Courtmacsherry, Broadstrand and Dunworley Complex (22185)
Ireland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Courtmacsherry, Broadstrand and Dunworley Complex
Central coordinates: Latitude: 51.6333, Longitude: -8.7167
System: terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 8.68649
Protected area coverage (%): 95.46
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Courtmacsherry Bay is situated between Clonakilty and Kinsale along the west County Cork coastline. The main count section, Courtmacsherry, includes the estuary of the Argideen River which flows in from the west. This estuary opens out near Timoleague and follows a long and relatively narrow course to where it meets the sea near the village of Courtmacsherry. It also includes the inlet to the north (Garraneteen Strand). Two smaller sections have also been regularly covered as part of this site. Broadstrand is a sandy bay located approximately 2 km to the south. The area known as Dunworley includes a small inlet and adjacent grassland situated approximately 6 km south of Timoleague. The site includes extensive sand and mudflats, most of which are not vegetated, although Spartina sp. does occur in places, particularly on the upper reaches of the estuary on the south side.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: Site also supports 1% of the all-Ireland population of Wigeon Anas penelope, Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, Dunlin Calidris alpina, Greenshank Tringa nebularia and Turnstone Arenaria interpres.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Neritic | 45 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 45 | |
| Grassland | 10 |