The Burrishoole catchment is situated in County Mayo, on the northwestcoast of the Republic of Ireland. Much of the catchment is covered byblanket peat that, in many areas, has become heavily eroded in recent years(Fig. 1). This is thought to be due, primarily, to the adverse effects offorestry and agricultural activities in the area. Such activities includeploughing, drainage, the planting and harvesting of trees, and sheepfarming, all of which are potentially damaging to such a sensitivelandscape if not managed carefully
