PRESS RELEASE: 27th April 2016
Coad Bog BioBlitz and Night Safari discover the diversity of Coad Bog, County Kerry
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) would like to invite bog buddies and wildlife enthusiasts to take part in the Coad Bog BioBlitz taking place from 20th-27th of May 2016. Participants will have the opportunity to help the IPCC explore the nature of the bog and discover the diversity of wildlife present on this wonderful blanket bog habitat – one of the most celebrated and unique peatland types in the world and IPCC’s newest nature reserve.
During the week-long event the IPCC with the help of Blitz experts will be conducting numerous biodiversity surveys along a 1km transect through the site. Surveys will include: moths, butterflies, birds, beetles, spiders, freshwater invertebrates, mosses and carnivorous plants. This will be a great opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience in species identification and survey techniques.
IPCC staff and volunteers will also explore the nature of the bog by: profiling the bog, mapping and profiling its drains, inserting dip wells to monitor water levels on the bog, peat probing to measure the depth of peat and drain blocking to help restore the bog to active peat forming blanket bog. All of the information collected throughout the BioBlitz will be used to put together a restoration plan for Coad Bog.
On Tuesday 24th May at 7.30pm the IPCC will be hosting the Coad Bog Night Safari. This event will include a guided wildlife walk through the bog. There will also be a chance to explore the spectacular night skies above the bog which is located in the Kerry Dark-Sky Reserve. All are welcome to attend; wellies and outdoor clothing will be required. This event is the perfect opportunity for the local community to discuss the restoration of Coad Bog and voice their opinions.
The students from Scoil Crochan Naofa in Caherdaniel will be visiting Coad Bog on Thursday 26th May. They will learn about the history, ecology and typical flora and fauna of blanket bog habitats. IPCC staff will also train the students in some simple peatland monitoring techniques allowing them to become junior wildlife rangers. This visit will help IPCC build appreciation and awareness of the importance of Ireland’s peatlands.
“We are all very excited at the IPCC with less than 4 weeks to go until the Coad Bog BioBlitz. We are looking forward to making new friends down in Kerry as we discover all we can about IPCC’s newest nature reserve” says Katie Geraghty, IPCC’s Campaign Officer.
All are welcome to attend this exciting BioBlitz event. There is lots of work to be done and all help is much appreciated. If you would like to sign up for the Coad Bog BioBlitz or would like further information about the events please contact:
Katie Geraghty, IPCC’s Campaign Officer on 045 860133 or bogs@ipcc.ie
Editors notes:
1. Coad Bog is located on the N70 (Ring of Kerry) between Sneem and Caherdaniel, 1km west of Castlecove and across from a 2 storey ruin.
2. A BioBlitz is an intense period of biological surveying in an attempt to record all living things within a designated area. Groups of scientists, naturalists and volunteers conduct a field study over a continuous time period.