Covenants in 18th and 19th century Leases re Bogs, Turf, Bog wood as an indicator of Landscapes 2,000 years ago the Bog Commissioners and Proposals to Drain and Grown Flax an Hemp 1805 on.
In old Estate leases there are frequent references to bogs, how much use is permitted, amount to be given to Landlord as entire or partial rent and the use of bog wood bog oak. The presence of bog oak is evidence of a forested landscape pre c300 AD when climate change encouraged the growth of bogs smothering and preserving the tree roots. Bog oak is still to be found very resilient and in the past was used as slivers to produce light at night.
During the Napoeonic Wars supplies of hemp were cut off crucial for sail making. There was a proposal to drain the bogs of Ireland perhaps 15% of the land mass.
The Bog Commission was set up and produced beautiful maps pre Ordnance Survey which still survive. The great proposals were not realised unto Bord na Móna was set up in the 1930s.
It is somewhat ironic that small farmers cannot now use turf for their own use while industrial extraction takes place by a State Company.
From the Becher estate in the Ballydehob area:
West Cork History 