A Partnership Spanning Generations
For centuries, hill farmers in the Dartry Mountains have managed a landscape that is now recognised as one of the most ecologically important areas in Europe. Their careful stewardship of the land has preserved rare species-rich grasslands and created the conditions that protected wildlife like the chough depend on.
Grazing maintains short grassland and allows protected birds like chough to feed easily near their nest sites. The short swards created by grazing sheep provide the ideal conditions for chough to probe the soil for insects, their primary food source.
Respecting Farmland
When visiting the Dartry Mountains, it is essential to remember that this landscape is working farmland. Farmers require access to their land and livestock at all times. Please do not cross field boundaries, block gates, or bring dogs to this area as they can disturb both wildlife and livestock.
By respecting the farming community, visitors play a direct role in supporting the conservation of this remarkable landscape for future generations.