Scohaboy Bog (Móin na Scotha Buí in Irish) is a raised bog in County Tipperary in Ireland. It lies approximately 6 km northwest of Cloughjordan, County Tipperary, between the N52 and R490 roads. The bog is owned by Coillte, along with the adjacent Sopwell woods. The bog is described as "large" in its site synopsis as a Natural Heritage Area, but no area is given. Part of the bog is being restored in a project running from 2011 to 2015.
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EcologyEdit
As well as typical high bog plants, Scohaboy provides habitat for the rare Sphagnum imbricatum, and Prunus padus has been recorded. Scohaboy Bog supports a diversity of raised bog microhabitats, including extensive hummock/hollow complexes. Being one of the more southerly raised bogs in the country adds significantly to its ecological value.
RestorationEdit
Scohaboy Bog is one of two demonstration sites for the European Union LIFE project, “Demonstrating Best Practice in Raised Bog Restoration in Ireland” (LIFE09 NAT/IE/000222). The project is being managed by Coillte and focuses on the restoration of 636 ha of raised bog habitat on 17 Coillte owned sites within the Natura 2000 Network and in Natural Heritage Areas. The project is jointly funded by EU DG-Environment, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) and Coillte. The Cloughjordan Community Development Committee is involved in the management of the project at Scohaboy, where 71.80 ha of bog are being restored.
Coillte are aiming to improve the condition of the bog by implementing ecological restoration techniques developed in Restoring Raised Bog in Ireland, an earlier LIFE project in which Coillte was involved. This involves removing non-native tree species and blocking drains. They are noting changes in vegetation and water levels.
AccessEdit
The demonstration site was officially opened in 2015 by Tom Hayes, TD. A 400m wooden bog bridge leads to a raised platform where visitors can see views across the bog.
ProtectionEdit
The bog was declared a Natural Heritage Area (ref. NHA 393) in 2005 under the Irish Wildlife Act. In 2015 it was reported that it was expected to be upgraded to SAC status.
ThreatsEdit
For centuries peat bogs have been harvested for turf (peat) for use as fuel for domestic fires. The tradition continues at Scohaboy. There is evidence of drainage activity and fire damage.