PRESS RELEASE: 13th May 2013
Community-led Conservation of Girley Bog
Work on the The Irish Peatland Conservation Council’s (IPCC) newest nature reserve is well underway this spring. With bogs in the spotlight more and more Girley Bog in County Meath is a definite success story. Purchased in 2013 this site brings together a number of conservation organizations and the local community who are now combining efforts to ensure the future of the raised bog site.
IPCC’s purchase of 8.6 hectares of the site saw the last piece of the jigsaw of Girley Bog secured for nature conservation. The group are now working on restoring this area to peat forming conditions. “Now that we own this area of bog there is no longer any damage occurring to the site through turf cutting. In fact we have a multiplicity of owners all pushing for the conservation of this nationally important site.” says Tadhg Ó Corcora, Conservation Officer with the IPCC.
As a small organization the IPCC are reliant on a strong volunteer basis for achieving their conservation goals on the site. One such volunteer is Andy Smyth a man local to the area and keen on conserving the bog which is a popular destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts. “Many of the local people here have a sense of pride in the site and that has really drawn the numbers in terms of helping us out” Mr Ó Corcora continued. “Andy and all of the volunteers we have had so far have made the key difference in getting this project off the ground,” he added.
The IPCC will be continuing with their innovative bogland restoration programme over the summer so if you would like to get involved they would be delighted to hear from you. “There is a still much work to be done over the summer as we intend to block up to 3km of drains as well as put in place a Sphagnum moss cultivation project so all assistance is welcome” Mr. Ó Corcora concluded.
The IPCC can be contacted at their offices at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare, by phone 045-860133 or email bogs@ipcc.ie. There will also be an open day on Girley Bog on Sunday the 25th of May hosted by the IPCC and featuring talks, walks, scavenger hunts and the chance to experience a cup of tea made on the bog using a volcano kettle. For all enquiries contact IPCC at the numbers above.
In addition to volunteers the IPCC are extremely grateful to the Heritage Council, who are funding this project under the Heritage Management Grant Scheme 2014. We also wish to acknowledge Environmental Protection Agency for supporting this community-led conservation project as part of the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) Programme. In addition Meath County Council are funding the soon to be present boardwalk and and Girley Bog visitor guide.
ENDS
Editors note
For further details, information, pictures or interviews, please telephone: 045-860133 and ask for Tadhg Ó Corcora, Conservation Officer or email bogs@ipcc.ie