Offaly Lions Club hosts a delegation from two Finnish universities

A group of researchers from Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and Kokkola University in Finland were recently welcomed to Clonbeale More Bog in County Offaly.

The visit was hosted by Tullamore Lions Club. The group was on a two-day fact-finding mission in Ireland facilitated by Tochár Wetland Restoration.

The overall objectives of the visit were to enhance collaboration between the two countries, share information, knowledge, and methodologies on how peatlands can be used more sustainably in the future, within a Just Transition Framework.

Tullamore and Birr Lions Clubs recently completed phase 1 of a peatland conservation project at Clonbeale More. Michael Carroll, Environment Officer with Tullamore Lions Club provided the group with an overview of the project and why the club decided to commence it in 2023.

George Smith of Blackthorn Ecology completed the Feasibility study at Clonbeale More in 2023 and supervised the implementation of the Conservation Plan in 2024. He provided a detailed overview to the group of the ecological and hydrological parts of the study and the resulting conservation measures required.

Brian Gorman, of Gorman Earthworks, described how his company implemented the conservation plan over a 6-week period in September/October 2024. These included building peat dams, peat bunds, and removing invasive rhododendron. Brian led the group on a walk around the site to show first hand the measures implemented.

The visitors from Finland were presented with copies of The Lions, the Bees and the Bogs as a memento of their visit. This beautifully written and illustrated Children's Story Book was published by Tullamore Lions Club in 2024 to spread the message of peatland conservation in storybook format. It is a delightful publication, superbly written and illustrated by Dolores Keaveney. It captures the essence of what Tullamore Lions Club is attempting to convey to future generations.

Tóchar is a three-year wetlands restoration project, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme. Further information is available here https://www.tocharwetlands.ie/about/.