A new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) scheme on Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula aiming to restore woodlands is looking for farmers in the area to partner with.

The EIP is run by nature restoration charity Hometree, with the organisation looking for farmers and landowners to enter into the new scheme.

The Iveragh Woodlands EIP aims to restore up to 300ha of land through a combination of restoration of old-growth woodland remnants, natural regeneration of native tree species and planting of local native saplings where required.

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Hometree said the project will also look to protect biodiversity and support the long-term viability of upland farming communities on the Iveragh Peninsula.

Funding

Co-funded by the EU and the Department of Agriculture as part of the EIP initiative, the project will focus on lands within the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks special area of conservation (SAC), the Caragh River catchment SAC and a 5km buffer surrounding these areas (excluding Killarney National Park).

Hometree said the initiative proposes a new and progressive model for upland woodland restoration, working directly with farmers and landowners to integrate nature recovery alongside existing agricultural systems.