Country summaries
Full details of projects in partner countries are given in other parts of this site. In summary, the main elements of work in those countries were:
Finland
Perapohjolan
Kehitys ry Leader+ and its local partners investigated how nature tourism
and peatland bogs in particular can support local business. New trails and walks
in the Arctic Circle Hiking
Area were piloted to look at the potential for educating users and staff.
Finnish participants also looked at how they could strengthen national and international
partnerships in the management of peatland bog sites.
The Finnish Workshop was held in Lapland from 13 -15 June 2005 and looked at the use of natural materials in walkways and interpretation.
France
Centre Ouest
Bretagne LEADER+ and its local partners investigated the most appropriate
materials to use in constructing peatbog footpaths, what is the best way to
get visitors to bogs and how you can interpret the site innovatively. They also
looked at how young people can be most effectively involved in peatbog projects.
This work was done by creating new access to Landes de Locarn (a site which
already has some access) and using Magoar Natural Area (a site with no previous
access) as a comparison.
The French workshop was in Brittany from 16 -18 May 2006 and investigated how to involve young people in peatlands.
Ireland
Offaly Leader+ and
local partners investigated the best way to present information on peatbog sites,
based on different interpretations of 'best'. They did this by exploring
best practice in interpretation when developing new walks and trails principally
within Lough Boora Parkland and through consideration of additional sites. New
technology and new presentation media were used as part of the work to raise
awareness and usage of cutover peatlands and to develop such sites as recreational,
cultural, natural, educational and heritage locations.
The Irish workshop was in Co. Offaly from 13 -15 September 2005 and explored interpretation through art and access for all. A final dissemination event to conclude the whole project took place in Co. Offaly from 14 -15 March 2007.
Scotland
Lomond and Rural Stirling Leader+ and partner Scottish Natural Heritage investigated how you can give visitors access to a peatbog and have a positive experience there without damaging the site in question. They did this through development of an access facility on Flanders Moss in Stirlingshire, an internationally important bog with no previous public access, and by experimenting with interpretation for specific audiences.
The Scottish workshop was held in Stirlingshire from 19 -21 April 2005 and
looked at involving local communities in peatland sites.
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