Last week, WaterLANDS colleagues and stakeholders joined forces at the Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands SAC for an engaging and productive week of landscape analysis. The shared goal was to deepen our understanding of peatlands and strengthen our approach to restoration across Ireland.
The meeting brought together experts from Wetlands International Europe, Prospex Institute, University of Galway, University College Dublin, University of Limerick, National Parks and Wildlife Service, LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature, and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.
Throughout the week, the group:
- Met with local farmers to better understand how commonages operate and explored how they might be incentivised as a tool for restoration
- Engaged in cross-border discussions with representatives from Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, laying the groundwork for exciting future collaborations
- Visited WaterLANDS restoration sites to examine key issues affecting our blanket bogs and identify practical solutions
The collaboration led to three core outcomes:
- A framework for social engagement in peatland restoration
- Clear insights into barriers and incentives related to commonages
- An improved understanding of the landscape to maximise restoration potential
This effort highlights the power of multidisciplinary teamwork and local engagement in addressing complex environmental challenges.
Photos and text courtesy of Dr. Guaduneth Chico, Action Site coordinator at Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands SAC.
