Contexte

The FarmpEAT Project will design and trial a results-based agri-environmental programme adapted to the Irish midland raised bog landscape. The Irish midlands are characterised by extensive raised bog systems, all of these peatlands have been modified (to varying degree), by human activity. The most ‘pristine’ sites include intact areas of ‘high bog’ that have never been cut for fuel, while the most modified bogs include those that have been industrially harvested for peat. The margins of all midland bogs have been subject to drainage and much of this converted to grassland used for agriculture. The aim of this EIP is to develop an agri-environmental model that will enhance the environmental functioning of these former peatland areas through an incentivised Programme whereby farmers are financially rewarded for maintaining and improving the quality of their farmland habitats.

Result indicators will include; terrestrial farmland habitats, watercourses and drainage features and transitional bog habitats. A whole-farm assessment will be included as part of the assessment to ensure that the wider environmental performance of the farm is considered. Results will be assessed on a scale of 0 to 10 using habitat scorecards adapted to the target habitats and features. The Programme will be implemented across eight project sites centered on raised bogs or former raised bog areas. These sites are located in the Irish midland counties of Roscommon, Offaly, Kildare and Westmeath.

Coupled with the development of the results-based agri-environmental model, the FarmPEAT Project will assist farmers and the broader community to transition towards a more sustainable use of the peatland resource in the area through educational tools and peer mentoring.