Kindrum Lough (Irish: Loch Chionn Droma) is a freshwater lake located in the northwest of Ireland, in north County Donegal on the Fanad Peninsula, approximately 5 kilometres (3 mi) northwest of Portsalon.
Geography and Hydrology
The lake measures about 1.6 km (1 mi) long west–east and 1.0 km (0.6 mi) wide, with a surface area of approximately 0.61 km² (0.24 sq mi). It has an average depth of 6.6 m (22 ft) and a maximum depth of 15 m (49 ft), with a surface elevation of 8 m (26 ft) above sea level. The primary inflow is the Cashlan Stream, entering at the southeastern end, and the lake drains southwards into Mulroy Bay. The lake is classified as oligotrophic (low in nutrients) and is moderately alkaline. Its catchment area covers approximately 3.67 km² (1.4 sq mi).
Conservation Status
Kindrum Lough is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (Site Code: 001151) under the EU Habitats Directive, having been proposed as a Site of Community Importance in August 1997 and formally designated under Irish law in 2021 (S.I. No. 521 of 2021). The site covers approximately 116 hectares and includes the smaller Fallaneas Lough. It is located in the Atlantic biogeographical region.
The lake is protected for the following qualifying interests:
- Annex I habitat [3130]: Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or Isoeto-Nanojuncetea.
- Annex II species [1833]: Slender naiad (Najas flexilis).
Flora
Two rare plant species have been recorded from Kindrum Lough:
- Slender naiad (Najas flexilis) – Listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive and the Irish Flora (Protection) Order, 2015. The species was first recorded at the lake in 1916. Surveys in 2016 found it in only four of 26 sample locations, indicating a population in poor condition.
- Nitella spanioclema – An extremely rare stonewort species considered endemic to Ireland, where it has been recorded only from Kindrum Lough and one other nearby lough.
The lake also supports a diverse aquatic flora including various Potamogeton species, Chara species, Nitella species, Callitriche hermaphroditica, and Isoetes lacustris. The presence of Elodea canadensis and Cladophora algae in deeper water has been noted as an indicator of eutrophication pressures.
Fauna
Fish species recorded in Kindrum Lough include:
- Brown trout (Salmo trutta) – The dominant species in terms of biomass.
- Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) – Listed in the Irish Red Data Book as vulnerable; a relict ice-age species. Surveys have shown a declining population.
- Three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) – The most abundant species by number.
- European eel (Anguilla anguilla) – Critically endangered.
- Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) has been recorded in some survey years (2006, 2012) but not in others.
Up to 40 Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus), a species listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, have been recorded at the site, along with tufted duck.
Ecological Status
Under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) classification, Kindrum Lough has been assigned a "Moderate" ecological status based on fish populations. The lake has been classed as at risk of failing to meet WFD objectives by 2027. Conservation objectives published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (2021) aim to restore the favourable conservation condition of both the lake habitat and the slender naiad population.
Threats and Management
Identified pressures on the site include eutrophication (nutrient enrichment), increased water colour from peatland disturbance, and the presence of invasive species such as Elodea canadensis. Activities requiring consent from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage within the SAC include reclamation, fish stocking, dredging, removal of plants, introduction of species, drainage works, water abstraction, and application of fertilisers or pesticides. The surrounding semi-improved fields are used for sheep and cattle grazing.
References
- Free, G.; Little, R.; Tierney, D.; Donnelly, K. & Caroni, R. (2006). A Reference Based Typology and Ecological Assessment System for Irish Lakes. Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).
- NPWS (2021). Conservation Objectives: Kindrum Lough SAC 001151. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service.
- NPWS (2015). Site Synopsis: Kindrum Lough SAC, Co. Donegal. Site code 001151.
- McLoone, P. et al. (2022). Fish Stock Survey of Kindrum Lough, July 2021. Inland Fisheries Ireland.
- Placenames Database of Ireland: Loch Chionn Droma/Kindrum Lough.
