Shannon Aiport has deployed a herd of Droimeann cattle to graze some of its lands as part of a new biodiversity project.

The farmland biodiversity enhancement project marks the first use of conservation grazing cattle on airport-owned land in Ireland.

Located at Thady’s Hill, this 10ac site near Shannon Airport is one of the most ecologically significant areas across the Shannon Airport group lands.

It hosts a habitat of national and international importance, including rare and endangered species of native grasses and flowers, such as bee and pyramidal orchids.

After scrub clearance in early 2024 by a team from the airport, the Droimeann cattle were introduced for conservation grazing during the non-growing season.

These cattle are ideal for the sensitive habitat due to their ability to thrive on rough pasture and their minimal impact on soil compaction.

Rare habitat

Led by the Shannon Airport group biodiversity team and supported by local farmer John Quinlivan and botanist Phoebe O’Brien, this project is making strides in restoring and protecting the rare habitat of Thady’s Hill and its plant species.

The next phase of the project involves collaboration with Meg Brennan of Polliknow, a new company which has developed devices using advanced sensors and computer vision to monitor wild insect pollinators, key indicators of ecosystem health.

Head of sustainability at Shannon Airport Sinéad Murphy stated: “This project not only demonstrates our commitment to protect and enhance biodiversity through the restoration and management of an ecologically important site, but also highlights the power of collaboration.”