1. Certificate in
Environmental Studies 2015
An Analysis of Kildare’s Peatland Resource, it’s
Biodiversity & the Potential Land Use Options
for Cutaway Bogs
By
Mervyn Walsh
Due Date: 20.04.2015
Word Count: 2,750 words
(Excludes contents, executive summary, methodology, assumptions, conclusions, recommendations,
references & bibliography, appendices)
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2. CONTENTS
Chapter Page
Acknowledgements ii
1. Executive Summary
- Objectives & Brief 3
2. Research Methodology 5
3. Assumptions 6
4. Analysis & Evaluation of Kildare’s Peatland Resource 8
- Origins of Peat Forming Wetlands
- Cultural Importance
- Types of Wetland Habitats
- Conservation & Biodiversity of cutaway bogs
- Rehabilitation of cutaway bogs
- Alternative land use for cutaway bogs
- Carbon Restore Project
- Threats to Kildare’s Future Natural Heritage & Biodiversity
5. Conclusions 19
6. Recommendations 21
7. Reference 23
8. Bibliography 24
Appendices: Kildare Map: NHA & SAC Sites
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3. Acknowledgements
The author wishes to acknowledge all those who assisted and advised him
during the course of the research, especially:
Dermot Guiney MSc EDM, BSc(Eng), Dip(Eng), MIEI
Environmental Lecturer
Communication & Management Institute Ireland
14A Cashel Business Centre
Cashel Road
Dublin 12
Janine Kennedy
Environmental Lecturer
Communication & Management Institute Ireland
14A Cashel Business Centre
Cashel Road
Dublin 12
Dr Catherine Farrell
Ecologist
Bord na Mona Plc
Main Street
Newbridge
Co Kildare
Dr Catherine O Connell (Ecologist)
Chief Executive
Irish Peatland Conservation Council
Bog of Allen Nature Centre
Lullymore
Rathangan
Co Kildare
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4. 1. Executive Summary
The purpose of the project is to examine peatland resources e.g. Bog of Allen
in county Kildare, specifically the use of cutaway bogs and their potential
opportunities and threats to biodiversity. Both primary and secondary
research was conducted during the compilation of the project. A
comprehensive investigation of the subject matter was conducted and a
thorough analysis of the literature on the subject was reviewed.
Kildare has a rich and diverse natural heritage with a wide variety of wildlife
habitats including peatlands, grassland, woodland, hedgerows, rivers and
canals. Urban areas support wildlife habitats in parks and green spaces,
stone walls and bridges, gardens and hedgerows and along waterways. There
are many ways to enjoy the rich biodiversity in Kildare: while racing at the
Curragh, walking Donadea woods, boating on the canals, visiting Peatland
World or the Bog of Allen Nature Centre at Lullymore.
The cutaway bogs of Kildare will essentially form the core area of land within
Bord na Mona when peat production ceases – up to 80% of the total land
holding. The cutaway bogs will present the most significant opportunity for
potential expansion of biodiversity within the Irish Midlands landscape
particularly in the Bog of Allen region.
In terms of rehabilitation and environmental stabilisation of the cutaway bogs,
natural colonisation is viewed as the most sustainable option. Some
grasslands on the edge of the Bog of Allen have proven of great value as
winter feeding areas for Lapwing, Curlew, Golden Plover and Whooper Swan.
There have been a number of commercial developments on cutaway bogs
such as the landfill site and composting facility at Drehid, Carbury Co. Kildare
and the wind farm projects at Mount Lucas, Co. Offaly and the proposed
project in North Kildare. Any proposed development projects will require site
specific development plans to account for changes in land use. All proposed
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5. developments will need to pass the appropriate Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) taking account of the requirements under the EU Habitats
Directive in terms of Ecological Impact Assessment. Small scale biodiversity
and community amenity projects should be included as a mitigation measure
to ensure sustainable biodiversity.
Key recommendations are made for the enhancement of biodiversity in
Kildare’s peatlands for the benefit of the local community and in the interests
of conserving both wildlife in a raised bog wetlands habitat for future
generations. Thus ensuring Kildare becomes a national leader in the
management, protection and enhancement of its natural heritage and
biodiversity.
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6. 2. Research Methodology
The author conducted a comprehensive investigative study of Kildare’s
peatlands, the current status of cutaway bogs and biodiversity within the
peatlands, rehabilitation and land use options for cutaway bogs within the
Bog of Allen. The research involved the following data sources:
Primary Data Collection:
Primary data collection consisted of meetings and informal interviews of
industry specialists, ecologists and academics in both the private and
public sectors.
The interviews and observations captured an insight into Kildare’s
Pearland’s.
Secondary Data:
The following secondary data sources were consulted:
• Company records e.g. Bord na Mona & IPCC
• Syndicated Data e.g. Kildare County Council Biodiversity Plan
• Central Bank annual reports & quarterly bulletins
• Independent research publications from Bord na Mona & KCC
• Academic & trade publications
• Internet e.g. on-line publications, company websites and blogs
The use of both primary and secondary data sources enabled the author to
successfully complete the investigative study on Kildare peatlands, their
biodiversity and potential land use in the foreseeable future. This enabled a
critical appraisal of the current state of Kildare’s peatland resource.
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7. 3. Assumptions
• Bord na Mona is a semi-state company created in 1946 by the Turf
Development Act 1946. The company is responsible for the
mechanised harvesting of peat, primarily in the Midlands and Bog of
Allen.
• Bord na Mona owns up to 80,000 hectares of bogland and associated
areas in Ireland. Active peat production accounts for up to 65% of this
area. The remainder comprises rehabilitation and naturally colonising
cutaway bog areas (10%), wind farms (8%), fringe areas on the edge
of bogs (12%) and Coillte leased plantation areas (4%).
• The cutaway bogs will essentially form the core area of land within
Bord na Mona when peat production ceases – up to 80% of the total
land holding.
• It is estimated that 32% of the land in Kildare is considered marginal
and as such large areas of forestry and bogland are prevalent
throughout the county.
• East Kildare cutaway bogs will present the most significant opportunity
for potential expansion of biodiversity within the Irish Midlands.
• It is important that a balanced approach is taken to the development of
peatland resources in order to minimise the negative impact on
biodiversity, archaeological and cultural heritage.
• Biodiversity is defined as “The variability among living organisms from
all sources including; Terrestrial, Marine and other Aquatic ecosystems
and the ecological complexes of which they are part, including diversity
within species, between species and of ecosystems”. It highlights the
interdependence and interconnectedness of all living things.
• National colonisation is viewed as the most sustainable option.
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8. • Recommendations have been made in the report taking into account
the legal framework of the EU Habitats Directive.
• The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) is an independent
conservation organisation founded in 1982 to campaign for bogs and
wildlife and to conserve peatland conservation all over Ireland.
• IPCC is a not-for-profit organisation with nearly 60% of its revenue
donated by supporters.
• IPCC owns and manages three peatlands for conservation in Kildare
and Waterford. They own the Bog of Allen Nature Centre which opens
to visitors and school groups. Click on link to find out more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc799Satg3k
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9. 4. Analysis & Evaluation of Kildare’s Peatland Resource
A wetland is covered with water for much or all of the year and is transitional
between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It supports aquatic vegetation
that is specifically adapted for waterlogged soil conditions as found in
Kildare’s bogs or fens (Oxford, Park & Allaby 2013)
A bog is a poorly drained area of shrubby peat dominated by specialised acid
tolerant vegetation including shrubs, sedges and peat moss. It is a spongy
wetland habitat with a high water table and has a high content of organic
remains. A bog is similar to but more acidic than a fen e.g. Timahoe Bog.
A Fen is a wetland dominated by marsh like vegetation which receives water
both from rainfall and from groundwater. In summer the water table is at or
below the surface of the upper layer of sediment. It is a peat-forming
environment. Bogs have similar types of vegetation but are fed only by
rainwater e.g. Pollardstown Fen.
Origins of Peat Forming Wetlands
Wetlands are mostly peat-forming. Peat accumulates where the conditions
are too waterlogged for vegetation to decompose, which instead builds up into
a layer of organic material. This helps to retain moisture, raising the local
water table. Peat can reach several metres in depth and in bogs isolates the
vegetation from the more mineral nutrient rich groundwater.
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10. Wetlands can show a variety of transitional stages represented by different
vegetation types and structures. The classic development from open water
through swamp and fen to carr woodland to ombrotrophic bog is referred to as
a hydrose. The process of succession can take anything from 1,000 to about
4,000 years which means that most, post-glacial waterbodies have long since
completed their hydrose development. Succession from open water to swamp
via submerged and emergent aquatic plants depends on the water depth
being less than one metre. Through siltation and deposition of organic
material, swamp vegetation can take hold provided there is no erosion. In
some cases woody species may colonise, but where the surface conditions
become more acidic, the growth of bog mosses can trigger the development
of Raised Bog.
Raised bog is generally found in the plains of Kildare or on valley floors where
the topography impedes natural drainage. Characterised as a bog that has a
shallow domed shaped cross section so that the bog surface at least in the
centre is raised above the normal level of groundwater. The dome of the bog
is composed of water held in place between particles of peat and covered with
a skin of vegetation, beneath which peat formation is ongoing. Bog mosses
act as a sponge, holding water gained through precipitation. This water is
gradually lost through evapo-transpiration by seepage through the sides of the
dome and in some cases by stream originating within the bog. Mosses include
Magellanic, Papillose, Red, Feathery and Soft bog mosses (Wildlife Habitats
of Britain & Ireland 2015). Raised bogs are discreet entities in the landscape
formed of a dome of peat that can rise several metres above the surrounding
agricultural land.
Raised bog have fared particularly badly in the past 100 years with less than
1% of Irish bogs persisting in a relatively undisturbed condition. Many have
been degraded having been drained or cut for peat. These are more heathery
and sometimes support an open canopy of birch, pine and Rhododendron
woodland. Of the original 310,000 hectares of raised bog in Ireland, only 1%
remains as active bog, although it is estimated that restoration may be
possible on a further 15%.
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11. Cultural Importance
If you can picture the extensive wetland wilderness of the bogs of Kildare as
being wild in aspect, however many were used extensively where reed and
sedge were cut traditionally for thatch but declined in the mid-20th
century.
They were used extensively for grazing livestock and wildfowling. In Kildare
the peatlands still hold a unique place in Irish culture. Featured in Irish
mythology, folklore, music and poetry as symbolised in the Irish psyche by
Seamus Heaney.
Peatlands are unique among habitats in their capacity to record the story of
the landscape and sometimes of the people who lived there. They are
museums of the past, preserving in layers of peat evidence of environmental
and cultural change. A visit to The Bog of Allen Nature Centre at Rathangan.
Co. Kildare, you get to experience how life was living in a 1960’s traditional
Irish cottage. The largest peat bog in Ireland covering 950 Sq. Km through
nine counties in the middle of Ireland. The Bog of Allen is a wetland system
that took 10,000 years to form. Many visitors are amazed with the colours of
wildflowers and abundance of wildlife in the Bog of Allen. Click or view the link
provided to get a flavour of what is in store:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojS9yC3WVE8
Types of Wetland Habitats
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12. Wetland habitats are characterised in terms of their hydrology (including the
source, base-status and nutrient status of the water), their topography, the
vegetation they support and how they have been used. There are six types of
wetland: Blanket Bog, Raised Bog, Valley Mire, Lowland Fen, Reedbed,
Upland Spring and Flush.
Raised bogs are a priority habitat in Annex I of the European Union Habitats
Directive. They support a variety of plants that can cope with wet and acidic
conditions including the insect-eating Sundews. They also provide a home
and food for a variety of birds and other animals.
Habitats within cutaway bogs can be broken into a number of broad
categories:
Pioneer Vegetation: largely comprises sedges, reeds, rushes or grassland
species. Pioneer colonisation usually comprises mono-dominant species
stands which have shown to develop more complex vegetation within a 5-10
year timeframe given no active management or disturbance.
Open Water: Generally slower to colonise and the main species are emergent
aquatics such as Common Reed and Bulrush at the edges of open water
which may spread over time similar to the vegetation that was present after
the ice-age 10,000 years ago. Over time lakes began to form and once bog
mosses e.g. Sphagnum colonised these areas, peat formation began.
Poor Fen: A very common habitat throughout cutaway bogs. The main
species are Soft Rush and Bog Cotton. Where these areas become wetter
either through drain blocking or natural rewetting, more complex wetland
communities form. Where they remain relatively dry, Birch scrub emerges
usually leading to more Birch woodland community.
Rich Fen: Less frequent in occurrence and develops where there are mineral
rich springs. The species present are Black Bog Rush and Saw Sedge with a
ground layer of brown mosses.
Embryonic Peatland Communities: Commercial peat production prohibits the
restoration of conditions of peat-forming Sphagnum species due to the high
PH of alkaline sub-soils. Spontaneous establishment of peat-forming
vegetation on the cutaway include Sundews and Bladderwort in pools and
waterlogged drains.
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13. Reed-Bed and Tall-Bed Swamps: These are generally associated with
drainage ditches and open water. There is greater potential for reed-bed
establishment in the future.
Grassland: There are generally few areas of grassland but where alkaline
soils are exposed, areas can develop orchid-rich and herb-rich communities.
Dry Heathland: Generally established in close proximity to grassland areas
where vegetation is largely dominated by Ling and Heatland Mosses.
Birch Scrub: A more common habitat depending on local drainage and soils.
Where a bog is gravity drained, Birch woodland establishes. These areas
become colonised with pines such as Scots Pine, Lodgepole Pine and to a
lesser extent Yew and native species such as Willow, Oak and Rowan.
Conservation & Biodiversity of Cutaway Bogs
Bord Na Mona owns much of Kildare’s peatland resource, has identified some
areas of peatland of high nature conservation value, particularly cutaway bog
areas that have recolonized naturally and are developing high levels of
biodiversity. Even areas of cutaway peatland have a value for wildlife and
nature conservation. They have great potential to become natural reserves if
managed appropriately.
Cutaway bogs are rich in species diversity and of high conservation value.
These include species listed under Annex II of the European Habitats
Directive e.g. Otter and Marsh Fritillary Butterfly and Annex I of EU Birds
Directive e.g. Golden Plover & Kingfisher.
A number of mammal species have been sighted on cutaway bogs including
the common Fox, Badger, Hare, Rabbit, rodent species include Pygmy Shrew
and non-native species such as the Fallow Deer and Grey Squirrel. Less
prevalent are the protected species of the Red Squirrel, Otter, Red Deer and
Pine Martin.
Woodlands, scrub, hedgerow’s, treelines, sheltered water bodies and water
courses of Bord Na Mona cutaway bogs are ideal habitats for Bats. Species
recorded are the Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle and Leisler’s Bat.
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14. The Nathusius Pipistrelle may also occur near large water bodies if woodland
is adjacent.
Bogs are good for Common Toad and Common Frog, but Common Lizard
and Adder may also be seen.
The cutaway bogs of Kildare provide suitable vegetation and cover among the
wetlands for the Otter who depends on suitable feeding areas particularly
where there are streams and rivers inter-connected between sites. In fringe
areas of peatlands there are connecting corridors between most of the bog
areas via track-ways, railway lines and riparian zones. These potential
‘biodiversity highways’ provide a valuable link to flora and fauna to move
between areas and also provide a connection to habitats within and beyond
Kildare’s peatlands. Wildlife corridors are essential to sustained populations of
flora and fauna.
There are two sites in Kildare that are host to the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly.
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) manage a site at Lullmore,
Co Kildare and Butterfly Conservation Ireland a site at Lullybeg, near
Lullymore. The cutaway bog area is relatively small (8 hectares) and boast
impressive insect fauna with rare butterflies and moth species.
The Marsh Fritillary Butterfly is one of the most endangered species in
Europe. The beautiful butterfly has a chequered wing pattern resembling a
stained glass window and feeds on Devils-Bit Scabious which is abundant at
Lullybeg. The Lullybeg site is managed by members of Butterfly conservation
Ireland who employ a number of targeted management practices such as
scrub removal and managed grazing to maintain suitable habitat conditions
for the breeding butterflies. A total of 20 species of butterfly have been
recorded at Lullybeg. Key species sighted include: Grey Veined White, Large
White, Small White, Brimstone, Common Blue, Dingy Skippers, Wall Brown,
Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell
and Dark Green Fritillary.
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15. Pictured: Marsh Fritillary Butterfly
The cutaway bogs are proving to be very valuable areas for a range of bird
species. BirdWatch Ireland has highlighted the cutaway bogs as some of the
top sites in the Midlands to view birds. In winter months the main attractions to
the bogs are Whooper Swans, Lapwing and Golden Plover. Other species
include, Snipe, Skylark, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Black-Headed Gull, Ringed
Plover, Kingfisher, Red Grouse and Grey Partridge.
The open landscape and wetland areas are considered to be particularly
important for breeding waders, all of which are of particular concern in Ireland
due to habitat loss. However further detailed studies on the breeding ecology
of these species, including identification of nest predators and specific habitat
needs is required to ensure that the breeding wader population is maintained.
Cutaway bogs are suitable habitats for flora species such as Wintergreen,
Blue Fleabane and Bog Cotton is abundant on cutaways in May with its white
fluffy seed heads creating an entirely new landscape in full bloom across
Kildare. A lovely species is Marsh Helleborine, Marsh Orchids and Butterfly
Orchid. Also Heather in September is abundant and the boglands turn to
purple. These flora species have been recorded as conservation importance.
Characteristic plants include Cranberry, Bog-Rosemary and Round-Leaved
Sundew but look out also for generalist species such as the Lesser-Butterfly
Orchid.
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16. Check out the Lullmore Biodiversity Trail – BioBog project raising awareness
of Biodiversity in the Bog of Allen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-jQEnA6Jj8
Rehabilitation of Cutaway Bogs
Bord na Mona peat production activities are carried out under nine Integrated
Prevention Control Licenses that are issued and regulated by the EPA.
Condition 10 specifically relates to post production rehabilitation of cutaway
bogs. Essentially the main criterion is the stabilisation of the former production
area. This has been shown to be largely achieved by natural colonisation. The
steady re-vegetation of the cutaway bogs through natural processes is a key
element in stabilisation of the peat fields and fundamental to licensing
requirements set out for rehabilitation of the cutaway bogs by the EPA.
There is very little natural colonisation by peat-forming species such as
Sphagnum outside of the cutaway bogs. The regeneration of Sphagnum may
be possible in the future where production on the Kildare bogs does not
remove entirely the acidic peat layers such as in the bogs that are harvested
for the upper peat layers only.
On remaining bogs, conservation management centres on raising the water-
table by blocking perimeter and internal drains, creating hydrological buffer
zones at the margins and removing trees. Scrub encroachment is common on
bogs, particularly those drying out as a consequences of drainage or water
abstraction from underlying aquifers.
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17. Alternative Land Use of Cutaway Bogs
It was originally thought that cutaway bogs would serves as vast new lands
capable of development for commercial cultivation of trees, vegetables, tillage
crops and grassland to fatten cattle. However a number of commercial and
agricultural trials in the 1970’s and 80’s proved unsuccessful and did not fulfil
expectations.
One factor affecting potential after use is the drainage system of the bog.
Water levels in these areas will prohibit alternative after-use for forestry or
commercial crops. Natural colonisation is viewed as the most environmentally
sustainable option. Where agricultural grassland was developed successfully,
these areas have proven of great value in terms of wintering for Lapwing,
Curlew, Golden Plover and Whooper Swan.
There have been a number of other commercial developments of the cutaway
bog such as: a landfill site and composting facility at Drehid, Carbury, Co.
Kildare. In addition there are a 47 wind turbines (phase I) with a height of
170m with a set-back distance of 500m proposed for North Kildare and have
presently been submitted for planning by the Maighne Wind Farm company.
The international consulting and engineering consultancy carried out a study
of Ireland’s onshore wind energy potential by county. The study revealed that
Kildare and Longford have the poorest wind energy potential with a capacity
of 0.02 megawatts installed in the former and none in the latter by comparison
to the best wind capital – Cork with 400MW (Irish Independent, Irelands Wind
Energy).
One of Europe’s leading renewable energy experts Malcolm Brown joins the
Mirror Group campaign to save rural Ireland – and halt the march of the
pylons and turbines before it is too late. Ireland has an “all-wind strategy” to
meet EU 2020 renewable “green power” targets by doubling onshore wind
power. More wind power requires more pylons because it is produced in
remote places which are actually the heartlands of vital horse and tourism
industries. Tourism is worth €3.4 billion to the economy and horse racing is
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18. worth another €1 billion (Malcolm Brown, Irish Daily Mirror). Kildare’s equine
industry is hugely important to the economy while the county continues to
have the largest concentration of stud farms and trainers in the Country
(Kildare Biodiversity Action Plan).
Kildare County Council is currently preparing a Wind Energy Development
Strategy for Kildare. Other alternatives energy for cutaway bog such as
biomass crops (Hemp, Miscanthus, Reed Canary Grass & Willow),
Geothermal, forestry & wood waste by-product production (chip, bark &
sawdust) and Photovoltic Cell Farms should be given careful consideration
without compromising Kildare’s unique heritage and high quality landscape.
Given the low albedo (reflection coefficient) and high radiant energy
absorption of peatlands, further trials need to be conducted to evaluate the
energy effectiveness of Photovoltic cells vis-à-vis wind energy.
Carbon Restore Project
From a local to a global perspective, peatlands contain up to 30% of the
global soil carbon. Drainage of the peatlands, peat and turf production cause
release of carbon. Where former peat-forming conditions are restored,
peatlands can revert to carbon sinks. However where bogs are cutaway the
carbon sink potential is reduced by two thirds capacity.
Bord na Mona have commenced a research study involving measuring the
carbon emissions from an area of rehabilitated cutaway bog. Measurements
to date indicate that the rehabilitation of former peat production bog may be
reverting to a carbon sink and that peat formation processes have been
restored.
It is uncertain as to the extent whereby these conditions can be created
across the Bog of Allen. Industrial peat production on the former raised bogs
continues to lower peat layers that are influenced by minerogenic waters and
not favourable to re-establishment of peat-forming mosses. The results from
the research will provide valuable insights into determining whether conditions
will allow the creation of carbon sinks in the future.
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19. Threats to Kildare’s Natural Heritage and Biodiversity
Kildare’s natural habitats and species are under pressure from many threats
such as development, urban expansion, pollution, alien invasive species,
habitat loss and fragmentation, peat extraction, inappropriate management
and climate change.
There is strong evidence that Ireland’s climate is changing as can be seen in
the changes to our average temperature, rainfall intensity patterns, increased
flooding and extreme weather events. It is accepted we need to adapt to
these changes. The National Climate Change Adaption Framework requires
local authorities to integrate climate change adaption into development
planning. Potential impacts of climate change on biodiversity include shifts in
the distribution of plants and animals. Loss of habitat, changes in timing of
seasonal events, population declines/losses and expansion of invasive alien
species. Maintaining biodiversity and natural ecosystems in a healthy state
can help reduce the impact of climate change.
Alien species can sometimes be ‘invasive’ when they spread rapidly and
outcompete the native flora and fauna, pushing out native species, leading to
environmental degradation. Once introduced, control, management and
eradication where possible can become difficult and costly. The main non-
native flora species in Kildare’s peatlands are Lodgepole Pine, Sitka Spruce
and Rhododendron. Management of these species is not viewed as
problematic to date, however the situation needs to be monitored and
reviewed.
Further non-native fauna species on cutaway bogs and their management
have to be part of a nationwide policy and management approach e.g. the
Grey Squirrel and non-native Deer species.
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20. 5. Conclusions
The value of peatland to Kildare and the potential value of the cutaway bogs
in terms of national biodiversity is of strategic importance to the nations
Biodiversity Plan.
Bog is essentially a widely used term to describe peatlands, derived from the
Irish word ‘bog’ which literally means soft. Raised Bogs are domed shaped
peat masses that once covered extensive areas of Kildare and the
surrounding Midlands. Development of this bog type is dependent on the
presence of Sphagnum species or peat mosses. This vegetation which keeps
the peat surface waterlogged as the peat moss grows above the water-table,
which maintains the acid environment that favours continued Sphagnum
establishment. Ireland is home to some of the finest raised bogs in Europe;
those remaining examples are recognised as being of national and
international importance and protected under the Ramsar Convention on
Wetlands and the EU Habitats Directive.
It is estimated that 32% of the land in Kildare is considered marginal and as
such areas of forestry and bogland are prevalent throughout the county
(Kildare County Development Plan 2017-23, Issue Paper). It is important that
a balanced approach is taken to the development of peatland resources in
order to minimise the negative impact on biodiversity, archaeological and
cultural heritage.
While turf cutting has long been part of Irish culture, the industrialisation of
peat production did lead to loss of extensive areas of active raised bog habitat
in the Bog of Allen. The loss of these core raised boglands resulted in the loss
of key species such as the Bittern, Curlew, Red Grouse, Merlin and Hen
Harrier.
Bord na Mona continues to harvest peat in the Bog of Allen bogs and this
supplies energy to the national electricity grid, domestic fuel and horticultural
peat. These activities are finite and cannot be sustained as peat resources
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21. diminish. Peatlands are an excellent carbon sink that can absorb carbon
which has been released into the biosphere. Great potential exists to increase
the carbon sink potential by preserving our peatlands and by enlarging
afforestation in these areas.
We depend on Biodiversity for clean air, water, health soils, food, building
materials and medicine. The importance of a healthy environment for human
health and well-being is increasingly recognised. The conservation of
biodiversity and our peatlands in the Bog of Allen is an integral part of good
environmental management.
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22. 6. Recommendations
1. Cutaway peatlands have a value for wildlife and nature conservation.
They have great potential to become nature reserves if managed
appropriately. Bord na Mona who owns much of Kildare’s peatland
resources should seek to identify areas of high conservation value
particularly cutaway bog that have recolonized naturally and that are
developing high levels of biodiversity. These areas should be managed
to enhance and add value to the existing local, regional and national
biodiversity resource.
2. The Kildare County Development Plan 2017-23 should set out
guidelines in the planning and developments acts for the conservation
and protection of Kildare’s peatland resources.
3. The Kildare County Development Plan 2017-23 should ensure the
preservation of the character of the landscape (preservation of views
and prospects and the amenities of places and features of natural
beauty or conservation interest).
4. Community amenity projects that enhance biodiversity in cutaway bogs
should be encouraged and supported by both Kildare County Council,
Bord na Mona and government agencies. Biodiversity focused projects
e.g. Lullybeg Butterfly Conservation Project, that create employment,
enhance tourism, develop alternative renewable energy sources or
technologies, conserve or enhance biodiversity should be given top
priority.
5. Biodiversity in the county should continue to be enhanced and
preserved under the EU Habitats Directive by designating flora and
fauna the necessary protection by designation sites or species as
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protected Areas
(SPA).
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23. 6. Under the National Climate Change Adaption Framework, Kildare
County Council will need to integrate climate change adaption into local
development planning with increased emphasis on sustainable
development, energy use and protection of green infrastructure.
7. Kildare County Council will be need to conduct a Strategic
Environmental Assessment as part of the forthcoming County
Development Plan 2017-2023 to ensure that environmental
considerations are fully integrated into the plan with a view of
promoting sustainable development.
8. Both National and local government in Kildare County Council should
provide policy guidance on biodiversity and geological conservation as
part of land use planning and development policy. Both the national
and local planning systems should seek to “preserve, enhance and
restore the diversity of Ireland’s/Kildare’s wildlife and geology”.
9. Minimum human disturbance will be necessary for certain habitats and
species but there is scope where humans can interact with nature at
less vulnerable biodiversity areas. By facilitating access for people to
selected areas, awareness of the rich biodiversity of Kildare’s
peatlands and the value of nature in general in the Irish landscape can
be nurtured.
10.Small scale biodiversity projects and community amenity projects
should be supported by stakeholders as a mitigation measure to
ensure sustainable biodiversity.
23

24. 7. References
Britain’s Habitats – A Guide to the Wildlife Habitats of Britain and Ireland,
Andy Sophie Lake, Durwyn Liley, Robert Still & Andy Swash 2015
Irish Independent, Irelands Wind Energy by Paul O’ Donoghue P34-35, 3rd
April 2015
Irish Daily Mirror, New technologies will make cheaper green power and also
protect the country’s tourism by Malcolm Brown, Director of BW Energy, P12,
3rd
April 2015
Kildare Biodiversity Action Plan 2009 – 2014, The Heritage Officer, Kildare
County Council
Kildare County Development Plan 2017-23, Issue Paper, Senior Executive
Officer, April 2015
Oxford Dictionary of Environment & Conservation, Chris Park & Michael
Allaby, 2nd
Edition 2013
24

25. 8. Bibliography
1. Bell, Stuart, McGillivary, Donald & Pedersen, Ole, Environmental Law
(2013), OUP Oxford Publishing, Eight Edition
2. Dashmann, Raymond F. M.A., Ph.D., Environmental Conservation
(1968), John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2nd
Edition
3. Park, Chris, The Environment, Principles & Applications, (2001),
Routledge, Second Edition
4. Rackham, Dr Oliver, History of the Countryside (2000), W&N, Second
Edition
5. Soffe, Richard J., The Agricultural Notebook (1995), Wiley-Blackwell,
Second Edition
6. Sutherland, W.J. & Hill, David A., Managing Habitats for Conservation
(1995), Cambridge University Press
7. Wilson, E.O., Biodiversity (1988), John Wiley & Sons Inc.,
25

26. APPENDICES
26