Wicklow to Lead the Way on Ireland's first Local Uplands (Agri) Environment Scheme

Wicklow to Lead the Way on Ireland’s first Local Uplands (Agri) Environment Scheme

Hill sheep farming by Lenka Mulligan

Preparation is well under way for Wicklow Uplands Council’s application for a Locally Led Agri Environment Scheme for the Wicklow/Dublin uplands based on the model of the Burren Farming for Conservation Scheme. Following a lengthy period of consultation with The Department of Agriculture through the review of the Rural Development Programme, there is now provision for Locally Led Schemes under the new programme.  Given our work in this area over the past five years,  Wicklow Uplands Council is well positioned as a potential forerunner to develop and implement one of the first ‘Uplands’ schemes in the country.

Political support is now key to ensuring reward for the Wicklow Uplands and its hill sheep farmers. Minister Humphries’ impending decision with regard to the review of the Wildlife Act 1976 is also an important consideration particularly with regard to the permitted vegetation burning season. Wicklow Uplands Council advocates that the season be brought back in line with our neighbouring countries in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and welcomes a differentiation between upland and lowland burning dates in addition to periodic planned burning of suitable areas through agreed management plans under a Locally Led Scheme.

At a recent workshop in Portlaoise, The Department of Agriculture advised that there will be a competitive call for applications from upland groups across the country early in 2016 and this will be the start of the official process.  With this in mind Wicklow Uplands Council has been undertaking preparatory work to support a Wicklow based application and, in August this year, engaged Dr Claire Lauder from CL Spatial to establish a clear baseline of biodiversity for the area by undertaking ‘An Inventory of Biodiversity for the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands’.  The main two project outputs include an indicative habitat map of the study area and a record of threatened and protected species in the area. These were produced by collating all available existing data sets.  Teagasc Walsh Fellow, Fergal Maguire, also worked in Tinahely during 2014 to investigate the socioeconomic aspects of upland hill sheep farming in Wicklow.  His research examined and recorded hill farming practices in Wicklow and sought to identify barriers to its ongoing viability.  His thesis was finalised and submitted to UCD in October this year.  Wicklow Uplands Council’s 2013 study ‘To Identify Best Management of Upland habitats in County Wicklow’ was produced in co-operation and consultation with upland farmers in the area and created a blueprint for best future management of these areas.

Although there is still a long road ahead in terms of the development and implementation of a Locally Led Uplands Scheme requiring close liaison with the Department of Agriculture and the EU Commission, Wicklow Uplands Council remains hopeful that this is the best available solution to support upland hill sheep farmers to continue to farm the Wicklow hills.  In doing so they will improve the condition of our cherished upland habitats and ensure that the uplands landscape as we know it remains for future generations to live in, work and enjoy.

 

Author: Cara Heraty, Co-ordinator, Wicklow Uplands Council