Bog Day 2025 honours Ireland’s distinctive peatlands, showcasing their vital role in biodiversity and carbon storage. This event promotes awareness, community involvement, and restoration projects to preserve these ancient ecosystems, ensuring their survival amid environmental challenges. Discover how you can participate in protecting this natural heritage.
Peatlands are a remarkable ecosystem, unique to Ireland and other areas of the world, playing a crucial role in biodiversity support and carbon storage. As Bog Day 2025 approaches, we’ll take the opportunity to celebrate these important ecosystems, raise awareness about their significance, and encourage restoration efforts that benefit the environment, economy, and local communities.
Peatlands are wetland ecosystems characterised by the accumulation of peat, which is made up of decaying plant material. Spanning over 20% of Ireland’s land, these incredible landscapes are essential for maintaining biodiversity and combating climate change.
– Carbon Storage: Peatlands are one of the most effective carbon sinks on the planet. They store approximately 30% of the world’s soil carbon, despite covering only 3% of the Earth’s surface. By absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
– Biodiversity Hotspots: Ireland’s peatlands are home to a unique array of flora and fauna, including several endemic species. They create distinct habitats for birds, insects, and various plants, making them vital for conservation efforts.
– Water Regulation: These ecosystems help maintain water quality and regulate rainfall by slowing down water runoff. This mitigates flooding risks and maintains healthier water systems.
The challenges facing Ireland’s peatlands currently include industrial exploitation, climate change, and invasive species.
Historically, peatlands in Ireland were drained and exploited for turf and agriculture. This has led to habitat loss and degradation. The practice greatly reduced the natural carbon storage capacity of these areas, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
As climate change progresses, peatlands are under threat from rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns. These changes can exacerbate the breakdown of peat, releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere and impacting the surrounding biodiversity.
Invasive species pose a significant risk to the integrity of peatland ecosystems. These non-native plants, if allowed to thrive, can outcompete native species and disrupt the delicate balance of these environments.
On Bog Day 2025, set for 27th July, communities, environmental organisations, and policymakers will unite to celebrate the value of peatlands. The day will include events such as guided bog walks, educational workshops, and community clean-up efforts to restore and protect these vital ecosystems.
Bog Day aims to raise awareness about the ecological significance of peatlands and the urgent need for their preservation. Through exhibitions, talks, and social media campaigns, participants will be encouraged to understand the importance of peatlands in mitigating climate change and supporting biodiversity.
Central to Bog Day 2025 is the promotion of peatland restoration initiatives. Here are some key projects and actions being launched or highlighted:
Local organisations will work with communities to identify degraded peatland areas that require restoration. This may involve re-wetting drained bogs, planting native species, and removing invasive plants.
Workshops will focus on teaching individuals and groups about the importance of peatlands, including how they can contribute to ongoing preservation efforts and make a difference in their communities.
Bog Day 2025 will feature collaborations with researchers and scientists to share the latest findings on peatland restoration techniques and biodiversity studies. This exchange of knowledge is critical for fostering effective conservation strategies.
Here are some ways you can get involved with Bog Day in Ireland.
Check local listings and social media for events taking place in your area on Bog Day. Participating in these events will help you connect with others who share your passion for peatlands and environmental conservation.
Consider supporting or volunteering with organisations that focus on rewilding and habitat restoration. Every little effort can contribute to the greater goal of restoring Ireland’s peatlands.
Raise awareness among your family, friends, and social media followers about the importance of peatlands. Encourage discussions about climate change and biodiversity, and inspire action within your community.
Here are the events in Ireland happening on or around the 27th July:
| Event Name | Event Description | Where | Status |
| International Bog Day Walk at Garry Bog | Celebrate International Bog Day with a guided walk through the unique landscape of Garry Bog. Learn about the vital role of peatlands in supporting wildlife and fighting climate change as you explore the site. | Ballymoney | Booking required |
| Bogland: Between the Sights of the Sun (26th July) | Join us in a celebration of International Bog Day and our boglands at Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again. On Saturday 26th July, join us for a special event with a panel of five guest speakers brought together by Tóchar Community Stories, a public engagement storytelling initiative under the Tóchar Midland Wetlands Restoration working with people across the eight counties of the Just Transition region. | Dublin | Boking required, free |
| (International Bog Day) Brilliant Bogs | On Bilberry Sunday, join Geopark Guide, Helen for a hike across a section of the extensive blanket bog habitat that cloaks Cuilcagh Mountain. Learn about the geology and ecology of this seemingly inhospitable landscape and the weird and wonderful flora that calls it home. | Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, Sligo | Booking required |
As we move beyond Bog Day 2025, it is imperative that we maintain momentum in our efforts to protect and restore Ireland’s unique peatlands. Through collaborative initiatives involving communities, governments, and scientists, we can ensure the health and resilience of these ecosystems for generations to come.
Government policy plays a vital role in the management and restoration of peatlands. Advocating for sustainable practices and supporting legislation that prioritises eco-friendly land use can ensure that peatlands are preserved.
Ongoing education and advocacy are essential. Schools and educational organisations should incorporate information about peatlands into their curriculum, fostering a culture of respect and care for these unique ecosystems from an early age.
Bog Day 2025 is not just a celebration; it’s a vital reminder of the need to appreciate, protect, and restore Ireland’s precious peatlands. These ecosystems are invaluable in combating climate change, fostering biodiversity, and regulating our water systems. As we stand together on this day, let us commit to ensuring the survival of these unique landscapes for future generations, acknowledging their vital role in our ecosystem and our shared responsibility to protect it.
Bog Day 2025 takes place on the 27th July 2025.
Peatlands are wetland ecosystems rich in accumulated organic peat material, covering over 20% of Ireland’s land. They play a crucial role in storing carbon, supporting unique biodiversity, and regulating water systems, making them vital for climate mitigation and environmental health.
Peatlands act as one of the world’s most effective carbon sinks, storing about 30% of global soil carbon. By trapping carbon dioxide, they reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, helping to slow climate change and maintain ecological balance.
Ireland’s peatlands face challenges including industrial exploitation for turf and agriculture, climate change impacts like rising temperatures and altered rainfall, and invasive species that disrupt native ecosystems, all contributing to peatland degradation.
People can participate in local Bog Day events, volunteer with restoration and rewilding projects, support environmental organisations, and raise awareness about peatlands’ importance through social media and community outreach.
Copyright © 2025. All Ireland Sustainability
Webdesign & Development Northern Ireland 2b:creative
Entries have now closed. We would love it if you could join us for our awards evening on the 24th of October at La Mon, Hotel, Belfast!