Major conservation project on Lough Foyle

Called Halting Environmental Loss Project (HELP), the project is designed to deliver biodiversity action for a range of species and habitats across Northern Ireland, SW Scotland and the border counties of Ireland.

Gareth Bareham is the Project Officer in the Lough Foyle area. His role is to provide advice to farmers on how to manage their land for these endangered birds and run training courses for farmers on land management techniques. Presently, Gareth is undertaking detailed monitoring of the breeding waders and introducing himself and the project to local farmers.

“This is a surprising and fascinating landscape – essentially a man-made area reclaimed from the sea which has now become a vital area to spectacular wildlife such as lapwings which can be seen displaying during the spring and majestic whooper swans throughout the winter,” said Gareth.

“I’m also getting a great reception from the farmers, upon whom the success of the project is dependant. The RSPB has been working closely with them over the last few years to bring back these birds, and we hope that with this project, generously supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the dream will become a reality.”

If you would like more information on HELP in the Lough Foyle area, please contact Gareth on 07702237355 or email him at [email protected]. If you would like more information on the HELP in general, please phone Caroline Marshall on 028 90699090 or email her at [email protected].