Ecology And History Celebrated On International Bog Day

Abbeyleix Bog Project - photo credit: abbeyleixbog.ie

Tóchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Project wants people to head to their local bog this weekend.

This Sunday will mark International Bog Day which celebrates the ecological and historical benefits of wetlands.

Tochar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Project is encouraging people to visit bogs and fens this weekend to mark the occasion.

Recent research by the Tochar Project found over half of people believe bog restoration delivers various environmental, social and economic benefits, with 66% understanding the role wetlands play in flood prevention.

The group behind the project feels people can expand on that appreciation by marking a visit to their local bog or fen this Sunday.

Fens are a lesser known wetland type fed by groundwater and springs, and support rare plants like the Greater and Lesser Butterfly Orchids.

Restoration plans are being developed for 36 sites by Tochar with the first phase beginning this autumn, including Scragh Bog in Westmeath and Fin Lough in Offaly.

Sites like Scragh are being suggested as spots to visit on International Bog Day for its uncommon biodiversity.

Abbeyleix Bog Project in Laois is also highlighted as a recommended site as it marks 25 years of community-led peatland conservation this year for its looped walking trails.

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