PRESS RELEASE: 26th August 2014
Practical raised bog conservation action at Girley Bog
On Sunday 31st August between 2-5pm the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) invite you to celebrate Heritage Week with us on our newest nature reserve Girley Bog Co. Meath.
IPCC’s purchase of 8.6 hectares of Girley Bog in June of last year completed the jigsaw of conservation and we are now working on restoring this area to peat forming conditions. “We are just about to begin the process of blocking 1.5km of drains and only last week put in place our first Sphagnum cultivation trial, where we are trying to grow the key bog builder on an area of bare peat cutover” says Tadhg Ó Corcora, Conservation Officer with IPCC.
There is a lot to see on the site and the IPCC staff will ensure you see it all as they lead you on a guided walk from the trail head of the Girley Bog loop walk which is located just off the N52 Kells/Mullingar road (meeting at 2pm sharp). Along the walk you will encounter various habitats as you make your way around to the IPCC section of the bog where you will be led from a section of new boardwalk up onto the high bog.
There will be activities for children to keep them entertained during the walk. Participants are encouraged to wear strong footwear and clothes suitable for the weather conditions on the day and weather permitting there will be tea and biscuits on the bog for all to enjoy. All welcome for further information contact Tadhg Ó Corcora, Conservation Officer on telephone 045-860133 or email bogs@ipcc.ie.
ENDS
Editor’s Note: The restoration of Girley Bog is being funded by the Heritage Council under the Heritage Management Grant Scheme 2014; the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) Programme and Meath County Council.