RSPB NI Champions Nature and Climate Action with Lowland Raised Bog Recovery Programme - RSPB

Today, RSPB Northern Ireland announce a new initiative to restore lowland raised bogs in the Bann Valley, South Lough Neagh, and East Fermanagh regions.

The Lowland Raised Bog Recovery Programme will restore a signature site and develop plans for up to seven new ‘shovel-ready’ restoration sites, covering approximately 750 ha whilst creating six green jobs across Northern Ireland.

Funded in partnership by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) the Lowland Raised Bog Recovery Programme is part of RSPB NI’s ambitious peatland programme. The project will create a pipeline of fully costed restoration projects to attract further investment, whilst also demonstrating with landowners, communities, and contractors about how these projects can be done and the benefits of this restoration work.

Peatlands, including lowland raised bogs, blanket bogs and fen, cover about 12% of Northern Ireland’s land, and are crucial in combating the nature and climate emergency. The percentage cover of peatland on the island of Ireland is only exceeded by three countries; Finland, Canada and Indonesia, and as such, our peatlands are important on a local, national and global level.

Seamus Burns, RSPB NI’s Area Manager stated that “We are thrilled to launch this critical peatland restoration programme. Peatlands are a very special resource for Northern Ireland, however, 86% has been damaged by pressures like turf cutting, draining and overgrazing. Restoring these peatlands will not only act as natural flood defences and offer better water quality but will also support a diverse range of wildlife, including Hen Harriers, Golden Plovers, and unique plants like Sphagnum mosses.”