Contexte
Most intensively managed farmland throughout Ireland has had relatively low participation rates in agri-environment schemes (and associated wildlife options). Nevertheless, it is this farmland that is most frequently represented in Quality Assurance and Sustainability Schemes and is most likely to require a customised plan to maintain and enhance farmland wildlife habitats.
Objectives
The project aims to design and implement a cost effective, results-based approach to conserve, enhance and restore habitats in lowland intensive farmland without unduly affecting agricultural production.
The following specific objectives will be perused:
-Develop, implement and assess innovative options to restore, preserve and enhance farmland habitats.
-Improve communication and dissemination about the contribution of Irish farmland to the conservation of biodiversity.
-Facilitate the creation of a market-based demand by the agri-food industry for supply of ecosystem services from farmers.
Objectives
The project aims to design and implement a cost effective, results-based approach to conserve, enhance and restore habitats in lowland intensive farmland without unduly affecting agricultural production.
The following specific objectives will be perused:
-Develop, implement and assess innovative options to restore, preserve and enhance farmland habitats.
-Improve communication and dissemination about the contribution of Irish farmland to the conservation of biodiversity.
-Facilitate the creation of a market-based demand by the agri-food industry for supply of ecosystem services from farmers.
Activities
Project activities include:
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Producing a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) in consultation with participating farmers that identifies priority actions for the maintenance/enhancement of farmland wildlife. Farm-based actions will target farmland habitats such as: hedgerow management, field margins, retention of winter stubble on cereal farms, skylark plots, riparian buffer strips, creation of a permanent pond, conservation of existing farm habitats, native woodlands, nest-box and bat-box installation, rodent control and control of invasive species.
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Monitoring the diversity of vegetation types, plants, bird, bats and pollinators, using a baseline and ongoing surveys.
Activities
Project activities include:
-
Producing a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) in consultation with participating farmers that identifies priority actions for the maintenance/enhancement of farmland wildlife. Farm-based actions will target farmland habitats such as: hedgerow management, field margins, retention of winter stubble on cereal farms, skylark plots, riparian buffer strips, creation of a permanent pond, conservation of existing farm habitats, native woodlands, nest-box and bat-box installation, rodent control and control of invasive species.
-
Monitoring the diversity of vegetation types, plants, bird, bats and pollinators, using a baseline and ongoing surveys.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
- Rural Development Programme
- 2014IE06RDNP001 Ireland - Rural Development Programme (National)
Emplacement
- Main geographical location
- South-West (IE)
EUR 1 100 000.00
Total budget
Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.
Ressources
1 Practice Abstracts
Most intensively managed farmland throughout Ireland has had relatively low participation rates in agri-environment schemes (and associated wildlife options). Nevertheless, it is this farmland that is most frequently represented in Quality Assurance and Sustainability Schemes, and is most likely to require a customised plan to maintain and enhance farmland wildlife habitats. Furthermore, payments for actions alone do not always guarantee that habitat quality is delivered within intensive farming systems, necessitating the need for an innovative results-based approach in ensuring that environmental gains are achieved, and value-for-money is achieved. Biodiversity Regeneration In a Dairying Environment (BRIDE) aims to design and implement a results-based approach to conserve, enhance and restore habitats in lowland intensive farmland in the River Bride Valley, Co. Cork, which constitutes part of the River Blackwater Special Area of Conservation. The BRIDE project will assess the wildlife priorities on fifty participating farms and, in collaboration with the farmers, identify priority actions for habitat and wildlife conservation. The project will recommend actions to improve wildlife habitats/ species and will measure the impact of the actions. Farmer payments will be based on the extent to which wildlife targets are achieved; thus, the project will implement results-based payments. An important aim will be to use the BRIDE project to showcase and communicate lessons learned to the agri-food industry. Dissemination activities will improve national awareness of the options to maintain and enhance biodiversity within intensively managed farmland.
Most intensively managed farmland throughout Ireland has had relatively low participation rates in agri-environment schemes (and associated wildlife options). Nevertheless, it is this farmland that is most frequently represented in Quality Assurance and Sustainability Schemes, and is most likely to require a customised plan to maintain and enhance farmland wildlife habitats. Furthermore, payments for actions alone do not always guarantee that habitat quality is delivered within intensive farming systems, necessitating the need for an innovative results-based approach in ensuring that environmental gains are achieved, and value-for-money is achieved. Biodiversity Regeneration In a Dairying Environment (BRIDE) aims to design and implement a results-based approach to conserve, enhance and restore habitats in lowland intensive farmland in the River Bride Valley, Co. Cork, which constitutes part of the River Blackwater Special Area of Conservation. The BRIDE project will assess the wildlife priorities on fifty participating farms and, in collaboration with the farmers, identify priority actions for habitat and wildlife conservation. The project will recommend actions to improve wildlife habitats/ species and will measure the impact of the actions. Farmer payments will be based on the extent to which wildlife targets are achieved; thus, the project will implement results-based payments. An important aim will be to use the BRIDE project to showcase and communicate lessons learned to the agri-food industry. Dissemination activities will improve national awareness of the options to maintain and enhance biodiversity within intensively managed farmland.
Contacts
Project coordinator
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Donal Sheehan
Project coordinator