Sphagnum moss bog restoration comes to Roscommon

PRESS RELEASE 25th September 2012

Sphagnum moss bog restoration comes to Roscommon

People interested in restoring raised bogs damaged by turf cutting and spreading are to be shown the latest technology of Sphagnum moss transplantation near Rooskey in Co. Roscommon.

Dr Catherine O’Connell will be delivering a practical demonstration and workshop to stakeholders in Shannon River Adventure Centre on Wednesday 26th September. “The course aims to demonstrate the Canadian method of raised bog restoration to bog owners and stakeholders from Roscommon. It follows on from a successful three-year trial of the methods in the Bog of Allen Region by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council”, says Dr O’Connell, IPCC’s Chief Executive.

With the help of Tommy Gaffney who runs the Shannon River Adventure Centre and the co-operation of a local bog owner, a suitable raised bog site has been found for the demonstration. The site overlooks the Shannon River and local people are using it to cut turf.

“I am hopeful that once the bog owners have been shown this simple method of bog moss transfer, they may be able to reduce the intensity of the damage being done to raised bogs which are the last of their kind in North West Europe,” says Dr O’Connell.  “At this stage it is important that we try in every way to prolong the life of our raised bogs”, she added.

Canadian peatland managers developed this technique for re-introducing Bog moss onto damaged peat surfaces. Moss is collected from a donor site and spread on a rewetted, prepared bare peat area. It is covered with straw to retain moisture as the mosses establish. Within a time span of 10 years it is possible to get the mosses growing again.

This demonstration is being provided free to participants in liaison with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and thanks to generous support of the Heritage Council under the Heritage, Community and Outreach Grants Scheme 2012.

ENDS

 

Further Information: Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare, tel 045-860133, email bogs@ipcc.ie, www.ipcc.ie

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