Three local wetland sites for restoration
Details of a new restoration project aimed at protecting and reviving some of the unique natural treasures in the midlands were shared at a gathering at Bloomfield House Hotel on Thursday evening, September 11.
The information evening focused on the Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration Project, which is bringing fens – a special type of peatland – back to health. The first four sites selected for restoration are Scragh Bog, Lough Garr and Lough Owel, in Westmeath, and Fin Lough in Offaly.
The Tóchar Project is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition fund.
"It's heartening to see the genuine interest people have in these magical fen sites," said Tóchar project manager Shirley Clerkin.
“We were delighted to welcome landowners and local people to our event, working together is the only solution to ensure nature is with us in the long-term.
"Our mission is to help nature in the midlands survive and thrive in its special wetlands, and at the same time activating a renewal of interest and custodianship of these important places.”
Fens are a special type of peatland, that due to flows of groundwater are more alkaline than acidic bogs.
Their waterlogged condition slows down the decomposition of decaying plants, forming peat and carbon stores. Fens support a unique range of plants, including sedges, rushes, brown mosses and flowering plants like bogbean and marsh willowherb. Unlike bogs, which act like giant sponges, fens filter and clean water contributing to a healthier local environment.
Arup have provided a multi-disciplinary team of ecologists, hydrogeologists and engineers to work on the project, and Gerry Baker, from Arup, who is working on the fens restoration project said Arup’s role on the project is to provide the multi-disciplinary technical expertise needed to ensure the successful restoration of the critical wetland sites.
“We are applying a rigorous, evidence-based approach to the hydrological and ecological assessments, which is essential for developing effective, long-term restoration measure,” Mr Baker said, adding that the initiative aligned perfectly with Arup’s commitment to sustainable development and leveraging its engineering and environmental consulting skills to address key climate and biodiversity challenges.”
The Tóchar project plans to assess 36 fen sites across the midlands in the coming years. The project, through its EU Just Transition funding, will fully fund all the scientific assessments, on-the-ground restoration work, and monitoring. In addition, financial incentives are available to landowners who participate.
To learn more about the Tóchar Project, share your views, sign up to the newsletter or participate in upcoming initiatives, visit tocharwetlands.ie or follow the project on Instagram or Facebook and LinkedIn.