by Chair of The Drummin Bog Project, Alan Price

Members of the Drummin Bog Project Committee were honoured to recently host a tour of Drummin Bog for LAWPRO Community Water Officers from across Ireland.

LAWPRO are the Local Authorities Water Programme that works on behalf of Ireland’s 31 Local Authorities to protect and restore good water quality in our rivers, lakes, estuaries, ground and coastal water through catchment science and local community engagement.

The National LAWPRO Communities team, made up of Community Water Officers, had their most recent national meeting/training session on the 4th of February in Graiguenamanagh. As part of the day-long event, we were asked by our local Community Water Officer, David Rafter if would could facilitate a guided tour of the bog and explain the work that we are doing. We were happy to oblige with the assistance of three of our committee members who spoke on the day.

Alan Price, Chairperson, did the pre-visit Health and Safety talk and explained how our group came together, the work we have done to date and future plans. Martin Lyttle, our Finance Officer, and former Geotechnical engineer, explained how the bog was formed from a geological and an ecological perspective. Jules Michael, our Secretary, talked about engagement with our local community, educational institutions, creative projects and statutory organisations.

Many questions were asked and there was much discussion. The feedback from our visitors was very positive and much learning was shared. It was great to get the opportunity to showcase the bog to the LAWPRO national group, and the work we are doing to restore and conserve this rare wetland.

The Drummin Bog Project has received significant support to date from LAWPRO. Grant funding has helped the work of our group through the purchase of equipment to help with invasive species clearance, talks and education sessions from relevant professional speakers, assistance with insurance and financial returns costs, etc. Our local Water Officer David Rafter, and his predecessor Greg Roche have also been extremely helpful and supportive.

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PLEASE NOTE: Access to Drummin Bog is limited due to the sensitive nature of the habitat and its status as a wildlife reserve. Great precaution must be taken in visiting the bog due to its unmarked deep drains, and other hazards. It is therefore recommended people do not walk on the bog alone. Children must always be supervised and no dogs please as efforts are in place to encourage birds to return. Thank you for understanding. In time, a woodland walkway is envisaged. The Drummin Bog Project is in its very early stages.