EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Ireland’s Environment – An Integrated Assessment 2020 Topic Box 5.3 Living Bog Project The Living Bog project, 6 launched in 2016, is the largest single raised bog restoration project that has been undertaken in Ireland. It is funded by the EU’s LIFE programme and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Under this project, restoration works across 12 raised bog SACs are being carried out in seven different counties. Over 200 km of drainage channels will be blocked, using almost 14,000 peat and plastic dams. The blocking of these channels will help raise the water table and recreate the hydrological and ecological conditions under which new peat forms. The aim is to improve over 2500 hectares of critically endangered raised bog habitat and add 750 hectares of active raised bog habitat to the relatively small amount of living bog left. Restoring and protecting this important habitat will help conserve and protect many endangered species, such as the red grouse and curlew, rare insects, spiders and amphibians, and many plant species. Other activities carried out include the infilling of drains, scrub removal, fencing and walkway improvements, the development of fire plans, a comprehensive schools outreach programme and amenity provision. Community engagement is central to the project, and community-led amenities at the bogs, such as new walking trails, boardwalks and signage, will be developed to facilitate outdoor educational and recreational use. In other related positive developments, restoration plans are now in place for 53 raised bog SACs to be developed further in consultation with local stakeholders. Restoration plans for the raised bog NHAs and drainage management plans for the raised bog SACs are also in development. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has also published a best practice manual for raised bog restoration (Mackin et al. , 2017). 6 www.raisedbogs.ie 112