Farmers work to improve Irish flora

FARMERS will today celebrate International Biodiversity Day by pointing to the range of important work they are undertaking on their lands.

Almost 60,000 farmers participate in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS), which rewards them for carrying out their farming activities in an environmentally friendly manner.

Accordingly, farmers taking part are making an enormous contribution to improving native flora, fauna and habitats. That interest was shown when more than 5,000 farmers attended 31 biodiversity events held by Teagasc in January and February.

Hedgerow management dominates the options chosen in REPS, with 28,648 farmers planting new or rejuvenating old hedgerows. About 4,470km of native Irish hedgerows will be planted on 14,900 farms in the next few years. A further 2,650km of hedgerow will be rejuvenated.

New habitats are being created on 14,913 farms. Stone wall maintenance is being carried out on 6,178 farms. Grassland field margins are being extended as nature corridors on 17,296 farms. Trees are being planted on 8,934 farms. Watercourses are getting extra protection on 8,012 farms while extensive grassland management is being carried out on 7,943 farms.

Teagasc countryside management specialist Catherine Keena said the ongoing work of Irish farmers will help halt the decline of Ireland’s biodiversity.