The Sunny Uplands??? The Web of Life, aka the Rattling Bog.
Years ago, during my first year as an Environmental Science undergraduate in Wales, we embarked on field trips to various significant locations. We visited the source of the River Severn at Plynlimon, explored Hay-on-Wye, and spent time at Borth/Ynyslas. However, the most impactful trip was to a nearby raised bog area. There, we learned about the vital role these uplands play as carbon sinks and their influence on the main water supplies that flow down to the sea.
What is a Bog?
Small communities often develop alongside these underground waterways, highlighting the deep connection between human life and nature. Historically, people have utilised these remote areas both practically and spiritually. From providing fuel to serving as sites for rituals, they hold a sense of mystery. Places like Dartmoor evoke similar feelings. Interestingly, these landscapes were once traversed along raised causeways to connect with ancestors. The settlements that emerged were intricately linked with the natural world and the biomes necessary for sustaining civilization. This brings me to a storybook inspired by the traditional song “The Rattling Bog.”
The narrative flows like the waters from the uplands of Great Britain, emphasising the importance of these ecosystems. Upon closer examination, it becomes clear how essentially the animals, plants, and visitors are to natural progression and rewilding efforts. On the FOSP reserve we’ve studied the features of three distinct biomes—wet mud flats, woodland, and open water—which can be explored in a collaborative manner.
The Rattling Bog Sing Along Book
The Rattlin' Bog by Jessica Law (author), Brian Fitzgerald (artist), Speks (Musical group) (performer) 9798888590706 (Hardback, 2024) |
Jessica Law has skilfully transformed a simple song, performed by Speks, into a compelling narrative that underscores the need for personal engagement in environmental protection. Brian Fitzgerald's wonderful illustrations come to bring to life the world of the sunny uplands.
In our scientific backgrounds, we recognize that progress must not come at the expense of peat extraction. The reliance on peat as a gardening medium stands in stark contrast to conservation efforts. Large-scale peat excavation not only devastates upland moorlands but also risks releasing significant amounts of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere. If you're interested in learning more, purchase the Rattling Bog and then go further. I’ve included links to further information about the Jessica’s book & the background to it, raised bogs, and the campaigns dedicated to their preservation. Enjoy and stayed intrigued & interested in the natural world.
In the meantime, enjoy the video that accompanies this book. It's definitely an earworm!
Music Links
https://www.thespeks.com/index.php
Book Links
https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-rattlin-bog/jessica-law/brian-fitzgerald/9798888590713
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rattlin-Bog-Barefoot-Singalongs/dp/B0CGT6Y7DQ
https://www.barefootbooks.com/blog/post/2024-4-rattlin-bog https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/news/peat/
Recommended Science Links
https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/wetlands/peat-bogs
The bog blog: everything you never knew you needed to know about peat - CPRE
https://explorer-mag.nationalgeographic.org/trailblazer_may_2020/cover
History & Archaeological links
https://the-past.com/feature/touching-the-past-encountering-iron-age-bog-bodies/
https://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/news/footsteps-in-time-tracking-our-ancient-ancestors-562938
Gardening Links
https://www.gardensillustrated.com/features/best-compost-potting-garden
