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Project title

Assessing Landscape Fragmentation Impact on Ecosystems

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Atlantic Technological University (ATU)

Lead Applicant

Heather Lally

Project Abstract

The process of habitat fragmentation, where larger areas of habitat are converted into multiple smaller isolated patches due to the conversion of habitat into alternative land uses, impairs ecosystem processes and reduces the resilience of biological populations over time. The creation or protection of landscape features, such as hedgerows and other wildlife corridors, which promote connectivity between habitat patches are now essential and are key objectives under national and international strategies, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. National Biodiversity Indicators currently consider the impact of habitat fragmentation in Ireland to be at an intermediate (Amber) status, with greater impacts outside of protected areas. There is therefore a pressing need for research which can inform landscape planning to alleviate fragmentation pressure on biodiversity in the short- and long-term. The overall objective of the ALFIE project is to quantify and map the extent of habitat fragmentation in Ireland and to advance methods which enable habitat connectivity to be incorporated into conservation and restoration planning. The project will comprise of a desk-based study which will utilise high resolution land cover data to (1) derive structural and functional connectivity metrics and maps for the current Irish landscape and habitat networks and (2) develop a spatial prioritisation toolkit to inform conservation planning to maximise the benefits for nature and society. Using the National Land Cover Map as the core foundational layer for analyses, the project will use several key open-source spatial analysis software packages, including GUIDOS toolbox and Omniscape, to quantify and visualise connectivity for semi-natural woodland, grasslands and peatlands, along with their associated indicator species. Outputs from these analyses will include the development of national connectivity metrics and potential land use strategies for conservation and restoration planning. The project will also focus on three case study areas (a rural extensive, rural intensive and peri-urban) to demonstrate use of a spatial prioritisation toolkit for conservation planning. Within each case study area, the extent of each habitat network, habitat quality and ecosystem service provision will form the basis for spatial prioritisation through specialised software (e.g., Zonation 5) and the subsequent production of rank priority maps. The effect of habitat restoration measures (e.g., woodland creation, peatland rewetting, etc.) within each case study will be examined by simulating an enhanced landscape scenario. Project outputs will be disseminated through a project website, scientific peer-reviewed publications, conferences and workshops as well as through social media to enable effective communication of the project findings to relevant stakeholders. These outputs will assist Ireland in effectively proposing measures to comply with the requirements of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, Forest Strategy for 2023, Land Use Strategy and National Biodiversity Action Plan.

Grant Approved

€163,789.29

Research Hub

Protecting and Restoring Our Natural Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

10/03/2026

Initial Projected Completion Date

09/08/2027