In addition to its designation as a Nature Reserve under the Wildlife Acts 1976-2000, Coole Garryland reserve is a statutory Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Community Habitats Directive (1992). This designation is based on the presence of turlough habitat, limestone pavement and calcareous grassland – all of which are annexed habitats under the Directive. Part of the Nature Reserve is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Birds Directive owing to its importance for wetland birds and in particular, Whooper Swan.
For more information please visit our NPWS Site.