Joining together to save wildlife

PEOPLE in areas all over Ireland where wildlife has been under deadly pressure for decades and where some species have either disappeared or are under serious threat, are now getting involved in conservation projects.

One such area is in north Cork, through which the River Blackwater flows and where the success of the effort will depend largely on the work of local communities and schools.

The Newmarket-based development group, IRD Duhallow, is aiming to conserve species including the pearl mussel, salmon, otter, kingfisher and dipper in the Blackwater’s upper catchment – primarily in one of its tributaries, the River Allow. The species have top-rated listings under the EU Habitats Directive and have greatly declined in an area where many once thrived.