Mayo and Connemara wildlife project clears over 1,000 hectares of rhododendron from bog

A WILDLIFE project in north Connemara and south-west Mayo tackling invasive species such as rhododendron has restored over 1,000 hectares of blanket bog.

The Dúlra project, a flagship initiative for invasive species control and habitat restoration, has restored over 1,000 hectares of blanket bog in and around Special Areas of Conservation across Galway and Mayo.

The Dúlra Project engaged with local communities around the Mayo and Galway border in transformative habitat restoration and control of invasive rhododendron and in the process successfully restored over 1,000 hectares of blanket bog.

“This essential funding of €1.4m enabled us to hire and train a dedicated team of 20 local operatives, who carried out extensive work successfully treating rhododendrons across Connemara and parts of southwest Mayo,” said Sinéad Grimes, Dúlra Project Manager.

Highlighting the importance of the funding, Castlebar native Ms Grimes added: “Without this support, these critical works simply would not have been possible. This funding not only facilitated on-the-ground action but also enabled local communities to do the work by providing training, employment and skills development opportunities in conservation. Through this project, we’ve reclaimed over 1,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands from invasive rhododendrons; and trained locals in the skills needed to carry out maintenance; this is a real win for local communities.”

The Dúlra project was managed by FORUM Connemara CLG, in partnership with the Leenane Development Association, the Dúlra Project is part of the Natura Communities initiative funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) via LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature.

Successful Completion

The team are pleased to announce the successful completion of the first phase of the project’s rhododendron control efforts in southwest Mayo.

Over a three-week period between October 29 and November 22, a dedicated team of ten professionals worked in difficult conditions to manage the invasive Rhododendron ponticum, treating a total of approximately 360 hectares across ecologically sensitive areas and adjacent lands. The team of operatives, all hailing from Connemara, worked under the skilled supervision of Eoin Varley, from Renvyle, with overall guidance provided by the project ecologist, Conor Ryan, a native of Westport.

A significant milestone was achieved with over 300 hectares treated within the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Townlands that were treated within the SAC include: Loughnamucka, Cregganbaun, Srahwee, Derrygarve More and Knockeen.

An additional 60 hectares were treated on lands outside the SAC. This included approximately 30 hectares on Carrowniskey, covering all commonage and adjacent private ground. Also included were lands at Srahnacloy where approximately 30 to 40 hectares were treated in just one day with further work planned in 2025 to finalise these works in the area.

The team employed the stem herbicide application method recommended by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). This approach ensures effective management of rhododendron while minimising environmental impact.

Gratitude

Project collaborator and head of Leenane Development Association, Martin Gavin, a farmer from Leenane, expressed gratitude for the collective effort.
“This work represents a critical step in restoring our ecosystems. The participation of landowners and the collaboration between the community, NPWS and the Dúlra team have been instrumental in achieving this success. We are proud of the progress and look forward to continuing these efforts in 2025,” he said.

Martin Gavin (right) Project collaborator and head of Leenane Development Association

The Dúlra Project remains committed to combating invasive species and protecting the region’s biodiversity. While significant progress has been made, follow-up work and community engagement will be essential to ensure the continued success of these efforts.

The Dúlra project continues to make significant strides in tackling invasive species and demonstrating the value of collaborative efforts in carrying out ecological restoration to protect Ireland's unique natural landscapes.

For more details on the project or to learn how you can get involved, visit the Dúlra Project Website on https://www.forumconnemara.ie/dulra or email dulra@forumconnemara.ie.