Scrub vegetation threatens Burren

THE HERITAGE of the Burren is under "grievous threat" as scrub vegetation spreads at an alarming rate in the area, director of the BurrenLife project Dr Brendan Dunford has warned.

Supporting Dr Dunford's claim, member of the project Dr Sharon Parr has stated that 15 per cent of the area in Co Clare is covered in scrub, affecting 5 to 10 per cent of the grasslands and limestone pavements.

Dr Parr warned: "If nothing is done, these will be lost." She said that it costs €9,000 to €12,000 per hectare to remove hazel. "That is not viable but if one can stop it early it costs a fraction of that."

The BurrenLife conservation programme involves having cows graze at overgrown sites - such as the 5,800-year-old Poulnabrone dolmen - in order to "manicure" the land, which in turn increases biodiversity and improves water quality.

Dr Dunford said that scrub encroachment is eroding Burren farmers' livelihoods "and the heritage that we all appreciate".

"This is a huge threat to the future of our national heritage and in particular the Burren's unique heritage. We have a legal obligation to address this under the habitats directive, but we also have a moral duty," Dr Dunford added.

"This is our national heritage so we have a moral obligation to look after it . . . If we want to maintain this landscape and the heritage that goes with it, we must maintain the farming systems and the farmers who manage this heritage."

Last month, Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith allocated €3 million to farmers for the roll-out of conservation measures devised by BurrenLife.

However, funding is also required from Minister for the Environment John Gormley to fund the continued operation of BurrenLife. The project is due to conclude next month.

A senior official with the department's National Parks and Wildlife Service, David O'Keeffe, has endorsed the work of the project: "The BurrenLife is a singular example of how partnership can succeed . . . in an area which is outstanding in the context of its cultural and biodiversity value."