area
In 2002 Truagh Development Association Ltd obtained funding from the Heritage Council (Grant WLD/2002/8) to carry out an ecological study of the Sliabh Beagh area. WM Associates (Environmental Consultants) were appointed to carry out the study.
The principal aims of the survey were habitat mapping and ecological characterisation of an area around Slieve Beagh. This was in response to a local perception that habitat management is required on and around the Slieve Beagh area in order to maintain or restore its wildlife interest, and to promote the sustainable use of the site. The ecological baseline survey was intended to provide baseline data to support a conservation led management plan.
To read the report in full please click on the link below
Poem Peter Keenan, a local man born and reared on the slopes of Sliabh Beagh offers a brilliant image of the diversity of the wildlife and heritage on the mountain in his poem, 'The Mountains of Sliabh Beagh'. The poet is a local man born and reared on the slopes of Sliabh Beagh. In literary terms his poem is probably the definitive guide to the mountain.”
To read Peter's poem please click on the link below