Title of the project
Red Grouse habitat management project on Boleybrack Mountain
Description
This project aims to manage the land in such a way as to encourage the repopulation of red grouse via:
management through controlled (cool) burning;
grit provision to aid heather digestion by red grouse;
predator control (including control of invasive species such as american mink);
monitoring of habitats and species (including biannual population assessment of red grouse);
public awareness, education and stakeholders consultation.
The Glenfarne Gun Club started, organised and conducted the project.
http://www.glenofthegrouse.com/
Results
This project has resulted in the increased population of red grouse, has supported a new generation of upland managers and farmers, education for schools/students and public awareness at local and national level, decreased predation of lambs by foxes, habitat enhancement has benefits for a range of upland birds and hill farmers, provides a best-practice template for other local hunting clubs to begin grouse management projects, biodiversity benefits to birds including golden plover, peregrine falcon, hen harrier, golden eagle, skylark etc.
Location
| Country | Ireland |
| Level | Local |
| Site | Boleybrack Mountain, Ireland |
| Region | County Leitrim, Ireland |
Starting date
2007
Habitat Types
Scrub/Grassland, Wet heath, Dry heath, Blanket bog
Protection status of the areas
National protected area, Natura 2000 (SAC)
Species
| Species Caracteristics | Huntable species, Invasive Alien species, Threatened species |
| Species Type | Birds, Mammals, Generalist predators |
| Name(s) of main species | Irish red grouse - Lagopus lagopus scoticaAmerican mink - Neovison vison |
Conservation action(s)
Management of habitats and wildlife (e.g. conservation and restoration activities), Research and data collection (e.g. monitoring, bag data)
Partners
| Leading partners | Glenfarne Gun Club |
| Other partners | Heritage Council (http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/home/)local farming communityNational Parks and Wildlife Service (https://www.npws.ie/)Golden Eagle Trust (http://www.goldeneagletrust.info/)National Association for Regional Game Councils (NARGC) (http://nargc.ie/) |
Weblinks
http://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/local-news/boleybrack-mountain-red-grouse-management-project-1-6212462