The Issues in Ireland
Around 20% of the land area of Ireland is peatland; either upland blanket peat of the west or raised bog of the midlands. A substantial proportion have been drained and cut for peat (largely to provide fuel for domestic power stations) on an industrial scale since the early 20th century. These peatlands have yielded a remarkable range of archaeological sites and material dating to periods ranging from prehistory to the recent past, although relatively few of these have been excavated and almost all of the known sites will be destroyed through ongoing extraction.
The midlands of Ireland present a particular challenge and tension for future heritage management and understanding: the archives of the peatlands are being destroyed, whilst the cultural heritage associated with the traditions and history of peat cutting itself is in decline.
The midlands of Ireland present a particular challenge and tension for future heritage management and understanding: the archives of the peatlands are being destroyed, whilst the cultural heritage associated with the traditions and history of peat cutting itself is in decline.
The research plan
Using the overarching framework of the project, we will be addressing issues specific to Ireland under four interrelated themes.
INVESTIGATE
To understand fully the current extent and condition of the peatland archaeological and palaeoecological record. This could include auditing surviving resources, especially that impacted by restoration and conservation schemes. COMMUNICATE
To provide information on the peatland record to different communities of practice and via different approaches. |
collaborate
Work towards developing new approaches to understanding the surviving peatland record, including possible practical and hands on methods such as citizen science. adVOCATE
Encourage others to promote the importance of the cultural heritage of peatlands in Ireland |