BRIDE - Biodiversity Regeneration in a Dairying Environment

Most intensively managed farmland throughout Ireland has had relatively low participation rates in agri-environment schemes (and associated wildlife options). Nevertheless, it is this farmland that is most frequently represented in Quality Assurance and Sustainability Schemes, and is most likely to require a customised plan to maintain and enhance farmland wildlife habitats. Furthermore, payments for actions alone do not always guarantee that habitat quality is delivered within intensive farming systems, necessitating the need for an innovative results-based approach in ensuring that environmental gains are achieved, and value-for-money is achieved. Biodiversity Regeneration In a Dairying Environment (BRIDE) aims to design and implement a results-based approach to conserve, enhance and restore habitats in lowland intensive farmland in the River Bride Valley, Co. Cork, which constitutes part of the River Blackwater Special Area of Conservation. The BRIDE project will assess the wildlife priorities on fifty participating farms and, in collaboration with the farmers, identify priority actions for habitat and wildlife conservation. The project will recommend actions to improve wildlife habitats/ species and will measure the impact of the actions. Farmer payments will be based on the extent to which wildlife targets are achieved; thus, the project will implement results-based payments. An important aim will be to use the BRIDE project to showcase and communicate lessons learned to the agri-food industry. Dissemination activities will improve national awareness of the options to maintain and enhance biodiversity within intensively managed farmland.