Sponsors

Forest Service

Coford    NDP

Coillte Teoranta

Bord na Móna

BOGFOR 3 Programme 

2001-2003

Research programme to develop a forest resource on industrial cutaway peatland in the midlands

Introduction

     The cutaway bogs of the midlands have unique site characteristics for which conventional site preparation and crop establishment techniques have limited applicability. A cohesive, focused research programme was required to address the problems of the cutaway bogs and to develop a new approach to their afforestation and subsequent management.

     The research programme BOGFOR 3 was initiated in March 1998. The programme is of 15 years duration, which is divided into three phases. The initiation phase (Phase I ) which was financed by the Forest Service, Bord na Móna and Coillte is now completed and has raised already significant findings but further research is needed. Bord na Móna and Coillte are also partner in Phase II, the consolidation phase which is mainly financed by COFORD under the National Development Plan. 

Phase I -Initiation phase (March 1998 to December 1999) (Completed)

Phase II -Consolidation phase (January 2000 to December 2006)

Phase III -Completion phase (January 2007 to December 2012).

Objectives

     The main objective of the research programme is to maximise the forestry potential of industrial cutaway peatland.

     The main goals of the programme are to improve existing crops and to maximise site productivity for future crops.

     To provide a cohesive and focused approach, the programme was designed as a single project with multitasks to which trials and experiments are attached. Each task was designed to answer specific question(s) such as, what species are suited to the conditions on the cutaway peatlands? What type of site preparation should be carried out? How best can failed areas be reconstituted?