PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The conservation status of active raised bogs in Ireland is under increasing pressure due to a long history of mismanagement, most notably turf cutting and associated drainage. It is estimated that there has been a 99% loss of the original area of actively growing raised bogs; while only about 1 650 ha of the remaining ‘intact’ high bog can now be classified as ‘Active Raised Bog’. There is an urgent need to reverse this decline and improve the conservation status of active raised bogs, by developing and implementing restoration measures to restore these sites to favourable condition.
OBJECTIVES
The overall objective of the LIFE Irish Raised Bogs project was to improve the conservation status of the Annex I Habitats Directive habitat ‘Active Raised Bog’, through the protection and restoration of 12 Natura 2000 network sites in the midlands of Ireland.
The specific objectives of the project were:
- To secure landowner cooperation and local community involvement and support;
- To raise water levels to create the necessary conditions for Active Raised Bog;
- To remove naturally regenerating trees and shrubs;
- To put in place fire protection measures; and
- To fence project sites where necessary.
RESULTS
The Irish Raised Bogs project successfully worked with local communities to help secure sufficient landowner co-operation to complete restoration measures and amenity provision across different raised bog sites in Ireland. Restoration work included the blocking of drains and the construction of dams in high and cutover bog areas to raise water levels, and the clearance of naturally regenerating trees. Before and after surveys were conducted to monitor site responses to the work in relation to hydrology, ecology, and water chemistry. Monitoring results indicated an upward trajectory in site conditions.
Habitat restoration work was accompanied by a public awareness campaign that ran at local, national and international level, which highlighted the importance of conserving raised bogs in Ireland's Natura 2000 network (SACs) sites. This campaign enabled ongoing dissemination of information on the project’s work, the ecosystems services associated with active bog, and helped to create an interest amongst the wider public.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
The main project achievements:
- Creation of over 43.6 ha of Active Raised Bog (ARB) habitat on high bog in just three years on five sites, which equates to nearly 20% of the long-term target for new ARB on high bog for all 12 sites.
- Confirmation that restoring ARB on cutover bog is achievable, but that it will take longer than restoring ARB on the high bog with some species appearing to take longer to return to the cutover.
- Development of a habitat classification system for cutover bog that has been published as an Irish Wildlife Manual by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
- Establishment of a network of high and cutover bog monitoring plots linked with hydrological monitoring points, which is continuing after the project.
- Installation of a comprehensive hydrological monitoring network that includes 246 monitoring wells, making it one of the most intensively monitored peatland restoration projects in Europe. Analysis of the water level data demonstrated a clear improvement in hydrological conditions across all sites.
- Delivery of a massive public awareness campaign detailing both the works of the project and information on the importance of the restoration and maintenance of Irish raised bogs. This work was recognised in the European Commission’s Natura 2000 Awards where the project was included amongst the finalists.
- Construction of visitor facilities at four raised bogs SACs which secured local community co-operation, and fostered a greater national understanding of the importance of Ireland’s raised bogs and Europe’s Natura 2000 network. The amenities, including boardwalks, all came from community suggestions and were mapped and developed by the community with the assistance of the project team and local contractors.
