Locals learn about fen restoration at information event

On Thursday, September 11, Offaly and Westmeath residents gathered to learn about a new restoration project aimed at protecting and reviving some of the Midlands' most unique natural treasures.

The information evening, held on the shores of Lough Ennell, focused on the Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration project which is bringing fens, a special type of peatland, back to health.

It provided local people with a chance to discuss the initiative directly with the team and learn about the first four sites selected for restoration: Scragh Bog, Lough Garr, Lough Owel, and Finn Lough.

The Tóchar Project is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition fund.

"It's heartening to see the genuine interest people have in these magical fen sites," said Tóchar Project Manager Shirley Clerkin.

"We were delighted to welcome landowners and local people to our event. Our mission is to help nature in the Midlands survive and thrive in its special wetlands, and at the same time activating a renewal of interest and custodianship of these important places.”

Fens are a special type of peatland, that due to flows of groundwater are more alkaline than acidic bogs. Arup have provided a multi-disciplinary team of ecologists, hydrogeologists and engineers to work on the Tóchar project, which plans to assess thirty-six fen sites across the Midlands over the next few years.

The project, through its EU Just Transition funding, will fully fund all the scientific assessments, on-the-ground restoration work, and monitoring. In addition, financial incentives are available to landowners who participate.