Burren ‘at risk’ from overgrowth

THE Heritage Council has called for a national landscape management plan for the Burren in Co Clare, after a report found that the region is seriously under threat from scrub overgrowth, which is destroying the habitats of rare flowers and plants.

Carried out in conjunction with the BurrenLIFE project, the report found that the natural and archaeological heritage in the Burren is far richer than previously understood.

But it is under threat from ad hoc changes such as reduced cattle grazing and farming activity which have allowed scrub to grow unchecked.

Covering over 600 km, the Burren is a one of Ireland’s main tourist attractions as well as being one of the country’s most important heritage assets.

The report found that the growth of hazel and blackthorn scrub is increasing by almost 5% per year and that an aerial survey of just 5km showed at least a 120% increase in the number of archaeological monuments recorded.

Heritage Council chief executive Michael Starrett said urgent action needs to be taken to manage required changes.

“This approach is vital for our economy, quality of life and environment and we strongly recommend that urgent steps are taken,” he said.