Our work to recover from fires in the Mournes

June 2023

Conservation Grazing with Cattle

Two years on from the wildfire, we have now introduced cattle to the lower slopes of the Millstone and Thomas Mountain. These lower slopes have been dominated by purple-moor grass and other rank vegetation since the wildfire and have been avoided by the grazing sheep as determined by the GPS collars fitted.

These habitats dominated by purple-moor grass, inhibit the recovery of the heather species previously found in these areas. To promote the re-establishment of heather this, rank sward needs to be broken down. To do this there are new conservation heroes on the mountain, with a small herd of Luing cattle being introduced. These cattle are hardy and therefore well suited to this upland environment. The cattle on the mountain have been wearing Nofence GPS collars which allow the stock to be managed within target areas of habitats or ‘virtual pastures’ across the property. Since the cattle have been introduced, positive measurable changes have been recorded within the habitats in which they graze, as they reduce the cover of purple-moor grass, allowing young heather saplings to recover.

We hope that over the coming years the conservation grazing carried out by our conservation heroes will promote the recovery of the mountain.

March 2022

Red grouse survey

To monitor the return of wildlife a red grouse survey was carried out during March 2022. This will help us to understand how the return of the vegetation is progressing by counting the mammals that depend upon it. A healthy habitat will attract a wide variety of wildlife to the area, this is just one way of monitoring the vegetation recovery. 

June 2021 

GPS technology 

We’re using Global Positioning System (GPS) collars on grazing sheep which graze on Slieve Donard. The innovative use of collars on the herd is a first for the National Trust in Northern Ireland. Trackers send an alert to the ranger team if sheep graze on land damaged by the fire. The technology will provide accurate maps of the sheep locations within the grazing area, informing grazing management decisions.

Alongside drone imagery the devices will provide valuable data to allow the land to be managed for optimal recovery. This part of our project work in June has been made possible thanks to the Farming Innovation Fund.

Additional GPS collars will be introduced funded with thanks to DAERA’s Environmental Challenge fund after the success of the existing collars.

We're exploring the feasibility of introducing cattle grazing using virtual fence technology. Purple moor-grass vegetation is getting dominant across lowland areas impacted by the wildfire. Cattle grazing would be the solution to break this rank flammable vegetation that increases fire risk.

June 2021

Surveying to plan ahead

We’re working with partners including the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Mourne Heritage Trust. As part of the recovery plan a drone and land survey was commissioned. The surveys help assess the damage that the fire had on the landscape. 

The ranger team continue to complete ecological surveys, habitat assessments and imagery records on how the Mournes are recovering after the wildfire. The surveys allow the team to monitor the natural regeneration of the heathland.

Positive signs of recovery include new heather growth and returning wildlife. The land now needs to recover naturally whilst we also care for the wider landscape through conservation grazing.

Wildlife surveys

Wildlife surveys are carried out during this season. As vegetation recovery progresses the wildlife will be coming back to the site.

April 2021

Assessing the fire damage

We began the assessment of the fire on the fragile habitat of upper Slieve Donard. Once alive with flora and wildlife, this designated Special Area of Conservation was just charred earth and ash. The area was also a vital habitat for many species of wildlife including ground-nesting birds, newts, lizards, and Irish hares.

Sadly, we identified remains of wildlife on the affected area. The team continue to work with other agencies on a long-term multi-agency approach, to look at management and maintenance of the Mournes for wildfire mitigation and response strategic plans.

Heather and sphagnum mosses 

The mostly upland heath and blanket bog, which is home to important species of heather and sphagnum mosses, have been severely impacted by the fires. We’ve joined up with colleagues across the National Trust to understand best practice in response to wildfires. Using this inclusive way of working is critical in our approach to recovery of the area.

Specialist wildfire equipment and training

The ranger team completed Basic Wildfire training provided by industry experts the National Training Organisation for the Land Based Industries (LANTRA). The training looked at factors affecting wildfire behaviour including fuel, topography, and wind.  

Specialist equipment has been purchased with thanks to DAERA’s Environmental Challenge Fund. This will assist the team to maintain fire breaks, maintain site restoration interventions and help the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) in the eventuality of another wildfire event.