Agri Climate and Environmental Services Ltd

AGRI Climate and Environmental Services Limited – Hen Harrier Project

The Hen Harrier Project is a five‑year, locally‑targeted conservation programme that partners with farmers to deliver sustainable benefits for biodiversity, upland ecosystems and the rural economy. Operating across a network of Special Protection Areas—including the Slieve Beagh, Slieve Bloom, Slieve Felim to Silvermines, Slieve Aughty, Stacks to Mullaghereirk, West Limerick Hills, Mount Eagle and Mullaghanish to Musheramore mountains—the scheme encourages “results‑based farming” for ecosystem services.

Farmers retain full control of their land management decisions and receive training, advice and financial incentives. Each year eligible land is scored on a user‑friendly scorecard; higher scores attract higher payments. An annual farm plan, co‑produced with the farmer, lists specific conservation actions aimed at improving habitat condition for the Hen Harrier. Payments are made both for achieving high scores and for completing agreed actions.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Rural Development Programme (2014‑2020) and delivered as an EU Innovation Partnership Locally‑Led Scheme, the project serves farmers within the designated mountain and SPA regions, helping them turn conservation into a viable, rewarding part of their enterprise.