Peat the exploitation of Irelands bog lands Objective

Peat – the exploitation of Ireland’s bog lands Objective: Demonstrate that the exploitation of a resource is related to technological change.

Today’s lesson… • Videos • Show that the exploitation of the bogs has changed over time due to technological developments – contrast present with past. • Suggest uses for cut away bogs.

Peat Production • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=DLbjz_MY UCw • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=ufwv. FOX UCnc

Peat – the exploitation of Ireland’s bog lands • For centuries, the people of Ireland have exploited the country’s bog lands. • The manner in which this peat has been harvested has changed greatly due to developments in technology.

Today… • Industrial. Bord na Mona. • Sophisticated machinery used: Ditcher, Grader, Miller, Harrow and Ridger. • Energy – burned in power stations. Heating. Moss peat. Exported to EU for use in gardening and horticulture.

In the past… • Meitheal, sleán. • Practice decreased about 60 years ago. • The process was slow. A small amount of turf was cut daily. • Difficult to transport.

What can be done with the land when all of the turf is gone? • • Wind farms. Wildlife sanctuary. Forestry. Grassland.

Homework • Page 23 of your textbook. • Question 5 (i) (ii). • To be completed in your hardback/copy for tomorrow’s class.