Dr John Feehan, one of Ireland’s leading geologists, botanists, environmental communicators, authors and broadcasters, launches his new book – ‘Every Bush Aflame’ – on Wednesday 15th September at 6.30pm.
If you wish to attend, please contact Veritas at: [email protected] before Friday 10th September.
A native of Birr, Dr Feehan received his PhD on the geology of the Slieve Bloom and Devilsbit Mountains in 1980. He was a Senior Lecturer in the School of Agriculture and Food Science at University College Dublin, where he taught for twenty years up to his retirement in 2012.
Dr Feehan’s work is driven by a deep commitment to the maintenance of rural biodiversity and cultural heritage, and the sustaining of rural community. He has written extensively on the natural and cultural heritage of the Irish landscape and on many broader aspects of environmental science.
He is particularly well known as an ‘interpreter of the Irish landscape’ – a role he received broadcasting awards for. He actively engages with agriculture and industry to build appreciation and understanding of biodiversity, and to develop conservation and restoration strategies.
A strong advocate for community supported agriculture and integrated mixed farming as a means of maximising natural capital of land and sustaining rural community. Between 1992 and 2008 John collaborated with Bord na Móna on Ireland’s peatland heritage.
He has developed principles for the restoration of the country’s post-extraction peatlands, emphasising their potential for biodiversity and as a rich amenity resource for local communities.
He is a regular contributor to Columban Ecological Institute events.