Lough Bradan: The peat bog in the service of the fight against climate change

A bog renaturation project in Northern Ireland is helping to create clean drinking water while combating climate change.

The swamp lies on the banks of Loch Bradan in County Tyrone, which supplies water to the Omagh and Drumquin regions.

It is part of a restoration project by NI Water in collaboration with the Forest Service.

Using a technique called cell pooling, the Lough Bradan swamp now holds water in the peat below and filters what goes into the lake.

Rebecca Allen of NI Water said, "Cell containment encourages the growth of key mosses that hold back water and raise water tables.

"This will slow the flow into the lough from the surrounding areas, which will filter the water flowing into the lough for years to come."

The area has returned to a functioning peat bog, meaning it will have far-reaching effects on the environment by storing carbon in the form of peat.

Ms. Allen added, "Healthy wetlands can offer a nature-based solution to climate change, so it's great that this wetland in County Tyrone is now part of it."

Promoters hope that Lough Bradan will serve as a model for future forest and bog restoration projects in Northern Ireland.

Video reporter: Niall McCracken

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