Hundreds of hectares of Fermanagh’s flower-rich grasslands have been meticulously mapped to ensure vital protection through the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS).

Over the last three years, Ulster Wildlife has surveyed 858 hectares of species-rich grassland across the county, equivalent to approximately 1,200 football pitches, through its dedicated EFS Group programme. Detailed information is collected helping to aid planning and decision-making.

Brian Keown, who farms sheep and sucklers on 75 hectares near Garrison, is one of many Fermanagh farmers now eligible for the EFS scheme after his species-rich fields were assessed by farm facilitators from the local nature conservation charity. 

Brian will now work with Ulster Wildlife over the summer to develop a farm plan to manage these rare grassland habitats. This will enable him to enter a five-year agreement that offers financial incentives to manage and protect this high-nature-value land.

He said: “I recently took on this land with the goal of doing more for nature. Last year, I contacted Ulster Wildlife for advice on what options were available to help wildlife on my land and to check EFS eligibility. Unfortunately, my fields weren’t identified on the scheme map layers as habitat, so I wasn’t eligible to apply.

“However, the Ulster Wildlife team recognised the high-nature value of the fields from aerial photos, came out to survey them, and submitted evidence for their inclusion in the scheme for this year. I’m delighted that the land is getting the recognition it deserves, and my positive management will be rewarded.

“Farming in this type of landscape is more suited to extensive farming, and it’s important we demonstrate the benefits to society beyond food production,” he added.