Peatlands Park
Description
Peatlands Park is a complex site with a wide range of habitats and associated flora and fauna, that includes a number of rare and notable species.
The site consists of a number of low wooded drumlins covered by mature oak woodland, interspersed by a series of flat plains covered by both intact and cutover raised bog and bog woodand.
Derryadd Lough is situated in the south-eastern corner of the site, and adds international interest with its marginal swamp and acid fen.
The peatland interest incorporates a large area of intact lowland raised bog at Mullenakill. The bog is actively growing and is covered by typical raised bog vegetation. The extensive areas of cutover bog display considerable variability reflecting the degree of wetness. Where the water table is at or close to the surface, the cuttings support vegetation similar to that of lowland raised bog.
Restoration Delivered
Restoration activity at Peatlands Park has included:
- Peat reprofiling
- Revegetaton-reseeding
- Grip blocking
- Hydrological management
- Mowing
- Scrub clearance.
Peatlands Park is also being run as a visitor attraction, with a visitor centre and trails.
Project Name: Peatlands Park
Organisation / Lead partner: Department of Environment Northern Ireland
Location: Dungannon, County Tyrone
Approximate area covered: 150 ha
Conservation Status: Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Nature Reserve (NR), National Park (NP), Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)
Predominately: Lowland
Peat Habitats: Lowland raised bog
Project Type: Management, Citizen science/ community engagement.