Conservation Council
Phortaigh na hÉireann
FOR BOGS
& WILDLIFE
Index
Home
Join
IPCC 
Fenor Bog National Nature Reserve, Co. Waterford
Five years after its purchase by IPCC and Móin Fhionnúrach Development Association, Fenor Bog is declared Waterford's First Nature Reserve. A success story and a partnership with a community group we can be proud of.
In 1999 the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC), jointly
purchased Fenor Bog in Co. Waterford with the Móin Fhionnúrach
Development Association (MFDA). Together we undertook and co-ordinated
a series of studies on the bog including its vegetation and habitats,
birds and invertebrates. The work was undertaken by a Dutch Researcher
- Johan Poutsma (1999) - and by Waterford Naturalist - Michael
O'Meara (2000). The information gained was presented in A Map
and Visitor Guide for members of the public. In 2000, a French
Researcher - Helene Dourcelle - drew together a management plan
for the bog. In addition the MFDA began and completed (2001-2004)
the construction of a 500m boardwalk on the bog made from recycled
plastic. MFDA fund raised for the boardwalk and it was made to
their own design. In 2004, A Teachers Resource Pack to Fenor
Bog was produced by Mrs Rita Byrne a local school teacher and
the secretary of the MFDA.
Fenor Bog was declared a National Nature Reserve by Mr Martin
Cullen T. D., Minister for the Environment on the 28th May 2004.
The Minister praised the "dedication and commitment (of
all involved) in the preservation of our natural heritage, handed
down to us by generations past for us to pass onto those who
have yet to come". Not only were IPCC and MFDA-owned lands
included in the reserve order but two families - the Curran's
and the Queally's included a buffer zone of their lands surrounding
the bog as part of the nature reserve. IPCC's Director Martin
Kelly who attended the launch paid tribute to these families
for their action.
Father Purcell of Fenor Village Church gave this blessing on the occasion of the announcement of Fenor Bog as a Nature Reserve.
"God, Creator of our world, we thank you for the beauty
of creation. May we respect our world, our environment, and preserve
it well for future generations. May the beauty of this Bog of
Fenor be an inspiration to us. May it be a centre and source
of wonder and reflection. Through the beauty and mystery of Nature
may we be drawn towards you in thanksgiving and admiration. May
people who visit this beautiful place be refreshed and encouraged
on their journey through life."
Amen.
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
If you would like to learn more about Fenor Bog, or make a donation to the project please follow these links
Fenor Bog Vegetation and Flora
Fenor Bog Housing Development Threat 2008
Fenor Bog, Co Waterford Conservation Plan 2008
Fenor Bog, Co Waterford Nature Trail
Please make your donation today to the Fenor Bog Conservation Project