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§ NEWS
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(Last
up-date 13 October 2009)
EPA
Climate change lectures:
Don’t MISS
Hans Joosten talking about bogs!
Lecture 9: For Peat’s Sake – Bogs and Climate Change - Tuesday 27th October 2009
Speaker: Hans Joosten, Head of the Mire and Palaeo Ecology Institute in University of Griefswald, Germany.
He is a member of the Belarusian delegation to the UNFCCC where he has advised on inclusion of peatlands in future actions to address climate change.
Date: Tuesday 27th October 2009, 6.30 - 8.30 p.m at the Mansion House, Dublin
________________________________________
Irish
peatland society annual AGM and seminar:
Abbeyleix Bog
Restoration and Conservation
The
Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix
http://www.abbeyleixmanorhotel.com
Tuesday
20th October 2009
11.00
a.m. to 15.30 p.m.
All welcome! Click here for more information
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NEW
publication:
From the Irish Peatland Conservation Council:
Ireland’s Peatland Conservation Action Plan 2009 – Halting the loss
of peatland biodiversity
A beautifully-illustrated book that shows you why bogs are good
for you!
For a copy check www.ipcc.ie
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Check
www.ucd.ie/bogland/publications.html
for new BOGLAND publications
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DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS by Dr David Wilson
publications in Irish Times, 24 January 2009
http://friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index.php?do=paperstoday&action=view&id=12958
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CONGRATULATIONS TO NOEL BOYLAN FOR WINNING THE STUDENT PRIZE AT THE 13th INTERNATIONAL PEAT CONGRESS IN TULLAMORE!
The title of his presentation was: ' Peat slope failures in Ireland and the assessment of peat stability'
_________________________________________
The BOGLAND Project figured in the Irish Times weekly column 'Another life' by Michael Viney on June 7th 2008, in advance of the 13th International Peat Congress. Dr David Wilson's paper 'Death by a thousand cuts' got a special mention as he highlighted the ravage of small-scale peat extraction from local bogs which are legally protected and which drain our carbon store.
Photos from the Peat Congress!
________________________________________
A number of summer students have been appointed to complete tasks within BOGLAND workpackages:
Paolo Mengoni, a graduate from the Engineering for Environmental and Territory in Universitŕ politecnica delle Marche (Ancona), will be working on WP 3.7: hydrology of peatlands
Declan Peelo, Taught M.Sc.(ag) in Environmental Resource Management will be working on WP 3.3.: biofuels on cutaway peatlands
Fionnuala Murphy, 2nd BE Biosystems Engineering, will be working on WP 3.2: effect of climate change
_________________________________________
20-25th May 2008
It's NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY WEEK with programmes of free events at many locations including the Bog of Allen (IPCC) near Lullymore. There will be a special biodiversity show on 25th May and they would love all the bog-interested people to come along. visit www.ipcc.ie
For those interested, there was an article published in Saturday Irish Times on 'Realising the true value of biodiversity in Ireland' in relation to the publication of the report 'The Economic and Social Aspects of Biodiversity: Benefits and Costs of Biodiversity in Ireland'. Dr Craig Bullock who also works on the BOGLAND project is one of the authors. The report is available for download from www.environ.ie
_____________________________________
A new publication from a member of the BOGLAND team:
Connolly, J., Roulet, N.T., Seaquist, J.W., Holden, N.M., Lafleur, P.M., Humphreys, E.R., Heumann, B.W. and Ward, S.M. (2008). Using Modis Derived Fpar with Ground Based Flux Tower Measurements to Derive the Light Use Efficiency for Two Canadian Peatlands. Biogeosciences Discussions, 5, 1765-94.Click here for pdf.
______________________________________
It is with great regret that we heard of the tragic death of Bob Hammond on February 7, while on holiday in Florida. He and his wife were involved in a road traffic incident. His wife has since recoverred. The Memorial Service for Bob Hammond is taking place at 3pm on Saturday, 19th April in St. David's Church (C of I), Main street, Naas. co kildare
______________________________________
Article in New Scientist 1 December 2007: Bog barons: Indonesia's carbon catastrophe
Download article here
______________________________________
The Bogland project featured on Duncan Stewart's popular environmental series: Ecoeye on 2nd January 2008!
Here are a few photos of the shooting...
___________________________
The cooling tower at the Bellacorick Peat Power Station which was a land mark in North Mayo for nearly 50 years was demolished at 11 o'clock on October 14, 2007
Click here to view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqralsoAGDE
___________________________
Members of the Bogland project (UCD) are now officially members of the Irish Peat Society for the year 2007/2008. They will be entitled to receive the 'Peatlands International' magazine and to attend IPS organised events at membership rate (including the International Peat Congress in Tullamore next June 2008)
(Please contact Florence Renou-Wilson for more information)
_________________________________________
to come
2009
IPS Convention 2009 in Belfast
The IPS Convention 2009 that will be held in Belfast, UK on 24 - 26 April 2009.
The meetings will include a field excursion, a seminar/workshop on peatland restoration, a joint dinner and meetings of the IPS Executive Board, Scientific Advisory Board, IPS Commissions, the Round Table of IPS National Committees and the Annual Assembly of National Representatives.
For more information: click http://www.peatsociety.org/index.php?id=241
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Past EVENTS
2008
11 presentations and 2 posters from the BOGLAND project were presented at the IPC in Tullamore!
CONGRATULATIONS TO NOEL BOYLAN FOR WINNING THE STUDENT PRIZE!
Paper presentations:
1-Renou-Wilson, F. A
protocol for the future management of Irish peatlands: the BOGLAND project
2-Hannigan, E. &
Kelly-Quinn, M. A preliminary
investigation of the macroinvertebrate communities of open-water habitats in
two contrasting peatlands
3-Wisdom, R. & Bolger, T. Studies of terrestrial invertebrate diversity in Irish peatlands
4-Deering, L., Doohan, F. & Clipson, N. The effect of
restoration on bacterial community structure in a montane blanket bog
5-Connolly, J. & Holden, N. Updating maps of Peat soil extent in
6-
7-
8-Collier, M. Scott, M. and Feehan, J. Social and community dimensions in
cutaway peatland policy
9-Bullock, C. Policy and changing value of peatlands
10-Boylan, N., Long, m. & Jennings, P. Peat slope
failures in Ireland and the assessment of peat stability
11-Murphy, G., Collier, M. & Feehan, J. opinions of
upland walkers on socio-cultural and environmental impacts on blanket bog
habitats: cultural aspects of peat and peatlands
Poster presentation
12-Lynch, G. Walsh, W., Schulte, R. & Moles, R.
Association between activity and the micro-erosion status of hill peat soils
under three stocking densities
13-Bullock, C., Collier, M. and Convery, F. Peatland
after-use – issues in valuation
In addition, Shane Regan presented at the BOGLAND Steering Committee meeting: Hydrological sustainability of peatlands
_______________________________________
ENERGY SOLUTION '08 CONFERENCE
Monday 26th 2008
The Charles Parsons Initiative on Energy and Sustainable Environment will be launched on the 26th of May at the University of Limerick, the launch will be addressed by Minister Eamon Ryan. Please click here for programme details
_______________________________________
"Achieving Targets - Maximising Benefits" - Conference on the Sustainability of Biomass in the Context of the Renewable Energy Targets in the Irish Energy White Paper
Date: Friday, 9th May, 2008 (9am to 4pm)
Venue: Sustainable Energy Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin Organised by Sustainable Energy Ireland, International Energy Agency Bioenergy Task 29 and Tipperary Institute
The Energy White Paper published in 2007 set ambitious targets for the contribution of biomass to renewable energy. These targets are seen as challenging to achieve and there are sustainability issues for both indigenous and imported bioenergy resources. This conference will investigate ways in which these targets can be achieved while maximising benefits and ensuring a commitment to local, national and international sustainability. The conference programme can be viewed at http://www.task29.net/index.php?id=39
There is no charge for the event, but prior registration is required. A registration form can be obtained by contacting Mr. Clifford Guest at cguest@tippinst.ie.
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‘Bringing the Bogs back to LIFE’ – End of Project Conference 8th & 9th May, 2008
Restoring Raised Bog in Ireland - LIFE04 NAT/IE/000121
A 2 day International Conference has been organised by the Project Team to mark the end of the project and to publicise its results. This conference will be held on the 8th & 9th May, 2008 based at the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.
The project has been managed by Coillte Teoranta and focused on the restoration of 14 raised bog sites within the EU Natura 2000 network of protected sites. It is the largest raised bog restoration project ever undertaken in Ireland.
Delegates from across Europe are invited to attend the Conference. Day 1 will consist of presentations by the Project team and other experts in the field. Day 2 will be spent visiting project sites in the vicinity of Carrick-on.Shannon.
For further information and for details of how to register for this conference, please click on the link to the project website www.raisedbogrestoration.ie
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University of Santiago de Compostela and International Mire Conservarion Group
There will be two BOGLAND presentations at the IMCG
Symposium on Wind Farms on Peatland in Santiago de Compostela,
Spain, 27–30 April 2008
Peatland
vulnerability to energy-related development policy in
There
are currently 67 windfarms in
The full implications for peatlands of energy-related policy
for climate change mitigation are still far from being understood. As part of
the Bogland project, we have started to investigate the impacts on peatlands of
the use of renewable energy resources such as wind, and other indigenous
sources of energy which can have far more negative effects (e.g. peat burning
for fuel, biomass on cutaway peatlands and peatland destruction for gas
transport).
Peat slope failures and the assessment of peat
stability
Noel Boylan1, Dr. Michael Long2 & Dr. Paul Jennings3
1PhD
Student, Geotechnical Engineering,
2Senior
Lecturer, Geotechnical Engineering,
3Consultant,
Applied Ground Engineering Consultants Ltd., The Grainstore, Singletons Lane,
Bagenalstown, Co.
Peat
failures have occurred in Ireland as far back as the Early Bronze Age (4200 BP)
with recent failures in the autumn of 2003 at Pollatomish, County Mayo and
Derrybrien, County Galway focussing attention on such events. There are over 70
reported events of peat failures in
References:
Department
of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2006) Wind Energy Development
Guidelines
_______________________________________
Feasta soil carbon discussion
sessions
Rewarding the holding of carbon in soils and biomass
Date: Thursday 17th
April
Accordingly, Feasta is holding discussions in Dublin on Thursday afternoon and Friday
morning next week (April 17th and 18th) to see if such a reward system can be
devised. This is an enormously ambitious task because many groups have been
working in the area for at least a decade without great success. Among the
participants will be John Doyle, Sustainability Adviser, Information
Society DG, European Commission, David Wasdell, Director of the Meridian Programme, an expert in the dynamics of climate change, Peter Read, Senior Lecturer in the Department of
Applied and International Economics at Massey University in New Zealand, and
Professor Bruce Osborne of University College Dublin.
Session 2; 9.30am to 12.30pm, Friday, April 18th
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Stakeholder
Event
Partnership
project to protect and enhance peat soils in England
& Wales
April 16th
2008: Warwick
Further details of the venue can be found at: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/conferences/.
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AGRICULTURAL FORUM 2008
Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th March 2008 in Tullamore Court Hotel.
Ger Lynch (WP 3.6) will be presenting some early results from his Master's study on the
Physical impact of sheep grazing on blanket peat and peaty soils in the western hill and mountain landscape of Ireland
Gerard Lynch*(1), Micheal Walsh(2), Rogier Schulte(3) and Richard Moles(4)
(1)Teagasc Research Centre, Athenry, Co, Galway <gerlynch2@gmail .com>
(2)Teagasc Research Centre, Athenry, Co, Galway. <michael.walsh@teagasc.ie>
(3)Teagasc Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, Wexford. <rogier.schulte@teagasc.ie>
(4)Prof. R. Moles, CES Department, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick.<richard.moles@ul.ie>
_______________________________________
Engineering Group of the Geological Society presents:
Reinforced water- engineering and environmental considerations in construction over peat
Venue: British Geological Survey, Murchison House, Edinburgh
11 March 2008
Noel Boylan (WP 3.4) will speak at this conference on 'Peat Slope Failures in Ireland & Stability Assessment'
_______________________________________
ENVIRON2008
is being hosted
by Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) on Friday 1st to
Sunday 3rd February 2008.
Registration is now
avai
Two BOGLAND members from the 'Biodiversity' subproject
will present their research at the Environ2008 conference
Abstract:
A
preliminary investigation of the hydrochemistry and macroinvertebrate
communities of open-water habitats in two contrasting peatland sites.
Hannigan,
E. and Kelly-Quinn, M.
The present study is part of a national project developing a protocol for sustainable peatland management (www.ucd.ie/bogland). The hydrochemical and biological characteristics of open-water habitats in Irish peatlands are being examined. This paper will present preliminary analysis for two study sites, Scragh bog (Co. Westmeath) and Owenirragh bog (Co. Mayo), using samples collected during spring 2006. Scragh bog is a fen located in the Irish Midlands (average precipitation of 934 mm) and Owenirragh is an Atlantic blanket bog on the western seaboard (average precipitation of 1400 mm). The hydrochemical parameters measured were pH, alkalinity, conductivity, nutrients (nitrate, phosphate and ammonia), total organic carbon and the major cations and anions. The macroinvertebrate samples were taken using both sweep netting and activity traps. The hydrochemical results showed distinct differences between the two sites. Overall, Scragh bog is more minerotrophic than Owenirragh with higher pH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium concentrations. However, Owenirragh has elevated levels of sodium, chloride and sulphate which indicate a sea spray influence. These differences are also reflected in the macroinvertebrate communities. Scragh bog hosts a higher diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrate taxa.
Abstract:
STUDIES OF TERRESTRIAL INVERTEBRATE
DIVERSITY IN IRISH PEATLANDS
Rachel Wisdom* and Thomas Bolger
Many
terrestrial invertebrate species are known to be exclusively found in peatlands
but few studies have aimed to specifically compare their diversity across a
range of peatlands types. This study is designed to improve our knowledge of
the invertebrates found in Irish peatlands by comparing raised bog, montane
blanket bog, Atlantic lowland blanket bog and fens. Particular attention is
being paid to taxa which are known to have significant functional roles in
these ecosystems and the focus is on mites (Acarina),
beetles (Coleoptera) especially
Carabidae, spiders (Arachnida) and
pot worms (Enchytraidae). Preliminary
results have shown significant differences between fens and the other three
peatland types. The diversity of mites has proven to be high but those of the
other groups is less than expected in relatively intact systems. Disturbance
not only changes the species composition of some of these groups but also
increases significantly the diversity. It is anticipated that the data gathered from sampling these habitats
will identify habitat specialists and species that are possible indicators of
intact and disturbed peatlands.
_______________________________________
EPA
Environmental Research Conference
February
6th and 7th 2008
The
Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin
Dr Florence
Renou-Wilson will be talking at the EPA Research conference on the first day
(February 6th) in the 'Land use' session.
The title of
her presentation is ' Peatlands: Here today, Gone tomorrow?'
Prof. Thomas
Bolger will also present in the afternoon session ' Biodiversity of
peatlands'.
For
more information: http://www.epa.ie/news/events/research/name,23574,en.html
_______________________________________
2007
One Day
Symposium on Earth Observation Research in Ireland
Hosted by the Spatial Analysis Unit,
Teagasc
Research & Development Centre,
Dr John Connolly (UCD, Bogland project) will be giving a talk on 'Using satellite and flux tower data to derive the light use efficiency for two Canadian peatlands'
and Dr Ned Dwyer (UCC) will be giving a talk on 'Can satellites see bog breather'.
For more information http://www.tnet.teagasc.ie/rerc/earthobservation.htm
_______________________________________
Lectures on Climate Change
20th and 27th November 2007
The Environmental
Protection Agency is hosting a series of lectures on climate change over
the coming six months. The seven-part series will explore key aspects of
climate change ranging from predictions and impacts, to its economic and
political consequences.
Topic 1: The Science of Climate Change - Facing the facts
Speaker: Dr Martin Manning, University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research, USA, Director of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group 1 Support Unit and lead author of the IPCC
4th Assessment Report 2007.
Date: Tuesday, 20th November, 2007
Topic 2: Time for action? Options to address climate change
Speaker: Dr Bert Metz, Environmental Assessment Agency, the
Netherlands and Co-chair Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Working Group 3.
Date Tuesday, 27th November, 2007
Attendance is free, but advance booking is essential.
Bookings and enquiries to:
Clara Clark Tel: 01-2898533 Email: info@claraclark.ie
Information on the lecture series is available from the
Environmental Protection Agency website on www.epa.ie/news/events
and on www.claraclark.ie/climatechangelectures
_______________________________________
3rd Steering Committee and Field Meeting
The 3rd
Steering Committee meeting of the Bogland project took place on 5-7 September
2007 in Roscommon and Mayo.
________________________________________
Irish National Committee of the International Peat Society
Seminar on climate change and peatlands
The Seminar will
cover the theme of climate change and peatlands. The invited speakers are as
follows:
Dr John Reilly, Bord
na Móna Peat and industry: future
scenarios
UCC CELTICFLUX group Measurement and Modelling of GHG Fluxes
from Grasslands, Forests and Peatlands in
________________________________________
Irish Section of IEEM Annual Conference,
Red Cow Hotel, Dublin
Wednesday 15th October 2007
http://www.ieem.org.uk/ieemdublindonference2007flyer11.pdf
The Irish section of IEEM are holding their annual
conference in Dublin on 15th October next, on the theme of Irish Biodiversity -
Countdown to 2010. Details of the programme and booking form can be found on http://www.ieem.org.uk/Conferences.htm.
The closing date for early registration is this Friday, 5th October and you are
advised to book soon to secure a place.
________________________________________
Colloque international - Tourbe et tourbičres 2007
International Conference on Peat in horticulture and the rehabilitation of mires after peat exploitation
8th - 11th October, 2007
Lamoura, Jura, France
Please choose this link to view more details and register: http://www.pole-tourbieres.org/docs/programme_colloque-lamoura2007.pdf
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"Bringing the Bogs back to LIFE”
LIFE02 NAT/IRL/8490 “Restoring active blanket bog in Ireland”
End of Project Conference
4th & 5th October, 2007
Castlecourt & Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo.
Please choose this link to view more details and register: http://www.irishbogrestorationproject.ie/conference_information.html
________________________________________
Bogland Seminars
A series of
seminars has been organised during this summer ahead of the Bogland field trip
6-7 September 2007 when members of the Steering Committee will join the team
through the bogs of Mayo and Sligo. The seminars will be held under each
sub-project:
Sub-project 2: Peatland biodiversity; 28 August 2007; Venue: UCD Ag and Food Board Room, Belfield, Dublin; Click here for details
Sub-project 3: The peatland resource; 28 June 2007: Venue: Radisson Hotel, Athlone; Click here for details
Sub-project 4: Cultural, socio-economic and policy issues, 16 July 200; Venue: GPEP conference room, Richview, Dublin
________________________________________
EUGEO First International Conference on the Geography of Europe
For details see: http://www.eugeo2007.org/
Stakeholder attitudes towards industrially harvested peatland landscapes in Ireland
Author: Marcus Collier, John Feehan and Mark Scott
With the modern move towards governance, and international commitments to landscape and biodiversity conservation, Irish stakeholders have an increasing importance in landscape change issues; especially given that most of the island consists of ancient as well as modern cultural landscapes. As important as this is to existing and threatened habitats, when it comes to damaged and degraded habitats there are few working examples of stakeholder collaboration, planning or management (Folke et al., 2005), especially in peatland areas. Over the millennia many of Irelands' peatlands have been harvested, first by hand and more recently on an industrial scale. This has caused much habitat loss and/or degradation. Today, as they approach the end of their productive life, there is concern over what will become of cutaway peatland areas and how they may be managed for best social gain. Unfortunately, there are no long-term policies on, and little stakeholder involvement in, afteruse planning or management. Spontaneous and managed regeneration has occurred in some areas and it is now known that that Irish cutaway peatlands have a high ecological potential; that is, a potential for creating new, ecologically heterogeneous landscapes in post-industrial areas - the 'new nature' option (Feehan, 2004). But what of the communities that live within peatland areas and their attitudes to the changing landscape? This presentation will focus on stakeholder relationships to the Irish peatland landscape. It will be shown that, by utilising a multiple-methodology assessment procedure, local stakeholders reveal their opinions on the current landscape and post-industrial, new nature and that they actively welcome it especially when it is perceived as promoting health and well being. The potential transformation of the Irish rural landscape will be explained in relation to social and ecological processes.
Feehan,
J. (2004) A Long-Lived Wilderness: the future of the north midlands peatland
network (Dublin, Department of Environmental Resource Management, UCD).
Folke, C., Hahn, T., Olsson, P. & Norberg, J. (2005) Adaptive governance of
Social-Ecological systems, Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 30, pp.
441-473.
________________________________________
ESA/SER Joint Meeting in San Jose, California.
Ecological Restoration in a Changing World (SER/ESA joint meeting) in San Jose, 5-10 August 2007. How do we set goals for ecological restoration, and how can we assess its success? Insights from paleoecology, long-term studies, and ecological modeling all show ecological systems to be fundamentally dynamic, with trajectories of change that may not be easily predictable. Even without considering human effects on ecosystems, there is no simply definable, baseline; the ?natural state' is a moving target. The picture is complicated further by the persistent and increasing effects of anthropogenic climate change and the long history of human land-use. New scientific insights call for more sophisticated consideration of the goals and standards of restoration and, perhaps, of conservation of natural systems generally. What ecosystem attributes are to be restored, conserved, or preserved? How should these priorities be informed by ecological research? How can we assess the effectiveness of restoration?
Two
members of the BOGLAND team will present their work:
oOo
Are all ecosystem functions equal or are some more equal than others? Results from the restoration of a montane blanket bog in Ireland
Dr David Wilson, Louise Deering, Dr Nicholas Clipson and Dr Fiona Doohan
Abstract
Blanket bogs are globally important peatland ecosystems in terms of their distribution, unique flora and fauna and carbon (C) storage function. Additionally, they are considered as priority habitats under Annex 1 of the European Union Habitats Directive. Montane blanket bogs (found at altitudes greater than 150 m above sea level) are the most widespread peatland type in Ireland but have been subject to considerable anthropogenic disturbance through small scale peat harvesting (mechanical or hand cutting), which has resulted in a considerable reduction in the area of intact blanket bog in the country. Harvesting may result in severe alterations of the ecological functions performed by the intact bog. For example, disruption of the hydrological regime by drainage may impact on both the microbial and vegetation composition within the bog, which in turn may affect biogeochemical cycling and result in the possible loss of the C sink function.
Restoration of the functions characteristic of the intact ecosystem may prove to be a considerable challenge and assessing its success or failure may prove highly subjective. Is it desirable to restore all functions? If this is not achievable, which functions are more critical and at what point do we consider that the restoration process has been successful? In this study, we assessed the effects of restoration (blocking of drainage ditches / natural regeneration) on a range of ecological functions on a montane blanket bog in Ireland. Biogeochemical cycling (carbon dioxide and methane), water table levels, vegetation composition and microbial communities were sampled over a 12-month period in both intact and restored parts of the bog. The results from the study will present an opportunity to assess how restoration has affected the ecological functioning of the bog.
oOo
'The
future of Irish peatlands: a delicate exercise in balancing scientific
knowledge and management options'.
Dr Florence Renou-Wilson
Abstract
________________________________________
ECO-Summit Beijin, China
Marcus Collier
presented at the ecological
sustainability (EcoSummit) in
Abstract
AN INVESTIGATION OF POST-INDUSTRIAL PEATLANDS AS 'AREAS OF SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL POTENTIAL' IN IRELAND
Authors
& affiliations:
Collier1,2,, M.J., Feehan1, J. and Scott2, M.
1 School of Biological & Environmental Sciences,
University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4
2 School of Geography, Planning & Environmental Policy,
University College Dublin, Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14
Introduction
Over the last 200 years many of Irelands peatlands have been harvested, first
by hand and then on an industrial scale. This has caused much habitat loss
and/or degradation. Today, as they approach the end of their productive life,
there is concern over what the cutaway peatland areas will be used for and how
they will be managed. There are no long-term policies on, and little
stakeholder involvement in, afteruse planning or management. Spontaneous and
managed regeneration has occurred in some areas and it is now known that that
Irish cutaway peatlands have a high ecological potential. But what of the
communities that live within peatland areas? This presentation will describe
attempts to determine stakeholder opinions using multiple research
methodologies, including one devised for the task, that reveal the desire for a
biodiversity afteruse option.
Methods
This study utilises a multiple methodology approach that includes:
" interdisciplinary literature synthesis to identify:
o the ecological variables necessary to maximise ecological potential
o the social constructs with which to integrate these variables;
" qualitative (semi-structured) research to identify sociological
parameters using:
o open-ended interviews with professional and community stakeholders
o ethnographic, action-research in peatland areas
o targeted and random focus groups;
" quantative (questionnaire) data to gather information of attitudes to
peatlands using:
o a nationwide survey utilising choice experiments
o boosted regional surveys to accompany the nationwide survey
o self-directed questionnaires.
Results
Though research is ongoing, the qualitative sections of this research have been
completed and analysed. Early data show that stakeholder concern is ubiquitous
and there is universal opinion that cutaway peatlands have highest value if
utilised for amenity and biodiversity conservation. Landscape planning issues
are also of concern, specifically overdevelopment of rural areas and damage to
water supplies. There is a high willingness to accept non-market usage of
harvested peatlands.
Discussion
The importance of utilising new and combined methodological approaches in
interdisciplinary research is illustrated in this study. In contrast to current
social-ecological studies, which concentrate on existing habitats and
ecosystems, this study examines extremely damaged habitats with no practical
possibility of complete restoration. The data show that harvested peatlands may
be viewed as 'areas of social-ecological potential' though no specific habitat
is preferred. This common desire for ecological afteruse of peatlands may be
crucial when the next phase, collaborative management, is undertaken and when
long-term afteruse policies are being decided upon.
________________________________________
18th
European Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference 2007, Ancona, Italy, 17 - 20
June 2007
Noel Boylan, PhD student with Dr Mike Long from the School of Architecture Landscape and Civil Engineering, UCD is currently studying slope stability and slippage in peatlands as part of the BOGLAND work package 3.4.
Noel gave presentation at the above conference entitled: The shear strength of peat and its role in landslide events
Abstract:
This paper looks at the issue of landslides in peat and its shear strength properties. The occurrence of peat failures in Ireland and the apparent trigger factors are discussed. Fundamental differences between peat and mineral soils are identified which question the applicability of traditional soil mechanics strength models. To begin a study on the shear strength properties of peat - a new direct simple shear apparatus (DSS) with the facility to consolidate samples at low stresses and monitor the deformation during shearing is introduced. This apparatus uses innovation PIV techniques to track the actual strains within the sample to observe how the material deforms and assists in the interpretation of failure.
________________________________________
International Perspectives on Peatland
Degradation and Restoration: From Science to Practice
Bringing
scientists and practitioners together to discuss the restoration of naturally
and anthropogenically disturbed mires, we aim to compare the international
experience of peat mine restoration with UK work on eroded peatlands.
&
International Perspectives on Spatial
Analysis and Catchment Modeling
Showcasing the State of the Science and exploring future directions, including novel data sources and modes of analysis.
June 25th (catchments) and June
26th (peatlands), Manchester University
Dr Florence Renou-Wilson and Marcus Collier will attended this conference where invited speakers included Dr Jonathan Price (University of Waterloo), Dr Eevastiina Tuittila (University of Helsinki), Dr Fred Worrall (University of Durham) and Dr Joe Holden (University of Leeds). http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/geography/research/eprg/
ESAI
Connemara Walk - 25 May 2007
The ESAI hosted a field trip
in Connemara on Friday May 25th. The trip incorporated a guided walk
through Teagasc's farm in Leenaun and Michael Walsh from Teagasc, Bryony
Williams (PhD student) and Ger Lynch (Master's student) presented their work
which is part of BOGLAND work package 3.6 on the causes and impacts of preferential
sheep grazing in upland and peatland habitats. The walk continued in the
Connemara National Park where Ger O'Donnell guided us.
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Clockwise: Michael Walsh leads the ESAI group through the Teagasc Leenaun Farm. Ger Lynch explains his study of physical and ecological impact of preferential sheep grazing at three sites representing different grazing intensity. Ger presents a number of field methods to quantify micro-erosion: collection of sediment in tray at a sheep-rest area and a home-made pin-profiler for measurements of micro-changes in peat height
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Carbon
in Peatlands:
State-of-the-Art and Future Research
Wageningen, the Netherlands
More at: http://www.peatnet.siu.edu/CC07MainPage.html
Dr John Connolly who works on the BOGLAND project, sub-project 3: 'mapping of peatlands', was one of the 36 abstracts chosen out of 150 for the Carbon in peatlands conference (selection based on quality, novelty and geographic representation of research sites). This work was based on part of his PhD work when he was staying at McGill University, Montreal, Canada and collaborating with Prof. Nigel Roulet. He gave a presentation in front of 170 delegates.
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Dr John Connolly presents his work based on his PhD work with Prof Nigel Roulet
Abstract:
Northern peatlands contain approximately one third of global soil carbon. Climate simulations have indicated that higher latitudes may experience warming and changes in available moisture. Many peatlands are located in remote boreal and sub arctic climatic zones, therefore developing methods that utilise remotely sensed data to infer changes in ecosystem productivity and net carbon exchange would be very useful. While there has been considerable effort to develop these types of tools for forests and croplands, peatlands have received little attention. In this paper we used satellite data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS); fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation Absorbed (fPAR), in conjunction with Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE), Ecosystem Respiration (ER) and Incident Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) from tower eddy covariance and meteorological measurements, to characterise the Light Use Efficiency (e) variability for two contrasting Canadian peatlands. Four years of data from the Mer Bleue bog and one and a half years of data from the Western Peatland were examined. The maximum ε value for each of the four years (2000 to 2003) at the Mer Bleue bog ranged from 0.58 g C MJ-1 to 0.78 g C MJ-1 and at the Western Peatland was 0.91g C MJ-1 in 2004. The average growing season ε was 0.35 g C MJ-1 for the Mer Bleue bog (over four years) and was 0.57 g C MJ-1 for the Western Peatland was in 2004. The average snow free period ε for the Mer Bleue bog over the four year period was 0.27 g C MJ-1 and for the Western Peatland in 2004 was 0.39 g C MJ-1.
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12th Sustainable
Living Festival
'Powering Down Our Communities'
17th to 22nd April 2007
Dublin, Ireland
Faced with Climate Change and Peak Oil, it’s time for us all to act creatively, to change our lifestyles, to re-engage with our communities, to save energy, or more simply... Power Down
Dr Craig Bullock who works on the BOGLAND project, sub-project 4: Socio-economics and policy aspects of peatland was asked by Sustainable Tourism Ireland to give a presentation at the 12th Sustainable Living Festival on the 17th April in the Cultivate, Living and Learning Centre, Temple Bar, Dublin. His talk will concentrate on the creation of a Wetlands Park. For more information see: http://www.sustainable.ie/convergence/index.htm
Abstract:
The UCD BOGLAND Project is a significant research project being undertaken on behalf of the EPA. The objective of the project is to identify options for the sustainable management of Ireland's peatlands, i.e. raised bogs, blanket bogs and fens. Ireland's peatlands are a familiar feature our own cultural landscape and, as such, a feature that attracts tourists to Ireland. Unfortuantely, they are under serious threat from peat harvesting (both collection and drainage), commercial forestry and, potentially, from climate change. A small number, such as that at Lough Boora, are being actively protected and are a valuable amenity and tourist resource to local communities.
One element of the BOGLAND Project is to investigate the potential for cut-away peatlands, namely those peatlands that are at the end of their working life, in particular the large-scale workings managed by Bord na Mona. Over the next 20 years, a substantial area of cut-away peatland will emerge, particularly in the Midlands counties.
The cut-away area will be of very limited value for either agriculture or forestry. One option is for these peatlands to be rehabilitated. Partial restoration is possible in some locations, albeit as some expense.
Another option is for the area to become flooded and for native trees to regenerate on drier areas. Given the scale of the potential area available in the vicinity of Longford, there is an opportunity to create a National Wetlands Park. Such a possibility has already been discussed by the Oireachtas.
A National Wetlands Park could be a significant amenity and tourism resource for Ireland. At present, the Burren is the only example we have of a distinct natural large-scale landscape. It is also an important tourist resource.
A Wetlands Park could be devloped as an example of sustainable tourism that would benefit the regional economy. It could function as a reserve for wildlife and a landscape for recreation. Other possible uses could include biofuels (wood energy), wind energy (wind turbines) and active sports/recreation such as water sports or off-road driving. Naturally, these latter activities do present challenges for sustainability, but these are not insurmountable.
As part of the BOGLAND Project, UCD is currently undertaking a public survey to collect information on how much people would value a National Wetlands Park and what activities it should support. The images below present two possible options.
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ENVIRON
2007: Institute of Technology CARLOW
26th – 28th January 2007
Four BOGLAND members presented their research at the Environ2007 conference
From Workpackage 3.6: Sheep grazing on upland peats
Physical and
ecological impacts of preferential grazing areas in western hill and mountain peatland
Gerard Lynch*(1), Micheal Walsh(2), Rogier Schulte(3) and Richard Moles(4)
(1)Teagasc
Research Centre, Athenry, Co,
(2)Teagasc
Research Centre, Athenry, Co,
(3)Teagasc
Research Centre,
(4)Prof.
R. Moles, CES Department, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co.
The
project is part of an overall programme to achieve sustainable agri- environmental
management of hill and mountain peat land. Peat soils occupy a very high
proportion of the western hill/mountain landscape in
The objective of this study is to quantify the physical impact of hill sheep at low, medium and high levels of grazing by quantifying changes in micro soil erosion, plant cover and soil nutrient content over time.
Sites representing three grazing intensities (low, medium, high) were selected in the Connemara region of Galway and Mayo based on altitude and physiography. Within each site four areas associated with sheep activity namely high and low densities of occupation, sheep ‘camps’ and movement corridors were chosen. These were identified largely by random selection from existing databases for the medium level of grazing and by field examination of physiographic transects in the low and high levels of grazing.
Methods to measure changes in micro-erosion and deformation of soil surface include rainfall detachment trays (constructed), Gerlough troughs, splash cups, micro-topographic pin profilers (designed) and reference marker pins. All the sites have been sampled for soil fertility analysis.
Results of the micro-soil erosion, plant cover and soil nutrient analysis will be correlated with relevant farm management systems details and local weather data to identify sustainable agri-environmental management strategies of hill and mountain peat land.
Also from Workpackage 3.6: Sheep grazing on upland peats
What are the
habitat preferences of Scottish Blackface hill sheep and the implications for
blanket bog conservation?
(1-2)
Teagasc Research Centre, Athenry, Co.
(1) bryony.williams@nuigalway.ie (2) michael.walsh@teagasc.ie
(3)
Applied Ecology Unit, Centre for Environmental Science,
Blanket
bog has been identified as a priority habitat for conservation under Annex I of
the EU Habitats Directive. This habitat
occurs in the mountainous regions of western
Spatial distribution of hill sheep was uneven from preferred areas with high occupation to unoccupied areas. From ten available habitat types, acid grassland was most preferred, blanket bog of low preference and cutover bog most avoided. Management prescriptions to redistribute grazing pressure, such as seasonal grazing, regular shepherding, temporary fencing or the strategic use of supplementary feed blocks, are required to achieve long-term conservation and agricultural objectives.
From Workpackage 2.6: Aquatic biodiversity:
*Edel Hannigan and Kelly-Quinn, M.
Limnology Unit,
A NATIONAL BIOENERGY STRATEGY BASED ON PEATLANDS AS THE BASE AREA FOR BIOMASS GROWTH
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Irish
Peatland Society Seminar
10 October 2006
Dublin Airport
The first
Irish Peat Society held a seminar on Tuesday 10th October 2006 in the Great
Southern Hotel at Dublin airport. The seminar focused on mire, peatland,
and peat research and activity on the island of
Ireland. Proceedings are available from Catherine.Farrell@bnm.ie
Connolly, J. 2006. Using GIS and remote sensing to study the Irish peatland resource. Peatland utilisation and research in Ireland 2006, Dublin, Irish Peatland Society, pp. 60-65.
Renou, F. 2006. BOGLAND Project: a research programme to develop a protocol for the sustainable management of peatlands in Ireland. Peatland utilisation and research in Ireland 2006, Dublin, Irish Peat Society, pp. 52-55.
Wilson, D. 2006. Climate change, carbon and Irish peatlands. Peatland utilisation and research in Ireland 2006, Dublin, Irish Peatland Society, pp. 56-59.
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4th
International Conference on Soft Soil Engineering, Vancouver
Noel Boylan gave a talk on the Characterisation of peat using full flow penetrometers at the 4th International Conference on Soft Soil Engineering in Vancouver, Canada, 4-5 October 2006.
For more details see: http://www.civil.ualberta.ca/icsse/Program_ICSSE_23Se06.pdf
Bridge
& Infrastructure Research in Ireland Symposium
Noel Boylan also gave a presentation at the Bridge & Infrastructure Research in Ireland Symposium held in the Urban Institute of Ireland in UCD as well as Trinity College Dublin, 12 and 13 October 2006
For more details see: http://www.ucd.ie/uii/1_6_NU.htm
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5th
European Conference on Ecological Restoration
Four members of the BOGLAND team participated in the 5th Europe Conference on Ecological Restoration which is taking place in Greifswald, Germany, 22-25 August 2006.
Dr David Wilson and Florence Renou, from University College Dublin presented a poster entitled: 'The status of Irish peatlands and their future management: carbon gas exchange along a degradation gradient'
The poster can be downloaded here: Greifswald, Wilson_Renou_2006.pdf
Marcus Collier gave a presentation on his PhD work dealing with the socio-cultural aspect of developing industrial cutaway peatland: The National Wetlands Wilderness Park -Developing a strategy for cutaway peatland afteruse in Ireland.
Dr Catherine Farrell, from Bord na Mona gave a presentation on her PhD work in Bellacorrick, Co. Mayo: Rehabilitation of an industrial peat-production landscape in the West of Ireland
For more information on the conference see: http://www.uni-greifswald.de/SER2006/
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BMS (British Mycological Society) annual conference
Louise Deering from the BOGLAND team, Work Package 2.4 will participate in the annual BMS meeting, 4-7 in September, which focuses on 'Stress in Yeasts and Filamentous Fungi'
For more information on the conference see http://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/events/showevent.asp?EventID=90.
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28 April 2006
BOGLAND steeting committee meeting
EPA, Clonskeagh Road, Dublin 14
Prof. Harri Vasander, University of Helsinki, Finland
Dr Hans Joosten, University of Greifswald, Germany
Bob Davidson, Department of the Environment, NI
Caitriona Douglas, NPWS, Dublin
Gerry McNally, Bord na Mona, Newbridge
and
the BOGLAND team
CLICK HERE FOR PRESENTATION AND PHOTOS OF FIELDTRIP
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January 2006
Florence Renou presented the BOGLAND project at the ENVIRON 06 conference on Saturday 28th January 2006 in UCD. For more information about the conference, double click the logo below.
Abstract
BOGLAND is a large-scale 3-year project running from
2005 to 2008 and it is funded by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency,
under the ERTDI Programme, within the National Development Plan. The objectives
are to review and synthesise current information on environmental, social and
institutional aspects of peatland utilisation and management, and to address
some of the gaps identified by conducting research on carefully selected sites.
The ultimate aim is to develop guidelines for the future management of
peatlands in
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