See latest details about the Map of Irish Wetlands at FossEnvironmental.com or WetlandSurveys.ie
County Clare wetland map revised
As part of the project to map Ireland's wetlands by Wetland Surveys Ireland and Foss Environmental Consulting, a revised wetland map of County Clare has been uploaded to the Map of Irish Wetlands.
The MIW now includes information on wetlands surveyed as part of the County Clare Habitat Survey and Mapping projects undertaken from 2008-2011.
Wetlands shown on the map include are areas of raised, blanket bog, fen, springs, swamp, wet woodland, salt marsh, lakes, rivers, coastal saltmarsh and lagoons.
The Map of Irish Wetlands now lists 789 sites in County Clare, 44% of which have been surveyed for their wetland interest.
www.bit.ly/MapofIrishWetlands
#MapofIrishWetlands
Major Update to Map of Irish Wetlands
A recent update to the Map of Irish Wetlands has just been published which allows the user to display and query the extent of wetlands in selected counties where targeted wetland surveys have been undertaken. In addition, a 'Wetland Indicating Sediments' layer based on the Quaternary Geology Map of Ireland has been added. The sediments within the layer indicate the presence of wetland conditions (alluvium, lacustrine, blanket peat, raised peat, cutover peat, water, lake marl, coastal marsh, estuarine silt and clays) were extracted to create this standalone dataset. This dataset is very useful in identifying areas where wetlands are likely to exist. Of course drainage and other land-uses may have caused the loss of wetland conditions at many of these sites. The layer suggests that 24% of the Republic of Ireland once supported wetlands. However we have no information on the current extent except for those few counties that have undertaken detailed surveys in recent years. This year, partial wetland surveys have been commissioned by both Westmeath and Longford County Councils with support of the Heritage Council.
This project was developed jointly on a voluntary basis by the Dr Peter Foss (Foss Environmental Consulting) and Dr Patrick Crushell (Wetland Surveys Ireland) and is the only centralised map of all wetlands that occur in Ireland.
The main aim of the Map of Irish Wetlands project is to provide the user with information relating to wetland sites across Ireland. The MIW displays information on over 12,800 Irish wetlands.
As Dr. Crushell explains “We hope the map will prove useful to a range of professionals and general public who are interested in identifying the wetland resource in a given area. In the context of the climate and biodiversity crisis the value of wetlands is becoming increasingly apparent and the extent of this resource is critical in future planning and policy development to address these issues.”
The map can be viewed at either of the following websites: www.WetlandSurveysIreland.com or www.FossEnvironmentalConsulting.com
or
www.bit.ly/MapofIrishWetlands
We are constantly updating photographs of the Irish wetlands. You can submit your photos of your favorite wetland via our app: www.bit.ly/WetlandSnapShot
#MapofIrishWetlands
Wetland SnapShot app launched
With World Wetlands Day just around the corner (2nd February) the Map of Irish Wetlands team are asking people to help take a snap shot, on their mobile device, of their favourite wetland to include on the Map of Irish Wetlands.
With this in mind the team have just launched a Wetland SnapShot app (bit.ly/WetlandSnapShot) which runs on mobile devices (as a well as tablets and desktop computers).
The Map of Irish Wetlands (bit.ly/MapofIrishWetlands) shows the location and information on over 12,800 wetlands across Ireland, 4,500 of which are illustrated with a photograph. These images have been kindly submitted by individuals and local groups, who are acknowledged in the map pop up window.
As Peter Foss explains “There are still many wetlands without a photograph out there, and we would like to tap into the many great mobile phone photographers around the country to help us get a snap shot of these wonderful places. No matter how big or small! It’s a great opportunity for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts to put their wetland snap shot on the Map of Irish Wetlands, and help raise awareness of the beauty of wetlands”.
“To get the Wetland SnapShot app use this link (bit.ly/WetlandSnapShot) and run it through the browser on your phone or download the free Survey123 field app from the iOS App Store or Google Play and run it through this”.
“Links will guide you depending on how you want to operate the Wetland SnapShot app. If you decide to download the free Survey123 field app and run the Wetland SnapShot app through this it will always be on your phone… for that photo you would like to submit. It’s really very easy to operate”.
All photographs published on the Map of Irish Wetlands will include a acknowledgement to the photographer, should they wish to provide their names.
So take that snap shot of a wetland in your area... your local park... on your favourite wildlife walking route…. on your farm … or your local golf course… wherever !
Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell
#MapofIrishWetlands
New Map of Irish Wetlands launched with increased functionality
A new enhanced version of the Map of Irish Wetlands has just been published by Dr Peter Foss (Foss Environmental Consulting) and Dr Patrick Crushell (Wetland Surveys Ireland). This project was developed jointly on a voluntary basis by the two ecologists and is the only centralised map of all wetlands that occur in Ireland.
The Map of Irish Wetlands (MIW) is now displayed as an ESRI web map application, with additional functionality including searching for site by name, the addition of boundaries for designated sites, the ability to change the base map and other technical functions.
The main aim of the Map of Irish Wetlands project is to provide the user with information relating to wetland sites across Ireland. The MIW displays information on 12,800+ Irish wetlands, both within the state network of protected areas and outside this network, originating from a wide variety of sources. It is the only map which is freely available to show information on all Irish wetlands.
The location of sites is displayed on the web map with additional information presented in a pop up window on each site which includes: site name, wetland habitats present, ecological interest and conservation status, source of additional site information and site photograph.
Created in 2012, the on-line Map of Irish Wetlands, was intitially displayed on the Google Maps platform from 2013 to 2019.
As Dr. Foss explains “We hope the new Map of Irish Wetlands resource developed as an ESRI web map, with increased functionality and the inclusion of designated site boundaries, will be of use to a range of professionals and general public who are interested in identifying the wetland biodiversity resource in a given area.”
The map can be viewed at either of the following websites: www.WetlandSurveysIreland.com or www.FossEnvironmentalConsulting.com
Ends
#MapofIrishWetlands
Revised County Wexford Wetland Map
1 March 2018
As part of project to map Ireland's wetlands – the Map of Irish Wetlands - has published a revised County Wexford wetland map. The new on-line map has been uploaded and can be viewed on the Google map platform through the Wetland Surveys Ireland and this website.
A variety of additional wetland locations, site descriptions and photographic images for the wetlands in Wexford county are shown on the new map.
Here are some facts about the revised Wexford Wetland Map:
• The location of 321 known and potential wetland sites are shown in County Wexford.
• No wetland survey has been undertaken for the majority of these sites in County Wexford.
• 60 sites on the Wexford wetland map display a photograph of the wetland.
• All wetland sites listed in Wexford display information on the wetland habitats that are known or likely to occur there.
• 57 wetland sites include a short description of the wetland interest on the site.
To explore the map and obtain further information on the Map of Irish Wetlands project check out this link.
The Wetland Surveys Ireland Team hope you enjoy your tour of wetlands in Wexford !
#MapofIrishWetlands
Wetlands in County Dublin
As part of World Wetlands Day which this year celebrates Urban wetlands making cities liveable, the project to map Ireland's wetlands – the Map of Irish Wetlands - has published a revised Dublin city and county wetland map. The new on-line map has been uploaded and can be viewed on the Google map platform through the Wetland Surveys Ireland website. Some 67 of the wetlands shown are open to the public and have visitor access, so why not get out there and explore one of these great wetlands during World Wetlands Day.
A variety of additional information, site descriptions and photographic images for the wetlands in Dublin city and county are shown on the new wetland map.
Here are some facts about the new county Dublin Wetland Map:
- The location of 173 wetland sites are shown in County Dublin.
- Detailed wetland habitat surveys have been undertaken on 46 of these sites.
- 119 of the sites include a lake or pond as the main wetland habitat present, making this the most frequent wetland habitat type to be found in County Dublin. The second most common habitat type is reedswamp which occurs on 77 sites.
- 116 sites on the Dublin wetland map display a photograph of the wetland.
- 136 wetland sites include a short description about the wetland interest on the site.
- All wetland sites listed in Dublin display information on the wetland habitats that are known or likely to occur there.
- 67 wetlands occur within parks or are accessible to the public are listed as such, while 22 other wetland sites occur in golf courses with private members access.
To explore the map and obtain further information on
the Map of Irish Wetlands project during
World Wetlands Day please check out this
link.
During 2018 we hope to further refine and expand the information on wetlands displayed on the Map of Irish Wetlands, in County Dublin and throughout the rest of the country, and welcome information you might have on a site or a photograph for one of the wetlands shown on the map.
The Wetland Surveys Ireland Team hope you enjoy your tour and visit to the wetland of your choice !
The online map is available to view on here.
#MapofIrishWetlands
Update of the Map of Irish Wetlands 2018
As part of the joint project to map Ireland's wetlands, with Wetland Surveys Ireland, a revised Map of Irish Wetlands for the entire country has just been uploaded to the Google map platform. A variety of new data sources, site descriptions and photographic images for the wetlands shown has been included in the 2018 revised map.
The location of 12,731 wetland sites are shown on the Map of Irish Wetlands, together with information on known and potential wetland habitats on these sites.
4,065 wetland sites are now illustrated with site photographs.
3,753 wetland sites include a summary description based on surveys and reports.
Further background information on the Map of Irish Wetlands project can be found here.
During 2018 we hope to further refine and expand the information on wetlands displayed on the Map of Irish Wetlands, and welcome your information and photographs for the wetlands shown on the map.
#MapofIrishWetlands
Revised Longford and Roscommon Wetland Map Published
The results of the Counties Longford & Roscommon Wetland Study 2017 have recently been published and integrated into the Map of Irish Wetlands. The survey was commissioned by Longford and Roscommon County Councils and undertaken by ecologists from Wetland Surveys Ireland and Foss Environmental Consulting. The survey aimed to identify all wetland areas in the two counties to better inform land use planning and sustainable development strategies.
Wetlands can be defined as areas of land that are wet enough for long enough to support a variety of plants and animals that are specially adapted to wet conditions. These wetland areas in Longford and Roscommon include a range of wildlife habitats such as raised and cutover bogs, marshes, swamps, turloughs, wet woodlands, lakes and ponds.
By carrying out a review of digital maps and previous studies, and undertaking an aerial photographic and subsoil analysis of the two counties the Counties Longford & Roscommon Wetland Study identified thirty two wetland habitat types occurring in 676 individual sites in Roscommon and 281 sites in Longford. As part of the study of the two counties, information on these wetlands has been collated into wetland map dataset.
Preliminary site boundaries have been mapped for wetland sites identified during the study, providing an estimate of the extent of wetlands within these counties. The area of wetland sites mapped in Longford covered an area of 203 km2 (18.6% of land area) while wetland sites in Roscommon covered an area of 580 km2 (21.9% of land area).
The report highlights the absence of detailed information on many sites and the urgent need for targeted field surveys to gain a better understanding of the wetland resource within the county and to ensure that those sites of highest importance are protected.
The Counties Longford & Roscommon Wetland Study 2017 is an action of the County Longford & Roscommon Heritage and Biodiversity Plans. The reports is available from the Heritage Office in Longford and Roscommon County Councils.
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Want to visit an Irish wetland?
With spring ever more in the air the Map of Irish Wetlands team have created an exciting new on-line story map ‘Wetlands to visit around Ireland' to help you find some great wetland sites to visit around the country.
The story map brings you on an informative tour of 40 wetlands around Ireland where you can learn more about these fascinating habitats. The story map includes map location information, a brief summary of what you can discover at the sites, a summary of facilities at each location, and a link to further information from the groups that manage the reserves, opening times and much more.
The selection of wetlands shown in the story map include coastal wetlands, fens and swamps, ponds and bogs that all have a variety of visitor facilities (parking, paths, boardwalks, exhibitions and information signs) that will help you enjoy a visit to these magical places, and learn more about wetlands and their value to wildlife. The story map is based on a small selection of sites included in the Map of Irish Wetlands.
The Map of Irish Wetlands has been created by Dr Peter Foss and Dr Patrick Crushell and shows the location of more than 12,600 wetland sites in Ireland. The map and the latest story map have been developed and made available to the public free of charge without the assistance of any public funding.
Included on the new story map are such places as Bull Island, Clara Bog, Pollardstown Fen, Lodge Bog, The Wexford Wildlfowl Reserve, Fennor Bog, Corlea Visitor Centre, Boora Parklands to mention just a few. According to Dr. Foss “These wetlands represent the different types that occur in Ireland and all have fantastic facilities to cater for visitors. The groups that manage these wonderful places have invested in making the sites open to the public and allow people to learn more about these fascinating places”.
So if you would like to make a visit to one of the wetlands, all you have to do to access the story map is go to the link shown below or scan the QR code which will launch the story map on your mobile device.
“We hope people will enjoy the story map tour and get out there to visit one of these great national treasures !” says Dr. Foss.
QR code and Links to 'wetlands to visit around Ireland' story map:
Discover Irish Wetlands on World Wetlands Day 2017
2 February 2017
The first Map of Irish Wetlands has recently been completed following three years of research and data compilation on a voluntary basis by wetland scientists Dr Peter Foss and Dr Patrick Crushell.
The on-line Map of Irish Wetlands shows the location of more than 12,600 wetland sites in Ireland. The map has been created and made available to the public free of charge without the assistance of any public funding. Upwards of two hundred individuals refer to the map each month including researchers, students, land use professionals, and the general public.
The map is displayed via the Google Maps interface and can be accessed from any on-line device, without the need for special software. The Map of Irish Wetlands shows the location and provides summary information on protected and well known wildlife sites such as Clara Bog, Pollardstown Fen, or Dublin Bay. The map also provides information on lesser known wetlands that are important to local wildlife including cutover bogs, wet woodlands, farm ponds, and even golf course ponds. According to Dr. Crushell “These small wetlands all form part of a national network of sites that support a great variety of specialist plants and animals adapted to living in wetland environments”.
This network, which forms a key part of Ireland’s natural history resource, has been identified for the first time by the Map of Irish Wetlands project. The value of wetlands in providing services to society is increasingly being recognised by concepts such as 'green capital' and 'green infrastructure'. However, the team behind the Map of Irish Wetlands believe that planning authorities and other state agencies charged with the protection of our 'green capital' should be doing more to identify and evaluate the resource. “To date only counties Kildare and Louth have undertaken the necessary surveys to characterise and evaluate the complete wetland resource they have, something urgently needed across many other counties in Ireland” says Dr. Crushell.
In the meantime the information presented on the map will continue to be refined by the map team. It is hoped, subject to finding a suitable sponsor or partner, that the functionality of the map will be enhanced during 2017 to allow users to easily search features of the wetland map and overlay it on other available datasets such as soil maps or land cover maps.
“Information on new or existing sites is always welcome, so if you would like to contribute to this wetland mapping project get in touch” says Dr. Crushell.
To celebrate World Wetlands Day on 2 February, Wetland Surveys Ireland are hosting a 'Name the Wetlands’ competition. To take part go to the news section of WetlandSurveysIreland.com or the WSI Facebook page.
Link to Map of Irish Wetlands.
#MapofIrishWetlands
