These designated nature conservation sites include: Slieve Mish Mountains, Tralee Bay, Maharees peninsula and Ballyseedy Wood.
Lee Strand actively encourages participation by our farmers in programmes that promote sustainable farming. Lee Strand farmers have been successful in many projects including: the protection of habitats (Hen Harrier; Chough and White Fronted Greenland Geese); protection of watercourses and low emission slurry spreading. Lee Strand farmers are embracing low cost actions to improve biodiversity on their farms.
HEDGEROWS AND NATIVE TREES
Planting native trees and hedgerows such as whitethorn, holly, blackthorn and gorse to increase wildlife value and habitats. These also provide cover and nesting for wild birds.
CONSERVATION BUFFERS
Margins around fields which are left unfertilised and ungrazed can filter pollutants, reduce soil erosion, increase pollination and slow run off. They are most effective in areas with hilly terrain. Other buffers may include those along watercourses, filter strips, field borders, contour strips, grassed waterways or windbreaks.
POLLINATOR PATCHES
There are 98 species of bees in Ireland, one third of which are threatened with extinction. By incorporating food and shelter on their land, farmers can help protect these and other insects.
Allowing trees and saplings to grow in hedges, planting wild flower meadows and pollinator patches with a diverse range of flowers and using fertilisers and pesticides in a safe way can help maintain a healthy supply of food throughout the year for these natural pollinators.