Understanding Landscape Actions.
What are Landscape Actions?
Landscape Actions are targeted, result-based environmental interventions implemented through the ACRES Co-operation approach. These actions focus on protecting biodiversity, improving water quality, and managing habitats in key areas. Unlike individual farm actions, Landscape Actions involve coordinated efforts often covering multiple farms or larger landscape features.
By focusing on these areas, LAs aim to restore biodiversity, improve water quality, and enhance the overall ecological health of agricultural landscapes. The implementation of these actions is expected to lead to improved results-based scores for participating fields, thereby increasing the potential for higher payments under the scheme.
Examples of Landscape Actions:
Landscape Actions are designed in collaboration with the CP Team and tailored to your land. They aim to deliver real environmental benefits while being practical for farmers.
Some examples include:
Machine scrub removal to manage encroaching vegetation and protect species-rich habitats
Invasive species control, such as Rhododendron or Japanese Knotweed
Targeted grazing, e.g. using cattle with virtual collars to manage Molinia grass in upland areas
Cattle grazing upland with virtual collars
For farmers in areas with Breeding Waders (like Curlew), actions might include:
Predator-proof fencing and maintenance
Wader scrapes to create shallow feeding areas
Delayed mowing to protect nesting birds
Scrub removal to reduce predator cover
Snipe Chicks
In Corncrake areas, Landscape Actions may include:
Corncrake delayed mowing or grazing
Corncrake Early Late Cover ELC (crop) to provide cover for Corncrakes in early spring and late in the season when adjacent meadows are short
Corncrake Early Late Cover (natural) applying manure/rotten bales, and establishing at least one of the following to provide tall vegetation: Nettles, Cow Parsley, Common Hogweed or Yellow Flag Iris
ELC Natural Plot
You can view the full list of Landscape Actions available here.
How are Landscape Actions Planned and Applied For?
Landscape Actions—Are available only to farmers already participating under the ACRES Co‑operation approach and within eligible zones.
Landscape Actions under the ACRES Co-operation approach are developed collaboratively between the Co-operation Project (CP) Team and participating farmers. Once agreed upon, these Landscape Actions are included in the farmer’s plan and submitted for approval. Each application is assessed by the CP Team and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). Proposals are also subject to environmental screening and appropriate assessments, ensuring the actions are compatible with protected habitats and species.
Application Now Open — Deadline September 30th.
The application window for Landscape Actions is now open and will close on September 30th, 2025.
The ACRES CP Teams are currently active on the ground, working directly with farmers across the Donegal co-operation zone. This includes:
On-farm visits to assess suitability
One-to-one farmer clinics to discuss available actions
Accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from eligible farmers
Get in contact with your CP Team or your approved ACRES advisor today to discuss what’s possible for your farm.