Biodiversity boost for Aran Island corncrakes
CORNCRAKES on the Aran Islands and sand martins in the Midlands are at the centre of projects set to benefit from biodiversity grants.
A local co-op on the Aran Islands will work with farmers to create habitats for the endangered corncrake.
Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Teoranta – The Aran Islands Energy Co-op – plans to enlist the help of landowners in helping to save the corncrake, pictured, which is a red-listed species.
And in the Midlands, a specially designed nest wall in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, aims to increase the number of sand martins, an amber-listed bird, on the River Triogue.
A partnership between philanthropy and Government is supporting 78 schemes that aim to protect endangered species and habitats.
The grants are the latest in a joint biodiversity fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service which has seen 213 such action plans developed across the country through a joint investment of €1.76million since 2019.
The latest grant round of €376,000 will see communities supported in every part of the country in rural and urban areas.
The projects also include planning for the regeneration of an 11-acre island on the River Nore at Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, with the engagement of an ecologist to work with and guide the local Community River Trust.
That plan aims to restore the natural environment on the island over the next five to 10 years, protecting all wildlife there for generations to come.
Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan described the grants as ‘uniquely impactful because they connect community groups with scientific expertise, helping them to better understand their local biodiversity’. Denise Charlton of Community Foundation Ireland said: ‘This is a pioneering partnership between Government and philanthropy which has supported more than 200 communities in responding to the biodiversity emergency. ‘While the challenge is great, what is hugely encouraging is the interest, energy, and enthusiasm of local groups now taking action to protect our plants and wildlife,’ she added.