The Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., today (June 16) announced the discovery of a rare moss previously presumed extinct in Ireland.
Waved fork-moss (Dicranum undulatum) had been presumed extinct due to loss of midland raised bog habitat but has been rediscovered on Clara Bog in County Offaly.
This is the first time the moss has been seen in Ireland since 1960 and the first ever record from Clara Bog with other previous known locations all being lost due to peat extraction.
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has responsibility for the management of the bog and nearby visitor centre.
Minister Deenihan said: “We are delighted with this news – this is the second Irish moss which is only known from Clara Bog. Bogs such as Clara should be considered Ireland’s rainforests in miniature, due to the rich assemblage of rare moss species found on them and just like rainforest need to be protected for future generations.”
This important find was made by Dr. George Smith, Ecologist, while undertaking a preparatory visit for a moss workshop held at Clara Bog Visitor Centre. Dr Smith stated that “This little plant is a perfect example of the biodiversity that can be lost if we fail to conserve and restore our raised bogs. Waved fork-moss and other bog specialists can only survive on wet, intact bogs, which are rapidly vanishing from the Irish landscape.”
Minister Deenihan added: “This significant find shows that we can turn the tide of biodiversity loss through management of habitats, because nature can flourish if we lend it a helping hand.”
ENDS
Background Notes:
Clara Bog is a Nature Reserve and Special Area of Conservation. At nearly 450 hectares it is the largest nearly intact true midlands type raised bog in Ireland and probably the best remaining example of such a bog in western Europe. It formation goes back 10000 years to just after the last ice age. A circular boardwalk provides a good opportunity to see the many interesting plants, animals and features of a raised bog. Clara Bog Visitor Centre is located just minutes away in Clara, Co Offaly. Admission to this modern facility is free and a must if you would like to learn more about Clara Bog and its unique flora and fauna. The centre houses an interactive multimedia exhibition, short films and activities for children. The centre is open from 10am until 5pm (June: Monday to Friday, July and August: Tuesday to Saturday).
For more information telephone: 057 9368878 or E-mail: claraguides@ahg.gov.ie
Website: www.npws.ie
Press Release
Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., welcomes the discovery of a rare moss previously presumed extinct in Ireland.
The Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., today (June 16) announced the discovery of a rare moss previously presumed extinct in Ireland.
Waved fork-moss (Dicranum undulatum) had been presumed extinct due to loss of midland raised bog habitat but has been rediscovered on Clara Bog in County Offaly.
This is the first time the moss has been seen in Ireland since 1960 and the first ever record from Clara Bog with other previous known locations all being lost due to peat extraction.
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has responsibility for the management of the bog and nearby visitor centre.
Minister Deenihan said: “We are delighted with this news – this is the second Irish moss which is only known from Clara Bog. Bogs such as Clara should be considered Ireland’s rainforests in miniature, due to the rich assemblage of rare moss species found on them and just like rainforest need to be protected for future generations.”
This important find was made by Dr. George Smith, Ecologist, while undertaking a preparatory visit for a moss workshop held at Clara Bog Visitor Centre. Dr Smith stated that “This little plant is a perfect example of the biodiversity that can be lost if we fail to conserve and restore our raised bogs. Waved fork-moss and other bog specialists can only survive on wet, intact bogs, which are rapidly vanishing from the Irish landscape.”
Minister Deenihan added: “This significant find shows that we can turn the tide of biodiversity loss through management of habitats, because nature can flourish if we lend it a helping hand.”
ENDS
Background Notes:
Clara Bog is a Nature Reserve and Special Area of Conservation. At nearly 450 hectares it is the largest nearly intact true midlands type raised bog in Ireland and probably the best remaining example of such a bog in western Europe. It formation goes back 10000 years to just after the last ice age. A circular boardwalk provides a good opportunity to see the many interesting plants, animals and features of a raised bog. Clara Bog Visitor Centre is located just minutes away in Clara, Co Offaly. Admission to this modern facility is free and a must if you would like to learn more about Clara Bog and its unique flora and fauna. The centre houses an interactive multimedia exhibition, short films and activities for children. The centre is open from 10am until 5pm (June: Monday to Friday, July and August: Tuesday to Saturday).
For more information telephone: 057 9368878 or E-mail: claraguides@ahg.gov.ie
Website: www.npws.ie