Wildlife drive seeks farmer participation

The new Wild Work initiative will support farmers to develop and implement projects with better outcomes for both nature and for farmers.

It has been introduced by the South and East Cork Area Development Ltd (SECAD) local development company, which is already working with clusters of farmers in Co Cork on development of pollination corridors, as part of the Wild Work initiative.

Wild Work will support employment opportunities and work experience in the biodiversity sector, raise awareness to help wildlife and nature, and will facilitate businesses and communities to reap the benefits of engaging with nature.

The particular focus of the initiative is to connect business, biodiversity and local communities.

As part of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020, SECAD is tasked with developing a blueprint outlining how communities can make their local areas more pollinator friendly.

As well as delivering features on the ground such as planted wildflower strips, managed wildflower meadows, and nesting areas for bees, education as well as awareness are also key parts of the project. Other Wild Work projects include trail development, recreation and tourism; research; and Biodiversity Monitoring.

Wild Work will help produce biodiversity action plans for villages, towns, businesses, schools, farms and other places.

A Wild Work project has also been established which deals with problematic invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed, Traveller’s Joy, Cherry Laurel, and Winter Heliotrope.

Its objectives are identify ways of managing invasive species, prevent further spread, and raise awareness and educate.

SECAD is a Local Development Company established in East Cork in 1995.

SECAD has evolved from an organisation managing a single funding programme into a platform managing a wide range of funds and services including, social investment and employment support programmes implemented on behalf of a number of Irish Government Departments and State Bodies.

SECAD delivers programmes and schemes in rural areas across South Cork, including Gaeltacht areas.

For more information, see www.wildwork.ie.