Fens: Discover the lesser known gems of the midlands

The Tóchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Project is restoring fens across the midlands, an often lesser known yet equally important wetland type. While bogs are rain-fed, fens are wetland areas fed by groundwater or springs.

Fens tend support a wide variety of plants and insects including orchids, dragonflies, reed bunting, and sedge warblers.

Fens play a quiet but powerful role in:

1. Absorbing excess rainfall, reducing flood risk

2. Filtering water, improving quality downstream

3. Storing carbon, like other peatlands

4. Supporting rare biodiversity, often found nowhere else.

Join us at our Tóchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration public information evening, Thursday 11 September 7.30-8.30pm

This informative session will highlight the ecological and societal benefits of fen restoration, including improved water quality and carbon storage, and explain some financial incentives available for restoration initiatives.

Restoration plans will be developed for 36 fen sites across the Just Transition region, led by a multi-disciplinary team from Arup consultants, with the first phase beginning in the autumn.

Sites we will be providing information on at this session includes Scragh Bog, Co. Westmeath, Fin Lough, County Offaly, fens at Lough Garr and Lough Owel, County Westmeath.

All are welcome to attend, whether you’re a landowner, environmental enthusiast, or local decision-maker, this meeting is your chance to learn how fen restoration can enrich the Midlands for present and future generations.

Light refreshments will be served on the night. 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.