8. Raised bogs are valuable wetland habitats that are becoming increasingly rare in Ireland. Raised bogs once formed extensive wetlands over much of the central lowlands of Ireland. Over thousands of years they were closely linked to Irish culture but, for the most part, they were considered wastelands, to be converted to more productive land uses. Research raised bogs under the following headings: (a) Locations (b) Their biodiversity (c) Reasons for the decrease in raised bogs in Ireland. (d) Approaches being used to conserve them. (e) How scientists measure the success of conservation methods.
9. In 2000 the EU introduced a ban on turf-cutting in EU member states as a conservation method. For many generations Irish families in parts of the country such as Roscommon and Galway have traditionally cut turf from raised bogs to use as home fuel. Following the introduction of the ban, protests were organised and many people continued to cut turf. Conservation methods often lead to conflict when they restrict or reduce access for people to local resources. Use the example of turf-cutting in Ireland and give a presentation to your class about
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the impacts on society that conservation can have, or hold a class debate on the motion: ‘Turf cutting should be banned to preserve Irish bogs.’
