Bog of Allen Nature Centre
Region
Europe
Country
Ireland
Flyway
East Atlantic flyway
Initiative
WLI Europe
About
Irish Peatland Conservation Council
Funding support: Private donations, entry fees and awards
Number of staff: 6
Number of visitors per year: 4000
Overall aims of the centre
To celebrate Irish Peatland habitats and their wildlife and to showcase the work of the IPCC in peatland conservation, education and research.
Description of the centre
The Visitor Centre is on a 1ha site which contains three wetland habitats -lake, marsh/fen and raised bog – representing the stages in the formation of a bog, a greenhouse garden of insect eating plants from peatlands all over the world and peat free wildlife gardens.
It is adjacent to Lodge Bog (500m) a natural raised bog habitat that the IPCC is managing for nature conservation. Activities at the centre for families and other group or individual guests include pond dipping, nature crafts, nature trails, gardening tips, earth walks, talks, guided tours of gardens, bog and indoor museum and exhibition centre. Refreshments are available and we also have a shop on site.
The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is located in Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work areas
Promotion of the visitor attraction via our web site and facebook pages. We also promote our schools education programmes for primary and post primary students via direct mail. We have a range of printed curriculum linked educational packs and a variety of the most commonly used of our resources are available to download free from www.ipcc.ie
Top three successes
Special events around International Bog Day (last Sunday in July) good because we personalise invitations to this event and it is free. School visits where students study ecology as this is a requirement of the Irish School Curriculum and IPCC have a strong reputation in this area.
General visits to the nature centre from overseas guests who are interested in meeting Irish people and enjoying our natural heritage – good because we are promoted in guide books such as Lonely Planet etc.
Top three challenges
Marketing of the IPCC and our visitor centre is our top challenge and trying to present the work that we do in a manner that engages guests. we have lots of good ideas but find it difficult to get people in.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre
Participation
Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
General
PR and marketing; Health and safety; Fund-raising; Project planning
Contact
Bog of Allen Nature Centre,
IPCC,
Lullymore,
Rathangan,
Co. Kildare,
Ireland.
Tel: 0035345860133.
Email: bogs@ipcc.ie.