Glenullin Bog is a lowland raised bog of high scenic appeal. The bog’s dome structure is highly visible in the surrounding landscape and is considered the focal point of the area by many local people i.e. “The Heart of the Glenullin Valley”. The Bog lies outside both the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Sperrins Environmentally Sensitive Area. It has no legal nature conservation designation to protect it as it does not currently meet ASSI criteria for designation.

This is due to the damage to its surface vegetation and hydrological system which occurred due to peat extraction works in 1994. These works were stopped and the continued protection of the Bog led to the formation of the Glenullin & Agivey Conservation and Development Group.

The bog is currently privately owned and was placed on the market at a cost of £35,000. The group are concerned for the long term protection of the bog and are therefore exploring the potential of the site for community tourism and environmental education. It is currently used as an educational resource by local school children and as an amenity area by the local community.

The protection and restoration of Glenullin Bog presents a conundrum not only for the group but for wider interests, especially those who adhere to the principles of sustainable development, biodiversity and cultural landscapes. What can or should be done?