'Thriving once more': Peatland conservation initiatives in Offaly focus of public talk
'Thriving once more': Peatland conservation initiatives in Offaly focus of public talk
Ongoing peatland conservation initiatives by Tullamore Lions Club were the focus of a recent presentation.
The talk hosted by Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group was held in Esker Arts. Lion Michael Carroll outlined the progress Tullamore Lions Club have made through collaborating with the Grennan Family, the owners of Clonbeal Mor Bog, near Rath. Over the past couple of years, the disused bog has started to thrive once more, a variety of Sphagnum Mosses have started to grow and the bog is beginning to store carbon rather than emit.
Michael outlined their scientific approach from the initial ecological assessments, to the work carried out and to their ongoing maintenance and measurement of the hydrology and ecology of the bog.
Among the enthusiastic group of attendees, some knew a lot about bogs, and some didn't, but the presentation was very clear and accessible. Michael explained that Tullamore Lions Club had learned a lot throughout the process.
The talk was followed by questions and answers amongst which Brian Gorman, the Contractor for the work at Clonbeal, spoke enthusiastically about the progress made and some of his steps taken.
As well as conserving Clonbeal, a key aspect of their initiative has been education and raising awareness on the importance of peatland conservation.
The group launched the children’s book: The Lions, the Bees, and the Bogs written by Dolores Keaveney. It has been well received and has been widely distributed about Offaly.
Last year, Tullamore Lions Club promoted the benefits of Clonbeal Conservation Project to other Lions Clubs. Some other midlands Lions Clubs have begun developing similar projects and Tóchar Wetlands Restoration have announce funding to support new initiatives. Michael highlighted how the group were supported by a number of bodies including the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Offaly County Council. He encouraged others interested in peatland conservation saying there is lots of support available.
The next phase at Clonbeal Mor is the development of a wild walkway to provide public access and create a wonderful natural resource.
Last year Tullamore Lions Club are celebrated their 50th anniversary. They were recently awarded the All Ireland Club of the Year Award in recognition for their leadership and voluntary service contribution to the local community. They continue to work to improve communities locally, nationally and internationally.
To find out more about their ongoing peatland conservation initiatives and other projects visit: www.tullamorelionsclub.com.
The next public presentation hosted by Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group is on Tuesday May 12 where the Native Woodland Trust will present on their ongoing conservation work at their Offaly wood reserve near Kinnitty, in the Slieve Blooms Mountains. It will be held upstairs in St. Mary's Youth & Community Centre, Tullamore at 7:.0pm. Bookings can be made for free on Eventbrite.