Peatlands in Practice: Re-wetting our Peatlands - Sustainable Timber Dams
PLACES LIMITED - FREE ADMISSION
You are invited to come to the Common Knowledge Centre for our first Peatlands in Practice weekend workshop of the year on June 27th and 28th, 10 am - 4.30pm at The Common Knowledge Centre in Kilfenora.
This environmental education workshop is free-of-charge and open to people from all walks of life. Whether you have 100 acres of peatland you are in the process of restoring, or you are simply curious about learning about the beauty and biodiversity of our bogs, all are welcome!
This workshop will focus on practical peatland re-wetting techniques, with an emphasis on understanding water movement and blocking drains using simple and sustainable timber dams. Participants will learn how small scale, sustainable, interventions can make a positive impact to peatland conditions, carbon retention, and overall ecosystem health.
This is an interactive and hands-on workshop, after a morning classroom session at the centre the rest of the workshop will be taking place outdoors on the land at the Common Knowledge. Participants will work together in small groups alongside experienced facilitators. No previous experience is required, just a willingness to get stuck in and learn through doing! All tools and materials will be provided. The session will include time for discussion, reflection, and learning about how these techniques fit into wider peatland restoration efforts. A wholesome lunch is provided.
Our site isn't very accessible at the moment, so those with mobility issues may wish to just attend the classroom learning portion of the workshop at the start of the day.
This workshop will be led by Feidhlim Harty - Féidhlim Harty is an environmental consultant and writer. His company, FH Wetland Systems, offers designs and guidance on waterway repair and rewilding; facilitation on local catchment protection and enhancement; training and workshops. He is an advocate for beaver reintroductions into Ireland and passionate about learning from nature so that until such time as we have implemented full ecosystem repair we can work fulfill the role of missing species using careful land management practices and techniques.
What is the Peatlands in Practice project?
Peatlands in Practice is our new, community-led peatland restoration project! Based at our 50 acres site here at The Common Knowledge centre in Kilfenora, County Clare.
This project empowers people to take meaningful action. Through practical workshops, interactive tours, collaborations and culture events, participants gain the skills and confidence they need to make a real difference on both a personal and community scale. Over the next 6 months, we will work with ecologists, educators, cultural practitioners, and local communities to restore degraded peatland habitats through hands-on ecosystem restoration education, and together we will learn how to appreciate the beauty of bogs and the importance of restoring them.
This project invites people to take part directly in peatland restoration, reconnecting with the living landscapes shaped by both nature and culture.
Completely free-of-charge and open to all backgrounds and experience levels, this project encourages participants to take what they learn and share it with their communities, creating a positive ripple effect of environmental action.
We look forward to welcoming you to an afternoon of exploration, education, and community connection!
Note: Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. We’d also recommend that you bring spray to keep the midgies at bay!
This event is part of our Heritage in Action 2026 Programme, funded by the Heritage Council.
Book tickets : https://booking.ourcommonknowledge.org/events/commonknowledge/2234926
