The LIFE Raft team meeting with LIFE on Machair at Lurgabrack Nature Reserve
Blog from Michael Rafferty, LIFE Raft Fieldwork Manager
What do eradications, Corncrakes, and rare grassland habitats have in common? Last week the LIFE Raft project came together with two other LIFE-funded projects to find out: Corncrake LIFE, and LIFE on Machair. One, a five-year project working to increase Corncrake numbers in the Special Protection Area network and surrounding farmland, and the other a six-year project to protect and restore Ireland’s network of Machair systems (Machair is a unique and rare coastal system).
We met first on Toraigh, a gorgeous island 12km off north Donegal. Meaning ‘place of steep rocky heights’, it lived up to its name, and we all had a great time exploring. It’s known as a home to breeding Corncrakes, with the potential to host many more, and Corncrake LIFE is doing great work with local farmers to boost local numbers (Toriagh is one of eight project areas).
Us on the LIFE Raft team, given our focus on protecting seabirds, had a particular interest in seeing how those steep cliffs created brilliant habitat for Puffins (which were really not bothered by us being there – they were waddling within just a few feet of us). Toraigh has never had rats, and it’s incredible to see the Puffins nesting high up the cliffs and even on the grassy tops in the absence of those predators.
Meeting on Toriagh to share learnings and check out the local wildlife
Before jetting off, we received a special present – Toriagh clay. Legend has it that Toriagh clay is the reason why rats have never come to the island, and it can only be given as a gift. It’s now the hands of LIFE Raft team member and artist, Charlie Bosanquet, who is working with other island artists to think about how to make the most of this special treasure. We’ll be sure to keep you all updated.
Charlie, a member of the LIFE Raft team, receiving a gift of Toriagh clay which is said to have kept the rats off Toriagh
On day two we travelled to Lurgabrack Nature Reserve – a stunning place where we shared more about our work on Rathlin and heard about LIFE on Machair’s work to restore the rare low-lying grassy plains. The Machair are critical for waders and pollinators, from Lapwing and Dunlin to the Great Yellow Bumblebee and the Northern Colletes solitary bee, and the project’s work with local landowners and farmers is helping protect these valuable habitats.
The teams meet and share learnings at Lurgabrack Nature Reserve
We learned loads from each other, and these were my main takeaways:
- Local communities are the backbone of all of these projects. Without their engagement and support, not only would the projects fail to thrive, they would not even get off the ground.
- It’s so important to share both positive and negative experiences between LIFE projects. It was remarkable how many common challenges these projects encountered, and by sharing the lessons learned, we can avoid repeating mistakes.
- Observing the work done on Toriagh Island was truly inspiring for the team. Through effective habitat management and the absence of rats, we saw how ground-nesting birds could flourish and expand across Rathlin Island.
Then, it was home time, with some of the team needing a bit of time to recuperate…
Some of the team were a bit tired after all the excitement
Thank you very much to both Corncrake LIFE and LIFE on Machair for being such amazing hosts, and for being so willing to share learnings and work together. Until next time!