"Our mission is to promote the sustainable use and enjoyment
of the local environment in partnership with the people
who live, work and recreate there."
This initiative aims to reintroduce best vegetation management practice to heathlands on Wicklow uplands. Heathland habitat dominates in the Wicklow uplands along with blanket bog and upland grassland. Upland landscapes were successfully managed by sheep farmers and landowners for centuries. Controlled burning was the major traditional heather management practice along with rough sheep grazing. Unfortunately, such management has declined in many areas of the uplands. The resulting overgrown vegetation creates problems for sheep grazing and the grouse population as heather becomes woody with age and indigestible by mountain sheep, wild animals and birds. Another major problem is the risk of fire and the damage, should overgrown heather catch fire or be set alight. This is a major health and safety concern for local people and forestry owners in hill areas. Uncontrolled burning occurs frequently in the Wicklow Uplands leaving large areas devastated. Local farmers predict that unless the overgrown heather problem is tackled, there is a serious risk of a major fire, especially following a long period of dry conditions.
Wicklow Uplands Council’s members recognise that the current situation is unsustainable. In order to improve this, both legislative and procedural changes need to be implemented. A detailed report explaining the current situation and proposing recommendations was prepared during 2006/2007 and submitted to the hands of Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in April 2007. We are hopeful that this matter will be considered as soon as possible and that best practice will be re-introduced to the uplands.
Traditionally managed heathland in Luggala Estate, Co. Wicklow in 1950s.
Overgrown heather in Powerscourt Paddock, Djouce Mountain, Co. Wicklow, April 2007.