Irish Peatlands 3.44

Irish Peatlands is a non-profit organisation which campaigns for the protection of peatlands in Ireland. The focus of our campaign has been, and continues to be, the illegal cutting of protected raised bogs in Ireland. There are 53 raised bogs protected as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in Ireland which is approximately 2% of bogs. Despite the fact that this tiny percentage is all that is protected there is ongoing illegal turf cutting (peat extraction) at some of these sites. This practice is not compatible with conservation of habitats and is slowly destroying the last few remaining examples of this rare habitat. These bogs are the Irish Amazonian rainforests, we cannot stand idly by and watch them be destroyed by ignorance and greed.

Our page highlights the alternative and sustainable community uses of bogs for the future. We provide information on the plants and animals that make these bogs special as well as up to date scientific research and positive examples/stories of sustainable peatland use from around the world. We also regularly challenge and debunk claims made by the various pro turf cutting groups as well as exposing the intimidation and harassment of environmental groups and National Parks and Wildlife Service Staff (NPWS) by these groups.

We have no affiliation with any political or non-political organisation. We are simply a group of individuals brought together by the desire to ensure illegal turf cutting on Natura 2000 raised bogs is stopped. We want to ensure these sites are conserved for the good of all. Follow us on Twitter too and help us spread the word #turf #Natura2000 #peat #bogs #SaveOurBogs