The Caha Project

The Caha Project is a project where nine farmers have come together to protect a section of their local river. This length of river is particularity important as it has been identified as having a High Status Objective and is a Priority Area for Action under the Water Frameworks Directive

The southern section of this project takes place along a length of the river which is SAC (Special Area of Conservation) due to the presence of endangered species such as the Freshwater Pearl Muscle. This length of river also is of historical significance being the location where seventeen people were murdered in 1793, along with many other interesting and historically important events. It is an important salmonid spawning section of the Bandon River Catchment and is a fantastic amenity to the local community.

The Caha Project participants have received a Community Waters Grant to help to fund the fencing off of approximately 3300m of the river and provide an alternative water source to the adjacent fields. This action will prevent cattle from directly damaging the river bed and protect species like the Freshwater Pearl Muscle, it will help to prevent sediment from entering the waterway and it will enhance biodiversity along the river bank. All of this will help to protect and improve the water quality of the river and preserve the natural heritage of the Caha River.

Lane Giles, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor and Ciara Donovan, Dairygold have more information in the below video.