Moninea Bog - Case study of atmospheric ammonia impacts on a Special Area of Conservation

Moninea Bog is a lowland raised bog in Northern Ireland, designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The peatland flora typically supports many bog mosses, including the rare Sphagnum pulchrum and all three sundew species native to the British Isles. Farming activities take place around the bog, and questions were raised about the possible impact of ammonia emissions from a poultry farm directly to the north west. In response, following a site visit in January 2007, atmospheric ammonia was measured across the site, combined with measurements of nitrogen foliar bioindicators and the use of an atmospheric dispersion model. Taking the field observations, atmospheric measurements, modelling and bioindicators together, a clear picture emerged of a site under subsantial threat from atmospheric ammonia deposition. The combination of source- and receptor-oriented indicators coupled with a strong gradient in exposure 50-1000 m from the poultry farm provides for a robust approach to characterise these effects. This case-study graphically illustrates the nature of ammonia damage, showing how a short progamme of measurements and modelling can be used to support local decision making.