Arson destroys ancient bog in Claudy

Derry City Council and Strabane District Council have experienced significant damage to rare peatland, due to recent arson attacks.

Over three square kilometres of blanket bog in Balix Hill and Owenreagh Hill (5km north-west of Plumbridge), within the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has been severely damaged.

Also, Killycor Hill (two kilometres east of Claudy), 500 m from the River Faughan Special Area of Conservation, has been badly burnt.

These upland fires have put people’s lives, health, property and livelihoods at risk, as well as threatening livestock and local wildlife.

Christine Doherty, Derry City and Strabane District Councils’ Biodiversity Officer, explained: “Bogs take thousands of years to form and provide a habitat for important species of birds, rare insects and unusual plants.

“The western oceanic bog type found in Northern Ireland, is not found anywhere else in Europe. Only a small fragment remains, as the majority has been damaged or destroyed.

“Therefore, they are now considered among the rarest and most valuable habitats in Northern Ireland.’

“Peat bogs are important carbon sinks, but peat burning releases greenhouse gases, which contributes to climate change.

“They provide us with clean water and act as a sponge, to protect against flash flooding. However, the burnt peat bogs will no longer be able to provide this valuable resource and may cause localized water discolouration and flooding. Also, burning in uplands during the bird nesting season (1st March to 31st August), can result in the loss of habitat and could lead to the decline of bird species.

“All wild birds, their nests, young and eggs are protected under the Wildlife Order (NI) 1985, which makes it an offence to intentionally damage a nest while it is in use, or under construction.”

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development appealed to everyone to co-operate in preventing fires, particularly on open moorland, because of the danger presented.”