Educators representing the network of 23 peatland sites open to the public around the country are to meet in the Bog of Allen. They are set to launch a peatland passport for Ireland and to develop a back pack of fun activities for family visitors to do as they visit peatlands during the summer holidays.
The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is run by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and is a centre of excellence in peatland conservation, education and research. The IPCC will be hosting this first ever get together of educators from around the 32 counties of Ireland who have indicated their willingness to become involved in the peatland passport initiative.
“The project ticks all the boxes. It’s getting everyone involved, broadening our view of peatlands, attracting visitors from home and overseas and it has a low outlay of funds and maintenance” says Dr Catherine O’Connell, the project leader.
The conference is being funded by the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Science, Technology, Research & Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) Programme 2007 – 2013.