In the Bog of Allen Region of Kildare, a nature trail encompasssing three biodiversity hot spots aims to create long term benefits for the environment and the local community. The BIOBOG project of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) is raising awarenss of biodiversity and conservation in the Bog of Allen region.
Two nature reserves and the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in this area form a crucial part in this project. They offer enormous potential for the preservation of wildlife and natural heritage and for attracting visitors to the area. Since the Irish Peatland Conservation Council established its headquarters in the Bog of Allen it has brought 40ha of bogland into nature conservation.
IPCC’s Chief Executive Dr Catherine O’Connell explains that “BioBog is a special programme of activity that aims to raise awareness of Biodiversity in the Bog of Allen. The project includes improving facilities for visitors at Lodge Bog and Lullymore West Bog and linking these biodiversity hot spots together with a walking trail – the Lullymore Biodiversity Trail. In addition there is a schools programme which will provide young people with new skills in the management of biodiversity. The BioBog package will encourage new visitors into this largely undiscovered wildlife haven on the door step of Dublin to enjoy the wildlife and learn about the steps needed to conserve it.”
The BioBog project is supported by the Department of Arts, Hertiage and the Gaeltacht, the Notice Nature Campaign and the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity.
