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Fenor Bog, Co. Waterford to be Conserved

For release 22nd March 1999

Fenor Bog is 32 acres of beautiful unspoilt fen located 3 miles from Tramore in the village of Fenor, Co. Waterford.

Fenor bog is to be purchased and conserved by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) and the locally based group Móin Fhionnúrach Development Association (MFDA) in a joint project. "The purchase of Fenor bog will help protect a habitat type that is fast disappearing in Ireland" said Dr Peter Foss Chairman of IPCC. "Fenor Bog is one of only 13 peatlands remaining in Waterford," he said.

This boggy fen is located in a valley overlooked by the gorse covered Ballyscanlan Hill. It contains a store house of natural variety - wet woodland dominated by willow, alder and birch trees; undulating greater tussock sedge vegetation; and flat wet wildflower areas. Over 90 species of plant, bird, animal and insect have been recorded on the fen. (Fenor bog can be viewed on the IPCC's website photograph album at http://indigo.ie/~ipcc)

The project will be a joint initiative between IPCC and MFDA. The main aim of the partnership is the conservation of the fen and its use for education, recreation and tourism. A feasibility study is to be carried out during the summer to assess the conservation value of the bog and advise on appropriate management options.

A deadline of 31st March 1999 has been agreed for the sale of the bog for £25,000. IPCC launched an appeal to raise their portion of the funds at the end of January 1999. To date 368 members have responded to the appeal, raising a total of £10,965. MFDA launched their fundraiser earlier this month and are hopeful of a positive response from the local community.

If you would like to help support the conservation of this site please contact Dr Peter Foss at IPCC 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Tel: (01) 8722397

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