Summary

An environmentally aware farm in Ireland aimed to make a contribution to addressing the problem of biodiversity loss. Supported by the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS), which is the new agri-environment scheme of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, the Golashane Farm Nature Reserve owners organised a series of activities aimed at supporting biodiversity.

The project contributed to providing species-specific habitat enhancement for bats, other mammals, birds and insects. The local community was also involved in research projects, and a wildlife festival is held on the farm every two years.

Results

Twenty-two species of bird on the farm, including new species which were never recorded before on the farm, e.g. buzzards, mallard ducks, jays, woodcocks and grasshopper warblers.

Approximately 150 people were trained on the farm in 2016 and another 150 people at the 2018 festival 'Moynalty goes wild' which was organised by the farm.

The bat box hibernation plans developed on the farm are now currently being used throughout Ireland during the repair of traditional farm buildings under the guidance of the Heritage Council.

The farm has given advice on farm nature reserves to many groups in conjunction with the Irish Wildlife Trust. As a result, a network of farm nature reserves is being established