A pilot project aimed at protecting species of wild native Irish birds in south Roscommon has been hailed a major success
Ballydangan bog and Bord na Mona had launched a project over seven years ago to try and preserve and grow the population of grouse, curlew and other species of national significance which inhabit the area.
Efforts involved in maintaining the bird population concentrated at reducing predator numbers as well as a process described as ‘rewetting the bog’ which has led to a huge growth in the number of curlews now living in the area.
Last week the Minister for the Environment Denis Naughten as well as Minister for Heritage Heather Humphries visited the area to see the conservation works for themselves.
Mark McCory – Ecologist with Bord na Mona told Shannonside FM the boom in the curlew population is very encouraging :
