Advancing freshwater restoration

My Projects

• Key project facts

  A Rivers Trust for the Nore Catchment in the South East of Ireland, the catchment is 2,540 square Kilometers of predominantly agricultural land.  I was the project leader from 2021 - 2023

  Current Role with Local Authority Waters Programme LAWPRO – Managing the communities team in the South East of Ireland

• What impact did these projects have on biodiversity, if any?
  • A Rivers Trust for the Nore Catchment

    Positive impact through awareness raising, education, citizen science, invasive species management and tree planting.

    Engaged and aminated local communities, individuals, clubs and landowners in catchment wide Invasive species management ie Himalayan Balsam

    Raising awareness of the importance of natural heritage in the catchment through events and media campaigns, 

    Working with farmers and volunteers and local business for tree planting project in an effort to demonstrate how collaboration works and establish cohesiveness.

  • Managing the communities team in the South East of Ireland

    Positive impacts included greater awareness, greater understanding and appreciation of collaborative working which is essential to improving biodiversity and water quality

• What work challenges did you face and what approach did you take to solve them?
  • A Rivers Trust for the Nore Catchment

    Lack of funding and resources were issues.  Sought funding from different sources and build resources.  Engaged volunteers.

    Communication was very important, tried to reach as many people as possible through social media, radio, newspapers, newsletters, working with other organizations

  • Managing the communities team in the South East of Ireland

    Working in a large geographical area with a variety of community groups with varying levels of skills, capacity and needs.

    I learned to be flexible, to listen, to tailor support depending on group needs, value all projects regardless of size or impact.

    What lessons learned are transferable to other places/projects?
    • A Rivers Trust for the Nore Catchment

      Think strategically, work out the various elements required and build steadily.

  • Managing the communities team in the South East of Ireland

    Good team work is invaluable, clear communication essential and having a strategy and but also a clear understating of the elements you need to achieve the objectives.  

• What is your biggest barrier and what are you trying to do about it?
  

  Having available resources to reach all parts of a large area and ensure meaningful engagement has been a challenge.

  I changed the dynamic in the team so that working together and supporting each other was given greater emphasis.  This ensured greater knowledge sharing and learning within the team and also a better working environment.