News

According to the World Conservation Union, invasive alien species are the second most significant threat to biodiversity, after habitat loss. Most introduced species do not become permanently established in their new environment, and of those that do, most never become a problem. However, the odd introduction thrives and flourishes in their new location, and out-competes native plants and animals for food, water and space. The impact of these invasives on native ecosystems, is severe and often irreversible, and can cost billions of euro each year.

Over the duration of the project, DuhallowLIFE has featured in many newspaper reports. Here is a link to download all those newspaper clippings. It's a big file (60MB) as we've been very active in disseminating information on the project

A key action of the Duhallow LIFE project is to put together a Conservation Plan for the upper portion of the River Blackwater Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and we are looking for input from the public and interested stakeholders to ensure that this plan is relevant, captures the main issues and most importantly provides a practical road map for the conservation of the SAC. Where possible we are looking for solutions rather than just rehashing problems that we all know exist.

Managing our water is essential to support life and protect our ecosystems. A new EPA funded research project was launced at IRD Duhallow which aims to develop and transfer knowledge regarding how we as a community can manage our own water resources for everyones benefit.

Last Thursday (06/11/14) TRAP Project (INTERREG IVc:Cork County Council) and the EPA (Catchments) hosted a workshop to showcase Integrated Catchment Management and practices developed in particular by the Rivers Trusts in the UK. The Duhallow LIFE Project was invited to speak at the event about our own catchment management initiative for the Allow River Catchment and our experiences to date.