Conservation
Leave no trace. Preserve this place.
There is nowhere like The Burren. The locals have known
this for centuries, but the rest of the world is beginning to recognise its immense natural value. Our ancient alluvial woodland is so valuable to the country that we never pick any flowers and practice a leave no trace policy with all our guests. We are careful custodians of this beautiful place, because experience tells us that when farmers follow the rules set out centuries ago, both nature and people can thrive together.
The wisdom of winterage
Usually in the summer, cattle roam the lush green fields of Ireland, then in winter, they live in vast sheds, eating silage. The Burren’s unique way of farming is led by the centuries old custom of Winterage. When the winter months come, the healthy cattle are led on foot up to the upland areas of The Burren for a ‘dry lie’ on the limestone pavements that have absorbed the summer heat and keep the cattle warm. Free to roam outside all through the winter, the cattle stay healthier and perform a task vital to the survival of The Burren. During the winter, they happily eat the grasses and heathers that grow between the pavements, so that in the spring, the flowers have space to grow and bloom. The cows also help to stop hazel and blackthorn scrub from growing and spreading over the landscape.
Not too much. Not too many.
While the rest of the world is trying to scale up their herd sizes, farmers in The Burren know there is wisdom in finding the perfect balance. Although we know that when cattle graze, they help to protect The Burren, we also know that if we have too many cattle, they can damage this delicate landscape. Our rule is to do as our ancestors did. To respect the land and the animals, just as our ancestors did. Our reward comes every spring, when we see the wild flowers and orchids bloom, when we see the health and vitality of our cattle and taste the difference in the meat our cattle provide thanks to the 400 different species of plant they eat all year round.
The Burren is only a small area of Ireland, but it has a host of official designations like UNESCO Special Conservation Area, Area of Scientific Interest, Natural Heritage Area and Special Area of Conservation and a great deal of built heritage.
The Burren is rich in wild flowers and unusual orchids both native to Ireland and those more commonly seen in the rest of Europe and home to red squirrels, bats, Irish hares, pine marten’s, bees and moths.
Over 70% of Ireland’s native flora can be found here, alongside 23 out of 28 native orchid species.
The Burren is broadly recognised as one of the best preserved karst landscapes in Europe.
You can read more information on the conservation of The Burren, at burrenbeo.com