Project Description

This project was undertaken in 2021 and included biodiversity surveys on key locations around the peninsula, the creation of a website, biodiversity map and the purchase of survey equipment for the Loop Head national schools. Funding was provided by the Local Authority Waters Programme.

For this project biodiversity surveys were carried out at four key locations around the peninsula to establish a baseline for plant and animal species:

• On Loop Head the bird colonies between Dermot & Grania’s Rock and Gull Island were surveyed as well as the areas of maritime heath east of the lighthouse.

• Ross Bay and the cove below the Bridges of Ross parking area where the focus was on fauna and flora of the intertidal zone.

• Rinevella and Kilcredaun which host a variety of very different habitats and unique landscapes.

• Querrin mudflat, saltmarsh and sandspit which have a varied flora and are one of the most important places for wintering birds on Loop Head.

The results of the surveys have been made public on the Wild Loop Head website: www.wildloophead.com. Other locations will be surveyed in the future.

In addition to the biodiversity surveys the Loop Head national schools were supplied with survey equipment like nets, magnifying glasses and ID charts to support nature education in schools.

Project Justification & Objectives

• Create a species catalogue for the various habitats on Loop Head.

• Create a platform (website) that informs about and celebrates Loop Head's natural heritage.

• Support national schools in early nature education.

Project Stakeholders

• Loop Head Together

• CDA

• Loop Head national schools

• Local Authority Waters Programme

• Carsten Krieger Photography