Goals

1. Plan and apply for funding from LAWPRO (Local Authorities Water Programme), IFI (Inland Fisheries Ireland), and local interested parties.

2. Plan and seek tenders for the removal of large areas of Cherry Laurel (Invasive Species) in The Glen area of The Ballymacraven River.

3. Plant native trees along the banks of the river to restore biodiversity.

4. Develop social media outlets to outline our actions to interested parties.

5. Increase community engagement and awareness.

Results

In reaction to Goal 1:

• Received substantial funding from LAWPRO, for which we are very grateful.

• Received logistical support and financial funding from The Falls Hotel, for which we are also very grateful!

• Our application with IFI is still pending, and we will be grateful if it is forthcoming.

In relation to Goal 2:

• We contracted a team of five tree surgeons for a week to cut down, chip, and remove large areas of Cherry Laurel from The Glen. This has opened up many areas for natural regeneration of the woodland and the planting of native trees.

In relation to Goal 3:

• We sourced 1,000 saplings of native trees of Irish provenance, including Oak, Scots Pine, Birch, Alder, Rowan, Spindle, and Wild Cherry. These were planted by volunteers during December, with additional help from people on a BurrenBeo walk held along the river during the month.

In relation to Goal 4:

1. We created a @RestoreBallymacravenRiver Instagram account to provide up to date information to interested parties on what we do, how to get involved, and general information regarding river restoration.

2. We set up this site!

In relation to Goal 5:

1. Community Events: We held walks, talks, and river clean-ups throughout the year.

2. Heritage Week Event: We participated in a local heritage event.

3. Collaboration and Interaction: We engaged with LAWPRO, IFI, NPWS, Inagh EIP (Upper Inagh River Biodiversity Enhancement Project), and local landowners along the river, particularly The Falls Hotel.