Build Your Bog Knowledge: How to Restore a Bog Part Two

The Connecting Communities with Peatlands ‘Build Your Bog Knowledge’ series is back! We started off in November 2022 with How to Restore a Bog Part One where we heard from experts Dr. Maurice Eakin, Francis Mackin, and Mark McCorry on how state agencies like Bord na Móna and National Parks and Wildlife Service restore bogs, the importance of hydrology and ecology in the process, and the results that can be achieved with rewetting techniques.

We invite you to join us for Part Two where we will hear from community representatives involved in bog conservation and restoration projects in their own communities and the practicalities of communities managing such projects, the results of their work, and the benefits for the environment, biodiversity, and people.

Our Contributors:

Barry O’Loughlin – Shanakyle Bog Restoration Group: Shanakyle Bog Restoration Group was founded by landowner Catherine Ní Ciardha and Ecologist Barry O’Loughlin who embarked on an ambitious project to restore and rewet the raised bog habitats.  In 2021, the Group was awarded funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s (DAFM) locally-led EIP scheme to restore and rewet 30 acres of raised and cutover bog; create a wildlife pond; install bird nest boxes and bat roost boxes; carry out an invasive species eradication programme; and manage 10 acres of grassland for wildflower meadow creation to link in with the All Ireland Pollinator Plan.

Brian Gorman – Artful Parks Ltd. –  Artfulparks Ltd. is the brainchild of Brian Gorman, owner and Managing Director of Artfulparks Ltd. Brian has worked all his life in his family’s business – Gorman Earthworks Ireland. This business started out cutting turf and harvesting bogs. Gorman Earthworks Ireland was one of the first family businesses to be awarded contracts in relation to bog restoration works for Bord Na Mona and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Brian founded Artfulparks Ltd. to continue to transform and create a new vision and future for boglands. Artfulparks Ltd. is the product of Brian’s creative effort and desire to give back to the environment that sustained his family’s business for over 50 years. Artfulparks Ltd. are now restoring their bogland and developing a luxurious, scenic sculpture park with a man-made lake to share with the community.

Chris Uys – Abbeyleix Bog Project: The Abbeyleix Bog Project stemmed from a local action group known as AREA (Abbeyleix Residents for Environment Action) which was established in 2000 to conserve and protect the bog which was threatened with harvesting for peat moss. A lease was signed in 2010 which handed the bog over to the local community to manage for a period of 50 years with a primary focus on conservation. Abbeyleix Bog Project is an open-access amenity developed by volunteers to benefit all.

Join us online on Tuesday 24th January at 7.30pm. Register by clicking the link below or email [email protected]