Laois artists feature in new guide on Ireland's wetlands

Laois artists feature in a new publication that aims to get local people involved in the protection and preservation wetlands.

Alison McEvoy and Annie Holland have contributed works for the ‘A Guide for Wetlands Communities Engaging in Creative projects’. Both have been involved with the landmark Abbeyleix Bog Project in Laois.

It's described as an innovative publication by the Communities Wetlands Forum, established to promote an estimated 13,000 wetlands and peatlands throughout Ireland.

Alison spoke about having her work featured.

“I'm delighted to have my work included in the guide and to see the fantastic ways in which other creatives have interpreted bogland through their practice.

"As a creative, being mindful of the impact on our wetlands, be it from noise, foot traffic, or visitor numbers, is always key for me. It isn’t a priority for everyone, and so this Guide should be used as a manual when any committee or external group are planning any creative activity on these special wetlands.

"It is a fantastic step-by-step guide on how to cohesively and respectfully create events that encourage like-minded people to celebrate the wonder of these wetlands and boglands in a way that doesn’t take from them while also raising awareness about the ecological aspects. More below photo.

Alison and Annie McEvoy at Abbeyleix Bog for the Of.Hands Festival Abbeyleix supported by Creative Ireland Laois. Photograph: Alf Harvey

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"Community involvement in any form helps community groups. We all love to visit these special places, but it doesn't magically happen. Lots of hours of manual labour, paperwork, planning and strategising go into even the smallest of projects. I'm very glad to be a part of the Abbeyleix Bog Project and I help with all creative projects,” she said.

Annie Holland’s film ’25 Years On...Abbeyleix Bog (2025) was a collaborative project with the Abbeyleix Bog Project marked the 25th anniversary of the local community effort to save the bog from peat extraction by Bord na Mona.

She also created the ‘A Forgotten Generation’ exhibition which detailed 100 years of rural life in Co Laois through the history of persona artefacts and traditional farming tools.

The Guide was due to be launched on in IMMA RHK Johnson Suite, Military Rd Kilmainham DO8FW31 on March 3 by Christoper O’ Sullivan, the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity.

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It will be available from after the  launch development@communitywetlandsforum.ie

For more see www.communitywetlandsforum.ie