In March 1997 a Preservation Order was placed on Killyconny Bog by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), this Order prevented people from cutting turf on the bog.

In order to create awareness and local support for preserving the bog, articles were published in the local newspapers and three ‘Day on the Bog’ events were held. Members of the parish became trained bog guides explaining how the bog was formed, the rare plants growing there and the birds and animals using the bog as a safe habitat. At each event the locals demonstrated turf cutting showing the traditional equipment & methods. A fine collection of bog tools and heather besoms were also displayed. Videos of the events have been uploaded to our Links page

Killyconny Bog was classified as a Special Area of Conservation, the Department identified eleven other sites suitable for conservation and this group of twelve bogs became known as the ‘’Living Bog’’ – a Life sponsored program

Funds totalling €5.4 million were secured to re-wet and rejuvenate the twelve Living Bogs. Various surveys were carried out to assess the health of Killyconny Bog. A drainage barrier was installed to pre-empt loss of water, and drains were closed on the Fegat / Killyconny side by the NPWS.

In 2020 a group of twelve like-minded people came together to form what became known as the ‘Killyconny Bog Project’. The groups ethos is to protect, restore and assist the natural environment and sustainability of Killyconny bog while working with the NPWS to maximise the amenity’s potential.

We have a number of priorities: The group facilitates studies of species and biodiversity and raises awareness of Killyconny Bog, its relevance to Climate Change and Carbon sequestration, and its benefit to health and wellbeing. We wish to improve access to the bog and see the installation of a boardwalk to allow visitors to enjoy the bog without affecting the habitat. We would like to see increased accessibility to the bog, so it can be an inclusive environment for everyone to experience and enjoy. We are interested in building a portfolio and recording species of insects, moths and butterflies, birds, plants and mammals.