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Sixty five new fens discovered in Ireland

For release 16 December 2000

The latest revelation from the world of Irish peatlands is the discovery of
65 new fen sites of immense wildlife and heritage value. Recent research
carried out by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and published in the
"Irish Fen Inventory Report" claims that 25% of Ireland's fens are
threatened by development and is calling on Dúchas to undertake detailed
surveys of the newly discovered sites for the purpose of designating them as
part of the country's natural heritage.

The "Irish Fen Inventory Report" brings together for the first time all the
available information about fens in Ireland. Forty experts assisted with the
identification of the new fen sites which are mainly located in limestone
areas of the West and North-West of the country.

Six different types of fen were found to occur in Ireland, they include fens
that occur around lake edges, along river floodplains, in deep basins,
valleys, in blanket bog and at fresh-water springs. Valley fens were shown
to have a very limited distribution.

"These 65 sites should be designated Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) without
delay" said Mr Patrick Crushell, co-ordinator of the fen research project
"large scale development across Ireland is putting extra pressure on our fen
habitats, therefore it is of urgent importance that a national survey be
carried out to recognise sites of scientific interest before they disappear
forever. Just today a road scheme announced for the N8 threatens to damage
two important fens listed in the Fen Inventory one of which is designated as
a National Nature Reserve." (See Editors note:1)

Fens are wetland systems with a high water level. The principal source of
nutrients is from surface or groundwater. The soil is usually alkaline peat
and the most common plants are sedges and mosses. The report identifies 785
species of flora and fauna that have been recorded on Irish fens.

The research was funded by The Heritage Council. Copies of the report cost
£30 including p&p and are available from IPCC.

Editors note 1:

The emerging preferred corridor option for the M8 motorway between
Portlaoise and Durrow passes through 4 Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). Two
fen sites are threatened by this proposal; Grantstown Wood and Lough
National Nature Reserve and The Curragh and Goul River NHA.

ENDS

For further information please contact Patrick Crushell, Conservation
Officer, IPCC, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Tel/Fax: 353 1 872 2397 E-mail:
bogs@ipcc.ie Website : www.ipcc.ie

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