UCD scientist says Clara Bog amongst bogs requiring conservation efforts

Associate Professor at UCD, Dr Eoghan Holohan has said that some work remains to be done in order to conserve Clara Bog.

Restoration effects at Clara Bog appear to have been successful, given that the bog seems to have been rising in the last few years.

Dr Holohan recently spoke at the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG) conference in Dublin which highlights geoscientists’ contributions to Irish economy, environment and society and showcases work of more than 150 researchers. He spoke about Clara Bog, the history of surface motion and highlighted how there is a link between the rate of motion and thickness of peat. “We can see from year to year how the bog rises and falls by a centimetre which is known as bog breathing," he explained. He also discussed his work in the mapping, protection and restoration of Clara Bog and other peatlands.

According to Dr Holohan, the water level dominates everything in the bog. He said that when stable the bog is healthy and when the water table drops you end up with a negative reaction on the bog. “It dries out and can release carbon dioxide and change the ecology.”

The bog seems to have been losing water and thus subsiding over several years from 2015 to 2019. While some parts still appear to be still subsiding (in Clara West), most of the bog appears to have stabilised or risen in the last few years."

The stabilisation may point to the success of restoration efforts, but it is hard to be sure at this stage until we get more data, because there is quite a bit of variability in ground motion from year to year. Longer term monitoring with both instruments on the ground and with the satellite radar will help to see if the current trends prevail."

Dr Holohan is completing ongoing research related to Clara Bog which the scientist said is regarded as the flagship bog in Ireland. Clara Bog is rare in that it is one of few raised bogs in Europe. Raised bogs cover 3% of Ireland and 40% of Irish bogs are raised.

There are ongoing works to restore Clara Bog. A Dutch group completed some surveys and work in the 90s and 2000s. Levelling was done to estimate the difference in the water level of bogs locally. Dr Holohan said: “When you cut into turf it starts to leak water out in the bog. Because Clara has a known history of subsidence and I wanted to test it with satellite tech.”

The bog was originally harvested for peat and then it was decided to conserve it in 90s. With his research the UCD professor hoped to see if that was successful and if the water levels are stable in the bog.

“Bogs grow as plants die. We should see the surface of the bog rising if it has been rehabilitated. The eastern part of the bog (Clara Bog) is stable whcih suggests that restoration efforts have been successful in part.”

"In the summer period the water level and surface level (of the bog) will go down and we can see that from the radar software," he explained.

Dr Holohan has observed patterns that correlate with previous research through satellite imaging which is being done globally all the time. An image of Clara is taken every six to eight days. “We're really trying to see if we can map out changes on the bog and looking to see is the bog recovering as it should be.”

Dr Holohan hopes to expand his resarch to other bogs in the future and has already looked at other bogs in the Midlands as potential research areas. “I can see a role for local people on the ground helping to interpret the satellite data in the right way.”

Clara bog has been the focus of national and international scientific investigation for many years. As peatlands are a major long-term reservoir of carbon, accurately monitoring changes in peatland areas can play a role in assisting Ireland in meeting climate policy goals.

The iCRAG is a research showcase of all geoscience research projects within iCRAG. The event delivers insights into future directions for Irish geoscience research and how the geoscience research sector can play a leading role in addressing the Climate Action Plan and Ireland's commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The theme for this year's event was “Making a Difference” which encapsulates iCRAG’s commitment to creating solutions for a sustainable society.