Ireland’s farmers committing millions of ACRES to improving biodiversity

Supported by the ACRES scheme, landowners are creating a series of “wader scrapes” — small, shallow ponds designed as feeding grounds for threatened birds like curlew and snipe 

The Burren and Aran Islands are rich in biodiversity featuring more than 70% of Ireland’s native species. Photo: Courtesy of Burren Aran CP Team

From bats to birds, small mammals to native trees, more than 54,000 farmers across the country are playing a vital role in improving biodiversity through participation in a flagship agri-environment scheme under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan for 2023-2027.