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

Buy an acre of bog

For release 31 July 1997

Environmental enthusiasts who would like to aid the effort to prevent the bogs of Ireland from disappearing are being invited to buy a symbolic share in an acre of threatened peatland.

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council have come up with an unique scheme which will allow people to play their part in saving the bogs.

Every pound donated will be worth four pounds in actual conservation funding as the European Union has agreed to meet the other 75% of the cost in recognition of the importance of the work being carried out by the IPCC.

The colourful symbolic share certificates are endorsed by wildlife photographer and film maker Éamon de Buitléar.

The IPCC has already proved what can be achieved. The first site bought was Scragh Bog in County Westmeath recognised as one of the last European outposts for a species of spider.

Another site Cummeragh River Bog in Co. Kerry is one of only a few undisturbed blanket bogs in Ireland and is now fully protected as a national nature reserve.

Last year the Dutch nation came to the aid of Irish Bog preservation which enabled the purchase of the Bealacooan Bog in Connemara, Co. Galway. This money was raised from the sale of share certificates in Holland and Ireland.

Money raised from the present scheme will go towards saving another threatened bog. These nature reserves will hopefully encourage local people to use the natural resources of the bogs in a more sustainable manner, mainly by attracting tourists and visitors to spend time in some of the remotest and less spoiled areas.

According to IPCC Chairman, Dr Peter Foss, funding will allow his organisation to continue to lobby national government and the European Union so that as many bogs as possible qualify for funding and protection.

The stark facts are that peatlands originally covered 17% of the land surface of Ireland, a higher proportion than any other European country with the exception of Finland.

Today less than one quarter remains, and only one fifth of the original area is still of scientific and conservation importance. The rest has been destroyed by turf machines, overgrazing, tree planting and drainage.

ends

Click here if you would like more information on the Symbolic Share Certificate Scheme

Click on this symbol to get back to the IPCC Homepage