In contrast to the decline of farming activity, uplands see more walkers and tourists escaping from urban environments. Given their extent (14% of the country) it is surprising that there has not been more focus on upland development by national agencies.

With this in mind, the Irish Uplands Forum (IUF) is organising a two-day event ‘Who Cares for the Uplands?’ in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, on 28 to 29 May.

It will bring together established and emerging upland community-based groups, farmers, landowners, recreational users and wildlife managers to consider challenges and opportunities for development, particularly in the context of the next Rural Development Programme.

The event will present the viewpoints of all groups who are concerned with uplands and will include talks, workshops and a visit to the Comeraghs. These sessions will be presented by IFA Hill and Rural Development Committees as well as Waterford IFA.

The event will consider the future prospects and challenges for uplands and farming.

It will highlight solutions which can be put in place to support more sustainable uplands, for farmers, communities and upland habitats.

A concluding plenary session, ‘Working Together Better’, will seek to summarise how all those who share a mutual interest in the Irish uplands can work more effectively.

For booking, and a full programme of sessions, go to irishuplandsforum.org CL