Background
Restoring Nature

Restoring

Nature

Glashpullagh Peatlands

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A Living Landscape

The Glashpullagh peatlands represent one of Ireland's most significant ecological restoration projects. Through careful rewetting, drain blocking, and community engagement, we are working to restore this ancient landscape to its natural function — storing carbon, filtering water, and supporting biodiversity for generations to come.

Every hectare of restored peatland captures an estimated 0.7 tonnes of CO₂ per year. With over 200 hectares under active management, the Glashpullagh project is making a measurable contribution to Ireland's climate goals while preserving a landscape of deep cultural and ecological significance.

Glashapullagh

A working peatland restoration landscape in West Limerick. Explore the science, craft, and long-term stewardship of bogland recovery.

Overview

What We Do

Restoration

Active rewetting and ecological engineering of degraded peatland to restore hydrological function and biodiversity.

Science

Rigorous monitoring of peat accumulation, water tables, vegetation dynamics, and carbon sequestration over time.

Stewardship

Long-term land management integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary ecological science.

Community

Engagement and education programs connecting local stakeholders to peatland conservation and restoration.

Transformation Over Time

BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter

287

Hectares Restored

15+

Years Monitoring

2,847

Tonnes CO₂ Sequestered

98%

Water Table Rise

Understanding Peatlands

Peatlands cover only 3% of Earth's land surface, yet they store twice as much carbon as all forests combined. These fragile ecosystems are critical for climate regulation and biodiversity.

About

The Glashapullagh Project

Glashapullagh is a working peatland restoration landscape in West Limerick, Ireland. Spanning 287 hectares of formerly drained and degraded raised and blanket bog, the site represents a long-term commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable land stewardship.

Since 2009, we have conducted extensive hydrological rewetting, vegetation management, and scientific monitoring. Our approach combines traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary restoration science, demonstrating how degraded peatlands can be returned to ecological health and carbon functionality.

The project serves as both a living laboratory and a model for large-scale peatland restoration across the Atlantic Boglands region. We work collaboratively with researchers, policymakers, landowners, and local communities to advance understanding of bog restoration and climate mitigation.

About the site

Location

Topographical Overview

Main Site
Elevated
Water
Contours

Methods

Restoration Techniques

Rewetting

Rewetting

Strategic blocking of drainage channels and installation of weirs to raise water tables and restore hydrological connectivity.

Vegetation Management

Vegetation Management

Targeted removal of invasive species and encouragement of native Sphagnum mosses and ericaceous plants.

Habitat Creation

Habitat Creation

Installation of water bodies and microtopography to increase habitat diversity and support specialized peatland fauna.

The Challenge

Centuries of drainage, peat extraction, and agricultural use have degraded 90% of Western European peatlands. Restoration requires patient, adaptive management and long-term commitment.

Media

Video Documentation

Introduction to Glashapullagh

Introduction to Glashapullagh

An overview of the project, landscape, and restoration vision.

Rewetting the Bog

Rewetting the Bog

Documentary on the hydrological restoration process and water management.

Life Returns

Life Returns

Following the recovery of plant and animal communities over a decade.

Monitoring for Impact

Monitoring for Impact

Science in action: the research methods driving adaptive management.

Climate Benefits

Climate Benefits

How peatland restoration contributes to carbon sequestration and climate mitigation.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement

Local partnerships and educational programs connecting people to the landscape.

Featured

The Long Rewetting

Restoration in Focus

Explore the ongoing work to restore and protect the Glashpullagh peatlands — from ecological surveys to community action.

Drain Blocking
Restoration

Drain Blocking

Workers installing wooden dam structures in drainage channels to raise the water table and rewet degraded peatland.

Sphagnum Recovery
Ecology

Sphagnum Recovery

Monitoring the return of keystone sphagnum moss species — essential for peat formation and carbon sequestration.

Water Table Management
Hydrology

Water Table Management

Raising water levels through strategic dam placement to rewet drained peatland and halt carbon loss.

Field Monitoring
Science

Field Monitoring

Continuous measurement and monitoring across the site to track the progress of peatland restoration.

Plank Dam Construction
Engineering

Plank Dam Construction

Wooden plank dams installed across drainage channels block water flow and encourage natural peat recovery.

Community Engagement
Community

Community Engagement

Local teams and volunteers working together across the landscape to restore and protect this ancient ecosystem.

Workers walking across the restored peatland
Macro detail of lichen and moss on peat
Peat hag with lone spruce under moody sky
Two people at dam installation site
Soft focus bog grass against moody sky
Exposed peat bank close-up
Two people walking across the bog

Discover the Landscape

Hover to explore the interconnected dimensions of peatland restoration at Glashpullagh.

Peatland Ecology

Peatland Ecology

Carbon Storage

Biodiversity

Water Filtration

Peatlands store twice as much carbon as all the world's forests combined, making their preservation critical to climate stability.

Restoration Methods

Restoration Methods

Drain Blocking

Revegetation

Monitoring

Strategic interventions rewet degraded bog, allowing natural processes to resume peat formation and ecological recovery.

Community Impact

Community Impact

Education

Heritage

Wellbeing

Connecting people with the landscape through walks, workshops, and cultural storytelling preserves both ecology and tradition.

Supported By

Our Partners & Funders

This restoration project is made possible through the support of our partners and EU funding programmes.

EU LIFE Programme
Natura 2000
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE
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