Hen Harrier Programme - HHP

This past week, in between farm visits, advisor training and commonage walks the team took some time to focus on Japanese knotweed, specifically how to identify it and distinguish it from other similar species.

This invasive plant poses a serious threat to native grasslands and woodlands, thriving in both sun and shade. It grows up to 3 metres tall, spreads deep underground through woody rhizomes, and can lie dormant for months. When it dies back in winter, it leaves riverbanks and streams vulnerable to erosion, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.

The treatment of invasive species is included as a Landscape Actions as part of the ACRES CP Scheme. Your Project Officer or advisor can provides more details on request.

Red Grouse in Slieve Bloom Talk

We are delighted to announce that Dr James O'Neill of the Irish Red Grouse Project will give a talk on May 20th in Bloom HQ, Mountrath on Red Grouse.

Red Grouse are one our most charismatic upland bird species but sadly, due to severely declining numbers, it is a Red Listed Species of conservation concern.

Dr O'Neill is currently researching Red Grouse to build knowledge around the ecology of the species in the context of habitat and landscape change. His project is using novel techniques such as GPS tracking to track their movements in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Red Grouse are an objective within the ACRES Leinster Local Action Plan for the Slieve Bloom CP Region and so we are excited to learn more about this iconic species during Biodiversity Week.

All welcome!

⏱ 7.30pm
📆 20th May
📍Bloom HQ, Mountrath, Co Laois, R32 DT9F