project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group
Locally Led Scheme for the Conservation of the Hen Harrier
Locally Led Scheme for the Conservation of the Hen Harrier
Objectives
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:
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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;
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Promote a stronger socio-economic outlook for upland areas;
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Develop an effective model for future sustainable management of HH areas.
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Foster positive relations through locally-led solutions between communities and the relevant Govt Dept.
Objectives
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.
Activities
The project activities are:
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Designing and implementing a conservation programme in 6 Special Protection Areas designated for breeding Hen Harriers.
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Incentivising farmers to enhance the habitat value of their designated lands.
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Supporting measures that facilitate habitat enhancement.
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Recognising the farmer’s role in delivering defined conservation objectives.
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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.
Activities
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.
Context
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.
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
- Other geographical location
- West, Midland
€ 25000000
Total budget
Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.
1 Practice Abstracts
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. The project aims to deliver sustainable benefits for biodiversity, upland ecosystems and a vibrant local rural economy by building strong partnerships with farmers who have land designated as Special Protection Areas for breeding Hen Harrier through a practical, results-based approach to farming for conservation over a 5 year, locally targeted conservation programme.
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. The project aims to deliver sustainable benefits for biodiversity, upland ecosystems and a vibrant local rural economy by building strong partnerships with farmers who have land designated as Special Protection Areas for breeding Hen Harrier through a practical, results-based approach to farming for conservation over a 5 year, locally targeted conservation programme.
Contacts
Project coordinator
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The Hen Harrier Project Ltd.
Project coordinator
Project partners
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Brendan O Gorman (Accountants)
Project partner
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The Golden Eagle Trust
Project partner