found at Lough Lene, are the range of stoneworts that occur within the lake. Eight species have been recorded here, several of which have a restricted range in Ireland. Fringing the lake's shores, a range of habitats has been created as a result of drainage of the River Inny. At the western side are extensive reed beds and swamps of downy birch and willows. Nearby, there is also freshwater marches vegetation dominated by sedges (Carex spp.) and often tussock-forming grasses such as tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and fescues (Festuca spp.), with a flowering herbs including Bidens cernua, and trifid bur-marigold. The lake shore is a mineral-rich substrate and several plant species of poor fen habitats occur in abundance, such as black bog rush Schoenus nigricans and long-stalked yellow-sedge Carlex lepidocarpa. Lough Derravaragh is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Bird Directive (EC/79/409). Three species (Greenland white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris), whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), and golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria)) are listed on Annex I of the directive, requiring special conservation measures concerning their habitat in order to ensure their survival and reproduction. The rare Charophyte, Chara denundata, has been recorded in the area, while the Red List species otter (Lutra lutra) and Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) have also been observed within the lake district of North Westmeath. Water sports The lake is used for canoeing and other water activities. As in Lough Ennell, Lough Owel, and Lough Lene, the lake acts as an important amenity for anglers, as it sustains a population of brown trout. See also List of loughs in Ireland References Derravaragh Ramsar sites in the Republic of Ireland