| Our peat bogs are more important than getting cheap energy. |
This article is the third in a series, which explores environmental issues in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland is loosing one of its most significant habitats, the peat bog, at an alarming rate with far reaching consequences for bio diversity. 77.5% of raised bogs have been cut for fuel or peat for gardening.
According to Stephanie Sim of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, peat bogs 'constitute a very special kind of habitat.' They occur when trees and plants decompose over thousands of years, so slowly that they can't compete with their industrial exploitation. As Stephanie says,
"If you leave an area of peat bog it does regenerate. It just takes an awful long time!"
Before we buy peat briquettes to burn or peat for the garden Stephanie urges us to first think of the environment:
"Our peat bogs are more important than getting cheap energy or whatever. The bogs help provide clean water, not to mention the fact that these power plants that rely on peat are extremely high in carbon production." This contributes to the global greenhouse effect on climate change.
The bogs are important habitats, or living communities. Stephanie mentions how loss of habitat affects bio-diversity and birds of prey.
"The decay in habitat results in birds not being able to sustain themselves. Our hen harriers are actually intelligent. Most hen harriers nest on the ground, on heather, ours have learned how to nest in trees! They're probably the only tree nesting hen harriers in the whole of the UK! So birds use the bogs to hunt a lot. Birds are so high up the food chain that changes in the bird population signify a lot of changes at some other stage in the food chain."
Stephanie had these words of advice on how we can help protect boglands:
"Try and use alternatives to peat. If your garden centre doesn't stock peat-free options ask why. Your own composting is also quite good for gardening. Go and visit the peat lands park in Dungannon. Just dress up properly for it! And appreciate it."
The RSPB would also like to see change at government level:
"Northern Ireland is the only region in the UK and Ireland which doesn't have an independent environmental protection agency. The RSPB is of the opinion that it would be a good idea to look seriously into the issue."
Stephanie compared environmental protection with reconciliation:
"We talk so much about reconciliation in society but we need to reconcile ourselves with the land. Western society, unfortunately, has been at war with the land for such a long time, always thinking we have to conquer nature, we can do better. I think the tide is changing; the mood is shifting! It would be wonderful to see young people leading the reconciliation we have with the land. Especially in Northern Ireland - we have such wonderful, special places here."
About the team
This story was produced by Ciaran McFarlane 13, Nalina Eggert 18, Adele English 15. It was published by the Belfast Telegraph.
