Natural Heritage
Our Heritage
Our Natural Heritage includes a variety of life all around us. The Heritage Act (1995) defines natural heritage as including flora, fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes, seascapes, wrecks, geology, inland waterways, heritage gardens and parks.
Natural Heritage can be described in terms of its biological diversity or "biodiversity", which is the diversity of plants and animals and the habitats or landscapes where they are found. The biodiversity that we see today is a result of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and increasingly by the influence of human beings. Biodiversity plays a vital role in human health as we are dependant on the natural environment to provide us with the essentials of life such as food, medicine, freshwater, clean air, recycling of nutrients and places to visit to enhance our spiritual well being.
County Cavan has a landscape filled with a rich and varied flora, fauna, wildlife habitats, heritage gardens, parks, inland waterways and unique geological makeup. Our natural heritage is valuable for its social, educational and recreational benefit but also as a major resource for the development of tourism and economic development, whilst contributing to the quality of life for the people of Cavan and visitors alike.
There are a number of designated sites to protect areas of natural heritage importance in County Cavan. These include Natural Heritage Areas (NHA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), and Ramsar Sites.
Built Heritage
County Cavan is made up of many distinct communities of people. Our shared past, the unique or special nature of the area in which we live and our feeling of belonging combine to create sustainable communities in which people wish to live. One of the essential components in achieving this is the recognition, protection, and enhancement of our built heritage and archaeology.
Natural Heritage Areas
NHAs are sites that support elements of our natural heritage which are unique or are of outstanding importance at a national level. Any development in or near a NHA should avoid significant adverse impact on the features for which the site has been designated.
Special Areas of Conservation
These are prime wildlife conservation areas in the county, considered to be important at a European as well as a national level. The EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) lists certain habitats and species that must be protected.
Ramsar Sites
Ramsar sites are designated under the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention 1971) which includes a list of wetlands of international importance (the ‘Ramsar List’). Each member state must recognise and preserve internationally important wetlands. Ireland has designated 45 wetlands for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, the majority of which are owned by the State.
Golden Ways
An example of a Golden way within the county is Brankill Golden Way is a 3km easy walk, well-marked, and family-friendly, along a quiet, single-lane carriageway.
Special Protection Areas
These are sites of importance for birds (and often are also important for other types of wildlife). The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) requires designation of SPAs for listed vulnerable species, regularly occuring migratory species and wetlands, especially those of international importance, which attract large numbers of migratory birds each year.