Project Description

The loss of biodiversity is one of the major environmental challenges we are facing. Climate change and loss of habitat are two of the main contributing factors that have caused the disappearance of plants and animals. This is happening everywhere and the Loop Head Peninsula is no exception.

Rewilding is seen as one solution to this problem but is often misunderstood. Rewilding means creating (or re-creating) suitable living conditions for plants and animals that have disappeared or are likely to disappear from an area.

The Loop Head Rewilding Forum is envisaged to consist of members of the Loop Head communities from all walks of life and be a platform where biodiversity loss on the peninsula can be assessed and countermeasures be discussed and put into action.

In practise this could include:

• Biodiversity surveys and other environmental studies

• Assessment of land use on the peninsula

• Lobbying for compensation for farmers who create wildlife areas on their land

• Exploration of reforestation with permanent mixed woodland

• Exploration of rewetting peatlands

• Exploring the possibility of restoring habitat to reintroduce birds like Curlew and Corncrake

The Loop Head Rewilding Forum could also link and cooperate with other projects like the Loop Head Hedgerow Strategy and Loop Head Plastic Pollution Strategy.

Project Justification & Objectives

The loss of biodiversity is one of the major challenges of our time. The Loop Head Peninsula is in the lucky position to still host a good assortment of relatively intact ecosystems which come with a wide variety of wildlife.

The Loop Head Rewilding Forum would create a platform from which rewilding projects could be developed and implemented to stabilise and further increase Loop Head’s biodiversity. This would in the long run benefit us all: It would raise Loop Head’s national and international profile, potentially create a new revenue stream for farmers, it would attract visitors and new residents and also create business opportunities.

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• Loop Head Together

• Loop Head farmers and landowners

• Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation

• Loop Head Tourism

• Irish conservation NGOs, e.g. Irish Wildlife Trust

• International conservation NGOs, e.g. Rewilding Europe

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!