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
