In this series, photographer Chad Alexander traces the historical and contemporary landscape of peatlands in and around The Sperrins, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Chad’s exploration delves into the cultural and environmental significance of bogs, examining the personal, economical and mythical relationships between people and the land. Through this body of work, he highlights the complexities between destructive effects of industrial practices, such as drainage, extraction, afforestation, and unregulated burning, that can harm these fragile ecosystems,  contributing to a warming climate. At the same time, the work highlights the potential for restoration at Haughey’s Bog under the stewardship of Ulster Wildlife and An Creagán community centre in Omagh, where it has been permanently installed.

Over 80% of Northern Ireland's peatlands are either damaged or in poor condition, transforming them from vital carbon sinks into carbon emitters, while also threatening diverse habitats of wildlife, including endangered species.  Local peatlands face further issues from mineral extraction companies, who seek gold and other precious minerals with irreversible damage.  The project also sheds light on the vital efforts undertaken by organizations, activists, farmers and local communities to restore and conserve peatlands, offering hope for the future of these vital ecosystems.

‘The primordial intensity of the bog's unmoving tannin-dark water and massed sphagnum seems the true element, the stuff from which ancient universal humanity arose and to which it must return.’ ‘Extract from Fen, Bog and Swamp by Annie Proulx.

Artist Bio

Chad Alexander is an artist born and based in Belfast with a practice characterized by his home. With a focus on the aftermath of conflict, Chad explores the impact this has upon urban environments, individuals, and communities. Through his work and everyday surroundings Alexander explores friction and harmonies, between place and identity. 

Chad holds a BA Honours in Photography from Ulster University.  Selected exhibitions include Impressions Gallery, , Belfast Exposed Gallery,  PhotoIreland  Festival, Golden Thread Gallery, , Ulster Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum of  Liverpool.

Visualising Natural Heritage of Northern Ireland: 

Visualising Northern Ireland’s Natural Heritage is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, five diverse photographers are collaborating with conservation groups and local communities across Northern Ireland to visualise our natural heritage, with a focus on Lough Neagh, peatland, marine areas, the wider Belfast Hills and temperate rainforests.

These new co-curated narratives and photographic works will feature in exhibitions and events in Belfast, throughout Northern Ireland and beyond. Belfast Photo Festival and its partners aim to foster creativity, build meaningful connections and generate lasting public engagement with societal impact to help protect the environment.