Characteristic Habitats are Perennial ryegrass and Other agricultural grassland, a habitat with a higher biodiversity than the more intensively managed ryegrass habitats. Covering a smaller area, mainly in the uplands, is the ecologically important Wet bog. Other, less widespread habitats of particular importance for their biodiversity are Calcareous grassland, Species-rich grasslands, Broadleaf seminatural woodland, Heath and Fen. The linear habitats Hedges and Earth banks are common characteristic elements of the countryside.

Habitat change
Key issues are the widespread loss of seminatural habitats and field boundaries. This has reduced the biodiversity and character of local landscapes, with important consequences for wildlife such as hares, bats, birds and butterflies. Habitats that have decreased most are Wet bog, Species-rich wet grassland and Other agricultural grassland.

Select from the list below to for information on habitats in Northern Ireland as a whole. Find out the amount of each habitat and what changes have taken place in the last 10 years.
 

NICS Primary Habitats are the basic vegetation mapping units used in the countryside survey. They are listed below as different types of Woodland & scrub, Seminatural vegetation, Agricultural grassland & crops and Buildings & roads.

• Primary Habitat Groups (Summary)
• Woodland & scrub
  
• Seminatural vegetation:
             Grassland & heath
             Bog & wetland
             Coastal
• Agricultural grassland & crops

• Field boundaries: include Hedges, Dry stone walls and Fences.

• Biodiversity and land use: overview of the main biodiversity issues raised by NICS