Peatlands Hydrology I

Introduction

There exist scientific publications and data from international studies that are accessible to the public. Although some research findings may not be disclosed due to their technical and commercial sensitivity, in our straightforward approach to peatland restoration, an excess of information can prove to be problematic. As your typical everyday farmers, we lack the necessary expertise or experience on many of these subjects to even make an informed guess. With humility comes the acknowledgment of the truth that we are somewhat out of our depth. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility to at least make an effort. He who dares wins, as they say!

In Ireland, there are two entities that possess the resources, scientific knowledge, and practical experience regarding peatlands: Coillte and, to an even greater extent, Bord na Mona (BnM). Both organisations play crucial roles in addressing climate change with a focus on land use and peatlands. However, there is a much larger group that can contribute significantly—private bog owners like ourselves. We represent the silent majority. The scientific information has been available for at least three decades. The clock is ticking if we aspire to leave this planet in a better condition for future generations than we inherited it.

The currently agreed deadline for Ireland is 2050 – that means we have 25 years to make a change for the better. The climate neutral economy deadline enshrined in Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 needs emissions to be cut by 51% by 2030 – just 5 years away. Ultimately Ireland must transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Not due to daily penalties from the EU. Not because of environmental ideologies. Not even to satisfy the audience in Dublin 4. It is simply to create an impact at an individual level. I apologise for the sermonising. We are, after all, speaking to those already convinced – why else would one visit a site focused on peatlands and conservation?

Indeed – climate change and net-zero goals. Yes – the global reduction of CO2 emissions. But more significantly, it's for a less glamorous and more modest reason for us here at Boleysillagh Farm.

Aspirational objectives are commendable, but our primary motivation for this initiative is straightforward: WATER. In a country where rain falls almost daily, we ought to have the cleanest and best quality and quantity of water supply. Yet Ireland has never managed to achieve the standard of having top-quality water year-round, or even possibly at no cost. After all, water is the essence of life.

In Ireland, over 70% of peatlands, totalling more than a million hectares, are privately owned. BnM oversees just over 10% of that, amounting to 80,000 hectares through the Peatlands Climate Action Scheme (PCAS). This should raise alarm bells for us bog owners. Are we waiting for a windfall before taking action? Are we holding out for financial assistance in the form of subsidies and grants? Unfortunately, that’s unlikely to happen. One million hectares? Forget Asia. Forget our European neighbours. Just consider the example of our closest neighbour. Where are the bogs in the UK? More crucially, who possesses them now! This should provide a clear message to those private bog owners in Ireland sitting on vast tracts of land and merely harvesting turf as tradition suggests. Sooner or later, sadly, all good things must come to an end.

A straightforward application of maths, along with a touch of logic and common sense, suggests that unless we all come together, putting our collective efforts forth, the 2050 target will merely become a futile task for the government. If they fail, they will resort to heavy-handed measures, as is typical of governments, to tackle minor issues. I truly dislike having my concerns addressed in such a forceful manner, especially by our government.

A word of caution: not every bog can be revived, no matter how much funding is allocated. Some bogs have suffered such severe damage that even Sphagnum moss or other plant life cannot be reintroduced. Without these plants, carbon sequestration is impossible. While these bogs may gain from rehabilitation efforts to allow nature to take its course, leaving them to recover on their own could take up to 1,000 years, which is not a feasible option.

On a brighter note, when we established Boleysillagh Farm in late 2019, there were no programs available. Now, initiatives such as the Protected Raised Bog Restoration Incentive Scheme (PRBRIS), created by our National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), are in place. Although we do not possess a raised bog ourselves, it serves as a primary resource for those who do. Another exciting initiative from NPWS that has been introduced is the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme (PNCES). This program is aimed at local groups, organisations, schools, and various stakeholders. It was launched by Minister Christopher O’Sullivan in early 2025.

As the renowned American President John F. Kennedy famously stated, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." To sum it all up, He Who Dares Wins!

UCD: Peat Hub Ireland Factsheet 4 - Water

2012 Journal article: Afforestation affect on hydrology

2011 Journal article: Peatland restoration hydrology