A new strategy has been initiated to protect the rare and endangered hen harrier on Scattery Island in the Shannon estuary.
As well as its ancient monastic heritage and historic structures, Scattery Island supports a significant proportion of the national breeding population of hen harrier, a rare bird of prey known as the “skydancer”.
The island has recorded hen harriers since the early 2000s, and has held a breeding population for over a decade.
It has supported an average of more than four breeding pairs annually, peaking at seven pairs in one season, in recent years. This is a significant proportion of the national breeding population which is estimated at approximately 100 breeding pairs.
The strategy includes actions being undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service , together with the National Monuments Service and the Office of Public Works, to protect breeding activity, fledging and maintain suitable habitats for nesting, foraging and roosting on the island.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan said that Scattery Island is “a beautiful place that is steeped in heritage and rich cultural history”.
“Significant work has restored the historic built heritage of the island. Today we’re recognising its importance for nature and how it supports one of our rarest birds of prey – the hen harrier, also known as the skydancer for its incredible aerial acrobatics displays,”he said.
His colleague Kevin “Boxer” Moran said that “by working in partnership with National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Monument Service and local stakeholders, we can continue to promote sustainable tourism whilst also protecting the site and the wildlife that inhabit this island”.
“The strategy will help ensure the hen harrier continues to have the right conditions to breed and thrive on the island for generations to come”.
Scattery Island lies on the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation and is surrounded by the River Shannon and the River Fergus Estuaries Special Protected Area. The island is of national archaeological importance and is a designated National Monument.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for management, conservation and interpretation and offers guided walks through ferry access from Kilrush.
The strategy includes action themes which address regulatory requirements, governance, monitoring, habitat management, built heritage integration, hen harrier foraging ecology, predator management, disturbance pressures, research needs and long-term site protection.
The Hen Harrier Strategy for Scattery Island is available here.
