During National Heritage Week 2025, 24 August, we celebrated at-risk Irish birds and Water Heritage with experienced birder, Mick Wright of BirdWatch Ireland.
What birds live on Drummin Bog?
Where do they find water?
What can we do to support them?
These are the questions Mick Wright answered for us:
BirdWatch Ireland set out in 2022 to census bird populations on 5 raised bogs in the Midlands of Ireland. Specialised survey methods were used for species which are more challenging to detect, such as MERLIN, while Dusk and Nocturnal Surveys were carried out for WOODCOCK, AND LONG-EARED OWL
Raised bogs typically support a LOW diversity of bird species, but at the same time hold a high proportion of the country’s open habitat species. Birdwatch Ireland’s surveys on the 5 raised bogs recorded 62 species across the high bog-cutover bog and surrounding scrub and woodland. Twenty of the 62 species are on the RED and AMBER IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) lists, which emphasises the immense conservation concern of these sites.
Of the 20 RED and AMBER-listed bird species, 8 were designated as KEY BREEDING birds. CURLEWS were present on 3 of the raised bogs and RED SHANKS on 2, which, given the precarious state of their national populations, makes even their presence at these sites of national significance.
Active-raised bog is actively peat-forming (growing), and is a Priority Annex 1 Habitat, which means it is protected under EU Law. The aim of raised bog restoration is to preserve and grow the area of active raised bog by restoring the water table of the peatland area.
Mick Wright, August, 2025 for the Drummin Bog Project.
BIRD ATLAS of IRELAND
This was a 5-year effort with 20,000 contributors, 700+ pages of data (Hardback 14″ x12″. x 1.5″ book). A previous edition was created in the late 80s to early 90s (a 4-year effort). Another is now due.
8 Key Bird Species to Protect
CURLEW, RED-SHANK, SNIPE, WOODCOCK, SKYLARK, MEADOW PIPIT, KESTREL, MERLIN
More information on each bird species is available from the BirdWatch Ireland site: here
Acknowledgements
The Drummin Bog Project Committee are very grateful for Mick Wright’s wonderful presentation, his research notes and beautiful laminated photos of the above bird species that will be invaluable to nearby schools and other visiting groups to Drummin Bog.
The Drummin Bog Project always aims to continue the old custom of “Tea on the Bog”.
We conclude our public events with flasks and sustenance, by way of thanking people for coming, and giving us their time.
We support and emphasise local food producers.
For this event, committee members made sandwiches with produce from nearby Borris Market – Plúr bread, Mount Leinster cheddar, and Truffle Fairy baking.
The Drummin Bog Project also acknowledges the kind support of LAWPRO and The Heritage Council
Reference Article:
2022: Lusby, John, ‘Raised bogs Survey Finds Many At-Risk Birds ‘ Wings Magazine, BirdWatch Ireland, pp. 10-11. (recommended by Mick Wright)
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.
The County Carlow Drummin Bog Project is a non-profit community environmental programme. Donations Are Welcome. Require more information, please contact us for more details
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