Secondary Schools

Junior Cert. Peatland Ecology

Age Group: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Year

Leaving Cert. Peatland Ecology

Age Group: Transition, 5th & 6th Year


Designed to suit the fieldwork requirement of the Junior & Leaving Certificate. The study takes place within the grounds of the Visitor Centre in Ballycroy Village.

Both programme involve the following elements:
• Mapping the study site
• Keying out 5 plant species
• A vegetation survey
• Sampling for invertebrates using different techniques
• Keying out 5 invertebrate species
• Examining invertebrate lifestyles.
• Examining mammal and bird signs by checking small mammal traps, looking and listening for birds.
• Exploring competition, predation, food chains, food webs and adaptation
• Recording climatic, edaphic, abiotic and biotic factors affecting the site.
• Discussing the role of National Parks and Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna.

National Parks & Wildlife Service, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2. Phone: +353 1 8882000 Fax: +353 1 8883272