Project Description
FERS Ltd. were commissioned by Umeras Community Development CLG in 2021 to provide a baseline assessment of the biodiversity resource present at the proposed Umeras Peatlands Park at Umeras Bog. Umeras Community Development CLG was formed by local people living near Umeras and from Monasterevin and Rathangan who have a wide range of interests which are shared around the concept of developing an Umeras Peatlands Parks inspired by the model of the Lough Boora Discovery Park, Co. Offaly. Umeras Bog is located c.3km north of Monasterevin and c.4.5km south-west of Rathangan, straddling the border between Co. Offaly to the north and Co. Kildare to the south. Umeras Bog is 300 hectares (741 acres) in area and had been in commercial peat production by Bord na Móna since the mid-1970s.
Drone overview of Umeras Bog, January 2022.
The primary objective of the biodiversity study is to provide a baseline assessment of the biodiversity resource present within the study area of the proposed Umeras Peatlands Park. This was achieved by undertaking the following study elements:
- Surveys of the habitats, flora and fauna occurring within the study area;
- Production of baseline GIS information on the presence, distribution and conservation status of ecological habitats and recorded species within the study area;
- Production of a digital habitat map for the study area;
- Identification of elements or particular areas of specific potential for biodiversity or conservation interest;
- Identification of the potential presence and effectiveness of ecological corridors within the study area, linking the study area to adjoining areas of potential biodiversity interest;
- Assessment and recommendations on conservation priorities regarding the identified biodiversity resource of the site; and
- Generation of a habitat-specific management plan for the study area.
