In January 2023, sand dune restoration works started at the Raven Nature Reserve Special Area of Conservation (SAC) at Curracloe, Co. Wexford, Ireland. This is the first of four Irish coastal sites in the LIFE Insular project to undergo biodiversity restoration works to improve and increase the sand dune habitats *2130. This is following ecology surveying and community engagement at the four Irish LIFE Insular sites over the course of 2022.
Coillte and the NPWS are working to restore sand dune habitats and improve the long-term natural value of the Raven as part of the EU-Funded LIFE Insular project to protect and conserve sand dune areas.
The initial works in January and February 2023 involve felling non-native trees growing on sand dunes at the southerly tip of the site, while further sand dune restoration actions (including brash and humus removal) will take place in the Autumn 2023.
As the Raven is part of a Special Area of Conservation, the works will be carried out in a responsible way to minimise any disruption to wildlife.
‘Sand dunes are beautiful natural places that are home to hundreds of plants and animals’ said Aoife Delaney, Coastal Ecologist at NPWS. ‘What’s more, they help us by providing a recreational amenity, reducing the impacts of storms on the coast and giving refuge to pollinators. It is important to think about how we will manage these areas into the future to ensure that we can get the best from this priceless resource.’
Ecology surveying and community engagement were carried out at the four Irish LIFE Insular sites over the course of 2022. The five-year LIFE Insular project will work with local communities and scientific experts to develop long-term conservation management plans for these areas.
The aim is to increase the biodiversity value and resilience of these ecosystems in the face of climate change and rising sea levels, so that future generations can continue to enjoy these popular areas in a sustainable way.
Dr Ciaran Fallon, Director of Coillte Nature added:
‘The Raven Nature Reserve is of huge value, not only locally but it is a site of significance on a European level. The biodiversity works here and at other LIFE Insular project sites will enhance the important sand dune habitats, improving their resilience in the face of the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.’
Four iconic locations on the Irish coast have been selected for this project: The Raven Nature Reserve, Curracloe, Co. Wexford; Murvagh, Co. Donegal; Ards Forest Park, Co. Donegal and Rinclevan /Horn Head, Co. Donegal. The selected locations are not only areas of high biodiversity value and natural beauty but are also popular recreational sites for locals and visitors to the areas.
See more at:
Watch our video https://youtu.be/2rynfBIuAKE
https://www.coillte.ie/coillte-nature/ourprojects/insular/
https://www.coillte.ie/raven-life-insular/
Downloadable flyer about works at the Raven: https://www.coillte.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Raven-Info-Jan-2023_A4-web.pdf
