Dunlin Headstarting 2025 – Part 3: Release pen build – Co. Mayo The Breeding Waders EIP and LIFE on Machair teams were hard at work building a release pen for the headstarted Dunlin on a stunning machair site in Co. Mayo. 🎥 In this video, Mark Reed from LIFE on Machair gives you a quick overview on the construction of the pen. 🙏 Huge thanks to the landowner for generously allowing access and supporting this vital conservation work. This is a retrospective series, documenting the journey from egg collection in May to release in July. Follow along daily to see how it all unfolded. @agriculture_ie @fotawildlife @NPWSIreland @LIFEonMachair – at Ireland

🚨 Conservation works on Achill Island! Breeding Wader EIP, The LIFE on Machair Project and local commonage shareholders have teamed up to build a 1.6km temporary predator exclusion fence in Achill’s Valley, a vital site for breeding waders. 🐦 After a steep decline in wader populations, the LIFE on Machair Project, in collaboration with local commonage shareholders, implemented a fence in 2024 that yielded promising results: ✅ 15 Lapwing fledging from six pairs. ✅ 4 pairs of Lapwing successfully nested and fledged on their first attempt, a crucial step for their survival and population recovery. ✅ The return of a pair of Dunlin, who successfully nested and raised two chicks - a significant achievement given the species' decline. The fence not only reduced the impact of predators but also prevented disturbances from human activity, providing a safe nesting environment. In February 2025, the Breeding Wader EIP joined this vital collaboration, enabling the construction of a larger fence that covers areas where Lapwing previously struggled to nest. This expansion now provides a safe breeding environment for all Lapwing at the site! Given the site’s Special Protection Area status, machinery use was minimal, leading to the fence being primarily built by hand. Remarkably, the 1.6km fence was completed in just three days. The dedication and determination of everyone involved was clear as they persevered through challenging weather conditions. Their efforts were rewarded when it was reported that 12 Lapwing landed inside the fencing just moments after its completion. The Breeding Waders EIP, LIFE on Machair Project, local commonage shareholders, and Dúlra project contractors are working together with strategic fencing and targeted conservation efforts to turn the tide for breeding waders on Achill Island. This collaboration brings hope for the future of these species! 💚 #Conservation #BreedingWaders #AchillIsland #LIFEonMachair #WildlifeProtection – at Mayo, Ireland