Index Home Join IPCC

Bog of Allen Nature Project Launched

Press Release 23 February 2004

The first four projects are about to get underway at the Bog of Allen Nature
Centre, Lullymore, Co. Kildare.

The centre (formerly Peatland World) was purchased by the Irish Peatland
Conservation Council last year. This charity's aim is build a nature space
focusing on the heritage of bogs that will be used for education and
research on Ireland's world famous peatlands.

Our first priority project is a Field Survey of the Bog of Allen - the area
lying within 13km of the nature centre. IPCC aims to find out what's left of
the Bog of Allen. We will be identifying wildlife habitats in the locality
that are making a significant contribution to the heritage of the area. This
project is being supported by the Heritage Council and the Leinster Leader.

In the grounds of the Bog of Allen Centre an exhibition of live carnivorous
plants, unique species on bogs world wide will be built in conservatories to
be part of a major awareness raising programme for children. IPCC are
working with the Carnivorous Plant Society, the European experts in
carnivorous plants to develop the exhibition over the summer months. They
are sending an expert over to the nature centre to work with IPCC on the
design and installation of the exhibition and they are donating insect
eating plants and seeds from their collection as their contribution to the
project. Schools all over Ireland have been invited to help raise funds for
this special project over the coming months.

Another project in the grounds is the creation of wetland ponds teaming with
wildlife so that visitors can learn about freshwater habitats, so much a
part of the character of the Bog of Allen. A series of ponds will be
established in the grounds by volunteers this year. IPCC are looking for
sponsors for this project.

A teaching laboratory is to be incorporated in the centre. This will allow
IPCC to provide courses and talks for educational groups and for the local
community. We want our neighbours to feel part of this project which will be
a focal point at Lullymore and we intend to provide interesting slide shows
and courses on the heritage of the Bog of Allen for them to enjoy. IPCC
supporters will help fund this project.

Members of the public, planners and site managers have much need of a
specialised Peatland Library to enable them to research the locations of
peatland sites of conservation importance in Ireland. Such a service does
not exist in Ireland. IPCC intend to fill this gap by providing a peatland
library at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre. IPCC supporters will help fund
this project.

There will be an open day with special courses and childrens events, sale of
work and plant sale on Sat 29th May 2004 from 11am to 3pm. Please come, see
and support the Bog of Allen Nature Centre.

We thank all those who have supported us to date with financial donations
and volunteer time.

Dr Catherine O'Connell, Chief Executive, Irish Peatland Conservation Council
Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare.
Tel 045-860133
www.ipcc.ie
bogs@ipcc.ie

Action for Bogs & Wildlife

ENDS