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boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

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PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR <strong>2012</strong> – <strong>2018</strong> & BEYOND Chapter 6: Built & Natural Heritage<br />

Objective 81<br />

Secure the preservation (in situ, or as a minimum,<br />

preservation by record) of all sites and features of<br />

historical and archaeological interest<br />

Objective 82<br />

Provide guidance to developers and property owners<br />

regarding the protection of the archaeological heritage,<br />

as well as the archaeological implications, of proposed<br />

development.<br />

Objective 83<br />

Ensure that proposed developments that may (due to<br />

their location, size, or nature) have implications for the<br />

archaeological heritage are subject to archaeological<br />

assessment.<br />

6.2 NATURAL HERITAGE (See Maps 7 & 8)<br />

Boyle is located in an <strong>area</strong> which is not only rich in its<br />

historical, but also its natural environment and ecological<br />

heritage. There are no sites within the Boyle LAP<br />

boundary designated under national or European<br />

legislation. However, substantial <strong>area</strong>s of high<br />

biodiversity value are found outside the existing network<br />

of designated sites and within the LAP boundary; and<br />

whilst not protected under legislation, they contribute to<br />

the biodiversity of the <strong>area</strong>. Habitats and landscape<br />

features play a valuable role as ecological corridors as<br />

they allow for the movement of species, and sustain the<br />

habitats, ecological processes and functions necessary to<br />

enhance and maintain biodiversity. It is imperative that<br />

these <strong>area</strong>s are conserved and appropriately managed.<br />

In order to maintain quality of life for people, <strong>plan</strong>ts<br />

and animas we need to ensure there are enough <strong>area</strong>s in<br />

Boyle where all can flourish. Native flora and fauna,<br />

field boundaries, hedgerows, roadside verges, trees,<br />

rivers, drains, farmland and gardens within the <strong>plan</strong><br />

<strong>area</strong> all contribute to the natural heritage of Boyle:<br />

‣ Gardens provide invaluable food and shelter for<br />

wildlife, especially if there is a ‘wild’ untidy corner<br />

with a log pile, or pond and some native species in<br />

the garden, which will support a wide range of<br />

wildlife. Wildlife friendly gardening is low<br />

maintenance because there is less need for weeding,<br />

clipping, mowing and spraying.<br />

‣ Stone walls are a surprisingly important wildlife<br />

habitat. They provide nesting sites for birds,<br />

important habitats for invertebrates and homes for<br />

mosses and ferns that might normally be associated<br />

with rocky outcrops. They are also important for<br />

the many lichens found in Ireland.<br />

‣ Well- managed roadside verges are home to a huge<br />

variety of <strong>plan</strong>ts, butterflies and moths, as well as<br />

small mammals and birds. In an agricultural or<br />

urban landscape the verges often provide the only<br />

substantial semi-natural habitats. Verges often<br />

provide important wildlife corridors, linking<br />

fragments of what were once more widespread<br />

habitats. Their wildlife importance inevitably<br />

increases when associated with well- managed<br />

hedges.<br />

‣ As well as performing an important drainage<br />

function, ditches can be extremely important for<br />

wildlife. Their management can both assist their<br />

drainage function and ensure that they provide the<br />

best wildlife habitat possible.<br />

Photo 37 & 38: The Pleasure Grounds<br />

Photo 39: Boyle Canal<br />

Photo 40: Boyle River<br />

Boyle Local Area Plan <strong>2012</strong>-<strong>2018</strong> Page 83

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