Connecting Communities with Peatlands is delighted to host this webinar series with the aim of supporting peatland communities in the Midlands to build on their knowledge, understanding, and engagement with peat bogs. At the end of the series, we will facilitate a visit to the bog to put some of your learning into practice!

Learning about the bog can be like learning a whole new language! Scientific phrases and terminology can be off-putting and make us feel like we don't belong in the peatland-scape, but in fact, the opposite is true. In this series, we aim to make learning about peatlands easy to understand and enjoyable to learn about.

It's a safe space to learn with a range of contributors: researchers, community groups, educators, and professionals. There is no such thing as a stupid question - you can guarantee someone else wants to ask the same question you're thinking!

There are three contributors at each webinar and participants will be able to ask questions and interact with our speakers. Each webinar covers a different topic, so please register for those you are interested in - listed below.

Come to one, come to all, you are most welcome.

Webinar Series Programme:

Webinar One: What is a bog?

You've guessed it! This webinar will tell you all about what a bog is, ranging from the different types of bogs, how they are formed, and the habitats they create, as well as how and why these habitats are protected.

Date: Tuesday 5th April Time: 7.30pm-9pm

Webinar Two: Plants and animals of the bog

Bogs are unique habitats with certain plants and animals relying on them to thrive. In this webinar, we will explore the plants you'll find on the bog, as well as the big and small creatures that inhabit them, and how to attract them.

Date: Tuesday 12th April Time: 7.30-9pm

Webinar Three: Peatlands and culture

The human connection with peatlands goes back thousands of years, and they have inspired artists and photographers over the generations. As a society, we relied on peat for fuel and warmth, and our identity is entangled with peatlands. This webinar looks at the importance of peatlands in Irish culture through archaeology, art, and photography.

Date: Tuesday 26th April Time: 7.30-9pm

Webinar Four: Rejuvenating the bogs

Bogs in Ireland are going through a new phase of restoration and protection in the wake of climate change. But what is the role of peatlands when taking action to reduce the effects of climate change? In this webinar, we explore the benefits of 'rewetting' bogs, bogs as carbon sinks, and the benefits this can bring to communities.

Date: Tuesday 3rd May Time: 7.30-9pm

Webinar Five: People and the bog

The final webinar presents what you can do in your community with your bogs. Whether you want to restore it, highlight the heritage, create a recreational amenity or monitor the plants and wildlife. There are lots of options from those already doing it.

Date: Tuesday 10th May Time: 7.30-9pm

Connecting Communities with Peatlands is a project funded by the National Just Transition Fund, led by Irish Rural Link and Community Wetlands Forum.