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Natural heritage

The County of Clare has rich and varied examples of natural heritage present. These encompass the spectacular limestone landscape of the Burren region, to the marine and coastal splendour of Loop Head and the Atlantic ocean, to the numerous lakes and woodland areas and the remarkable Shannon Estuary.

The protection of our National Heritage is the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, The Heritage Service. Their responsibilities include:

  • Natural Designated Sites
  • Record of Monuments and Places
  • Architectural Inventory of County Clare

Clare county has numerous protected sites, many of which are considered of both national and international importance. Full lists of the protected areas are included below.

Objectives highlighted for natural heritage in the Clare Heritage Plan include:

  • Biodiversity Action Plan involving Habitat and Species Survey and developing a database of Clare Biological Records
  • Promote awareness of Nature Conservation both within and outside designated sites
  • Promote Native and NeighbourWood Schemes and Amenity tree planting
  • Strategic and Integrated Management of the Burren
  • Enhance visitor experience of our Heritage
  • Promote Coastal Zone Management Planning
  • Highlight and Protect our Geological Heritage
  • Tidy Towns training
  • Best Practice in the management of our Inland Waterways
  • Assist in the preparation of Indicative Forest Strategy for the County
  • Conserve rare flora stocks
  • Conserve the Natural Heritage of our offshore Islands

For more information on the fauna and flora of County Clare, see  biodiversity.

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Page last updated: 13/05/09