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Action 3. Cutover Bogs

Cutover bog describes any site where the peat has been partially removed by hand or by mechanical means, or by a combination of both, but where there can still be an economic reserve of peat remaining (see Figure 3.2.1). Up to 544,000ha of cutover bog occurs throughout the country in raised and blanket bog areas. Some cutover bogs are intimately associated with intact peatlands designated as NHAs and SACs.

Traditional cutover bogs tend to be small in size and have a varied topography. Sites that have been gradually abandoned over the years have a greater diversity of habitats and species than recently abandoned industrial cutaway bogs.

A number of areas of cutover bog have been abandoned for 50 years or more. In the intervening time they have re-vegetated naturally. During a survey undertaken by IPCC (O'Connell & Foss 1999a), a number of secondary habitats of conservation importance were identified in cutover bogs, particularly fen, wet heath, bog and swamp woodland. Also associated with these habitats are species recognised to be under threat in Europe, such as the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly.

As cutover bogs are regarded as man-modified habitats, they have not yet been recognised by international or national legislation as having a conservation value. As a result, Dúchas the Heritage Service has not undertaken a systematic survey of these areas and has not designated any NHA sites in Ireland on the basis of the presence of cutover bog habitats.

General Objective
The establishment of a national network of cutover bogs and the protection of their habitats and species within NHAs and SACs.

Following a national survey of cutover bog sites by IPCC in 1999 and the discovery of important habitats regenerating within these areas, we have lobbied Dúchas to undertake a systematic survey of Ireland's cutover bogs. IPCC have purchased a cutover raised bog at Fenor, Co. Waterford, which is soon to be designated a National Nature Reserve in recognition of the value of its regenerating fen habitats. We have worked with community groups making recommendations on the management and restoration of cutover bogs, and their use for education. We have also written and published an education pack for schools to use on this issue (O'Connell 2000).

Actions
3.3.1 Dúchas should undertake a national survey to identify cutover areas of conservation value.

3.3.2 A survey should be undertaken to recommend cutover sites within peatland NHAs/SACs for conservation where they are part of the peatland hydrological system.

3.3.3 Cutover bogs should be regarded as a priority by Dúchas in its inventories of invertebrate species biodiversity.

3.3.4 Dúchas should set a minimum target of 4% of the cutover bogs for conservation.

3.3.5 A programme of research on the potential to regenerate peat forming vegetation on the cutover bogs should be initiated and funded by relevant bodies.

3.3.6 A visitor centre focusing on the cultural heritage associated with the traditional hand cutting of bogs should be established.

Find out more about Cutaway & Cutover Bogs here: Cutover & Cutaway Bogs Explorer's Guide