Bogland habitats and wildlife are an important feature of Northern Ireland’s landscape. However, such habitats are under threat.

To address this situation, Cuilcagh Mountain Park, on the Fermanagh/Cavan border, is an initiative managed by Fermanagh District Council. Its aims are to actively restore the damaged peatland, conserve a significant area of pristine blanket bog and increase awareness and appreciation of the marvellous bog habitat. Cuilcagh Mountain Park is classed as one of the most important upland breeding sites for golden plover in Northern Ireland.

The project which started in 1998 was initiated due to unpredictable fluctuations in the water levels at the nearby Marble Arch Caves. Research showed that human impacts on the bog meant that the peat was losing its water retentive capabilities and the excess water that would have previously been held in the peatland system was running off the land and causing damage elsewhere, not least to the environmentally significant Marble Arch Caves.
Arrival at Marble Arch Caves. Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland have been involved in work carried out on the bog in recent years. It really has been a joy to have had the chance to work on such a great project. Conservation Volunteers have helped with the drainage and assisted at workshops that give local community groups the opportunity to develop their own ideas about environmental awareness. The Cuilcagh Mountain Park is a perfect case study for peatland protection, environmental interdependency and academic study.

If you would like to volunteer with Conservation Volunteers in Fermanagh please contact Martin Lawson on (028) 6862 8184.