Ecologists conduct research for Bord na Móna to inform how bogs might be returned to nature after being used for turf production.
Dr Catherine Farrell is a senior ecologist with Bord na Móna. In the past this semi state company harvested peat from Ireland's raised bogs for the purposes of energy supply. This focus has changed in recent years to environmental conservation and Bord na Móna has pledged to phase out turf production.
Abbeyleix Bog has been handed over to the local community, who are in the process of restoring it with assistance from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Irish Peatlands Conservation Council.
Conservation work carried out here has implications for public amenity access as well as having positive environmental impacts.
There’s potential for connecting a network of sites.
Dr Catherine Farrell has noticed how rapidly nature takes over, even to sections of cutaway bog. Rare birds are returning to Lough Boora nature reserve in County Offaly.
Further research is required to establish a clearer picture of the bog’s flora and fauna. Sphagnum moss, one of the plants which causes bogs to grow, is found in abundance here and creates acidic conditions unique to Irish bogs,
Moss is the dominant species and you don’t get that in many ecosystems.
Bord na Móna now recognises the environmental significance of peat bogs in its care,
Biodiversity now is central to how we operate in Bord na Móna recognsing that we have all these wonderful areas.
This report for 'Nationwide’ was broadcast on 18 September 2009. The reporter is Helen McInerney.
