Minister launches practical guide to launch Northern Ireland's wetlands

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today launched the Fen Management Handbook at the Montiaghs Moss Nature Reserve.

The reserve near Craigavon, which is managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), is at the forefront of Fen management in Northern Ireland and uses Fen management techniques on site to increase the value of the wetlands habitat.

This new handbook brings together the latest technical knowledge and expertise from across the UK, including Northern Ireland, to produce guidance on management, restoration and creation of fens.

Speaking at the launch, Environment Minister, Edwin Poots said: “Fens are complex and generally less well understood than other wetland habitats. As a result, they are more at risk from changes, runoff from fields and expanding human population. They are also particularly vulnerable to the pressures brought about by changing climate.

"Wetland ecosystems are rich in wildlife and add greatly to the landscape, by assisting in flood management and by locking in carbon they can help address climate change. Some wetlands have economic importance for everything from reeds for thatching, to angling, to pharmaceuticals and tourism.

Continuing the Minister added: “With 2010 being the International Year of Biodiversity it is a good time to reflect on our achievements to safeguard biodiversity in and around wetland sites like Montiaghs Moss Nature Reserve.

“This wetland management tool launched today can help all those with responsibility for wetlands to help look after them. We hope that people will download a copy of the Fen Management handbook and find it useful in protecting these habitats."

Montiaghs Moss Nature Reserve is especially important for the rare Marsh Fritillary Butterfly which was feared to be lost from the site following a large burn and flooding in 2008. The species has recently been rediscovered there.

The Fen Management Handbook has been produced by NIEA as a key partner, with equivalent agencies in England, Scotland and Wales, along with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and is available on the NIEA website

Notes to editors:

1. The Fen Management Handbook is a national resource which gives practical guidance on what fens need in terms of water and how to restore water levels; how to assess sites for decision making; and how to monitor the effects of management actions. It also explains about the many economic benefits of good fen management. It is aimed at land managers and advisers, planners and policy makers, site managers, volunteers, scientists and students. The initial internet version will be updated in response to the needs of users and a hard copy version will be produced early next year.
2. Photographs of the visit are available.
3. NIEA’s nature reserve forms part of the larger Montiaghs Moss Area of Special Scientific Interest, which was declared an ASSI in March 1997. It is also a European Special Area of Conservation. The site is a cutover lowland raised bog, consisting of an intricate mosaic of peat ramparts, trenches, pools and drains, interspersed with grassland, alder and willow carr and tall hedgerows. These habitats support a wide range of plants and animals, including many rarities. The area is particularly notable as one of the longest established colonies of the Marsh Fritillary butterfly in Northern Ireland.
4. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of the Environment Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.