Lough Boora Parklands

Biodiversity specifically relates to the diversity of habitats, species and genetic diversity of species in the world around us from insects in the soil, to extensive woodlands, to the animals that inhabit them. Since the 1990s, Bord na Móna has adopted a programme of enhancement of biodiversity which has become closely linked to the after-use and rehabilitation of cutaway bogs.

Re-colonisation of the bogs

Re-colonisation of the bogs following peat production leads to establishment of a mosaic of habitats and species, some of which are considered rare and restricted in distribution in Ireland. Vital to enhancing our national biodiversity resource is the wise use and management of cutaway bogs and related lands, and creating awareness of the local, national and regional value of biodiversity of peatlands.

Nature conservation and biodiversity corridors

Bord na Móna has consistently given due care to nature conservation and to retaining biodiversity corridors within the national network to sustain important refuges for peatland flora and fauna. Rehabilitation of the cutaway bogs generally involves measures to accelerate revegetation, through activities such as drain blocking to create wetlands, and other targeted practices such as tree planting. Rehabilitation allows for the expansion and expression of biodiversity back onto the bogs and the creation of diverse and valuable wildlife reserves. .

Amenities & biodiversity 

The Parklands is recognised as a key feature in the Offaly County Development Plan and includes: Amenity and biodiversity (Finnamores, Boora lakes, Cloghan, model aeroplane area, Walkways, etc.); wetlands (Turraun, Tumduff, Lough Boora, and Derries); a nationally and internationally recognised outdoor Sculpture Park; and a nationally important area for the last remaining population of Grey Partridge in Ireland.

The Lough Boora Parklands are continually evolving and the last year has seen the establishment of a Cycle Path and continuation of long-term bird surveys by Bird Watch Ireland to monitor use of the areas by species such as Whooper Swan, Lapwing, and a range of wetland birds.

In the future to build on our biodiversity work the establishment of a new visitor centre at lough boora to provide educational tours is anticipated.