A comprehensive report detailing the uplands across all of Ireland has recognised the central role of traditional hill farming in maintaining such unique landscape.
Compiled by Dr Brendan O’Keefe and Dr Caroline Crowley on behalf of the Irish Upland Forum, the report identifies the challenges facing upland communities.
It also highlights the importance of uplands as a mosaic of natural habitats, high nature value farmland, archaeological and cultural heritage, a proven carbon store and provider of vital clean water.
Maintaining vibrant upland communities is crucial for socio-economic reasons as well as landscape conservation
A profile of Ireland’s uplands: an all-island study highlighting their strategic importance examines areas such as population structure, economic factors, land use, household structure, infrastructure, accessibility and connectivity.
Data
Data for the report was collected from censuses taken in 2016 for the Republic of Ireland and 2011 for Northern Ireland, and rolling farming surveys. It will act as a baseline to which future studies can be referenced.
Chair of the Irish Uplands Forum Frank Nugent said: “This report confirms the huge role that upland habitats can play in addressing climate change and the halting of biodiversity loss.
“Maintaining vibrant upland communities is crucial for socio-economic reasons as well as landscape conservation and the maintenance of valuable biodiversity resources.”
The predicted distribution of high nature value (HNV) farmland in Ireland shows a strong correlation with upland areas.
Virginia Teehan, CEO of the Heritage Council, which provided financial backing said: “The publication of this report is significant, as it focuses on the strategic importance of the sustainable management of Ireland's heritage and rich natural upland landscape."
The upland forum called for integrated action from a range of stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Rural and Community Development, Department of Environment and Climate Action, Department of Arts, Culture and Gaeltacht, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Fáilte Ireland.
The full report is available here.
Read more
In pictures: Burren winterage community cattle drive
Combining hill sheep production and environmental management
A comprehensive report detailing the uplands across all of Ireland has recognised the central role of traditional hill farming in maintaining such unique landscape.
Compiled by Dr Brendan O’Keefe and Dr Caroline Crowley on behalf of the Irish Upland Forum, the report identifies the challenges facing upland communities.
It also highlights the importance of uplands as a mosaic of natural habitats, high nature value farmland, archaeological and cultural heritage, a proven carbon store and provider of vital clean water.
Maintaining vibrant upland communities is crucial for socio-economic reasons as well as landscape conservation
A profile of Ireland’s uplands: an all-island study highlighting their strategic importance examines areas such as population structure, economic factors, land use, household structure, infrastructure, accessibility and connectivity.
Data
Data for the report was collected from censuses taken in 2016 for the Republic of Ireland and 2011 for Northern Ireland, and rolling farming surveys. It will act as a baseline to which future studies can be referenced.
Chair of the Irish Uplands Forum Frank Nugent said: “This report confirms the huge role that upland habitats can play in addressing climate change and the halting of biodiversity loss.
“Maintaining vibrant upland communities is crucial for socio-economic reasons as well as landscape conservation and the maintenance of valuable biodiversity resources.”
The predicted distribution of high nature value (HNV) farmland in Ireland shows a strong correlation with upland areas.
Virginia Teehan, CEO of the Heritage Council, which provided financial backing said: “The publication of this report is significant, as it focuses on the strategic importance of the sustainable management of Ireland's heritage and rich natural upland landscape."
The upland forum called for integrated action from a range of stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Rural and Community Development, Department of Environment and Climate Action, Department of Arts, Culture and Gaeltacht, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Fáilte Ireland.
The full report is available here.
Read more
In pictures: Burren winterage community cattle drive
Combining hill sheep production and environmental management
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: