RegenBallyhoura Network Takes Action for Biodiversity Across Ballyhoura Country
Nature is one of Ballyhoura Country's greatest assets – and protecting it is becoming a shared commitment across the region.
Members of the #RegenBallyhoura Regenerative & Sustainability Tourism Network are taking practical steps to enhance biodiversity, demonstrating that tourism can play a positive role in caring for the landscapes that visitors come to enjoy.
The RegenBallyhoura Network brings together businesses, communities and organisations that share a common vision for regenerative tourism - creating experiences that not only minimise impact, but actively contribute to healthier environments, stronger communities and a more resilient local economy.
One of the network's key focus areas is biodiversity, with members introducing practical initiatives that support pollinators, native habitats and wildlife across Ballyhoura Country.
Ballyhoura Glamping grows alongside nature
As a new business developed on a completely blank site, Ballyhoura Glamping had a unique opportunity to put biodiversity at the heart of every decision from the very beginning.
Large areas of the site have been dedicated to wildflowers, creating valuable habitats for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Rather than managing the landscape intensively, the team works with natural cycles by leaving seed heads and plant material in place throughout autumn and winter, providing food and shelter for wildlife while allowing nature to regenerate naturally.
Organic waste generated on site is composted and returned to the soil, helping to close the nutrient loop and improve soil health.
Native Irish trees and hedgerows, including birch, rowan, hazel, crab apple and whitethorn, have been carefully planted to strengthen biodiversity and provide food and habitat for native insects, birds and other wildlife. A mature holly hedgerow already on the site continues to offer valuable year-round shelter and an important food source for birds.
Doneraile Estate lets nature flourish
Visitors to Doneraile Estate may notice something different as they explore the grounds.
Over 70 acres of meadow are now being managed specifically to support pollinators and native wildflowers.
The newly established meadow walk showcases species including Irish Marsh Orchid, Lesser Stitchwort and Yellow Rattle — a remarkable native plant that naturally suppresses vigorous grasses, allowing a richer diversity of wildflowers to thrive.
It demonstrates how thoughtful land management can create healthier habitats while enhancing the visitor experience.
Barnahown joins PolliConnect Living Lab
At Barnahown, nestled in the foothills of the Galtee Mountains near Mitchelstown, biodiversity is becoming part of the visitor experience.
As one of five pilot sites selected for the PolliConnect Living Lab, Barnahown has dedicated approximately a quarter of its grounds to testing biodiversity-friendly mowing techniques designed to improve habitats for pollinators.
The project will explore how different management approaches influence wildflower meadows and provide valuable learning that can be shared across the Ballyhoura region.
"We have been working to understand how native and pollinator-friendly planting can support biodiversity at Barnahown. Being part of PolliConnect will help us learn how management techniques influence our meadow habitat."
– Ciara O'Brien, Barnahown
Charleville Golf Club plants for future generations
Earlier this year, 750 native trees were planted at Charleville Golf Club through Ballyhoura Development's Community Forest Programme.
Supported by club members and students from Charleville CBS, the new woodland will strengthen biodiversity, improve climate resilience and create valuable habitats for wildlife while enhancing the landscape for golfers and visitors alike.
The initiative reflects the wider ambitions of the RegenBallyhoura Network - investing today to leave the destination healthier for future generations.
A growing movement
These are just some of the many actions now taking place across the RegenBallyhoura Network.
From restoring habitats and supporting pollinators to planting native trees and managing land more sustainably, members are demonstrating that tourism businesses can become active custodians of the landscapes that make Ballyhoura Country so special.
Because regenerative tourism isn't simply about visiting somewhere beautiful.
It's about leaving Ballyhoura better than we found it.
