Falcarragh farmer’s contribution in wildlife project helps Corncrake numbers surge

Falcarragh man Seánie O'Baoill has contributed to a successful project which has seen Corncrake numbers surge by 35 per cent.

A sheep and suckler farmer in Falcarragh, Seánie O'Baoill has been involved in nature-friendly farming, since many parts of his farm received wildlife protection designations. While designations can cause concern amongst the farming community, Seánie was instrumental in working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in his area, to formulate the best outcome for farmers in the locality. 

This meant working together to design the Corncrake LIFE project, a results-based scheme where farmers could be rewarded for their hard work for protecting and creating habitat for this rare bird species. Seánie notes that there was a time in his lifetime where the sound of the corncrake would keep you awake at night. His contribution to shaping this pilot project gave local farmers the confidence to take part in conservation actions that have led to a 35 per cent increase in Corncrake numbers in the past five years, a remarkable achievement.

“There’s a middle ground between farming and nature,” Seánie says. “Unless farmers are doing that work, it’s not going to work in the long-term. But it can all be positive.” Seánie has witnessed this first-hand, as he has advocated for a number of European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) to be set up in the area including Cúlra Créafóige EIP,  Breeding Waders and the recently approved Farm Up EIP."

The Corncrake

Seánie was also the first farmer in the country to trial virtual grazing using GPS collars and is an advocate for proper management of upland areas paying particular attention to conservation grazing. By reintroducing cattle to the commonage and on Tory Island for the first time in 25 years, grazing cattle can graze off rank vegetation allowing diverse species to be able to regenerate. He is unafraid to speak up for the farming community through the Irish Natura Hill Farmers Association and through media work including speaking on Raideo na Gaeltachta and TG4.

Dr Barry O'Donoghue and Dr John Carey of the NPWS, co-nominated Seánie for the award, commenting that: “Honesty counts for so much in nature conservation and Séanie is the epitome of an honest broker. In doing so, Séanie has opened up the opportunity for many farmers to ‘farm for nature’ and to be rewarded and supported in doing so.”

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The upcoming 'Ask the Farmer' Q&A with Seánie will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, December 16 at 8pm, where Seánie will be discussing the benefits of these agri-environmental schemes, how to manage nature-friendly farming in designated areas and what conservation grazing is all about. This event is free to attend but registration is essential. Follow this link to register.

A short video about Seánie's farm is available to view here

The Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.