Sample conservation grazing projects in Ireland
Kerry Uplands
2011 to 2016
This project seeks to develop evidence-based management recommendations for the uplands, specifically with regard to the impact of cattle grazing on upland habitats. The home range and resource selection of Dexters (a native breed) in the 462 hectare Mount Brandon Nature Reserve in County Kerry is being investigated. It is a collaborative project between the Institute of Technology, Tralee, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and an organic farmer in west Kerry.
Virtual Fencing Trials
Since summer 2020, the Agri-Ecology Unit of National Parks & Wildlife Service and three farmers have been progressing Ireland’s first virtual fencing studies on commercial farms, assisted by Teagasc, IT Sligo and Michael Martyn Agri-Environmental Consultants.
These conservation grazing trials using innovative technologies are being undertaken on three farms participating in the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme (ffn-ebook-complete.pdf (npws.ie).
https://www.npws.ie/conservation-grazing-virtual-fencing-trials
Burren Programme
https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-30942454.html
Fernhill Meadows
Biodiversity Conservation of Fernhill Meadows with Droimeann Cattle
https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/biodiversity/biodiversity-conservation-fernhill-meadows-droimeann-cattle
Lullymore West Bog, Kildare
Donkey grazing to support endangered Marsh Fritillary (Euphydyras aurinia) butterflies on the Irish Peatland Conservation Council’s Lullymore West Bog Nature Reserve in Co. Kildare
Grazing donkeys help boost endangered butterfly populations on Kildare bog
Old Irish Goats Grazing Gunnera Tinctoria
Goats to tackle the invasive plant Gunnera Tinctoria
Howth Goats
Three-year project involving the Old Irish Goat Society and Fingal County Council.
Horses on gorse
Hen Harrier programme
https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2021/0304/1201047-gorse-hen-harrier/