Background Information on Irish Wetlands
Wetland Surveys have created this section to provide more information on the variety of Wetlands in Ireland. Here you can will get a general introduction to wetlands, what values wetlands have, how these are being conserved, and more detailed information on peatlands and bogs; fens; swamps and marsh.
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Factfile 1: Wetlands in Ireland an Introduction
Wetland is a collective term for ecosystems (habitats and their associated species) whose formation has been dominated by water, and whose processes and characteristics are largely controlled by water. Read more…
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Factfile 2: Wetlands Values
Wetlands range from ponds to rivers, reedbeds to bogs, and are home to a large diversity of plants and animals. However, they are not just important for biodiversity. Read more…
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Factfile 3: Conservation of Irish Wetlands
As with many other natural environments humanity has generally looked on wetlands as an economic resource to be used for short term economic gain, and has often not recognised the long term benefits (both economic and non-economic) of functioning wetlands. Read more…
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Factfile 4: Peatlands and Bogs
An introduction to raised bogs, upland bogs, lowland blanket bogs, cutover bogs and eroding bogs and what makes these areas so special in an Irish context. Read more…
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Factfile 5: Fens and Flushes
Fens differ from bogs because they are less acidic and have relatively higher mineral levels. They are therefore able to support more diverse plant and animal communities. Read more…
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Factfile 6: Marshes
Marsh is found on level ground near slow-flowing river banks, lake shores, and in other places where mineral or shallow peaty soils are waterlogged, and where the water table is close to ground level for most of the year. Read more…
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Factfile 7: Reed Beds and Swamps
Swamps are commonly found around lakes, on slow flowing river banks and estuaries. They are usually species-poor stands of vegetation that are dominated by Reeds and other large grasses or large, tussock-forming Sedges.. Read more…
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Factfile 8: Reading List on Wetlands
We have compiled a list of publications that will help introduce you to a range of wetland literature from Ireland and information on various wetland habitats, threats they face and how best to manage and restore such areas. Read more…
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Useful links
Here you will find some useful links to other groups and organisation with an interest in wetlands.