News
Mayo Farmers visit Pearl Mussel Project in Kerry
We enjoyed presenting our project plan to a group of Mayo farmers visiting Kerry as part of a three day study tour funded by the HeritageCouncil. Thanks to the team from KerryLIFE for demonstrating the great progress and work they’ve done in the Caragh catchment.
The group of over 20 attendees visited John Griffin’s farm in Glencar where various measures aimed at improving conditions for freshwater pearl mussel were demonstrated including; a nose pump water supply for cattle, fencing, and management of livestock at watercourse crossings. Some of the farmers visiting were from the Bundorragha catchment, one of our top eight pearl mussel catchments, and we look forward to working with them on our project. Delighted that two landowners from another top eight catchment, Ownagappul, Ardgroom, County Cork, were also able to attend. Apart from some issues crossing watercourses, the days study tour was a great success !
#musselrivers #pearlmusselproject #EIP-Agri
Pearl Mussel Project results based farm scheme
The Pearl Mussel Project team are currently working on the development of the results based farm programme. The aim of the programme is to reward farmers for enhancing the local environment for the benefit of Freshwater Pearl Mussel.
In developing the programme, we are designing a scoring system that will allow us to measure the environmental benefit provided by any given farmer. This result will then inform the level of payment due to that farmer.
We are also deciding on appropriate actions or measures that will help farmers to achieve better environmental results. These measures may include such things as: blocking drains in wetland areas to restore river flow, reducing nutrient inputs, provision of alternative drinking facilities, and controlling livestock access to rivers. Depending on the measure the cost of carrying out the work may be covered entirely or in part by the project.
With the agreement of nine farmers we are now trialing our methods on selected pilot farms located in each of the eight catchments. Following these initial trials we will be holding public meetings where local farmers will be given an opportunity to input into the design of the programme.
#pearlmusselproject #musselrivers #EIP-Agri
Connemara Green Festival 2018 supporting the conservation of Freshwater Pearl Mussel
The Connemara Green Festival celebrates Mother Nature, aims to raise awareness of the unique ecology of Connemara and raise funds for biodiversity projects. The festival is now in it’s 4th year.
The theme this year is ‘Eating for Conservation’ and the festival will raise funds for awareness of the conservation of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel.
The festival takes place from Friday 12th October to Sunday 14th October and is based in Letterfrack village, Connemara, at the foot of the majestic Connemara National Park on the Wild Atlantic Way. A day long conference: Understanding the habitat of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel takes place on the 12th October and will include a lecture presented by Dr Derek McLoughlin, project scientists with the Pearl Mussel Project.
Further details of all events planned can be found at: https://connemaragreenfestival.ie/
#pearlmusselproject #musselrivers
Pearl Mussel Project at AranLIFE Conference
Pearl Mussel Project were delighted to attend the AranLIFE conference on Inis Mór this week. It was a great opportunity to learn about the project and its operation, both from the project team and participant farmers. We were also lucky enough to be brought on farm walks where we saw the results of scrub clearance, new and repaired rain catchers, and grazing management. We hope the AranLIFE team have continued success with their EIP project which will build on the work done so far. We’re very grateful for the invitation and many thanks to the AranLIFE staff agus míle buíochas do féirmeoirí Árainn.
