UFU hill farming chair Alastair Armstrong said that during the visit in October, farmers saw the results of peatland management to increase peat-forming Sphagnum and reduce areas of bare peat.

“The visit to Cuilcagh allowed us to see work carried out in 2021. Bare peat is a disadvantage to everyone as it neither stores carbon nor grows vegetation. It was also encouraging to hear that wool could have a role in future peatland management projects creating a bio-circular economy on hills.”

Mr Armstrong added that in the past farmers have been reluctant to become involved with peatland management programmes as they feel they have been unfairly blamed for degraded peat when in reality weather and erosion play major roles. “The visit showcased the many benefits peatland management contributes to the environment and society. However adequate funding from the government is needed to deliver this public good,” he said.  

Peatlands can provide many ecosystem services and support some of our rarest and most iconic species. Farmers are key to managing these areas sustainably, but we need funding, support and encouragement for those involved in positive peatland management.

Simon Gray, head of peatland recovery at Ulster Wildlife added, "It was great to welcome farmers to Cuilcagh to showcase the peatland techniques we have developed in partnership with local landowners. Peatlands can provide many ecosystem services and support some of our rarest and most iconic species. Farmers are key to managing these areas sustainably, but we need funding, support and encouragement for those involved in positive peatland management.”

The UFU and Ulster Wildlife will deliver a further two outreach events on Monday 25 November, 7pm (Glens of Antrim) and Thursday 5 December, 7pm (Sperrin).

For more information and to register, contact UFU peatland officer Stephanie Clokey sclokey@ufuhq.com or UFU Headquarters.