Cabragh Wetlands, in association with the River Basin Management Service, is running a community wetland engagement pilot programme to identify landowners in the local area who have wetlands on their property and may be interested in protecting, maintaining or enhancing these valuable habitats.
Across Ireland, wetlands have declined dramatically over the past century, with an estimated 90% of our wetlands having been lost or significantly altered. This has left the wetlands that remain increasingly important for wildlife, farm resilience, water quality, flood management, and the wider landscape.
Through this pilot project, we want to work directly with landowners to find out where wetlands remain, what condition they are in, and what opportunities there may be to protect them into the future.
We recognise that every farm and every wetland is different. For some landowners, a wet area may be an important part of the farm; for others, it may be an area that is difficult to manage or has limited agricultural use. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the pilot aims to listen to landowners and explore practical solutions that work for both the farm and the wetland.
The project is about building knowledge, providing support and demonstrating what can be achieved through community-led cooperation between landowners, local organisations and environmental groups.
Why Wetlands Matter to Farming…
Wetlands can be a valuable natural asset on a farm. They help to manage water, storing excess rainfall during periods of heavy rain and releasing it slowly, which can reduce flooding and waterlogging.
They can also act as natural filters, helping to capture excess nutrients, sediment and pollutants before they reach streams and rivers. This can contribute to better water quality throughout the wider catchment.
They can also help farms become more resilient to a changing climate, providing natural water storage during heavy rainfall while helping to retain moisture during periods of dry weather/drought.
For many farms, wetlands may include areas that are difficult to drain, graze or cultivate. Rather than viewing these areas simply as unproductive land, they can provide valuable natural services that benefit the farm, the surrounding environment and the wider community.
Protecting a wetland on your farm can mean protecting water and building a more resilient farm for the future.
What We Can Offer…
As part of the pilot project, we can offer landowners free advice and support to help them understand the wetland on their property and explore how it could be protected and managed into the future.
This could include a visit to the site, identifying the type and condition of the wetland, discussing its benefits for the farm and surrounding environment, and exploring practical ways of maintaining or enhancing it.
We can also provide information on the wildlife, water quality, flood protection and carbon benefits that wetlands can provide, as well as connecting landowners with relevant organisations and sources of advice and funding where appropriate.
Most importantly, there is no obligation to take part in any particular management scheme or make changes to the land. The aim of the pilot is to work alongside landowners, listen to their needs and explore what could work for them and their farm.
By taking part, landowners can help us learn more about the wetlands that remain in the area and help develop a community-led approach to protecting these valuable habitats for future generations.
If you are interested in partaking, or wish to learn more about this project please contact us on:
Email: cabraghwetlandsmember@gmail.com
Phone: 0504 43879
