Mayo peatlands conservation projects awarded €12,000
TWO Mayo peatlands conservation initiatives have been awarded State funding under the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme.
Kiltimagh Amenity Park is in line to receive €10,000 to support the educational elements of their project, providing a community resource for Kiltimagh that educates all visitors on the surrounding natural habitat and the need to protect it.
The group will produce a map identifying the main bogs in the area and and will inform the public on a local re-wetting project that is taking place in the area.
Parke and Crimlin Area Development Association has been awarded €2,000 to support a range of activities including the development of a website, promotion of a wildlife/peatlands photo competition and to support school trips to introduce children to peatland conservation.
Leenane Development Association in Galway is to receive €1,500 towards the installation of an interpretive board in a roadside layby in the southern part of Doolough Valley, which will give a visual overview of the catchment’s ecology, with particular focus on nearby peatland/upland habitats and Freshwater Pearl Mussel. The interpretive board will also detail farming practices (including Rhododrendon control) being undertaken to protect and enhance the conservation value of the catchment, with particular regard to upland habitats.
Total grant funding of €160,000 has been announced by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan under the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme. The scheme encourages local peatland communities, local groups, local schools and individuals to conserve and revitalise fens, raised and blanket bog in Special Areas of Conservation, Natural Heritage Areas and other peatland areas. It also promotes public engagement with and awareness of our natural heritage.
The focus of the scheme is on community-led projects and volunteer group, who play a vital role in helping to promote and implement peatland conservation and restoration in Ireland.
The scheme is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, a division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Said the minister: “Communities are at the heart of nature restoration, and this is particularly the case with our bogs. Time and time again we have seen groups of volunteers leading with passion and impact to restore, rehabilitate and share the wonder of these amazing habitats. That’s why schemes such as this one are so important, in that they allow the local custodians of our natural heritage to continue their work and to grow it.
“Anyone who’s spent time in a healthy peatland knows what peaceful and serene places they are, and what they offer in terms of species diversity, including rare species that have evolved to adapt to life in the bogs.”