A major new project which will work to continue to preserve one of Ireland’s most endangered birds is to be launched in Donegal.
The Corncrake LIFE project will hold its official project launch in Gortahork this Friday, March 25th.
The project is working towards saving the last of Ireland corncrakes by bringing together landowners, farmers and local communities in some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal locations.
The project will be launched at Óstán Loch Altan at 9.30am.
Why is this important?
The corncrake is one of Ireland most iconic bird species, but they have declined by >90% in the last forty years.
Its distinctive call was once heard all over the Irish countryside, but a rapid shift towards intensive agriculture has wiped the birds out and they are now only found in the west and northwest of the country.
The birds are now largely confined to the Gaeltacht regions. The bird survives through a delicate balance of traditional land use and farming which, like the Irish language, is under an increasing threat.
The survival of the corncrake has become symbolic of the struggle to maintain a way of life, a heritage of sustainable land management, and a community dynamic that has largely been lost across Ireland.
The Corncrake LIFE project will work to address the many complex issues in the birds’ remaining strongholds to ensure that communities, farmers and wildlife can co-exist without conflict.
