An exciting new biodiversity project will see Ballyloughane become the new home of a family of Dexter cows in the new year.
Working with a local farmer, Galway City Council will bring eight cows to graze the headland east of Ballyloughane Beach until March 2024, as part of the ‘Buaile Bó Ballyloughane’ project.
Local schools and community groups are being invited to take part in an ambassador programme to share information about the native Irish breed and its relationship to biodiversity.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare, said that Galway City Council is delighted to launch the ‘Buaile Bó Ballyloughane’ project with the arrival of eight lovely little cows into Ballyloughane.
He said that local residents and school children will have a chance to learn about the animals, and how they help support wildflowers, pollinators and biodiversity underground, by grazing on the long grass around the headland.
“Galway City Council is engaging with local schools and community groups to participate in an ambassador programme to share information about the cows, agriculture and its relationship to Irish biodiversity,” he said.
“The ambassadors will be provided with a printed vest and hat to show their participation in the project and their willingness to share details of the project with members of the public. I hope that anyone who is interested in finding out about the project will drop by and say hello!”
Paula Kearney, Galway City Biodiversity Officer, said that Dexter cows work very well for conservation and biodiversity projects because they are hardy, and relatively small, and therefore not severe on the land.
“They are good ‘browsers’ and can live on low-quality vegetation and forage for their food,” he said.
“Grazing the long grass in Ballyloughane over winter will help to provide good conditions for wildflowers such as Knapweed, Red Clover, Birds-foot trefoil, and Meadowsweet to establish in the spring – as the grass is kept low, and the cows are removing thatch and creating small patches of bare ground for wildflowers.
“When the Dexter cows move to other pastures in the summer, we hope to see a species-rich meadow establish in this area, with a diversity of native Irish flora, in turn attracting pollinators such as bees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths and other beneficial insects and wildlife such as frogs and hedgehogs.
“We are delighted to be working with local councillors, schools, active retirement groups, residents and GAA as part of this project, and look forward to seeing what impact our newest residents will have on biodiversity in Ballyloughane.”
Workshops and information sessions for local schools and residents will take place in the new year to introduce and discuss the project, and to hear feedback.
