March 11, 2012
In Ireland, peat-lands are a characteristic part of the landscape and over the years peat has been used for a number of things. Mammals, birds and wild berries that can be found in peat-lands have provided a source of food 6,000 years ago for the Stone Age people. When these people arrived in Ireland, they brought livestock that used peat-lands for grazing and this method is still used today on upland bogs.
Peat being used as a source of fuel can be dated back to the 7th century, but there has been evidence suggesting it was used soon than that. During the 18th and 19th centuries, peat was used for a number of things such as the manufacture of postcards and wrapping papers from peat fiber. The lower layers of peat-lands were usually used for fuel while the upper layers were used to produce peat moss. When peat was found to be a valuable source of fuel for heating and cooking, many people would cut turf from bogs. This was a labor-intensive job which forced people to come in direct contact with nature.
Song, sculpture, prose and poetry have been used by people in Ireland to express their particular relationship with bogs and the animals and plants they contain. People who inspect bog on a close encounter will notice the wealth of colors, treasures, smells and sounds.
*Information used from NIES (Northern Ireland Environmental Agency)
*http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/biodiversity/habitats-2/peatlands/heritage_and_culture.htm
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