A final call has gone out for locals in the Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands Special Area of Conservation (SAC) to take part in a survey on the cultural and social importance of the region.

The University College Dublin (UCD) student-led survey closes on Saturday, February 14.

The Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands SAC is a protected site located in counties Cavan and Leitrim, known for its extensive upland blanket bogs and diverse mountain habitats.

It protects 11 key habitat types, including alpine heaths, limestone grasslands, and petrifying springs.

The survey is being led by Erin Bell, a student from UCD's School of Biology and Environmental Science, with the aim of highlighting the places and traditions that matter most to local communities.

A map will be created, based on feedback from the survey, that indicates locally selected areas.

These will then be compared to the site selections made during recent restoration activities organised by the WaterLANDS project, which is an on-the-ground restoration porjecy taking place at six wetland Action Sites across Europe.

The Irish Action Site, led by LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature, is the Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands SAC.

The project works with local farmers and landowners on restoration action plans and sustainable farming practices in the area.

Survey

Adult residents living within 50km of Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands SAC are invited to participate in this survey.

The online survey includes four map-based questions with an option to provide written comment, and around 30 multiple choice questions.

Responses given may influence future landscape-related policies and practices in the area.

Analysis of the data collected will provide greater understanding about local perspectives in restoration and/or conservation activities within Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands. 

The data collected will be stored for a period of five years, after which time it will be destroyed. 

This time period allows for potential future access in the case that support is needed for the research findings.