 |
| Cutaway
and cutover bog are terms used to describe any area of bogland
from which peat has been removed by hand or mechanical means.
300,000ha of cutover and cutaway boglands occur in the midlands
of Ireland. They span 11 counties in the region. The process
of peat extraction has changed dramatically over the years, from
the traditional cutting by hand begun some 400 years ago to the
mechanical extraction undertaken by machinery perfected in the
last century. During peat extraction numerous finds of archeological
importance have been made which provide insights into our cultural
heritage. Once peat removal stops, a variety of habitats and
wildlife, colonize the soils remaining. The after-uses of the
cutover and cutaway bogs represent an opportunity for communities
in the midlands, peat producers and conservationists. |
|
 |
