06 Dec 2024

On an auspicious day in early December, the Bord na Móna team assembled to plant the 1,000,000th Sphagnum moss plug. This marks a significant milestone for the LIFE IP Peatlands and People project. Over the past three years, 250 hectares of Bord na Móna’s rehabilitated deep peatlands (with depths exceeding two metres) have been planted with Sphagnum, progressing well towards the target of 800 hectares by the end of 2027. This initiative is crucial in accelerating bog revegetation and shortening the time required for these ecosystems to begin sequestering carbon.

David McNicholas, Bob Riozzi, and Phillip Casserly

In the photo above, we see Bord na Móna ecologist David McNicholas discussing with the team lead Bob Riozzi and Phillip Casserly where to plant the last carton of Sphagnum plugs for this year.

Commendations to Phillip Casserly, who planted the most Sphagnum plugs this year – over 70,000 in total!

Last carton of Sphagnum plugs being planted by the team

1,000,000th plug being planted by Phillip Casserly on Derrycolomb bog, Co. Longford.

A job well done - congratulations to all!