Kilcolman Bog Explained

Kilcolman Bog is a national nature reserve of approximately 74acres in County Cork.

Features

Kilcolman Bog was legally protected as a national nature reserve by the Irish government in 1993.^[1] Most of the reserve, 52acres, is privately owned, with a small part in state ownership 22acres.^[2] It is also a Special Protection Area.^[3]

Kilcolman Bog is a fen^[4] and is located south of the Ballyhoura Mountains. It formed in a limestone hollow which was eroded by glaciers. Greenland white fronted geese and thousands of duck overwinter in the reserve. There is also an abundance of flora which are unique or rare to County Cork.^[5]

There are bird hides and boardwalks on the reserve. In 2017, Birdwatch Ireland took ownership of the private parts of the reserve from the previous owners, Richard and Margaret Ridgway.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: S.I. No. 314/1993 - Nature Reserve (Kilcolman Bog) Establishment Order, 1993 . 13 September 2020 . en.
2. Web site: Kilcolman Bog Nature Reserve . National Parks & Wildlife Service . 13 September 2020.
3. Web site: Kilcolman Bog SPA . National Parks & Wildlife Service . 13 September 2020.
4. Web site: Republic of Ireland peatland sites list. Source: IPCC’s peatland sites database 2009. . Irish Peatlands Conservation Council . 13 September 2020.
5. News: Kilcolman Walk: Rare plants and old stories spring up at Kilcolman . 13 September 2020 . Irish Examiner . 3 November 2014 . en.
6. Web site: Birdwatch Ireland Annual Report 2017 . BirdWatch Ireland . 13 September 2020.