NI peatlands information launched on internet

The Environment and Heritage Service have revealed a new view of Northern Ireland's bogs on the launch of the first Peatlands Educational website and CD-ROM which was recently launched Bellaghy Bawn, Co Londonderry.

The launch of the website at www.peatlandsni.gov.uk and CD Rom marks World Wetlands day, typified in Ireland by peatlands which are one of the most characteristic type of wetlands in the cool wet Irish climate and cover over 167,000 hectares in Northern Ireland alone.

Dr John Faulkner, the Director of Natural Heritage in EHS, said: "The website and CD-Rom are dedicated to all aspects of peatlands including their formation, values, plants, animals, archaeology, history of use, cultural influences as well as the issues that threaten peatlands. The website displays a new 3D representation of the formation of peat.

"EHS has been at the forefront of peatland education in the British Isles, building on the success of Peatlands Park in Tyrone and its primary function as a centre for peatland education and awareness."

Dr Faulkner said that unfortunately exploitation drastically has reduced the area once covered by peatlands in Northern Ireland to a level where only 8% of our lowland raised bogs and 15% of upland blanket bogs remain intact.

"Our remaining peatlands are therefore very important places in terms of the plants and animals - our biodiversity - that depend on them and they are an essential part of our cultural heritage. Through the work of EHS and other conservation organisations, we will hopefully create greater awareness and work to retain these wild treasure chests for the benefit of future generations."

Peat preserves materials including trackways, tombs and extinct animals such as the Giant Irish Elk and human bodies. To date 23 bodies have been found in the peat bogs of Northern Ireland and some have been more than 2,000 years old.

Sphagnum moss is essential for the growth of peatbogs. It covers the surface of the bog like a huge carpet, acting like a sponge, helping to keep the entire ecosystem very wet - their most familiar characteristic.

All six species of insect-eating plants found in Northern Ireland grow on bogs.

The website and CD-ROM were created by CDS Leeds and Mammoth Design of Linen Hall Street in Belfast created a 3D Animation.

(SP)