ACRES Donegal

19/06/2026

Nature-based Solutions on the farm
At a recent NbS conference organised by the Local Authority Waters Programme, our ACRES Donegal water specialist Trish had the opportunity to demonstrate leaky dams and check dams to a broad audience. Using mini dams developed by the Inishowen Rivers Trust, Trish demonstrated how to build the dams, discussing size, wood, soil types etc. There was also a mini model on hand to demonstrate how check dams and leaky dams slow the flow!

These measures are available to ACRES CP farmers through a Landscape Action Plan. Farmers around the county are now starting on a wide range of measures that help improve water quality, slow the flow, capture sediment and support biodiversity. Contact the CP Team www.acresdonegal.ie for more information.

18/06/2026

Breeding Waders
Earlier this year, the ACRES Donegal team worked with a number of local farmers to install predator-proof fencing in an important breeding wader hotspot. The purpose of these fences is to help protect ground nesting birds by reducing the risk of predation of eggs and young chicks by terrestrial predators.

It's fantastic to see the results already, with several pairs of lapwing and oystercatcher successfully rearing chicks in these fields over the past few weeks.

A huge credit goes to the farmers involved for their commitment and effort in helping to safeguard these vulnerable ground-nesting birds. Their work is making a real difference for local wildlife and helping to secure a future for these iconic species in Donegal.

12/06/2026

It's that time of year again!

The ACRES Donegal CP Team's seasonal surveyors are out on the hills across the county scoring commonage.

More information on the scoring process can be found under the Resource section of our website:
https://www.acresdonegal.ie/dafm-scorecards-and-leaflets

18/05/2026

BIODIVERSITY WEEK in Donegal.
Donegal farmers are working hard to increase biodiversity across the county. Through the ACRES scheme farmers are:
- looking after farm birds by installing nest boxes and hedgerows;
- planting native orchards and broadleaf trees, not only to store carbon, but also to support insect and invertebrate populations;
- putting riparian margins in place to protect water quality and increase water biodiversity;
- supporting the survival of our breeding waders population - such as the Lapwing and make way for Geese and Swans in their fields;
- tackling invasive plant species such as Giant Hogweed, Rhododendron ponticum, Japanese Knotweed, Salmonberry, Gunnera and Himalayan Balsam;
- installing ponds to attract a wide variety of wildlife and put livestock crossings in place to keep farm animals out of waterways.

And, on top of all of that, they are restoring our peatlands by putting measures in place to prevent peat erosion, water loss, vegetation loss and carbon leakage.

It's all happening right here, right now!

To celebrate Biodiversity Week and the work of our farmers we would like to share our latest podcast from the Upland Voices Podcast Series. In episode 3 we are highlighting 'The Plight of the Corncrake'. A forgotten sound that was once common place on almost every farm in Ireland. We had the pleasure of talking to Eamon and Deirdre Callaghan, who are farmers in Fanad, Co. Donegal and operate a Corncrake friendly farm. Anita Doherty who is a bird specialist at Birdwatch Ireland and Andy Ellard, also a bird specialist shared their vast knowledge and experience with us. You never know after listening, you may just think you have a corner of your land that might just support these little soldiers. https://shows.acast.com/upland-voices-podcast

08/05/2026

Looking for a challenging role in the farming sector? We are looking for Seasonal Field Surveyors for the summer (June - September) and Project Officers (full time).
Deadline for applications - Monday 11th May 2026

29/04/2026

New Upland Voices Podcast episode now available!

In past times, if you’ve ever walked through the Irish countryside on a summer evening, you might remember a strange, rasping call echoing from the tall grass—that’s the corncrake. Once a common sound, it has now become a rare one. In todays world, this shy little bird struggles to survive in a rapidly changing landscape. In this episode of Upland Voices The Plight of the Corncrake we’re chatting about what’s behind the corncrake’s decline, and what’s being done to make sure its call isn’t lost forever.

https://shows.acast.com/upland-voices-podcast

22/04/2026

ACRES Donegal are now recruiting for Seasonal Field Surveyors and Project Officers. If you are interested in joining the busy CP team working with farmers on the ground, check out the job descriptions on our website and download an application form.
www.acresdonegal.ie/careers

Closing date for applications: Monday 11th May 2026 @ 5pm

21/04/2026

With the fine dry weather and light to no breeze, yesterday was the perfect day for treating invasives in the field.

Our facilitators, Hugh and Brian from Cairde na nEargaile, provided an excellent training session for ACRES Donegal CP farmers in South Donegal yesterday on a local farm. They demonstrated to our participants how to treat Rhododendron in the field, establishing access, cutting, applying herbicide and discussing all the issues around equipment, health and safety, and challenges. There was plenty of discussion and all attendees were certified for their attendance. This allows them to start planning the control of these damaging invasives in the field.

ACRES Donegal is now delivering training for different actions as part of Landscape Actions Window 1 approvals that were issued by DAFM recently. LA Window 2 is now open and if you have an interest in applying for an action please contact our CP Team on 087 338 1548. The full list of actions is available on our website (https://www.acresdonegal.ie/landscape-actions).

24/03/2026

BISS CLINICS
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine recently announced a series of in-person farmer clinics to assist farmers in making their applications online for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area-based schemes.

The BISS farmer clinics will take place from 10am - 4.30pm and staff from the Department will provide one-to-one support to assist farmers to submit their scheme applications well in advance of the closing date of 15 May 2026. These clinics have proved very popular in past years with farmers.

Speaking on the clinics, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said: “These clinics have been exceptionally popular in recent years and offer an opportunity for farmers to engage directly with officials from my department. We have excellent advisors to support farmers in making their BISS applications, but where farmers are not in a position to engage an advisor the clinics are an excellent means of ensuring that the BISS application is submitted correctly and on-time.”

The Donegal clinic will take place in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey on Wednesday 15th April.

19/03/2026

Have your Say - CAP Consultation closes March 20th

The Government are seeking the views of farmers and other stakeholders on the CAP post 2027. The consultation seeks views on the key elements of the proposed CAP framework, including:

- Priorities for CAP support after 2027
- Simplification and delivery of CAP measures
- Income support, including capping and degressivity
- Environmental and climate actions
- Generational renewal
- Rural development, including LEADER
- Investment and competitiveness

More details here on how to make a submission:

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