1 Submission LEAF Green Awards 2014 Aims & Objectives: The conservation of a 500 acre natural heritage area through restoration and rehabilitation by community-led management in partnership of with other stakeholders; and the provision of an open access natural amenity for social, recreational and educational activities. Rationale for nominating Abbeyleix Bog Project: The Abbeyleix Bog Project is a community-led conservation initiative, well integrated into the fabric and activities of the Abbeyleix community. Its activities have local, regional and national impact. The project has managed to engage collaborate and co-operate with a wide range of community organisations, NGO’s, state agencies and bodies. It has now become a model of how communities can play their part in nature conservation in Ireland. The Abbeyleix Bog Project has brought a sense of pride and place to community of Abbeyleix. Current/recent activities and achievements: Employment of JobBridge intern through Laois Co Co An intern was employed by Laois Co Co on behalf of the Abbeyleix Bog Project in April. ABP was privileged to obtain the expertise and help of Dr Emma Seale of Attanagh for nearly 5 months. She has now started her own business. Implementation of corporate logo and brand New corporate logo was designed for ABP and was implemented based on the brand guidelines supplied. Building of Boardwalk on the raised bog: A grant received through Laois Partnership under Rural Development funding, was utilised to buy the materials for the boardwalk. Based on our own design, the building of the boardwalk was all done through voluntary labour by ABP local volunteers, members of Portlaoise Mens’ Shed and participants in the Rural Social Scheme. Building took only two months to complete with less than 1% material waste.
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Abbeyleix Bog Project entry to LEAF Green Community Awards 2014
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1
Submission
LEAF Green Awards 2014
Aims & Objectives:
The conservation of a 500 acre natural heritage area through restoration and rehabilitation by
community-led management in partnership of with other stakeholders; and the provision of an
open access natural amenity for social, recreational and educational activities.
Rationale for nominating Abbeyleix Bog Project:
The Abbeyleix Bog Project is a community-led conservation initiative, well integrated into the
fabric and activities of the Abbeyleix community. Its activities have local, regional and
national impact. The project has managed to engage collaborate and co-operate with a
wide range of community organisations, NGO’s, state agencies and bodies. It has now
become a model of how communities can play their part in nature conservation in Ireland.
The Abbeyleix Bog Project has brought a sense of pride and place to community of
Abbeyleix.
Current/recent activities and achievements:
Employment of JobBridge intern through Laois Co Co
An intern was employed by Laois Co Co on behalf of the Abbeyleix Bog Project in April.
ABP was privileged to obtain the expertise and help of Dr Emma Seale of Attanagh for
nearly 5 months. She has now started her own business.
Implementation of corporate logo and brand
New corporate logo was designed for ABP and was implemented based on the brand
guidelines supplied.
Building of Boardwalk on the raised bog:
A grant received through Laois Partnership under Rural Development funding, was utilised
to buy the materials for the boardwalk. Based on our own design, the building of the
boardwalk was all done through voluntary labour by ABP local volunteers, members of
Portlaoise Mens’ Shed and participants in the Rural Social Scheme. Building took only two
months to complete with less than 1% material waste.
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Official opening of boardwalk:
The official opening of the boardwalk was done by Dr John Feehan as a Heritage Week
event. The boardwalk was dedicated to the memory of local Killamuck resident, Mary
Hutchinson, an Abbeyleix Bog activist and supporter who passed away on the bog. The
event featured on Laois Matters programme of the Irish TV channel.
Photographic exhibition Tina Claffey in Abbeyleix Library:
Another Heritage Week event organised by ABP. It featured the photographic work of Tina
Claffey. The exhibition, entitled Seoda – Treasure of the Wetlands, was hosted in the
Abbeyleix Library and more than 50% of photographs were taken on Abbeyleix Bog.
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Building of Bug Hotel in cooperation with IWT Laois/Offaly:
This Heritage Week event was organised in conjunction with the Laois/Offaly branch of the
Irish Wildlife Trust. More than 45 kids came to help build the ‘hotel’ and then went on a bug
hunt for guests. The event was featured on Laois Matters programme of Irish TV channel.
Conservation Management Plan 2015-20:
With grand aid from The Heritage Council, ABP commissioned a 5-year Conservation
Management Plan for the project. The plan was published in October 2014.
Conservation Work Group with CVI, IWT Laois/Offaly:
On 2 occasions local volunteers, together with volunteers from Conservation Volunteers