Total budget: 1,100,000
| Main funding source | Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups (in the sense of Art 56 of Reg.1305/2013) |
| Project type | Operational group |
| Starting date | 2017 |
| End date | 2023 |
The project aims to sustain viable Hen Harrier (HH) Populations in an economically and socially sustainable model by recognising and valuing ecosystem services as an output from the farm. To achieve this, the project will pursue the following objectives:
Ensure the sustainable management of HNV farmland in the most important areas for HH, with an emphasis on providing habitat for HH and other wildlife that share this landscape;
Promote a stronger socio-economic outlook for upland areas;
Develop an effective model for future sustainable management of HH areas.
Foster positive relations through locally-led solutions between communities and the relevant Govt Dept.
The project activities are:
Designing and implementing a conservation programme in 6 Special Protection Areas designated for breeding Hen Harriers.
Incentivising farmers to enhance the habitat value of their designated lands.
Supporting measures that facilitate habitat enhancement.
Recognising the farmer’s role in delivering defined conservation objectives.
Carrying out annual surveys of breeding Hen Harriers to inform advisory and training services.
Working with Government Departments to minimise negative impacts arising from disturbance and habitat loss.
Co-ordinating the delivery of landscape level actions to reduce the risk to the Hen Harrier from predation and wildfire.
The Hen Harrier is a rare, ground nesting bird of prey, adapted to open moorland and marginal grassland habitats. The semi-natural habitats that the Hen Harrier depends on however have decreased in area over the last 40 years, as demographic, economic and regulatory factors have driven changes in land use. In fact, within the SPA network the breeding population of Hen Harrier has declined by 27% since 2005. The national Hen Harrier now only stands at an estimated 108 – 157 pairs.
Contact person: The Hen Harrier Project Ltd.
Address: Unit No. 2 Oran Point, Main Street, Oranmore, Co. Galway
E-mail: fergal.monaghan@henharrierproject.iePhone: 00 353 91 792865
http://www.henharrierproject.ie/