project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group
Culdaff Riparian Buffer Zone (CRiBZ) Scheme
Culdaff Riparian Buffer Zone (CRiBZ) Scheme
Context
The Culdaff River is managed by the Loughs Agency and monitored by the local council and EPA. Reports by the Loughs Agency (e.g., Catchment Status Report 2010, pers. comm.) and the Wild Trout Trust (2017) highlight the key problems of bank erosion and agricultural pressures on the river. In 2019 the EPA categorised the river a Red Dot (Q status ≤2) although some improvements have been made since then. In 2021 the macroinvertebrate status of the river is classed as poor and sedimentation is a still a major issue. New CAP eco-schemes will require farmers to allocate more area to nature and new regulations for the protection of watercourses may also apply. These factors are key drivers for the establishment of this project. The creation of robust riparian corridors can provide multiple benefits for the river by improving habitat, shelter and food, increasing riparian biodiversity and macroinvertebrate assemblages, improving water quality and reducing erosion, as well as providing carbon sequestration.
Objectives
The project address poor riparian condition, reduced habitat and biodiversity and declining water quality status on the Culdaff River. The project will work with local farmers to plant and enhance riparian buffer zones and provide farmers with a working plan for managing farm drains. Biodiversity will be allowed to flourish by providing habitat, shelter and food and to tackle invasive species along the river. The project also promotes social learning opportunities for farmers and the local community.
Objectives
The project address poor riparian condition, reduced habitat and biodiversity and declining water quality status on the Culdaff River. The project will work with local farmers to plant and enhance riparian buffer zones and provide farmers with a working plan for managing farm drains. Biodiversity will be allowed to flourish by providing habitat, shelter and food and to tackle invasive species along the river. The project also promotes social learning opportunities for farmers and the local community.
Activities
Project activities include:
- Planting up to 7,000 native trees, fencing 5km of riparian corridor and providing alternative drinking water stations for livestock
- Preparation of farm drain management plans
- Providing demonstration sites using nature-based solutions
- Scientific sampling including water testing and ecological surveys
- Invasive species mapping
- Pollinator promotion and beehive installation
- Training for local farmers
Activities
Project activities include:
- Planting up to 7,000 native trees, fencing 5km of riparian corridor and providing alternative drinking water stations for livestock
- Preparation of farm drain management plans
- Providing demonstration sites using nature-based solutions
- Scientific sampling including water testing and ecological surveys
- Invasive species mapping
- Pollinator promotion and beehive installation
- Training for local farmers
Project details
- Main funding source
- Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
- Rural Development Programme
- 2014IE06RDNP001 Ireland - Rural Development Programme (National)
Location
- Main geographical location
- Border
EUR 132 870.00
Total budget
Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.
Resources
Links
Audiovisual materials
1 Practice Abstracts
The Culdaff Riparian Buffer Zone (CRiBZ) Scheme aims to improve buffer zones along 5km of the river by fencing and appropriate tree planting. Buffer zones will take time to improve and knowledge transfer through the project will highlight the positive benefits of planting to prevent bank erosion and sedimentation. The project will also monitor and demonstrate how drain water can impact in a stream (sedimentation, water chemistry, macrophyte growth) and the impact that this can have on the surrounding biodiversity.
The project will demonstrate nature-based solutions for filtering the water and each participating farm will be provided with a Farm Drain Management Plan that provides an assessment of the farm drains and suggested amendments. Water chemistry results will be used to demonstrate the benefits comparing before and after data.
The benefits of biodiversity around the farm will be promoted through pollinator actions – installing beehives and setting wildflower seeds. Involving the community in tree planting and invasive species will highlight the benefits of community action and the connections the communities have with local farmers, the river and their drinking water. The results of the project will be condensed into a series of recommendations for the farmers, local communities and agencies.
The main outcomes of the project are expected to be around increased awareness of the role of riparian buffers for enhancing water quality and promoting biodiversity. The role of nature-based solutions will be particularly valuable for the end user, providing simple techniques and solutions that can be easily implemented and provide farmers with a opportunity to benefit from these in the long term.
The Culdaff Riparian Buffer Zone (CRiBZ) Scheme aims to improve buffer zones along 5km of the river by fencing and appropriate tree planting. Buffer zones will take time to improve and knowledge transfer through the project will highlight the positive benefits of planting to prevent bank erosion and sedimentation. The project will also monitor and demonstrate how drain water can impact in a stream (sedimentation, water chemistry, macrophyte growth) and the impact that this can have on the surrounding biodiversity.
The project will demonstrate nature-based solutions for filtering the water and each participating farm will be provided with a Farm Drain Management Plan that provides an assessment of the farm drains and suggested amendments. Water chemistry results will be used to demonstrate the benefits comparing before and after data.
The benefits of biodiversity around the farm will be promoted through pollinator actions – installing beehives and setting wildflower seeds. Involving the community in tree planting and invasive species will highlight the benefits of community action and the connections the communities have with local farmers, the river and their drinking water. The results of the project will be condensed into a series of recommendations for the farmers, local communities and agencies.
The main outcomes of the project are expected to be around increased awareness of the role of riparian buffers for enhancing water quality and promoting biodiversity. The role of nature-based solutions will be particularly valuable for the end user, providing simple techniques and solutions that can be easily implemented and provide farmers with a opportunity to benefit from these in the long term.
Contacts
Project coordinator
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Trish Murphy
Project coordinator
Project partners
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Culdaff Community Angling Club
Project partner
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Inish Forestry
Project partner
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Inishowen Rivers Trust
Project partner
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Inishowen Uplands EIP
Project partner
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Trees on the land/ Green Economy Foundation
Project partner