P r e s s R e l e a s e

Self-help book for local groups aims to conserve and manage peatlands

For immediate release 24th August 1998

A new self-help book from the Irish Peatland Conservation Council will be an aid for anyone interested in protecting a peatland site or developing sustainable uses for boglands.

The 85 page publication outlines the techniques for surveying, restoring and managing a peatland in the ownership or control of an individual, organisation or community group.

The book describes seven projects around the country at Ardkill Bog-Co. Kildare, Killaun Bog-Co. Offaly, Kilcolman National Nature Reserve- Co. Cork, Peatlands Park-Northern Ireland, Clochar Na gCon Bog-Co. Galway, Cabragh Wetlands-Co. Tipperary and Lough Boora Parklands-Co. Offaly. At these locations individuals, community groups or organisations are managing a peatland to protect its wildlife and at the same time are encouraging members of the public, research and school groups to visit their area.

This handbook explains why peatlands should be conserved, outlines the threats to peatlands, and gives a run-down on conservation designations. The book gives details on how to survey the site to assess its conservation importance. It details how individuals or groups can go about conserving an area of bogland and develop sustainable uses to benefit local communities. It explains how this can be done by setting up a local management group and designing a development plan for the site, effectively using resources of cash, labour and skills. It outlines restoration techniques that can be applied as well as exploring the future for a protected bog. Chapters containing useful contacts and sources of funding are also very helpful.

Rapid land use changes this century have seen the destruction of much of the rich mosaic of peatlands and their distinctive combination of plants, animals and birds which characterise the midlands and west of Ireland. In such a time of rapid change, nature reserves play an increasing role, both in retaining fragments of the mosaic and as centres for research, education and public enjoyment.

The IPCC Peatland Conservation and Management Handbook has been sponsored by Offaly County Council and the Department of the Environment, the Environmental Partnership Fund and the IPCC Environmental Education Fund.

The handbook costs £14.50 including P&P and is available from IPCC, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Tel 01 872 2397.

EDITOR'S NOTE 1: The Irish Peatland Conservation Council is a national charity and is entirely supported by voluntary contributions. Conservation projects include: purchasing bogland nature reserves, providing resources and training for teachers and education groups, repairing damaged bogs, fostering a positive attitude towards bogs, and encouraging lifestyles in harmony with the environment. The IPCC can be contacted at: Capel Chambers, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 01-872 2397. Registered Charity Number: CHY6829

EDITOR'S NOTE 2: The work of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council is supported by the FÁS Community Employment and the European Union.

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